I want to move to paris, but don't speak french. Realistically can i get a "real" job just speaking english?

Question

I want to move to paris, but don't speak french. Realistically can i get a "real" job just speaking english?

Answer 1

Um, even if you're going there to teach English, you MUST speak French. Actually you need to speak French in order to survive in France! And as people have stated here, culturally, you MUST attempt to learn French if you are to have any hope of getting ANYthing done, ie getting carte de sejour, going to the doctor, or just to the boulangerie. You will feel totally isolated and alone if you don't try to learn French. Part of the whole experience of moving to France is learning the language itself.  Please don't take the arrogant American idea that everyone speaks English.  The French assume everyone should speak French. ;) And be brave. It's not that difficult once you try. Take a class, or buy a book and watch as many French movies as you can and try to understand without relying on subtitles. French isn't just a language, it's a culture. And once you understand the language, the whole world will open up to you there! Some pointers:  When starting out, and you're not sure, ALWAYS attempt to say what you need in French first. It will get you a lot further with the Parisians especially.

ALWAYS say 'Bonjour' when entering a store, even a Tabac.

Be polite and use Madame et Monsieur.  And when asking if someone speaks English, ask it in French!

"Parlez-vous anglais?"

Bonne chance et bon courage! (Good luck!)

Answer 2

Yes you can! Check out the hotels, working at the front desk is will they will put you. But while you are there of course, take French classes, alot of times you can find some for free, but the paid classes are the best. I would do a bit of both. TV & the radio is an excellent way to learn. When people see you trying they tend to respect you more. Also ask questions, people love to teach you their language. Always ask the slang words too! You can do it!

Answer 3

Realistically not. You will have to learn french if you want a "real" job in Paris.

Answer 4

Yes you can, particularly if you can find a job with an American company. However it does depend greatly on what type of work you are qualified to do and it will clearly be harder than if you were able to speak French. A friend of mine is an accountant and found work only speaking English. In engineering and IT it's entirely possible to work in English, although personally I tend to speak French.

Answer 5

Most people there speak English, but out of respect for them and their culture, you should give them the same courtesy and learn the home tongue. Listen to the irate comments of people here regarding the Hispanics that don't speak English, and you'll get a feeling for how people think of foreigners who don't want to fit in.

Answer 6

Probably not.  The French economy has extremely high unemployment even for their own citizens and they don't take kindly to foreigners who don't speak fluent French.

Answer 7

Hi there,

When I first moved to Paris I didn't speak French, so the first thing I did was sign up for French School for a one month course.  I had lessons from 9am - 1pm  5 days per week, over 4 weeks.  It's the best thing I could have done!  I highly recommend you do this - and if you can have intensive French lessons before you go to France, that's even better.

There are many jobs where you can speak English, and the other people here have given some great answers.

So my question to you is - if you're not planning on learning even a small bit of French, why would you want to go to Paris and be surrounded by French people?  Perhaps you do plan to learn French when you arrive, and that's a wonderful thing to do.  The culture is rich and the French are wonderful, so even being able to speak the most basic sentences in French will be a wonderful experience for you.

I would like to recommend CraigsList Paris to you - I recently wrote a page about it on my website:

http://www.a-night-in-paris.com/craigsli...

This page is mostly about finding accommodation in Paris using this free service, but you can also use it to find jobs.  Check it out regularly to get a feel for what's available, what people are paying etc.

If you have time before you plan to travel, you might also consider doing the TESL [Teach English as Second Language] or TEFL [Teach English as Foreign Language] courses in your town or city.  This will give you a great start by being able to work as soon as you get there.  Look for teaching jobs on CraigsList Paris.

I wish you the best of luck for your French adventure - and don't be put off by any negative comments, simply dream your future then make it happen!

Cheers

Bonjour2007

http://www.a-night-in-paris.com/question...

Answer 8

Hi,

I used to live and work in Paris, and on arrival I only had school French, but the collegues were most tolerant of my English and broken French to start with, bless them !

So I chose to think and speak in French only, and ask folks about correct useage and pronounciation.

Lords, I am no linguist, but within a month or so, a penny dropped.

OK I haven't got fluid French, but the day arrived in a street market whereby the bloke thought that I hailed from Marseilles.

It is the slight Geordie accent, that replicates the tone of the region apparantly.

I reckon it is only at least a small courtesy to attempt to speak the language of the country you are in, albeit in my case, somewhat hopeless, but folks appreciate the effort.

Bon Chance !

Bob

Answer 9

Unlikely.  If you're not an EU citizen, it will be hard to get an employment visa and residency permit for one thing.  Then, what employer are you going to be able to find to hire you and sponsor your employment visa if you can't communicate in the local language?  Your best bet is to learn French here and start developing some relationships (try local branches of French Chambers of Commerce or internships through universities).

Answer 10

Distributing advertising leaflets into letterboxes

Sweeping the roads

Working in an English/American bar

teaching English (private conversation sessions rather than in a school)

Packing stuff in boxes, stuffing envelopes.

You will need at least a smattering of French to get by.

You can try places like the CROUS for student jobs (best cut a deal with a French student who can register and get some jobs which he then gives you the details).

You 'd better work on your French. You can do this while you are stuffing envelopes or selling coffees in the daytime.