Jobs for Americans in Paris

Are you planning to move across the pond to Paris? Or maybe you’ve just moved to Paris and you’re looking for some work? You’ve come to the right place! Paris is full of job opportunities for anglophone expats - both part-time and full-time. 

Finding a job in a foreign country is an invaluable experience as it allows you to integrate in and interact with the country’s culture in an authentic way, all whilst making yourself some money to be able to make the most of your time outside of studying or working. 

Here are our top picks for you!

English Teacher

When you arrive in a country where the people don't speak the same language as you, your language is one of your biggest assets, so use this to your advantage! You may not even need to know any French in order to become an English teacher.

If you are looking for something part-time, then tutoring may be perfect for you. You can use websites such as Superprof, Acadomia or Cambly to find both children and adults that are searching for an English tutor.  

If you are looking for full-time teaching work, then working as a teacher in a school would suit you. You may need to have more qualifications in order to do this, such as a TEFL certificate or teaching-specific qualifications.

Translator

Another job that allows you to use your native language to your advantage is becoming a translator. Whilst you will definitely need to have an advanced level of French for this job, it will still allow you to use your native language whilst still improving your level of French too. Translation jobs can be done freelance or through a company, as well as being part-time or full-time. Freelance translators have the flexibility to work whenever they want on whatever projects they can find, and set their own price. Finding a job through a company will give you more security as you would have a contract. 

Remote Work

If you want to move to Paris but don’t speak any French, then you might want to consider a remote job. Since the pandemic forced most companies to switch to remote working, it has actually grown in popularity, and has many benefits including flexibility in location and hours. All you need is a computer, and once you have that, you can work pretty much anywhere. You can find a remote job in almost any field. Websites such as Indeed and Glassdoor are a good place to start, but there are also websites that offer specifically remote positions such as Remote Jobs and Remoters. You will need to check with your employer that they will allow you to work overseas, as there may be legal and practical aspects to consider, such as taxes and time zones. You will also need to bear in mind that you will need a visa if you want to stay in France for more than 90 days, and it will not be possible to apply for a working visa if you work for a company that is not based in France.

Sales and Retail agent

If you want a customer-facing job that gets you to practise your French, then why not get a job in sales or retail? There are lots of stores in Paris, ranging from the classic stores that you will recognise from the States such as Zara and Pull & Bear to the more niche boutiques of the Marais. Again, these types of jobs are part-time or full-time. There are lots of different types of retail in Paris: clothes, jewellery, chocolate and even plants, to name some examples. If you find something you want to apply to, remember that your resume will need to be in French.

Student Jobs

As a student, there are lots of jobs that will work with your schedule. Working part-time as a waiter or cashier will help you to improve your French whilst teaching you transferable skills that will help you to grow your resume, making you more employable in the future. There are so many restaurants and cafés in Paris that finding work shouldn’t be too difficult. Something that might be surprising in France and in Europe in general is the lack of tips for waiting staff. Whilst initially a bit of a shock, don’t worry! This is because wages in customer service are typically much higher in the US, so a tip isn’t needed to supplement your income. Once again, you should make sure that the resume you hand in is in French. Furthermore, there will be seasonal jobs popping up in the run-up to Christmas that are perfect for students spending the Christmas period in the capital that don’t want to commit to a permanent position.

Work with Babylangues

With Babylangues you can teach your language and culture to French children - no prior teaching qualifications required and NO FRENCH NEEDED! We accept all levels of French; from total beginners to advanced speakers. Our schedules are mainly flexible - you can work anything from 5 hours to 20 hours per week, depending on your availability and how much you want to work. 

Working with Babylangues also gives you the best of both worlds in terms of integrating into French and expat culture in Paris. Our instructors work alongside French families, and, whilst communicating with them only in English, they gain an insight into and an appreciation for French culture and traditions, seen from the point of view of the children they take care of, as well as their parents. 

The expat community in Babylangues is also strong: our instructors come from all over the world and often have just moved to Paris for the first time and find friends and companionship through other people in a similar position to them. Babylangues organises regular social events for its instructors - from picnics to parties and everything in between. 

Click here to apply!