Always wanted to travel to Paris? Consider working, studying or volunteering there!


Paris is an amazing city that really cannot be truly appreciated in a short trip.  One way to really enjoy the city is to plan an extended stay.  If you can spare the time, working, studying or volunteering in Paris is a terrific way to immerse yourself in the Parisian culture.

Working - If you are currently a student or recent grad, you can apply for a work permit that will allow you to work in the city.  Otherwise, France won’t grant you a work permit unless you already have a French employer who can convince immigration official that they positively need you, and not a native French person to fill the position.  One very real way to get work is to find a job teaching English to Francophones.  The city has hundreds of private language schools throughout the city.  Each school will have its own requirements for teachers – for example, you may need a Teaching English as a Foreign Language certificate and some schools require experienced teachers.  From my research, your best time to look is in the late summer, since schools start around the beginning of October.

Another popular job is to be an Au Pair for a family and to work as a nanny.  Au Pair Abroad arranges board and lodging for people between the ages of 18 and 26 to work as nannies for three to 18 months in France.  There is a lengthy interview process, but it can result in a great posting and a wonderful way to meet and live with locals.

Volunteering - Volunteering is an amazing way to give back and give yourself the opportunity to experience Paris first hand.  Some ways to find volunteer opportunities in Paris are the Voluntary Services Department in NY that offers two to four week environmental or community service projects around the globe.  You have to pay a placement fee in order to get an assignment.

WorldTeach is a program run out of Harvard University and it offers wonderful volunteer opportunities for anyone wanting to teach in Europe, Africa, Central America and parts of Asia.  You need a college degree and a willingness to commit to at least one year.

Studying - Studying in another country like France, is an amazing way to understand the culture, meet the locals and improve your language skills.  There are many U.S. sponsored programs or you can enroll in programs sponsored by a European organization.  It is important to thoroughly research any program as they all vary greatly in terms of academic quality, expenses you must cover, exposure to language and living conditions.  If you are currently enrolled in a University, contacting them first to see what they have on study abroad programs in France is probably your best first step.

I hope you get an opportunity to travel to Paris as it is one of my all time favorite cities.  Whether you choose to work, study, volunteer or vacation in the city, there really is nothing quite like Paris!
Posted by on 05/02 at 11:20 AM

Next entry: My Five Favorite Italy Tours

Previous entry: Why Not Travel To Rome For Your Summer Vacation?

<< Back to main