Balancing studies and work can be a challenge, but many students find part-time jobs to support their stay and gain valuable experience. Here’s a guide to the types of part-time jobs available to international students in France.
How to Find a Job
For job search, we recommend you check the platform Jobaviz: https://www.jobaviz.fr and our blog article here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/how-to-get-a-part-time-job-in-france/
This platform is the go-to site for student employment! It lists job offers from a wide range of employers. Aimed at a student audience, the job offers found on the platform are compatible with your student schedule. Many students successfully find jobs teaching their native language to French locals. Other part-time opportunities include working in restaurants, cafes, hotels, local stores, and more.
Student Part-Time Jobs
Language Tutor
One of the most popular part-time jobs for international students is language tutoring. This role allows you to share your native language and help others improve their skills. To excel in this role, you need fluency in the language being taught, along with patience and good communication skills. While teaching experience is a plus, it is not always required. Typical duties include preparing lesson plans and teaching materials, conducting one-on-one or group sessions, and assessing students’ progress to provide constructive feedback.
You can find tutoring jobs through your language schools that pair students, online tutoring platforms, or your university job boards.
Retail Assistant
Working in retail is another common job for students, involving positions in clothing stores, supermarkets, and boutiques. This job offers a great way to improve your language skills and gain customer service experience. Basic French proficiency and good customer service skills are essential, and the ability to work flexible hours is often required. Previous retail experience is helpful but not necessary, as on-the-job training is usually provided. Typical duties include assisting customers with their purchases, stocking shelves, maintaining store displays, and handling cash and card transactions.
Retail jobs can be found in local shops, supermarkets, shopping malls, and through job listing websites or Pôle Emploi.
Waitstaff
Cafés, restaurants, and bars frequently hire international students as waitstaff, making it an ideal job for those looking to improve their French and earn tips. The busy environment helps develop multitasking and interpersonal skills. To succeed, you need intermediate to advanced French proficiency and strong interpersonal skills. Experience in food service is beneficial but not mandatory, as training is typically provided. Your duties will include taking orders, serving food and drinks, handling customer inquiries, and maintaining the dining area.
Job opportunities can be found in local restaurants, cafés, hospitality job fairs, and online job portals.
Babysitter or Nanny
Many French families seek native speakers of other languages to expose their children to a new language from a young age. Babysitting offers flexible hours and decent pay, making it a popular choice for students. Experience with children, basic to intermediate French, and patience and creativity are crucial for this role. Prior babysitting or childcare experience is highly valued. Typical duties involve supervising and playing with children, helping with homework and language practice, preparing meals, and ensuring the children’s safety.
Babysitting jobs can be found through websites like Yoopies or Babysits and word of mouth.
Freelance Work
If you have specific skills like graphic design, writing, or digital marketing, freelancing can be a great option. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can connect you with clients worldwide. Expertise in your field, self-discipline, time management skills, and basic business acumen are essential for success. Previous freelancing experience or a strong portfolio of work is highly beneficial, and relevant certifications or degrees can boost your credibility. Typical duties include completing tasks and projects for clients, communicating with clients to understand their needs, and managing your own schedule and workload.
Freelance jobs can be found on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer or by creating a personal website or blog.
Learn more about freelancing in France here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/work-freelance-in-france/
Tour Guide
If you are studying in a city with a rich history and culture, becoming a tour guide can be both fun and profitable. This job allows you to meet new people and share your knowledge of the local area. Extensive knowledge of local history and landmarks, fluency in English and possibly other languages, and public speaking skills are essential. While experience in tourism or guiding is a plus, training is often provided by the employer. Typical duties include conducting tours of historical sites and attractions, answering tourists’ questions, providing information, and managing groups to ensure their safety.
Tour guide jobs can be found through local tourism offices, tour companies, and online job portals.
Prepare Yourself to Get a Job
Before diving into the French job market, it’s crucial to prepare a French-style resume (CV) and cover letter and understand the nuances of French job interviews. Your CV should be concise, well-structured, and tailored to the specific job, emphasizing relevant experience and skills. The same is true for your cover letter. Finally, when it comes to interviews, you need to be ready to discuss your qualifications confidently in French, showcasing not only your expertise but also your enthusiasm for integrating into the French workplace culture.
Here are some useful links for you:
– French resume: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/how-to-write-a-french-resume/
– French cover letter: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/how-to-write-a-french-cover-letter/
– French interview: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/job-interview-in-french/
