Is it hard to get work in France? What are the best jobs for an Aussie to apply for on a temporary basis in Fr

Question

I am thinking of going to work in France for 6 months as I am learning the language. Is it hard to get temporary work over there. What are the best sort of jobs to apply for?
Also does anyone know of a good agency that might be able to help me organise this.

Answer 1

A good job for you to apply for (in the summer, i.e. June to September) - windsurfing/surfing instructor. I am only half-joking - 1) there are many foreigners taking windsurfing/surfing lessons on Atlantic coast, so your English will be a plus (I assume you are a great surfer, like majority of Aussies) 2) with summer job it's easier to get a work permit.

As a resume - try to find a niche, where you have a competitive advantage.

Answer 2

If you are going to be in a touristy sort of place, finding work with a hotel as a guide should be reasonably possible. The best cities for this would probably be Paris, Nice, and Cannes, but even Bordeaux should be all right. On an entirely different level, Calais might be a good choice, because it is the biggest and busiest harbour with lots of British day trippers. The thing in France is that surpringly few of them speak English, and that could be your ticket to a job. Try walking into any establishments which regularly deal with English-speakers. They may be glad to see you. All else could be a bit of a question mark.

Answer 3

Unemployment in France, especially amongst the young is very high and runs around 20%.

Further, to be legally employed would require government approval (i.e a work permit) and they won't likely give their approval.

Your best job prospect is to work as an au pair (a mother's helper).