One thing’s for sure—France is always going to be a popular destination for young people. As we become more used to working remotely and including travel in our day-to-day lives, many are looking into the possibility of living in France for a year or longer.
A whole year of enjoying a view like this? Yes please.
The elegance and intrigue of the country have always been captivating, and now more than ever, being a tourist is no longer enough. People want to know how to spend a year in France, or even how to work in France for a year.
Is living in France for a year possible?
There are various long-term visas that France offers should you want to stay beyond the standard 90 days usually given to tourists. Utilize this handy France Visa Wizard to see which visa you need in order to stay for more than 90 days.
The supporting documents you’ll need to provide will depend on the intended activity you’d like to do while in France. You will then need to apply online or visit a French Consulate or Embassy along with the required documents. You may also be able to avoid the hassle of paperwork by enrolling in a program designed to help young people take gap years in France.
The next thing you should do is, of course, learn some French. While many people in France can speak English, nothing tends to turn the French off more than someone who refuses to speak the language. You can even kill two birds with one stone and learn French in immersive programs in France.
Once you have the language down, the possibilities are endless. You can now have better chances of spending a year in France in meaningful and productive ways beyond just cafe-hopping and croissant-eating. If you are in the stage where you’re thinking of taking a gap year in France, your experiences will be that much more enriching when you can speak French.
And remember, France extends far beyond just Paris! The multicultural regions of the South or the more rural parts of the North also have a lot to offer in terms of gap year opportunities in France.
Is it possible to work in France for a year?
Securing a visa to work in France for a year can be tough, but it’s worth it.
Traveling is a luxury, and not many of us can afford the price tag that comes with funding an entire year in France. We may have to earn our way in France, and as long as you have the right visa, you will find that there are many ways to find gap year work in France.
However, as previously mentioned, staying in France for more than 90 days requires a different type of visa. So while you may not be able to live and work in France for an entire year, you might be able to find paid work for less than 90 days.
Remember, the key to being a responsible visitor to any country in the world is to ensure you’re following the labor laws, not breaking any rules, or taking jobs away from locals. Make sure you get your paperwork sorted out—usually months in advance—before you plan to arrive in France.
If you want to spend a meaningful gap year in France, temporary employment and internship opportunities are available. Why not live with a family as an au pair, intern during Fashion Week, or teach English while gaining your TEFL certification?
How to spend a year in France
There are SO many worthwhile ways to spend a year in France.
Spending a year in France is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, language, and beauty of one of the world's most vibrant and historic countries. Whether you're looking to improve your language skills, study abroad, work, or simply explore, France has something to offer for everyone.
1. Study something new
- Why? The possibilities are quite literally endless, and a good suggestion is to complete your degree credits by studying in France! There are many benefits to being a student in France. You will be able to experience the day-to-day lives of your peers from the country, and at the same time make a lot of friends.
- Undergoing the sometimes stressful experience of studying for tests, pulling all-nighters for assignments, or navigating tight class schedules can serve as deep bonding moments with your classmates from other backgrounds.
- Recommended program: Experience Paris, France with API
2. Go hiking in French wilderness
- Why? Hiking in the French wilderness offers a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with nature. The diverse landscapes of France, ranging from rolling hills to towering mountains, offer a range of challenges and breathtaking views.
- Hiking not only provides physical exercise but also allows for mental rejuvenation and stress relief. The peacefulness and tranquility of the wilderness can help to clear the mind and boost creativity.
- Additionally, hiking in France offers the opportunity to learn about the country's rich history and cultural heritage, as many trails pass through historic sites and villages. Overall, hiking in the French wilderness is a wonderful way to experience the beauty and diversity of France while improving physical and mental well-being.
- Recommended program: Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide
3. Get a job as a ski instructor
Have a passion for skiing? We know exactly how you should spend your time in France.
- Why? Working as a ski instructor in France offers a unique opportunity to combine a passion for skiing with a fulfilling career. Not only does it provide a chance to live and work in the stunning French Alps, but it also offers the opportunity to share your love of skiing with others while helping them to improve their skills.
- As a ski instructor, you will have the chance to work in a dynamic and challenging environment, meet new people, and gain valuable experience in customer service and teaching. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to earn a good salary while enjoying a healthy lifestyle and the great outdoors. Remember to ensure you have the right visa if you’re entering in order to work for a salary in France.
- Furthermore, working as a ski instructor in France can help to improve language skills and increase cultural awareness. It’s a rewarding and exciting career choice for anyone who loves skiing and the mountains (and who wants to live in France for a year)!
- Recommended program: Specialist Gap Year: Ski and Snowboard Instructor Courses
4. Immerse yourself in the French language
- Why? French language immersion in France offers numerous benefits if you’re looking to improve your language skills. Immersing yourself in the language and culture of France provides a unique and intensive learning experience, allowing for rapid progress in language acquisition.
- By living and interacting with native speakers on a daily basis, you can quickly become more confident in your speaking and listening abilities. Additionally, language immersion programs often include cultural activities and excursions, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of French culture.
- Furthermore, studying French in France can help to broaden one's horizons and increase cultural awareness, making it a valuable asset for personal and professional growth. This is one of the best ways to enhance language skills, gain cultural knowledge, and have a memorable and enriching experience during your gap year in France.
- Recommended program: Study French in France with Castle InterProgram
5. Get some work experience through teaching
Teach or tutor English in France to supplement your income.
- Why? If you’re looking to do some gap year work in France, teaching might be a great option for you. This kind of experience provides a unique opportunity to make a positive impact while gaining valuable experience. Remember to ensure you have the right visa if you’re entering in order to work for a salary in France.
- By teaching English or another subject, you can help students to expand their knowledge and improve their skills. Teaching in France allows you to immerse yourself in the language and culture of the country, helping you to become more proficient in French.
- Additionally, teaching during a gap year in France can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, as you are able to contribute to the education and development of students. Teaching during a gap year can also help to develop your own skills, such as communication, leadership, and time management, making it a valuable addition to one's resume. In short, teaching during a gap year in France is a meaningful experience that can leave your resume shining!
- Recommended program: Teaching Assistant (Education/Social Services)
6. Take your artistic skills to the next level
- Why? Taking a gap year in France to study art is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich cultural heritage and develop your artistic skills. France is home to some of the world's most famous museums and art collections, providing a wealth of inspiration for aspiring artists.
- Studying art in France allows you to learn from experienced instructors, engage with the local art community, and visit famous museums and exhibitions. This intensive and immersive learning environment can help you to develop your skills and gain a deeper understanding of the history and theory of art.
- Furthermore, studying art in France can broaden your cultural horizons, help you to develop new perspectives, and inspire you to create new and exciting works of art. Taking a gap year in France to study art is one of the most unique ways to spend your year abroad, and it will surely have a profound impact on your artistic development and personal growth.
- Recommended program: Berridge Creative Semester
Get matched with 5 gap year programs in France for FREE
A gap year in France will be unforgettable!
Pictures don’t do it justice—make memories instead!
There is so much that France can offer to anyone looking for enriching gap year opportunities in France! Before we let you go, though, here are some parting words of wisdom:
- After learning the language, be sure to use the polite conjugative terms when speaking with people you don’t know. Whenever you can, use Vouloir!
- At the same time, French people tend to be direct in their way of speaking, which may come off rude to foreigners who aren’t used to the culture. Don’t take it personally.
- Like many places around the world, the crowded city of Paris can be a hotspot for pickpockets. Never carry official documents with you, and instead have a copy of your passport or ID in case you’re asked to present it.
- Register your presence in France with your embassy in the country.
- Shop for groceries at markets run by immigrants of France (Chinese, Indian, Arab, for example) for a wide variety of food options at prices more affordable than larger supermarkets.
- If you’re renting an Airbnb or staying in someone’s residence, try to use as little electricity as possible as power can be expensive in France. It is customary for people to bundle up in multiple layers rather than turn up the heat, for example.
No matter what you choose to do during your time there, we’re sure you’ll have an amazing experience during your gap year in France!
Explore ALL Gap Year Programs in France on GoAbroad.com
Look for the Perfect Gap Year Program Now
Start Your Search
