Working Holiday in France for Canadians: Teach English in Southern France

Are you Canadian and interested in living and working in France? A great program gives you the opportunity to live and work in Southern France for up to nine months.

Spending time in France through the Working Holiday Program is a dream for many Canadians.

Many working holiday participants only start looking for a job once they arrive in France. Languages Canada, however, offers a more structured option: a placement as an English Language Teaching Assistant in Southern France, provided through a recognized organization under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.

What is this program, exactly?

Through its Working Holiday Program, Languages Canada matches Canadian participants with host schools in Southern France, primarily in the Occitanie region, including cities such as Toulouse and Montpellier, known for their sunny climate and relaxed lifestyle.

You’ll work as an English Language Teaching Assistant, supporting students and teachers in the classroom for approximately 12 hours per week. The placement runs for 7 to 9 months, typically from October to May.

Who is it for?

You don’t need to be a trained teacher to apply. The program is designed for:

Canadian citizens aged 18 to 35;
native or near-native English speakers;
recent graduates, current university students, and anyone interested in education and cultural exchange;
people who have some knowledge of French—an A2–B1 or intermediate level is recommended—and want to improve it in an immersive setting;
or people who want to live abroad with some structure, rather than simply travelling with a visa and a backpack.

While fluency is not required, participants are encouraged to have some knowledge of French, ideally at the A2–B1 level. A basic understanding of the language can make everyday life and communication with school staff much easier.

The details that matter

Location	Southern France (Occitanie region)
Duration	7 to 9 months (typically from October to May)
Classroom hours	Approximately 12 hours per week
Monthly stipend	Approximately €700–€1,000, depending on the placement
Program fee	Free
Accommodation	Not included, but the host school may be able to provide local housing resources
Eligibility	Canadian citizens aged 18 to 35

What does “free to participate” actually mean?

Languages Canada provides this placement abroad at no cost to you. You’ll still need to budget for flights, accommodation, health and travel insurance, visa-related costs, and day-to-day transportation.

The stipend of approximately €700 to €1,000 per month can go further in Occitanie than in larger cities such as Paris. Combined with approximately 12 hours of classroom work per week, the program may give participants more flexibility to explore the region and pursue other activities. Or to work, if you prefer.

Is this the right program for you?

This program could be a good fit if:

you want a structured role abroad, rather than just an open-ended work permit;
you are interested in education, languages, or intercultural exchange;
you want to live in France for a meaningful period of time;
you have some knowledge of French, ideally at the A2–B1 level, and want to improve it in a real-life setting;
you have already used your IEC lottery attempts and are looking for an alternative pathway.

👉 Apply for the Teach English in Southern France program