Become an eNglisH iNsTrUCTor in France job-in-france.babylangues.com PARIS | LYON | MARSEILLE | BORDEAUX | NANTES | LILLE | TOULOUSE | MONTPELLIER | NICE | RENNES GRENOBLE | TOURS | LA ROCHELLE | AIX-EN-PROVENCE | STRASBOURG | DIJON | POITIERS | ANGERS Bienvenue en France ! (Wherever you are...) About Babylangues With its method based on scientific research and carefully adapted to the different stages of childhood, Babylangues has become France’s leading specialist in early language acquisition and has revolutionised the way children learn languages through interactive activities taking place in their homes. Acclaimed by linguists and extensively covered in prestigious media outlets (BBC, NPR, Le Figaro, etc.), Babylangues is recruiting anglophone Instructors throughout the year. No prior teaching credentials are required to become a Babylangues Instructor, as all Instructors are fully trained and provided with extensive pedagogical material upon joining the company. Over the course of their sessions, Instructors introduce children to a range of fun activities (singing, dancing, drawing, etc.) and acquire invaluable professional skills. Furthermore, working with a French family is a great opportunity for Instructors to improve their French and gain a first-hand insight into French culture. This guide contains useful information about Babylangues and about life in France. Discover Babylangues Notre Histoire 4 NOtre Philosophie 5 Earn 7 8 Job Description Salary & Benefits Flexible Working Hours Help Settling In Reference Program 9 10 11 12 Live 13 14 Accommodation Public Transportation Stay Connected Our Community 16 17 18 Learn 19 20 Learn French Learn How to Teach Study in France Cultural Outings Apply 21 22 23 24 Notre Histoire Founded in 2008 by Caroline BenoitLevy, linguist and specialist in early language acquisition, Babylangues became the first company in France to offer language learning to infants and toddlers through parent-baby workshops. Based on her own linguistic studies and continuously augmented by cutting edge neuro-linguistic research, BenoitLevy has developed a unique teaching methodology. parents, Babylangues expanded to Paris, Lyon, Lille and Nantes developing a teaching program designed specifically for weaving language acquisition into the daily routine of the child. Babylangues continues to grow, now offering its services in sixteen French cities. From these workshops emerged today’s Babylangues which is based on language immersion through interactive games and activities in home settings. Mathias Benoit-Levy, with an extensive background in children’s theatre and an advanced degree in Business administration, has contributed to the firm as co-founder and managing director. Immediately popular, Babylangues drew strong media attention. To keep up with the demands and needs of French The motto “Du babil à la langue” echoes the ethos of the Babylangues methodology, viewing the learning of a foreign language as being in constant motion and progression. Always in blossom with new words, phrases and structures, the Babylangues teaching program tracks the transition from the ‘babbling’ of an infant to their ever strengthening grasp of a foreign language, literally “Du babil à la langue.” Not forgetting the all-important ‘S’ at the end of Babylangues, with Instructors teaching not only English, but also languages from all over the world, including Spanish, Mandarin, German, and Japanese, to name a few. 4 Notre Philosophie Babylangues strives to offer the most conducive setting to learn a foreign language, one based on initiation, practising the language just like one would one’s mother tongue. This is achieved through a calm and serene environment, in which all aspects of the language can be developed, casting off the realm of academia and business and instead offering a daily, oral practice at the heart of the family home, giving rise to joy, emotion and laughter. This forms an approach applicable to all aspects of daily life, particularly that of childhood, as the earlier and more frequently a child is exposed to a language, the more successfully the sounds, accentuation and melody are captured and reproduced. Through the richness of its vocabulary, its structure and its melody, a language gives depth and substance to everything that surrounds and unites us, imbuing objects with new colours, allowing our relationships towards others to regain their enchantment. A new language enables us to perceive more astutely our surroundings, helping us to discover things about our mother tongue that we would never have imagined. A language is therefore not a vehicle leading us to a specific destination, but instead a journey in itself, as described by Nicolas Bouvier, a journey that both defines and divides us. The relationship between the Instructor and the child is the key to its success; a tight bond must be woven as a means of encouraging both the child and adult alike to express themselves. Babylangues enlists Instructors who delve back into their own origins, rediscovering and revitalising the building blocks of their language and personality, and finding there within the joy, emotion and laughter they experienced as a child. Day after day, they pass on these aspects as part of a teaching experience based on exchange and games, as this successful transmission of a language and its culture cannot exist without the intellectual curiosity and keen shepherding of our Babylangues Instructors. 5 “Un voyage se passe de motifs. Il ne tarde pas à prouver qu’il se suffit à lui-même. On croit qu’on va faire un voyage mais bientôt c’est le voyage qui vous fait ou vous défait.“ Nicolas Bouvier , 1963 6 eArN 7 Job Description The Babylangues teaching methodology is based around three principal ideas. Adapting the Method to the Child Immersion of the Child in the Language The final aspect is that of individualism, taking into account the age, hobbies, interests, and learning rhythm of the child As a Babylangues Instructor, your main so that the English language truly resomission is to immerse the child in an nates with them. Working with an individEnglish bubble, bringing together lan- ual family on such a frequent basis over a guage and culture in an innovative and substantial period of time grants you the personalised way. Making their lan- opportunity to engage with the child on a guage part of the child’s daily routine, personal level and understand their best instructors use repetition and ritualisa- ways to learn. tion to transform the slightest task or “As I got to know the children I was working action into moments filled with linguiswith- know what they liked and disliked, their tic intrigue and discovery. Working with hobbies and their sense of humour- workthe same children, day after day, week afing with them and teaching them English ter week, month after month, allows you became really enjoyable.” – Sinead to pick up on certain routines and habits, reconsolidating and reinforcing vocabulary, grammatical structures along the way. Teaching in a Fun and Innovative Way Babylangues sessions are an important moment to instil the English language with a sense of fun and innovation. After-school moments, when most of our instruction occurs, ought to be free from “academic” learning and infused with fun and spontaneity so that speaking English occurs naturally. “A great moment was when I started hearing my kids speak in English without being prompted, and when they started speaking in full sentences.” – Anna 8 A Unique Methodology In Which You Will Be Trained These elements weave in and out of one another to form the key to the Babylangues methodology: the unique bond formed between Instructor and child. After all, the main motivation the child will have for learning the English language will be their language Instructor and the strong relationship between them. Working in such an intimate setting not only allows the Instructor to share their language and culture, but also to benefit and experience another, with families frequently reciprocating these intercultural and linguistic exchanges. Salary & Benefits Salary Benefits The Babylangues salary typically varies between €10.45 net an hour (€12.50 gross) and €16.50 net (€21.50 gross) in Paris. Babylangues strives to ensure that your stay in France be as stress-free as possible, helping you out in little ways to make your stay truly memorable. It is an attractive wage in comparison to the minimum wage in France, which is €7.53 net an hour (€9.61 gross).* Free mobile phone: Once you become part of the Babylangues community, we can provide you with a mobile phone and contract for the duration of your stay, including two hours of calls a month, with unlimited texts within France, and Internet access. Free Velib’ Pass: To help you get around the city, all Instructors are eligible to a free Velib’ pass, the Paris bike service. This subscription can be made at any point during your contract and lasts for a year, at which point you can simply renew your pass. The equivalent pass is also offered in our other cities in France. Your Contract Your contract is a CDI (contrat à durée indéterminée), which means there is no fixed end date. It is the safest type of contract in France. In accordance with French law, 10% of your pay will be put aside for you as “congés payés” (paid holiday). Free French Lessons: Babylangues also offers you French lessons, organised exclusively for Babylangues Instructors. This will be paid to you during the school holidays to compensate for the absence of scheduled sessions in these periods. Being employed by a French company gives you the right to French Social Security and health insurance. *Figures as of September 2015 9 Flexible Working Hours Once you reach the matching stage, you will have the opportunity to talk through the options available, finding the perfect fit to work around your other commitments, be it your studies or another part-time job. One session a week to every evening, full-day Wednesdays and even weekend sessions, Instructors have the possibility to work with one or several families, complimenting their number of hours with their availabilities and wishes. If you are a student coming to France, but are still awaiting your finalised timetable, you can nevertheless start working as soon as you arrive. Babylangues recruits anglophone Instructors throughout the year. You may apply and/or start working as an instructor at any time of the year. “Babylangues were very quick to get back to me and flexible to work around my university timetable and studies.” – Ruth Upon applying, you will be asked to provide us with the date up until you intend on being in France and working with Babylangues. Should you wish to shorten your contract after this stage, we require a twomonth notice period. This not only provides Babylangues with sufficient time to find a suitable replacement, but more importantly allows the child to accustom themselves to this change. 10 Work close to your home! Babylangues endeavours to match you with a family based as close as possible to your home address, or indeed your place of study or work. When you reach the matching stage and you are presented with a family, you are provided with the travel time and route to get to said family’s home by public transport. Help Settling In Getting started in a new country is undoubtedly an exciting yet daunting experience. Because some aspects of your future life have to be sorted out when you arrive in France, here are a few tips on bank accounts, and social security. Bank Accounts If you are interested in setting up a French bank account during your stay, Babylangues will guide you through the process with a local BNP branch within walking distance of the office. Even if you do not have a definitive address yet, Babylangues will provide you with the necessary documentation allowing you to have your post sent to the office in the meantime. “Ah, l’administration française!”: As Organised as it is Logical! Your immersion in French culture has not truly begun until you have discovered their administration system; be it your housing, your bank account or simply sending a letter, you are sure to encounter your fair share of small hiccups. Mais ne vous arrachez pas les cheveux*, the Babylangues team will always be available to lend you a helping hand! *S’arracher les cheveux: to tear your hair out Social Security Being employed by a French company gives you the right to French Social Security and health insurance. You may want to obtain a social security number in order to have access to health care services. If you are studying in France, the university you are affiliated to will assist you in completing the required documentation for obtaining this information. If this is not the case, our team can provide you with helpful information regarding all administrative aspects of your stay. 11 referral Programme sPreAD THe WorD, eNJoy THe reWArD! To guarantee a truly unforgettable time in France, why not invite your friends to join you on the cultural and linguistic adventure that is Babylangues! As many of our Instructors have done already, share your experience and enthusiasm and invite your friends to embark with us on the Babylangues journey. We offer a sponsorship scheme, details of which can be found below, to make sure that your contributions to the Babylangues community are rewarded. As the French say, “Plus on est de fous, plus on rit!” (“The more, the merrier.”) reFerrAl ProgrAmme: - 1 friend joins Babylangues = 1 trip within France for 2 days (individual two-day trips in France have a value of 85€) - 2 friends join Babylangues = 2 trips within France for 2 days - 3 friends join Babylangues = 3 trips within France for 2 days - 4 friends join Babylangues = 1 trip for two people to a European capital city (At a value of 600€) 96% of our instructors would recommend Babylangues to a friend. 63% of our Instructors applied to Babylangues because a friend recommended us. HoW Does THe reFerrAl ProgrAmme Work? To make the most of any of these programmes, please make sure that your friends fill out our online recruitment form. They must not forget to put ‘rp001’ as well as your name and your email address in the “How did you hear about Babylangues?” section. This way, we can keep a record of your referred friends and guarantee your reward! For you to be eligible for these trips, you and your friends must work with Babylangues for at least 40 hours each. Trips can be replaced by their corresponding value in gift vouchers. Working at Babylangues Overall working experience 4,2 Relationship with the families 4,5 4,4 Administrative support Survey of 258 former Babylangues Instructors. 12 live 13 Accommodation Finding accommodation in France can be very difficult, especially in Paris, and in particular for a foreigner who has just arrived. Even if the market has improved slightly over the past few years, the hunt for the perfect apartment can be long, with no shortage of scams. Babylangues feels it is important for you to feel safe and at home during your stay. That is why we suggest some alternative solutions to avoid these problems. As a Babylangues Instructor, you will be able to join our Facebook Group and ask other Instructors for tips or even perhaps rent their previous apartment. Over the years Babylangues has developed partnerships with landlords and housing organizations throughout Paris. Upon becoming part of the Babylangues community, we will send you a list of useful websites to search for your ideal place to stay and we will be happy to share these details with you. There are several ways in which Babylangues can help you find the perfect accommodation arrangement. Flat sharing (known in French as “colocation”) can be a cost-effective solution to your accommodation troubles. We can provide you with a few hints and tips on how to go about finding your perfect flat mates! Intergenerational accommodation is also becoming an increasingly popular solution amongst students. This option allows you to find accommodation with guesthouse owners or retired citizens at little or no cost, in exchange for daily help with their household chores and a bit of company. Many factors of course determine the exact conditions of these flat shares between two generations. To apply for intergenerational accommodation, you will be required to complete an online application form in French and we will do our best to help! 14 Financial Help for Your Accommodation in France Another piece of advice regarding accommodation in Paris is to apply for CAF. In short, this is a French government organisation, which provides students or people on a low income with financial help to pay their rent. It can be a lengthy process, so try to get it done as soon after your arrival in France as possible! Babylangues will provide you with any administrative support you may need. watch out for scams! Be wary of agencies that offer access to their databases of often non-exhaustive lists in exchange for high administrative fees (between €150 and €450). Reliable agencies only ask for these fees when you come to sign a contract or lease. Be on the lookout for landlords with attractive offers but who are not available for an apartment visit, are difficult to get hold of by phone and ask you to pay by international transfer in exchange for the keys and contract. Never pay fees and never send a copy of your identity documents before having visited the apartment and signed a contract. “Ah ! qu’il est bon au retour, le foyer, Et qu’il est doux, le vieux lit de noyer, Quand on s’y couche, après un long voyage.” Paul Verlaine, 15 Public Transportation When moving to any new city, one of the main concerns is public transport and working out how to get about. The Paris System The Navigo Pass The Paris public transportation system is made up of fourteen metro lines, five RER lines, along with bus and tram connections. The metro is the most common way to get around Paris, with over 300 stations covering the twenty arrondissements and the neighbouring suburbs. The RER, Paris’ commuter train system, consists of five express trains that travel within Paris and the greater area. Like the metro, RER lines are identifiable by letters and end-ofline names. You can buy a Navigo pass at nearly any Metro, RER, Transilien train ticket window that normally sells tickets and passes. As of 1st September 2015, the RATP have introduced a single priced monthly pass at €70, allowing you to travel as frequently as you wish on the metro and RER within any of the five zones. The RER can be a bit complicated at first, but the time gained is generally worth it. It takes roughly twenty minutes to get from Denfert-Rochereau in South Paris to Gare du Nord in the North. The same route by metro would often add at least ten minutes. To avoid surprises, check your direction carefully before boarding, and use the train itineraries located in RER stations to help you get oriented. If in doubt, ask for help. If you have a smartphone or tablet, consider installing a Paris Metro/RER app. The Carte Imagine R The RATP also offers the Imagine R pass is for students under the age of twentysix living in the Ile-de-France region. As with the regular Navigo pass, this card allows you to travel freely around Ile-deFrance, regardless of the zone or day of the week. The Imagine R card allows students to travel at a reduced price and is activated upon presentation of a student card or certificate. 16 The Free Velib’ Pass for Babylangues Instructors Take a bike, return it where you like, Velib’ is a self-service bike system available 24 hours a day, all year round. As an Instructor with Babylangues, you are entitled to a free Velib’ annual pass, allowing you to cycle around Paris at your leisure. Just buy the annual subscription, send us the confirmation email, and we will reimburse you on your first paycheck! Once you have signed up online, your card will take five to seven days to arrive in the post. If you do not have a fixed address in Paris yet, please use Babylangues’ office address and come pick it up. How It Works With all the subscriptions, the first half an hour is free, so you can ride as far as you like without getting charged. After that first half an hour, there are additional fees, but you can always return your bike and take out another to continue your Parisian journey free of charge! Stay Connected! It is important to stay connected! Whether it be to communicate with us or your families, or to receive the latest great deals or the invitations to our social and cultural events... Paris-WiFi Pass Free Phone and Contract Operating throughout Ile-de-France, the Paris-WiFi pass (or “wee-fee”, as the French say) allows you to stay connected for free with wireless, high-speed Internet via 400 hotspots spread over more than 260 public spaces: gardens, libraries and museums. Once you become part of the Babylangues community, we can provide you with a mobile phone and contract for the duration of your stay, including two hours of calls a month, unlimited texts within France, and Internet access. 17 Our Community Our Community is young, dynamic and international, its members always ready to share delightful encounters, unforgettable memories and new experiences. Babylangues Instructors Babylangues Boat Parties Community is an active Facebook We would be delighted if you would be group dedicated exclusively to our Instructors, where they can arrange social gatherings, exchange ideas and keep in touch. As a member of the Babylangues Community, you will also receive each month our newsletter with our calendar of special events and activities, good deals and tips to get a true insight into French culture. our guests at our boat parties. Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime with us here in Paris—food, drinks and first-class company! Whether it be the night time cruise under the Parisian stars, or dancing the night away, we are sure that these evenings will be some of the highlights of your stay in France. “I met a lot of other Instructors thanks to the Babylangues socials. We are now very good friends!” – Georgina Babylangues Social Events Throughout the year, you will receive invitations to our socials events. Whether it is a picnic, an ‘apéro’, or wine tasting, these events are set up specifically with our Instructors in mind. Should you want to bring some friends along, they would be more than welcome! 18 leArN 19 Learn French French or No French? If you do not speak any French, no need to panic! Free french classes Babylangues also offers French classes exclusively Whatever your level of French may be, you will be eligible to work with us. The for Babylangues Instructors. fact that you are not at all able to speak French can be an advantage, because it facilitates the language learning process and can often be appreciated by the families. At the other end of the scale, the Les Mardis de Babylangues ability to speak French well can also be a Free event hosted the first Tuesday of positive aspect for some families, espe- every month for our Instructors. cially when the children are a bit older. - One-to-one conversations over a drink Learn French with the Children A hidden advantage of your job as a language Instructor with Babylangues is the fact that your French will improve, thanks to the children you are teaching! You will have a unique opportunity to meet with French families and to get acquainted with French culture, picking up new phrases along the way. Meet and exchange with French speakers! Conversation groups can be a great way of practicing your French with natives. The Mardis de Babylangues are dedicated to conversation and language exchange with French speakers. All levels of French are welcome, so do not miss the opportunity to improve your French. 20 - 20 minute exchange in both French and English - 4 different partners over the course of the evening - If you are a Babylangues instructor, first drink is on the house! All levels of French are welcome, so do not miss the opportunity to improve your French. “You get to practice your French for free with ‘reliable’ strangers. Everyone is dynamic, passionate and eager to learn English/French.” – Anastacia Learn How to Teach The Babylangues method was invented with each Instructor in mind so that, combined with their personal experiences and energy, they can teach their language to one or several children, without having any teaching qualifications. Everything is thought up so that the language is learnt and acquired in an enjoyable and secure way, both for the children and the Instructors! Training Sessions Teaching Assignments At the start of their contract, all Instructors attend an intensive training session led by Caroline Benoit-Levy. Security, interacting with the children and authority, all these aspects are covered during the day. But the essential part of the training session is the understanding of the methodology, which will allow you to transform every moment spent with the child into a learning adventure, nevertheless keeping the experience one that is filled with energy and fun. Each week, all Instructors receive an activity program to be developed over the course of their sessions, with indications of the materials to use and with ideas to be adapted according to the age and level of the child. Teaching Materials Babylangues has invented and selected its own teaching materials. Everything is already prepared for you: books, activity workbooks and a CD of songs specially recorded for Babylangues. Naturally, each Instructor is encouraged to add their own personal touch to their teaching approach, bringing in new activities and ideas if they so desire. “L’enseignement, c’est une amitié.” Jules Michelet Babylangues Toolkit CO LO U R I NG B O O K My name is Follow-Up And Advice A dedicated specialist is available in our offices to advise our Instructors on potential issues related to the teaching methodology or any specific problems they may be having. This advisor is an experienced Babylangues Instructor who will be sure to help you find the solution you need. 21 Study in France Your French Student Card Your card offers you a multitude of great deals. Your student card grants you access to: - Municipal theatres at reduced prices, as well as special fares for shows offered by CROUS (Centre Régional des Oeuvres Universitaires et Scolaires) - Symposiums and conferences hosted by higher education institutions - Sports fields and other student facilities and services - Museum exhibitions at reduced prices - Cultural and leisure centres at reduce prices “La fac”: short French expression for college or university The Student Visa In France, a Student Visa allows you to work up to 60% of the annual hours worked (be that 964 hours a year). This equates to approximately 20 hours of work per week. If you are a student based outside of the EU, you are therefore still eligible to apply at Babylangues! “It is a great job to have as an American student living in Paris. I have had a lot of experience working with children in the past and have loved it, so it seemed like a good thing to pursue.” – Andee 22 Cultural Outings We truly believe that the qualities of our Instructors develop through their social and cultural growth and, as such, Babylangues strives to imbue their stay in France with delightful encounters, unforgettable memories and new experiences. We are committed to making sure that our Instructors are able to make the most of their stay in France. As we deem it important to guide and accompany you in discovering French culture and society, we propose cultural and social events throughout the year. We are joined in this adventure by two partners: the ‘Club International des Jeunes à Paris (CIJP)’ and ‘To be Erasmus in Paris’. It is here where your journey truly takes off! Excursions & Trips Babylangues gives you the opportunity to discover France with special discounted rates on excursions and trips. Discover the historic district of the Marais or the Père Lachaise Cemetery, take a trip to the Normandy region or to Bordeaux to enjoy a day of wine tasting and vineyards. Did you know that “journée” is a French Faux-Amis? It does not mean “journey” but “day” or “daytime”. Evenings of French Cinema “Babylangues fait son cinéma” Every month Babylangues hosts a free evening of French cinema in a Parisian café. Feel free to bring along your friends! Guided Tours “Parisien d’un jour, Parisien toujours” “Parisien d’un jour, Parisien toujours” offers delightful guided tours through the streets of Paris away from the tourist trail. Babylangues offers you the chance to discover a part of Paris in the company of a welcoming, enthusiastic guide who is in love with the city! Just like a friend taking you on a walk, your guide for the day will share with you their experiences, some useful addresses and a few anecdotes along the way. As well as learning about the area’s history, architecture and culture, you will be encouraged to soak up the atmosphere and explore Paris for yourself. 23 24 APPly a sIMPlE, THrEE-sTEP ProcEss Applying to become a Babylangues Instructor is very straightforward. Just take a couple of minutes to fill out the application form online, and you will be contacted within 48 hours. 1. APPly oNliNe Any application to work with Babylangues begins with filling out our simple application form online. This form allows you to give details about why you would be suited to working with Babylangues, including experience you have had working with children and any special interests. It is also an easy way for you to let us know your availabilities and your arrival date in France, so that you can get started as soon as possible when you arrive. 2. In-PErson or sKYPE InTErvIEW Once a member of the Babylangues team has assessed your application, you may be invited for an interview. This will be in our Paris office, or if you have not yet arrived in France, this can be over Skype. The interview is a great opportunity to tell us more about yourself, as well as to ask questions. The key things we will want to find out from you are your motivations for joining Babylangues, along with getting a greater picture of the experience that you have had working with children in the past. 3. mATCHiNg meeTiNg iN oUr PAris oFFiCe If you are successful, you will be invited to a matching meeting, during which you will be placed with a family according to your availabilities, location and profile. Successful Skype candidates are asked to attend a confirmation meeting in our office once they have arrived in France and can then proceed to being matched. Matching is done personally by a member of the Babylangues team, who will talk you through all of your options and make sure that you are happy with the outcome. Once you have found a suitable family, a first meeting will be organised for you to get to know each other. 25 APPLY ONLINE: job-in-france.babylangues.com recruitment@babylangues.com Babylangues-France-Work-in-Paris @babylangues +33(0)1 44 61 44 72 | +33(0)1 73 74 92 00