Learn French in Lyon for Free!

Did you know that you can learn French in Lyon for free with My English Sister?

If you've ever dreamed of living in France, soaking up the culture, and finally becoming fluent in French, then there's no better place to do it than Lyon. With My English Sister, you can experience all of this and gain international work experience whilst learning French and earning pocket money!

Yes, you read that right.

My English Sister has partnered with the École Interculturelle de Française pour Étrangers language school in the heart of Lyon to create the Work & Study French programme. Participants spend up to 15 hours per week working with children (childcare and/or teaching) and up to 16 hours per week learning French in private group classes.

This unique opportunity allows participants to learn French for free while gaining valuable work experience with local families. It’s the perfect blend of language immersion, professional development, and cultural exchange.

Why did we create this programme?

In recent years, it's become increasingly difficult for Brits to come to France for work without navigating complex visa requirements. We wanted to create a more accessible path for English speakers to live and learn in France without the hefty price tag or bureaucratic headaches.

Here's why this programme works:

1. Student Visas Made Easy

   Participants enroll as language students, making them eligible for a student visa, making it faster, cheaper, and less stressful to obtain than a traditional work visa. Avoid the complicated and stressful Brexit-induced barriers of the visa process and obtain a student visa allowing you to live, study and work in France for up to 12 months.

2. Work Opportunities

   Student visas allow part-time work in France, meaning you can earn pocket money while studying!

3. Immersive Learning

   Working with children, whether it be in childcare or English tutoring roles, puts you in direct contact with French families and creates natural opportunities for language practice.

   Immerse yourself in everyday French life, from school pick-ups to dinner routines. You’ll learn colloquial expressions, cultural habits, and the unspoken rules of daily life. From helping kids with their homework to listening to French radio in the kitchen, every moment becomes an opportunity to practice and absorb the language naturally.

4. Affordable Tuition

   Benefit from access to high-quality, small-group French classes in a recognised language school and learn French in Lyon for free thanks to My English Sister’s partnership with École Interculturelle de Française pour Étrangers.

5. Travel-Friendly

   With sessions only running during school terms, you’ll have plenty of holidays to explore Lyon or take weekend trips across France and Europe.

This isn't just about studying in a classroom, it's about living the language!

Is the Work Study Programme right for you?

This programme would be perfect for you if:

• You're a British citizen who wants to live and work in France but needs a visa solution.

• You're passionate about learning French and want to see some real improvement.

• You love working with children and want hands-on work experience in a nurturing environment.

• You're seeking an affordable way to access high-quality language education.

• You want to travel, explore Lyon, and enjoy a vibrant, cultural lifestyle!

How it works

You can work up to 20 hours per week working with children, and up to 16 hours per week of French classes in small, private groups.

As part of your programme, you'll work a minimum of 12 hours per week (during school term time) to cover the cost of language school tuition. All hours beyond that will be paid directly to you as pocket money!

The application process.

Our application process for the work-study programme consists of three simple steps:

1. Fill out our online application form, and we'll be in touch within two weeks with the next steps.

2. A phone interview (in English, don't worry!) where we'll talk through your motivations and eligibility for the programme, and make sure it's right for you.

3. A video interview (again, in English), where we'll work through some scenario-based questions and assess your suitability for working with children.

If your application is successful, My English Sister will help guide you through the visa process. Then you’ll be matched with local families so that your time in Lyon can have the right balance of work, study, and free time!

The opportunity to learn French in Lyon for free while experiencing paid part-time work is one you can’t pass up! Learning a language is not just about grammar and vocabulary; it’s about living, speaking, and breathing French every single day.

So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to make the move to France, this is it. Your French adventure starts here!

Apply now