Teach English in Martinique you say? Tell me more…
Want to spend seven to nine months exploring gorgeous beaches instead of a paltry week or two? Consider checking out France’s Teaching Assistant Program, which places teachers in Martinique and Guadeloupe, as well as Reunion, and mainland France. One of my lovely classes
What’s it really like to teach English in Martinique?
My experience was working at two schools. My students were 13-15 years old and wonderful. We listened to Sean Paul and Beyonce and translated the songs together. Best job ever, right?
I should mention that my apartment was across the street from the beach, the work week was twelve hours total, and I didn’t work Fridays.
We had about 6 weeks of vacation during the 7-month contract. With all this vacation time, we got to travel a ton. We went to Carnival in Trinidad, saw the sea turtle sanctuary in Bequia, journeyed to St. Kitts and Nevis, and so much more.
Some of my favorite people are the ones I met that year. Teaching English is a wonderful way to get to know a local community and really get a feel for a country, one you would never get just spending a day or two. Not to mention, you’re getting paid to be there, which helps the old travel budget.
What’s Martinique like?
Imagine the patisseries of France blended with swaying palms and beaches for days. Martinique is a dreamy island in the Caribbean Sea, about 20 miles wide and 50 miles long.
There are black sand beaches, a volcano you can hike up, waterfalls you can rappel down, more beaches than you can possibly see in a year, sandbars with crystal clear water, and air scented with sugar cane being distilled into the smoothest rum you’ll ever taste.
The capital city Fort de France is bustling and full of life. Though, I prefer St. Luce in the south and any of the beaches along the cost.
Martinique is an absolute dream. 100% go if you ever get the chance!
What’s the cost of living?
Martinique has a higher cost of living than France. As a result, the English teachers got a bump in pay versus their counterparts in France.
The stipend provided was more than enough to cover the cost of living.
Can anyone teach English in Martinique?
The program I participated in had these requirements:
- You must be an American between 20-30 years old.
- You must be able to speak French at the intermediate level.
- You do not need any prior teaching experience.
What if I’m over 30 and/or not an American?
Don’t worry! There are all kinds of programs all over the world. This is a great resource that lists programs by country.
This could be you:
Wandering Tip
Remember: Just because you’re strapped for cash doesn’t mean you can’t travel. It just means you have to be creative. Here are two more creative ideas: Idea 1, Idea 2.
Happy Wandering!
