Training to be an instructor

Hi there,

Anyone got any experience of training as an instructor in France, especially from anyone who isn't French and any problems they came accros?

Thanks
Mark

Mark,

Welcome to the world of geopolitics!

Here is a short story that might interest you. Several years ago an American female level 3 ( top level in America) ski instructor who also was a ski racer in the Europa Cup series moved to France. She applied and was accepted in the French certification program.

In most countries ski instructors and ski schools accept "equivalent" certification and thus can teach full time. Yes the terms and pedagogical approaches might be different but "instructors" for other countries are accepted.

She was good, very good since she was on the American Demo team! She wrote a 4 page article in the Ski Instructors Journal about all the "barriers" she had to overcome. The very worst was having a French ski examiner , who could barely speak English, examine her level of fluency in English!

No comment.

You must understand that to many ski instructors in France it is their income and they do not appreciate skiers from other countries coming to "take their jobs". Also every country feels that their teaching technique is best! That is the situation!

You just have to be better skier, better teacher and pay your dues!

Patience!

Oh,,,,I am sure you are thinking, "did she get her diploma?"

Yes by being better than most male skiers. By being more patient and learning their terms!

If you want to teach there, pay your dues. Show that ski instruction is not a passing interest, but a vocation ! Nothing is impossible!

Perhaps you will come across an "outside examiner" who will accept your competency level!

Mark, it very much depends on what resort you choose, if you want to go to Tignes, Val d'Isere or Courchevel, you'll find it difficult. It's difficult for the French as well, the 'equivalence' or speed test is open to all, it has to be that's the law, so the bar is set very high. However, there are ways around it, you don't have to take it immediately, you can take it within 2 years of starting work as an instructor. There is a form of apprentiship that will enable you to work for a ski school, either the ESF, the International Ski School or an independent. Numbers are limited but there is ratio of trainees to qualified ski instructors allowed by law. If you have any form of skiing qualification it will help you to get started. An ASSI, the dry slope qualification can be gained via your nearest dry slope. I know in our village that the ESF are keen to hire English and Danish speaking instructors, the deputy director is English. If you PM me I'll give you his contact details so you can get in touch.

Pavelski,
Great anecdote. I am moving (plus family) from the UK to France and buying a house so cetainly is vocation rather than passing interest.

David, PM on its way. I am "just" around the corner from La Rosiere in St Martin de Belleville. Surprised to hear of ESF employing non French ! There may be hope for me yet.

Thanks
Mark