Pristinely located on the Mediterranean coast, Montpellier is France’s fastest growing city and a great place to look for work abroad in France. Francophiles from all over the world can enjoy Montpellier’s charming aesthetic, laid back atmosphere, and stimulating opportunities for cultural immersion by obtaining a job in Montpellier. A bustling student city, boasting one of the oldest universities in the world, foreign workers will also be able to embrace the youthful tide while working abroad in Montpellier.
Jobs in Montpellier
With nearly 300,000 people, Montpellier checks in as France’s eighth largest city. Its economy is growing rapidly however, so there are gradually more and more job opportunities in Montpellier in a diversity of markets for aspiring expats.
The easiest way to secure a job in Montpellier is by applying for a work abroad program. These organizations work with local employers and agencies to provide foreign workers with access to temporary jobs in Montpellier, mostly in positions that involve child care, education, tourism, and hospitality. Au pairing for a local family, teaching English, and working at a hotel are just a few of the most popular jobs in Montpellier.
If you want to begin a more permanent career and work in Montpellier long term, then the situation becomes more complicated due to visa considerations. Many multinational companies are beginning to open branches in Montpellier, thanks to its increased growth, making it more and more possible for foreign workers to secure jobs in Montpellier. Before being hired by a company in Montpellier, you will have to make sure the company is capable of gaining authorization for you to work in France and become a French resident.
Most jobs in Montpellier will expect you to speak French fluently. While many locals are capable of speaking English, French is the clear national language, and it is the language of business so it is therefore solely spoken in most workplaces. If you are worried your French is not up to par, don’t sweat it! Taking French language classes alongside your job in Montpellier, and immersing yourself in the language daily, can improve your fluency faster than you would think.
Life in Montpellier
It’s hard to beat Montpellier’s location; the city sits in the far south of France just six miles away from the Mediterranean Sea and a short train ride away from other iconic cities, such as Barcelona and Paris. An architecturally beautiful city settled among rolling hills, overlooking the sandy coastline, Montpellier might seem more like a dream vacation destination than a plausible place to work abroad in France.
But those who decide to make the leap and work their way through job opportunities in Montpellier will become intimately immersed in the local culture and experience a side of Montpellier that most tourists never get to see. A small town charm paired with big city prospects makes living and working in Montpellier an exciting experience for people of all career aspirations.
The city itself is quite small and can be easily navigated by walking or biking. There are a lot of ways to spend your free time in Montpellier, from wandering through public gardens to touring one of the many museums to relaxing at a café with friends. When you get tired of roaming, you can also hop on the tram or bus; public transportation in Montpellier is very efficient all around.
Salary & Affordability
The salary you’ll make in your job in Montpellier will obviously depend on the type of employment you find. Most work abroad programs can provide temporary jobs that will pay you enough to live comfortably in Montpellier (on a budget), but won’t necessarily provide you with a fast track to a large savings.
Montpellier is actually fairly inexpensive by French standards, with most items costing significantly less than in Paris. Rent will likely be your most significant expense, while other necessities, such as food and transportation, are more reasonably priced.
Accommodation & Visas
The most popular accommodation options are apartments or homestays; however, your housing options will depend on how long you plan to stay and what type of job you obtain. Homestays are often available for those working in temporary jobs, especially au pairs, and can be more affordable than apartments. If you do live in an apartment, consider finding flatmates or renting out a single room, because rent can be quite expensive in Montpellier.
The visa requirements will also vary according to how long you plan to work in Montpellier, what kind of job you obtain, and what country you are coming from. Workers coming from within the European Union will not have to apply for a visa to work in Montpellier, because of regional labor laws, while most coming from outside of Europe will have to obtain a work permit. For more information regarding your specific situation, check out GoAbroad’s French Embassy Directory.
Benefits & Challenges
Lingua Franca. Though French is no longer the most commonly spoken second language among Europeans, it is still widely applicable and one of six official languages recognized by the United Nations. By obtaining a job in Montpellier, you will improve your French language skills tenfold, and feel entirely fluent by the time your contract ends.
Cultural Enrichment. France is widely known for having a refined culture in fashion, the arts, food, and just about everything else that behooves subtle taste. Spending some time living in working in Montpellier will certainly up your sophistication game.
Expat Life. Montpellier is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and is well known for its beauty for a reason. As you search for jobs in Montpellier, keep in mind the entire lifestyle that you will be gaining. The prospect of working abroad in Montpellier may be intimidating, but the challenge will be well worth it and it will truly be a defining moment in your career.
