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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions you have:

• I still haven't received my arrêté de nomination. Is it normal? Click here
• Why hasn't my school contacted me yet? Click here
• I haven't been notified of the primary school where I'm to be posted. Click here
• How can I find accommodation in France? Click here
• What formalities must I carry out on arrival in France? Click here
• When will I receive my first wage? Click here
• Who can help if I have a problem? Click here

I still haven't received my arrêté de nomination. Is it normal?

Normally you should receive this notification before the end of July. Otherwise you should contact the Programme Coordinator in your country. But don't worry if your notification takes time to arrive, you haven't been forgotten! For example, applications made by citizens of non-EU countries may take longer due to the specific administrative requirements necessary in such cases.

Why hasn't my school contacted me yet?

It's up to you to write to your chef de l'établissement. Send a quick letter in French presenting yourself and raising any questions you have about your duties, your pupils or accommodation facilities. Remember that schools are closed during the months of July and August.

I haven't been notified of the primary schools where I'm posted.

Don't worry, everything will be sorted out at the induction "stage" organised by your académie.

How can I find accommodation in France?

Before you arrive, contact your school's chef de l'établissement to inquire as to whether there is accommodation available at the school. On your arrival, ask for advice from colleagues. To find out about accommodation available for rent in your area, try any of the following sites:

• www.anil.org (Agence nationale pour l'information sur le logement)
• www.annoncesjaunes.fr/immobilier/
• www.cnous.fr
• www.seloger.com
• www.fnaim.fr
• www.ufjt.org

What formalities must I carry out on arriving in France?

• You will have to apply for a carte de séjour at the préfecture or mairie in your area. Complete information on the procedure will be provided in the Assistant's Guide which you'll receive at the stage organised by your académie.
• You will have to register with the French social welfare authorities. You will be given the relevant forms by your school.
• You should also open a bank or post office account in order to receive your salary and be able to sign an accommodation contract.

When will I receive my first wage?

Firstly, you'll have to open a post office or bank account and provide your school's intendance (administration department) with your account details, a copy of your arrêté de nomination and of your procès-verbal d'installation (the document you sign on taking up your post at the school). If you can complete all these formalities before 10^th October, you'll be able to receive a first advance on your salary by 1^st November.

Who can help if I have a problem?

First and foremost, your colleagues. The other language teachers are available to help you in your work as an assistant. A relais académique (coordinator) is also appointed to assist you with practical matters. This coordinator will be in attendance at the stage d'accueil (induction course) for new assistants. Finally, you could contact the programme coordinator or the assistants department at the CIEP.