Job Discussion Forums

Augustus · Joined: 16 Oct 2012 Posts: 105

Hello

I've received some really useful advice regarding a application I was proposing to submit to Russia which led me to decide against submission.

I am a newly qualified CELTA certificate holder and suffer with a lack of confidence - as covered in previous threads I struggled quite often through completing my qualification.

Anyway I am looking at two jobs with International House one in Spain (Vallodoid) and Poland (Torun) and just want to be sure they are suitable for me. I guess this is experience that can only be gained in time or through others lol.

So the role in Spain is mainly YL, 24 hrs, 4 day week with Friday reserved for planning/meetings. Timetabling begins at 1pm through to 10pm on two days (8.30 on others). Pay is 1,100 1,200 (around �940 per month) which doesn't sound a lot. Public hols and 10 days at Christmas/Easter. Homestay for 1st week at max cost of 95 EURO, if required. "flexible, committed attitude towards work" a must. Language classes available at reduced cost.

I see that the evening working could be an issue but I would guess this is the norm for the area.

The Poland role states they want someone who is interested in contributing to the schools development through their social programme and other events. 21 contracted hours - mainly 15.45 to 2100 + some business classes in the morning. 1600 - 1875 PLN a month (around �320) which sounds terrible but maybe it allows for a decent living in Poland? They pay return airfare from London - Warsaw. Language classes to survival level.

I've had a look on both the country boards and there is nothing that puts me off applying, up to yet at least.

Any comments would be much appreciated.

Aug

Augustus · Joined: 16 Oct 2012 Posts: 105

No-one has anything at all to comment on?! Am I saying the wrong thing or asking too much?

I was hoping for your insights in terms of job description .... I know when I look at job vacancies for my current area of employment there are certain things that would I would lead me to think mmm .... won't bother then as its not right for me but then I know what is "normal"/just isn't mentioned/extra hassle in this type of work.

kpjf · Joined: 18 Jan 2012 Posts: 385

tttompatz · Posted: Fri Jun 07, 2013 2:40 pm Post subject:

NQT ??

I thought from your previous posts that you only had a (recently completed) CELTA?

Do you in fact hold a B.Ed / PGCE or any other undergraduate degree (bachelor of ?? )?

It really does make a huge difference in what you can do, where you can go and how much you can earn.

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Augustus · Joined: 16 Oct 2012 Posts: 105

Thanks for your replies, loads of people have viewed the post but no-one answered.

I hold a BSc Psychology (Hons) degree and have recently gained a celta certificate. I have experience of (mental health) adult residential care i.e I am responsible to be left in charge and some experience of working with children.

It would most definitely be temporary/to gain experience - got to get the first job etc so willing to accept that it won't be perfect. At least I won't be paying for the privilege of being placed in the country/school!

I was hoping Spain would be warm and have a nice (welcoming) culture to begin my career there ....... maybe not. I speak no Spainish at all but am keen to learn.

I'm asking really if anyone can see any issues in the job spec - does it sound suitable for a beginner? Can I manage on that salary? Anyone any experience of either of these countries? I know literally nothing about them (apart from Google/wiki) and holiday to the Costa del Sol when it was all the rage so any information would be useful.

Thanks
Aug

Xie Lin · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 731

Augustus,

I think it is probably your use of the term "NQT" that is confusing people. You seem to be using it to refer to yourself as newly qualified by means of your CELTA course. But, in fact, it means something quite specific, and has nothing at all to do with a CELTA or other TEFL cert. It would not apply to you unless you are licensed to teach in Britain. I'll leave it to a Brit to explain their licensing process, or you can just search it out yourself--there is plenty of info easily available. I'm just not very knowledgeable about the process myself.

(I just noticed that kpjf has already addressed this upthread.). Smile

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Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

You'd be better off posting on the Newbie forum, or on the Spain and Poland forums.

International House (often known as IH) is a generally well respected private language institute, so unless there's some particular reason why Valladolid isn't a good place to work it's probably quite a good starting point in Spain, with at least an average salary. But you won't get rich TEFLing in Spain - or Poland. Or anywhere for that matter!

kpjf · Joined: 18 Jan 2012 Posts: 385

Augustus · Joined: 16 Oct 2012 Posts: 105

lol thanks for your input, I've also joined a ex-pat forum where I have been researching about the country. It would certainly be different to what I am accustomed too Wink

But I went back today and the ad (and the one for Poland) has been taken down so it looks like I wasn't quick enough ;(

Never mind I've found more jobs on TEFL.com so we shall see!