Job Discussion Forums

[Tangosweat]

Aloha everybody! Greetings to you all! I am pleased to have found this wonderful website with such a supportive and knowledgeable crowd, and it is a pleasure to join you all in this fascinating journey of intercultural explorations.

Introduction:
I am an undergraduate student studying Communications at the moment, and will be graduating with my B.A. in December 2014, after which time I plan to travel abroad (primarily Europe), and teach English in order to gain intercultural experience. I have negligible work experience, and intend to travel to Central Europe and complete an In-Class training course with one of the Dave’s ESL Café sponsors to acquire my TEFL certification.

The Dilemma:
I have been musing over teaching in one of the following countries: Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Czech, and Germany.

1)I am unsure of the specific pay-scales in each one of these countries, and would greatly appreciate if you all could help out. With negligible work experience, what would the starting pay scale be in each of these places for a beginner?
2)What are the pros and cons of each one of these countries that you have personally encountered?
3)Which country in Europe would you recommend and why?

*On a Side Note*
I have assembled a Microsoft Excel document containing a range of statistical data (separated by sheet tabs) which I have been referencing in order to narrow down my selection of the countries in which to teach. I am linking the document here since many of you might find it helpful as well:
[/url]http://cl.ly/1S3D0C0F1M0L[url]
Not all data is fully accurate, but it is nonetheless helpful in determining certain relevant facts about a country. If any of you wish to modify it or add more data, feel free. I think it would be especially helpful to make a list of common countries with their average pay-range (pertaining to ESL related jobs).

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this![/url]

[nomad soul]

Instead of relying on statistical data, why not rank the countries you mentioned starting with your most preferred location? (By the way, no one's likely to modify your Excel doc even if they actually took time to view it.) Additionally, you could easily peruse those country-specific forums; you'll find other newbies have asked those very questions.

[spiral78]

Assuming you are a US citizen, you will not be likely to find anything other than part-time gigs in Germany. Poland or the Czech Republic are more likely to offer full-time work, but pay in all the countries you mention will be subsistence level. Expect start-up costs as well; living fairly frugally usually ensures that most newbie teachers break even at the end of their first year. Better jobs go to those who have stuck around for a while and have local contacts, rep, and language skills. Timing is crucial; most contracts are Sept/Oct through June and arriving at some time that is not peak hiring season lowers your chances of success (hiring peak end Aug/Sept). Russia and Ukraine are exceptions on your list as some people do find jobs from abroad; the other countries you mention, you'll need to be there in person to interview to even be considered.

[Sashadroogie]

Russia. Nothing else compares.

[Tangosweat]

Thanks for taking the time to respond you guys! It is much appreciated:)

@nomadsoul: Statistics are helpful in aiding me to determine what my preferred location would be...I like a low cost of living, legal prostitution, high ethnic diversity, and a low tobacco consumption rate!

@spiral: I am aware that western EU is mainly closed off for non-EU citizens. In response to this issue, I emailed Tefl-course.com, and asked them if I can get a job in western EU (primarily Italy) as an American citizen, if I complete a course with them; and they replied the following:

[spiral78]

[spiral78]

[Tangosweat]

Thanks for all the help spiral!
Hmm I see...I didn't realize that the pay in Czech is just enough to break even...bummer. Russia it is then! Would the average pay, (for a beginner like me, with negligible work experience) be about 60,000 rubles?
Not sure if I will still complete a course with Tefl-course.com. From what I understand though, it is much easier to gain teaching employment if one completes a course in the country where one intends to teach.
Is it better to complete a course with Tefl-course.com in Czech, Prague (for $1600), in order to gain employment in Russia (since there are no courses being offered in Russia)? Or should I just complete a CELTA course, being offered close to my hometown, for $2500?

[Sashadroogie]

There is a Celta course in Moscow. IH-BKC runs it regularly.

Check it out.

Live the dream!

[spiral78]

[spiral78]

Czech, by the way, is an adjective. The country is the Czech Republic. This is, after all, a site for language instructors!

There is a move afoot to allow the country to be officially called 'Czechia,' but there is resistance, thankfully

[Sashadroogie]

Czechland gets my vote!

But isn't Czech a noun when it refers to the language?

[spiral78]

Ah, of course! The OP was referring to the melodious and inscrutable Czech language:-)

I'm clearly befuddled by the holidays and should lay off posting until the hangover goes away

[Sashadroogie]

No, no, no. That's not the holiday spirit. Post away! In any state of befuddlement! I mean, if I was to refrain from posting because of holiday hangovers, I won't post again until mid-January at least...

[Tangosweat]

Thanks again fellas!
That link was helpful Sasha, but upon comparing prices, it seems more sound to complete a CELTA course near my hometown.

I've been brainstorming more about the various facets of Czech and Russia, and my decision has changed in the meanwhile. Czech has a higher cultural and historical diversity, which is more in alignment with my personal objectives. So Russia will have to wait...I leave this fun country in your hands for now; take good care of it!