Job Discussion Forums

[madhatter109]

Hi everyone,
I'm looking for some job leads inside Europe. My wife is French and we are wanting to move out closer to her family. Hopefully looking for something full time. I've been focusing my search in France - tracking positions for lecteur d'anglais, but I've only found 1 job opening total. We are willing to relocate in other European countries, hopefully something in the EU. I have a pretty comfortable full time ESL job right now in the USA, so I'm hesitant to make the move unless I find something just right.

About me: I'm American with a master's in TESL, 5 years experience teaching ESL to adults inside the USA and 1 year teaching EFL with kids and adults in Korea. Also 3 years as a TOEFL rater.

Thanks for any leads!

[nomad soul]

[madhatter109]

[nomad soul]

[grahamb]

When you raised this topic on the French forum last year, you mentioned Strasbourg, Lyon and Nancy as possible destinations. If you're prepared to be part of a mill, Wall Street Institute has schools in those cities, and Berlitz has schools in Strasbourg and Lyon. Needless to say, your qualifications and experience merit something rather better.

As I think I mentioned in a PM, it's often the case that EFL teachers in France have to work for a number of different schools in order to get by, and that can involve starting work early, finishing late, and travelling between classes. Your best long-term bet would be to apply for French citizenship and try to find work in the state sector. School teachers in France are civil servants, so you'd enjoy a steady income and of course a pension when you retire.

[spiral78]

Also note that there is a significant difference in actual citizenship and permanent residency. The former allows you to work in any EU country, but with 'just' p.r., you are usually restricted to the country of your spouse's citizenship (though laws do vary slightly by country).

Overall, regardless, the better jobs that your quals can get just don't come open that often. The best way in is to pay some dues in an area and make yourself known at local universities and international schools. Then when there is an opening, you'll be in line, with the local rep and contacts. There's very little turnover in the universities as the jobs are generally held by long-timers in the region with family ties. Advertisements are very often for form's sake only; a candidate is actually already selected, but legalities require an advert be run.

[Nicky_McG]