Job Discussion Forums

[cdurnal]

I will be moving to Germany soon and hope to get a job teaching English. I have documents certifying my Peace Corps training and experience teaching English as a second language. Will this help any in getting a job? I also hold a M.A. in English. Thanks for your thoughts.

[longtimeteach]

Where (what city/town/region) do you want to teach and what are your expectations for type of teaching environment and salary? Do you speak any German at all? If I knew those things I could probably give you some idea of what your chances are. Being an American will limit your chances some too (because of visa/work rules).

Personally, I wouldn't land in Germany without some advance preparation regarding securing some interested parties and/or a job. The situation here isn't that good where one can simply arrive and expect to find work but that largely depends on where you want to live and work and how low you're willing to go for salary.

I don't know of any instance where Peace Corps work was either of benefit or detriment in teaching English in Germany. Your M.A. and teaching experience will help though, certainly. Making M.A. level salary will be nearly impossible, sad to say.

[cdurnal]

My partner and I are retiring to a small village just north of Schweinfurt where he was born. I will be looking for teaching just to supplement our income. Thus, I am not expecting M.A. level salary. I know there is at least one language school in Schweinfurt and I may invesigate VHS in the area. I speak basis German and had German in college. We have been to our village before and own a house there and have many relatives there.

[longtimeteach]

Since you're firm on where you'll live, you've bought a house there, you know of a school there and can also apply to the VHS in the town where you know you'll live, you're only looking to supplement your retirement income and thus don't really need the money from teaching, I'm mystified as to why you posted your questions at all.

[cdurnal]

As I said, I need to supplement my income. I was merely asking if my Peace Corps experience is of benefit in getting a TEFL job.

[longtimeteach]

I suppose it'd be best to check with the schools in the town to which you're retiring.