Job Discussion Forums

[kingmalka]

Greetings everybody

As a quick background, after high school here in Los Angeles I honestly felt that I wasn't quite ready for another 4+ years of school. I thus acquired a position as iT for a game production company in Santa Monica, and have been saving money ever since. I am now 19 and ready to begin a new adventure and possibly life abroad.

I believe I have a fairly strong grasp of the English language, and I truly wish to help students communicate their thoughts, feelings and dreams by empowering them to use the tools of language to reach out and connect with other human beings -- truthfully, however, my passion for overseas teaching mainly derives from the opportunity to experience a completely new country and culture. I also feel the need to develop as a human being and member of society before returning to school.

My question for you kind folk is thus: I have already purchased a ticket to Israel to visit family in Tel Aviv (July 3rd-August 1st). It would clearly be quite convenient to remain in Israel and teach there (if at all possible), but I would honestly prefer to experience a culture I havn't already engaged with. Italy, Netherlands, France, possibly Spain -- I am intrigued by all. For one such as myself and current situation, what suggestions could you all offer as far as teaching/assisting to teach English without a professional degree? Is it hard getting work permits? Finding jobs? Where should I start? Must I be fluent in the home country's language? I'd love to hear of personal stories ... or any comments for that matter!

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Eagerly awaiting responses,

- David

[kingmalka]

To elaborate a little more, I'm really just looking for a summer to summer "life experience" in a new country and culture; in essence, just something I'd really like to do before returning to school for another 4+ years. I suppose you could say I'm looking to teach English as an excuse to travel.

Any personal experiencies and/or advice would be much appreciated!

- David

P.S. I have roughly $6,000 USD to invest in this 'adventure' ... perhaps a little something to assist in getting situated whilst searching for work. Could I get by on this?

[PeterBar]

Great enthusiasm, but you really should do a search on this board and on the general Europe board.

Unless you have an EU passport finding work, of any sort, is extremely difficult.

[Nmarie]

You could look into the government teaching assistantship program, for which you do not need an EU passport: http://www.frenchculture.org/a_assistantship-program_195.cfm

However, I'm fairly certain you must be at least partially through a university degree program (and proficient in French) to apply.

Have you considered studying abroad when you finally do feel ready for university? It's a great opportunity, especially being in California. The University of California strongly encourages students to go abroad and is quite generous with grants to help them do so -- At least this was the case when I came here through a UC program in 2001.