Job Discussion Forums

JJBob · Joined: 09 Dec 2003 Posts: 1

I'm looking for teaching jobs in Tirana, Albania. I have some experience with the country as an ESL teacher and have taught in other places overseas. The idea job would be with an NGO or school that could pay a decent wage. Anyone out there who can help me? Thanks!

Cookie Monster · Joined: 06 Jan 2004 Posts: 10

I'm not going to pretend to be any kind of specialist knowledge here but by reputation you'll struggle. The Terms "Albania" and "decent wage" are rarely mentioned in the same sentence.

I read recently that there are currently no native speakers teaching in Tirana on a paid basis. It certainly doesn't sound like there would be any chance of setting something up before you go. (see the Albania section in 'Teaching English Abroad' by Susan Griffith, 2003 edition)

You could try asking the British Council in Albania. Their website is here: http://www.britishcouncil.org.al

Perhaps a voluntary position would be the way to go.

I'm just going by second hand info here so if anybody can paint a brighter picture, feel free!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Is there no International School in Tirana ? Salaries in those schools are usually higher than Efl-ing

wade · Joined: 21 Sep 2003 Posts: 4

I went there in early spring '02, and even worked for a (very) short time before I decided it wasn't for me. Wages are very low, the place is surprisingly expensive, and as far as I could tell I was the only foreigner working at any of the language schools, apart from the volunteers at the missionary organizations. But I should add that the students were very enthusiastic.
Tell me if you want any more details.

wade · Joined: 21 Sep 2003 Posts: 4

I hadn't read all the previous messages, and I just now noticed that Cookie Monster refers to the article in Teaching English Abroad. My information is at least as old as that book, since I wrote the article, and things may have changed in the last two years. But I can fill you in if you need to know anything else. Wade

branbuddy · Joined: 06 Dec 2004 Posts: 20 Location: Czech Republic

Hello everyone,

I am interested in applying for a school in Albania. Has anything changed as far as wages and standard of living since 2004?
Any info is appreciated.

Thanks,
Branbuddy

ciara5 · Joined: 29 Nov 2010 Posts: 6

I am also interested in working in Albania. Any info would be appreciated.

jonniboy · Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 12:06 pm Post subject:

I was there holidaying in August and would disagree that it's expensive. It was much cheaper than the neighbouring EU and ex-Yugoslav countries.

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

Many of the Albanians I meet in Italy are here because there are so few edu and work opportunities back in Albania (which is where many of them would like to be, all things being equal). Given that there are so many Albanians on the Adriatic coast of Italy, I'd advise any teachers aspiring to go to Albania to come here first. You might make some useful contacts - and get some up-to-date info on where to teach in Albania, who to speak to, etc etc.