Job Discussion Forums

Shroob · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 1339

Hello everyone,

I am a British citizen who is due to start a 4 week CELTA course in July. I have a few questions with regards to teaching in Europe, that is providing all goes well and I pass the CELTA course!

My qualifications relevant to teaching will be:

My first question is when should I start applying for vacancies? Would it be inappropriate to send out CV's now saying I have my CELTA?

Also, have I missed the 'summer school' vacancies? My course finishes at the end of July, meaning the earliest I can start would be August. Ideally I would like to start off with a short term contract - do they exist?

Finally I have some concerns that I will not have enough experience for European schools, most job adverts I've seen require 2 years experience. Is it possible to start a TEFL career in Europe or should I go to Asia for a few years, where experience is less of a requirement?

I have no issue with Asia - its ultimately where I want to end up, however I think a job in Europe would suit me better, allow me to 'settle in' to teaching if you know what I mean.

Thank you for your time and advice,
Sam

General Disarray · Joined: 23 Jun 2010 Posts: 58 Location: Kent

Shroob · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 1339

Thanks for the reply.

I'm doing the CELTA in England (my home city even).

Money isn't really a motive for teaching English (thankfully Laughing

). I'd rather travel and gain 'life experience' than build up a bank account. I've said as long as I recoup what I pay for the CELTA course and have a good time then I'll be happy.

It's getting your foot in the door that seems to be the problem.

With regards to the destination, I've thought of Europe (closer to home, probably within the EU, less of a 'culture shock' and as such might be easier to 'settle in' my first teaching position), however China was also an option. China seems easier to get started, and I've always wanted to go there.

At the moment I'm concentrating on my CELTA course (starts in 2 days!).

Thanks again for your reply,
Sam

General Disarray · Joined: 23 Jun 2010 Posts: 58 Location: Kent

Shroob · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 1339

Thanks for the information, that thread was a good read.

Am I right in thinking you are in Hungary now? Am I also right in thinking that you have taught in Asia? If so may I ask about your 'teaching history' eg. How did you get your first job, where was it, how long did you do it for etc.

Thanks again,
Sam

General Disarray · Joined: 23 Jun 2010 Posts: 58 Location: Kent

I'm living in England, starting a summer camp job down in Somerset tomorrow for 4 weeks where I'll have enough money to head back in September.

I'm only 22 so haven't had the chance to go to Asia, I went to Budapest on the whim back in September (a friend had a flat for �70 a month rent). Only been qualified for 7 months.

First job, I took the list of schools that international house (company I done CELTA with) had and just sent e-mails. Got about 4 replies of about 16, turned up to the interview, got the demo lessons. It's freelancing in Hungary so most teachers will work for 2/3/4 schools at the same time. One school may only provide you with one lesson a week while another will have 5/6.

I also play on the same football team as a couple of teachers before I took the CELTA and they helped me with contacts.

I'm heading back in September, private students can be a big help in Europe. Stick flyers around the cities, go into universities and talk to students advertising yourself. Putting an advertisement in a Hungarian magazine helped a friend of mine. A friend and I like to drink as well, we naturally will meet a lot of non-native speakers out and about and have got a private student via that way as well.

Never taught in Asia, it was going to be where I was going to go though but this chance came up out of the blue. A friend knew someone from ERAMUS who was doing a Fulbright study (American programme for students) in Budapest.

Shroob · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 1339

Wow, sounds good. Wish I had friends in foreign places! Furthest friend I have got is in Scarborough!

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

Hi Shroob

You didn't specifically ask about Italy, but just to let you know, most schools here are closed in August. Some places will take you on without CELTA, or with little experience, but nowhere is likely to be hiring until September.

Job security is unlikely. At best, you'll get a contract from, say, Oct to June. Otherwise it'll be more like Hungary, with work cobbled together from a number of schools.

Italy is not cheap. Expect to pay at least �500 per month for a rented room in a shared flat (in Rome) and you'll be lucky to be earning �1000 a month net, leaving not a lot spare for food, utilities, going out, travelling around, etc.