Job Discussion Forums

vashdown2 · Joined: 14 Feb 2007 Posts: 124 Location: Paris, France

Dear All,

I have suffered through life in the Middle East for the past 2 years, and it has really taken a toil on my emotional health and social life to say the least!

Have read all of the recent updates regarding working in Germany as an American using the freelance visa. What I am wondering now: Is it actually possible to live in Berlin making 14 euros/ hour and paying at least 400 euros rent ( quote based on Craigslist).

Does not seem like it would be feasible to me.. I am in my late 30's, and would be happy to perhaps meet a German partner and settle down.... but until that time, I would have to be able to pay rent, food, transportation, internet, and health insurance of course.

Any feedback?

JN · Joined: 17 Jan 2008 Posts: 214

Well, it might be possible to live in Berlin earning 14 euros/hr., but that would depend on how many hours you actually get and what kind of experience and qualifications you have.

I'd bring savings, too because you will probably need them for anywhere from a few months to a lot longer.

There are a lot of English teachers in Berlin. I left Berlin and found more work elsewhere and I often meet other teachers who did the same.

Hod · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 1613 Location: Home

You can stay in a Wohngemeinschaft, which is a flat share. Check wg-gesucht.de. I only ever went in one to see a Spanish colleague in Berlin who shared with a German flatmate. It was actually a nice place and very central. His rent was less than €250 if I recall.

Travel is ridiculously cheap in Berlin. If you go to bvg.de, you can get a monthly ticket for the Berlin AB region for €60 a month which covers trains, buses, trams, u-bahn and even a ferry.

Food and internet aren't expensive. German health insurance is expensive, but companies such as ALC sell sufficient cover for around €150 a month which is accepted by the visa authorities.

The thing I found expensive in Germany was clothes, and I am far from being fashion conscious. I bought all mine in the UK.

Loobs · Joined: 25 Aug 2010 Posts: 14 Location: Berlin, Germany

Remember all freelance EFL teachers are also required to pay into the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (pension fund).

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

1968-1969 I taught in Westberlin. I learned that in some countries you cannot live on the earnings of an English teacher. So I went to Saudi Arabia. So it goes.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I like to think that my years living and working in exotic places made me broad-minded and cosmopolitan.