Job Discussion Forums

DIPTESOL · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 42

I have recently applied for a job in International House in Bucharest. The package they offer seems good, including free accommodation.
I just wondered if anyone had heard and opinons on this school or has anyone worked for them before?
Views and comments much appreciated.

Bebsi · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 958

Well, how much (roughly!!) have they offered you? Is it good by western standards? Or did they tell you that you could live really cheaply in Bucharest?

PM me if you want, maybe I can advise you.

not_too_shabby · Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Posts: 21

Hi, I worked for Ih Bucharest about 4 years ago and I didn't last for too long. They may have changed their policies or given more serious thought to the reason why teachers kept leaving but I still wouldn't recommend it. The DOS, the general director and the owner are one and the same, more precisely, there is a married couple who is in charge of everything and everyone. It is basically a family business and they are both control freaks.
Besides, I only worked split shifts and my timetable was tough! Anyway, hopefully things have changed since then...

Good luck!

SITW99 · Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 10 Location: bucuresti

You've probably either taken the job by now, or taken something better, but i'll put in my two pennies-worth anyway.

IH Bucharest is a large centre with two or three native speakers, and about 50 local teachers, all on the same salary of a few hundred euros a month(+free accom fornative speakers). I know a couple of the local teachers and they struggle to pay the bills despite not renting etc. not to mention the fact that they are Romanian, and they know the ropes.

Having a PGCE and working at an international school on Bucharest, I earn 4 times what IH pay, 50% more than the British Council pay, and I only break even each month. Give EFL in Bucharest a wide berth until salaries improve, unless you've got savings you don't mind eating into. I know it's hard to believe, but Bucharest's MUCH more expensive than people imagine. My shopping bill's the same as it was in London before I came out (2005), sometimes my heating bill is more.

On a positive note (there has to be one now and again!), if your savings do allow you to work out here for a bit, the students are very nice Smile