Job Discussion Forums

[krisob20]

I've recently completed the ITTT TEFL certification and the TITC English for Young Learners certification.

I would like to use these certifications to apply for jobs in Germany to teach children, preferably in Berlin. However I'm starting to feel a little concerned as many of the sites I've been to and read information on about working in European countries, it sounds as though these certifications just aren't going to be enough.

Although I'm not planning on going for a few months yet, I am a little lost as to where to start. I've had information over load from people who have worked in other countries but it would help if I could get advice on my chances in Germany. Anything such as:

-the best method to find jobs to apply for (as I have noticed there seems to be lack of job advertisements when searching job sites)
-if anyone knows of schools/institutions that are good places to apply
-is there anything in particular that employer's will look for on my resume? What can I do that will give me an edge/advantage for a job offer?

I would really appreciate any help and advice I can get.

Thanks.

[spiral78]

Certification: the vast majority of newbie teachers on the job market in Europe, Germany included, have certification from an on-site course including supervised teaching practice with real students. CELTA is the name brand, though there are some generic certs that fit the bill. If your certification is partially or fully completed online or by distance learning, it may be considered subpar by many employers.

Finding jobs: not commonly done from abroad. Again, because there are many teachers on the market in Europe in general, the norm is that most reputable schools won't consider someone until that person is standing in their office, looking reputable and professional. An employer that will hire from abroad may well be dodgy in some way (local teachers don't want to work for the school, likely for some good reason) or this may be done for a few teachers with specialist qualifications (which you don't have according to your post).

The normal situation for Europe is that you get up the money to come over and support yourself for a few months while you try to land work and get some legal work visa. The start-up costs are considerable, compared to Asia, for example. But unfortunately this is simply the norm here.

So far as what employers are looking for on your 'resume,' well, you'll need to be aware that UK teachers have automatic hiring priority, because they don't need work permits. From your use of the word 'resume,' I'll assume you're from North America. This means you are required to get legal working papers. Latest I heard this is still possible in Germany (though it simply isn't in many western European countries at the newbie level), but it's a hassle both for an employer and for you. So what they are mostly looking for is your citizenship and certification. They will also consider previous experience and your German language level. Functional German is really needed to live/work successfully in the country.

Practicalities: Non-EU member citizens have 90 days inside the Schengen zone (google it for a list of countries) and then have to leave for 90 days before re-entering on a tourist visa. This means that you need to come over and find a job and file for work permits within a 3 month period before you will be illegal and subject to penalties.

If you want to give it a try, you'll need to plan to have enough funds to cover your travel and a few months of living and job searching. Then, come over and do everything you can to land a job. The best time period is probably the very end of August and first of September, as most job contracts are Sept/Oct through June. There is very little work around in July and August in any case.

Good luck!