Job Discussion Forums

phila009 · Joined: 29 Jul 2010 Posts: 2

Hello everyone,

I would like to get a job as an English teacher, preferably in European countries or somewhere further, e.g. Canada. The thing is I come from a small town where no one wants to hire teachers. The town is called Bialystok and there are so many English teachers / schools that they don't want me Sad

I'm really sad 'coz I think I deserve a well-paid job !! I really am desperate. I don't have a driving licence yet so I can't take up a job in the other city.

I've heard of some UK's programmes but still I don't know if they're trustful. The programme I heard about is called bluewaveinternational.com

Can anyone help me? Do you have any recommendations for work in the USA Canada or European countries??? I'd appreciate your help.

I have experience. I already give private lessons in my city. I've got a FCE certificate and I'm about to finish my MA degree next year.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I would like to get a job as an English teacher, preferably in European countries or somewhere further, e.g. Canada. ..... I'm really sad 'coz I think I deserve a well-paid job !!

Sorry, but with just FCE and being a non-native speaker, I don't think you qualify (yet) for 'well paid jobs,' particularly not in countries where English is the first language of the natives!

Consider Canada: a very tight job market, many teachers seeking work - to get a well-paid job requires a related MA and years of experience teaching - plus native speaker status. Check out the North America forum for more info on this .... it's totally unrealistic that any school would give a non-native speaker teacher a visa, when there are tonnes of highly qualified and experienced native speakers around.

I work in Western Europe at a university. We do hire non-native speakers, but only with related MAs, lots of experience, and something much higher than FCE certs (CPE).

Realistically, I think you will need to consider other options. I really don't think that you currently have what it would take to get any job as an English language teacher (much less a well-paid one) in either Western Europe or North America. Sorry to be negative, but it's important to have realistic expecations so that you can make plans that will actually work for you!!

phila009 · Joined: 29 Jul 2010 Posts: 2

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

You're welcome Rolling Eyes

AGoodStory · Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 738

wojbrian · Joined: 13 Aug 2009 Posts: 178

I think he was just being honest... He just told you something you don't want to hear.

He didn't sugar coat anything...

A company will not import someone when there are millions of native speakers already there.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Thanks for the kind words, guys. Also for corroboration...it's always useful to have more than one person's viewpoint on the issues.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2010 6:19 pm Post subject:

Spiral, as usual, was giving honest and valuable advice. I don't think the tone of the OP's replies was warranted. Perhaps the CPE will help with that, eh?

scottie1113 · Joined: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 375 Location: Gdansk

spiral, your initial reply to the OP was right on target, and I would have written the same thing if you hadn't beaten me to the punch. Sometimes reality is a bitter pill to swallow, as witness his response to your post.

And to the OP: once you have your MA and CPE, plus some sort of teaching credential (ie CELTA or more), you'll be well qualified to teach English, whether it be in Poland or Canada. Keep your nose to the grindstone, don't lose sight of your goal and you'll get there. Good luck to you lad.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Thanks for the kind words, Scottie, but it needs to be really clear: Canada will still be off the table for a Polish native, even with a related MA and a CPE. I've worked in Canada - the job market is really full up with native English speakers with related post-grad quals and tons of experience - it wasn't easy for me to find a job, and I've got the whole package.

English teacher is not one of the jobs that Canada will issue a visa for, having more than enough of their own already.

If it's North America the OP wants, another option will really be needed. Western Europe might be a possibility.

scottie1113 · Joined: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 375 Location: Gdansk

Hmmm. Didn't know that about Canada. I agree that Western Europe might be worth a look.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I agree that Western Europe might be worth a look.

With more quals than the OP currently has, just to again be (crystal) clear.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 2:13 pm Post subject:

Aw I dunno about that, Spiral, me old master. Charm can get you a long way...

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

OK and you're the master of the world!! Big deal!! I will get the MA degreee and even higher. Then we'll see whose posts are going to be negative.

Yep, Sasha, I see your point. Huge charm potential Shocked

LongShiKong · Joined: 28 May 2007 Posts: 1082 Location: China