Job Discussion Forums

[TeacherFromNZ]

Hi

I'm a fully registered primary school teacher from New Zealand. English is my first language but I also speak fluent Italian. I'd love to live and teach in Italy but due to strict regulations, this isn't going to happen.

Can anyone help me out with suggestions of countries (or schools) to teach in Europe where I will be able to get a visa and live/work. I don't really want to go to the UK. Croatia? Andorra? Somewhere I haven't considered yet. All help appreciated. Thanks

[spiral78]

The 'new' EU member countries are generally still open to non-EU candidates (though exact laws vary by country). You could consider the Czech Rep, Poland, Slovakia, etc.

[naturegirl321]

Yep, new Eu countries. Poland might be possible. Although you can teach in the newer EU ones, and I've been looking, I was told that they still prefer people with EU passports or valid work permits.

[Hadit]

It would make sense to make a sticky explaining this issue of EU passport vs. non passport holders.

I've looked and read for about an hour on places where I as an American could gain employment, and have yet to come across a complete list. Maybe there should be a list of the countries with a periodically updated description of the feasibility or ease in which a non-EU passport holder may gain employment there.

[spiral78]

I think the difficulty is that we are a loose collection of regular posters with knowledge about specific countries, and a general idea about the region.

Getting one comprehensive list with regular updates would involve organising quite a few disparate posters who may or may not have any other reason to keep current on visa laws.

You're probably more likely to get real current knowledge from training centres in-country - their staff have a real reason to keep current on the laws.

[Insubordination]

NZ has a Working Holiday Visa agreement with Italy, and other European countries, though you would need to be under 30. There are also some international schools in Italy which hire qualified primary teachers. I should think they'd be highly sought after, but it's worth looking into.

[Suyu]

Germany is relatively easy to get a work permit if you have a job offer.

With out a job offer if you can get at least two schools to give you a letter stating they would like to chance to give you work then you can register for a freelance visa and will normally get one.

Going for the second option will get you an open visa the first option will probably be restricted to the school which in itself is a contradiciton to German freelance laws??????

[JLS89]

Look into schools in Switzerland, Croatia, or Norway... Bulgaria was also recently admitted into the EU, but when I was there in summer of 2009, they were not using the Euro.

[hollysuel]

If you can find a job with a language school/university that will sponsor your visa then you can go to any country. That is the problem, why would a language school spend their money sponsoring a visa when British/Irish teachers are a dime a dozen? Also, the language schools will hire non-EU teachers who are married to EU citizens so that they don't have to sponsor a working visa. If you do manage to find a school that would do it in the EU--it is like winning the lottery (which is very rare)! AND you would have to be very, very qualified and most likely more qualified than any of your peers. (I am one of the lucky few who got in this way, so it is possible, but very, very difficult.)

[andre818]

[naturegirl321]

[spiral78]

Andy - good question, but the answer's unfortunately no - because:
It's not a matter of costs. The last time I got a specialist work visa, it was only about 75 euro - not a big problem.

BUT:

To overcome the 'EU citizen only' hiring law, the school has to show to its national government that you have qualifications no EU member citizen can match, and then petition for an exception to the rule in your case.

That's why, without specialist quals (or an EU member spouse) it just doesn't happen, outside of working holiday visas if you are eligible.

If I recall correctly, you're CELTA certified, with minimal experience so far, and no university degree. Schools in the EU won't be able to make a case on your behalf for specialist quals, if that's correct.

[spiral78]

What it can take to get a 'exceptional' work visa - in my experience (hollysuel, maybe you can add to this?):

Related MA at least +

some speciality/skill/additional qualification that the institution needs
(these could be demonstrated by publication, conference presentations, etc).
and likely local contacts, particularly in more desirable locations.

Do keep in mind that there are a lot of UK holders of related MAs out there, so just getting the degree definitely won't guarantee you a shot at EU jobs.

Also, it may well matter what institution 'you' get the MA from - European universities and international schools get lots and lots of applications for any published opening (I can vouch for this!!) and the name of the university where you got your degree can help you to stand out - or not.

[markcmc]

[naturegirl321]