Job Discussion Forums

xeunis · Joined: 03 Apr 2014 Posts: 6

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone had any information about the University of Vienna. I recently saw a job post for English instructors.

The required qualification and experience for the job seem minimal:
University/College degree
ESL teaching certificate
Minimum one year teaching experience

The position is for 25 teaching hrs/wk with a class of 23 students.

The salary offered is 3800 Euro/month after tax with accommodation assistance. Would that be standard for the cost of living in Vienna? I know it's an expensive city.

Also, any information about teaching at the University would be great. Thank you in advance! Very Happy

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

The salary offered in comparison to required quals is very suspicious. Another red flag would be if they don't specify EU member state citizenship required. I suspect this is a scam.
I have some connections in the Austrian university system who always forward me legit openings. This didn't come my way and definitely seems outside the usual norms (salary/requirements). I suggest you follow thru (it would be a great offer if true) but do NOT send them any money for anything!

xeunis · Joined: 03 Apr 2014 Posts: 6

Thank you for the advice spiral78! I really appreciate it! I will proceed with caution. Very Happy

I found the job on profsabroad.com btw. I'm not sure if that means anything in regards to validity. ???

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

No, sorry, it doesn't necessarily reflect positively.

Are you an EU member citizen? That's the biggest red flag of all; an existing legal right to work in Austria is a minimum basic qualification for an actual job. If they are inviting you through some sort of visa procurement scheme, it's definitely bogus.

I'd send you a pm if I could but you have to have 6 posts before pms will work. The salary you quote is higher than that offered for a university job in a different Austrian city, but which (as is typical) required existing legal working status in Austria, German language proficiency, related Master's degree, and three years of experience.

Again, if this offer is genuine, it's very unusually good.

xeunis · Joined: 03 Apr 2014 Posts: 6

danshengou · Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2017 11:14 pm Post subject:

danshengou · Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2017 12:00 am Post subject:

I searched on the university website and found no job listing for English instructors. That coupled with the salary and work conditions suggests it is bogus.

xeunis · Joined: 03 Apr 2014 Posts: 6

Siobhan 22 · Joined: 13 Jul 2016 Posts: 170

The offer is not necessarily bogus, though does sound generous.

I replied to an offer from a Swiss polytechnique advertised on www.eslemployment.com. I couldn't upload my own CV so I also sent an application to the university's HR dept directly which I found on their website.

The applicant might also wish to do this on the Vienna University website to double check.

The Swiss offer was similar - 3600E with only 2 years' minimum experience for a univ. prep. lang programme. This was 3600E NET. Unofrtunately, the cheapest one-bedroomed flat locally was about 1200E so there are downfalls.
However, compared with risking Saudi Arabia for less than 3600E and free accommodation, most people would opt for Switzerland (or Austria).

Siobhan 22 · Joined: 13 Jul 2016 Posts: 170

double post/ time delay.

Siobhan 22 · Joined: 13 Jul 2016 Posts: 170

BTW, the website referred to - profsabroad.com - asks for a 3-month or 1-year subscription. $19 for three months.

Never heard of it before.

I find it slightly strange that the poster writes "I found the job on profsabroad.com btw. I'm not sure if that means anything in regards to validity. ???" yet did not mention this was a subscription website.

Siobhan 22 · Joined: 13 Jul 2016 Posts: 170

Additionally, note the official website warning (Vienna University)

https://sprachenzentrum.univie.ac.at/en/ueber-uns/jobs/

"ATTENTION: Currently, some ESL-sites contain scam-adverts for ESL-jobs at the University of Vienna. Please note that the Language Center currently has no vacancies for English teachers - and does not use any such sites!!"

A very strong note of caution to be applied.