Job Discussion Forums

Reag · Joined: 22 Apr 2005 Posts: 2

Hi to everyone

I was trying to find out some information about teaching in the EU. I'm a 31 year old Australian and only have an Australian passport. I have already done my 2 years in the UK on a working holiday visa BUT am really keen to get back to Europe to work.

Does anyone know if it's possible to get legal work in the EU? I was thinking of countries such as the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and the like.

I have a CELTA and 2 years experience in TEFL.

Looking forward to hearing from anyone who can give me some helpful information.

Many thanks
Regan

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

The laws are different in every country.
Short answer is that it's difficult to impossible to find legal work in Spain, Italy, or France. Possible, though you've got to jump through lots of hoops in Germany. Netherlands, impossible, also Austria and Switzerland. But these short, blanket answers are just that - you should do some specific research involving the locations you're most interested in. Your qualifications might make a little difference, at least in the case that you are certified to teach a 'core' subject in an international school, for example.

schminken · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 4:07 pm Post subject:

Possible? Well, anything is possible. But let me be really honest with you, it's probably the hardest search you will ever set out to do. Most of the legal work available in these countries are positions at tertiary institutions and require a Masters or Ph.d.

Language schools are run and staffed by locals with superior English skills and native speakers are not usually a hot commodity. Secondary schools usually employee part time language assistants but these are organized by a third party like a university or an organization such as Fulbright.

That's just the way it is.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

I second schminken in particular.
Generally, the competency in at least one, better still: several Eurlopean languages is a minimum requirement.

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

Roger, that simply is not true - at least in Italy.

What is important here is EU citizenship or valid workiing papers. Some non-EU citizens have found limited work (20 hours a week) by signing on at accredited universities. They can work to support their studies.

schminken · Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 9:10 am Post subject:

Of course it is easier with valid with EU working papers! I didn't mean to imply that it wasn't. However, based on the original post, it sounds like the person does not have valid EU working papers. I could be mistaken.

I am American and I work legally in Austria. It was so hard to get this job and a CELTA certificate just won't cut it at a tertiary institution, at least here in Austria. That's why I was pointing out you need a Masters or Ph.d.

So how did I do it? Right time, right place? Venus was aligned with Mars? It is that difficult sometimes to find work in German speaking countries. I do have the qualifications but I also think the forces of all that is good were also on my side. If you really want to do it, I'm not saying it's impossible, just almost impossible:)

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

To get a visa your employer must persuade immigration he can't find an appropriately qualified EU citizen. Pretty difficutl.

And even if he could, then it may well be that the visa takes months, and you can't legally work until you have it, which means your employer will either have to risk breaking the law or sit and wait until you have the visa, during which time you won't be able to legally work.

Edda · Joined: 22 Apr 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Lisbon

Unfortunately, I'll have to agree with the others. It's ALMOST impossible to get a work permit in southern European countries, unless you're married to an EU citizen. Speaking from my experience, sometimes, even being married to an EU citizen doesn't solve the residence problem for at least 1,5 year...

Best,
Eda
Sad

Reag · Joined: 22 Apr 2005 Posts: 2

Thanks for the information everyone! How depressing being an Australian and holding an Australian passport only!!!!!! Oh well hopefully I can still owkr in Eastern Europe before EU citizens are only employed there as well.

Cheers
Regan Smile

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Aussies can be legal in Turkey.

preston · Joined: 08 Dec 2004 Posts: 107

[quote="Reag"] How depressing being an Australian and holding an Australian passport only!!!!!! Oh well hopefully I can still owkr in Eastern Europe before EU citizens are only employed there as well.

It's only fair- it's incredibly difficult to get a work permit in Australia

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

rogan · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 416 Location: at home, in France

dmb :-

Turkey isn't part of the EU

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

I know and it will be another 10-15 years if ever. However for an Aussie it is maybe the easiest solution(to be legal). It's the best paid place on the doorstep of the EU at the moment.