Job Discussion Forums

[King Of Valencia]

Hello all , I would like to get information about teaching English in Europe. Being a retired American police officer and interested in teaching/ living in Europe what are the chances of finding work. As a non EU member thankfully I hear that its very hard..

I�m looking at EBC or the Canterbury school in Madrid. Is there any one with any information on these or that attended them . Thanks for any constructive comments. And I�m only kidding about the EU.

KOV

[Sasha137]

King,

I am currently taking Canterbury's TEFL course, and have started teaching my 40 hours of supervised classes, so I can give my impressions so far. I cannot speak of EBC as I know nothing about them.

I think "mileage may vary" depending much on yourself, how you approach TEFL, your expectations, your goals, your attitude (big one), and any other teaching experience you may have.

I am enjoying my TEFL training...it is work, make no mistake, but the trainers are excellent in my opinion. All of them are experienced teachers, have been "in the trenches" for years, and much of the training incorporates lessons they've learned in the "school of hard knocks" teaching and surviving as ESL teachers in Madrid. I think one of the biggest advantages with Canterbury is that by the end of the course I will have accumulated 40 hours of actual TEFL teaching experience. Whether it means beans in the TEFL world I can't say...but I'm sure it must. I do believe by the end of my teaching practicum I will be a better, and more effective teacher because of it.

Caution...if you are interested in Canterbury, then be sure to read all of the material on the website pertaining to the course and its details. I think the way Canterbury has structured the pay-back for the 40 hours of TEFL teaching is good, certainly a teaching motivator ... but be clear on how it works. I know it has caused confusion for a few people. Be sure you understand it, and talk to them at the office if you need clarification.

So, bottom line I suppose is whether I would take the course again as I near course completion? Yes, I would take it again, I hope with the same trainers. Honestly, when I came here I was debating whether I would stay in Madrid after the TEFL...or head for Eastern Europe/Russia to teach. But I've liked Canterbury so far, so I'm going to stay here in Madrid.

Feel free to PM me.

[Moore]

As a retired policeman I�m sure you�ll appreciate that working without papers in the EU is illegal. Or doesn�t that matter?

[King Of Valencia]

Well Heir Moore, I could just retire there in Spain sit in the sun find a warm Spanish woman, make fun of English people and not worry about work.. Not saying your English mind you.

Opps, sorry I try to keep the Scot in me in check when it comes to the English As well As my German half when it comes to the French.

But for the most part I like all. But I do want to get some information on these teaching jobs there and else where in Europe. That�s why I joined this site. I never taught the subject of English. I have been an Police weapon and training officer for the last 15 years. So this type of teaching would be a bit different. Kind of a Kindergarten cop thing if you know what I mean.

But hey get some donuts and coffee in the class room and you got it right�..

Well thanks for your reply, and take no offence on me making fun of the Brit�s and French. Some of my best memories was teaching Police officers from these two fine countries.

KOV

[King Of Valencia]

Hello Sasha137
Thank you for your reply. I have checked in to your school your attend ending now. And interesting it is.
I have also seen lately that a lot of people going to these kind of schools have already got degrees to teach. Is that true in your class now. Can a person with no university degree proceed in this endeavor? also is the general age of students in the younger bracket, or is there some sexy older folks as well.

Sadly I have no degree, but have many years of being an instructor in the Law enforcement field. I will start calling these schools to make enquires this coming week to get some answers.

Is there any Americans attending your class ? As you know being a non EU person puts a bit of a twist of finding teaching positions in EU countries. I know its possible but not as easy for you EU folks.

As for the Eastern Block Nations I have traveled to Russia and Ukraine frequently. I actually find both these countries and the people to be grand. But, I have read in investigating the teaching positions there, that the pay and work conditions are quite a bit different than what your used to in Spain for instance. I�m still very much investigating those two countries for work. Being a single red blooded guy well these two countries have lot to offer.

As well working in Spain I love that country I try to visit there with my children As much as we can. Sadly never spent much time in Madrid. I mostly go to Valencia and south from there.

Thank you so much for your reply, I look forward to hearing how your progress in your studies and career there in Madrid is going. I�m going to attend one of those school there in Oct early nov. Just don�t know which one yet

Thanks again KOV.
PS, how do you send a PM on this thing

[preston]

Dear King,
I am an EU citizen with a BA in Modern Languages. Can I come to New York and get a job as a policeman? I have no work permit or experience but I've always wanted to live in NY.

[j bradley]

There are lots of threads on EBC, IH (International House) and other accredited TEFL courses. The accrediting bodies are CELTA, College of Teachers, Trinity, these are well established accrediting bodies from the UK.

My opinion is: Look into TEFL programs that are accredited, this is my cents worth. They seem to carry more cred when you start interviewing. All TEFL course programs give teaching practice classes, I guess thats the difference between online courses and presencial ones. When I was looking, I was choosing between EBC and IH (International House), I went with EBC because of their job placement assistance program. Needless to say I�m glad I took their course. Like Sasha I was happy with my school as she is with hers. There are lots of choices out there so you have to ask a lot of questions, ask for references, and if you�re one of those lucky ones and you�re in town, pay the school a visit.

What you can also do is call the schools you�re interested in. You don�t have to be in Madrid to do this because if I remember correctly most schools have toll free numbers from the States or the UK. I believe International House and EBC have toll free lines, so when I was looking from the States, I did take advantage of these free call (that is free to me) and just asked away. You gotta do it this way, really look into all the available programs. Moving to another country is no joke and you must make sure you have done your homework.

Also speaking to someone for those very important questions is always more comforting than just booking everything through the internet.(Especially if you�re calling on their toll free numbers anyway! )


�suerte!


jennifer

[Knappstar]

Hey King,

Not trying to be rude, but if you write to schools asking whether or not Americans are there, be sure to phrase the question like that-"Are there Americans at your school?" instead of "Is there Americans at your school?" Never good to have glaring grammatical snafus in a letter to a possible employer.

Cheers,

Andy