Job Discussion Forums

[carolynne]

This is a factual account of how a local would get a job teaching English:

There is a small demand for EFL teachers in Cape Town as it is growing as an English immersion holiday destination that's far cheaper than the UK/US etc. Best time to pick up work is around October/November for the holiday rush or May/June. Expect pay of around R45 - R60 an hour. I made far more teaching privates (between R100 - R200) but I am very well connected in this area. Unfortunately you HAVE to be a native English speaker with a clear, good English accent, about 30% of the population are native English speakers your boss will know immediately if English is not your first language. You need to also be TEFL (CELTA etc) qualified and (I think) need a degree.

Getting started:
For a general, rather comprehensive list of language schools try:
www.yellowpages.co.za (search 'language school').
The best option would be to email CV's to everybody and call them a week/ten days later. Advertise for privates in hostels - and perhaps contact them for info about teaching jobs, South Africans in the tourism industry tend to be very, very helpful (get listing via yellow pages).

Legal issues:
The chance of getting a long term contract is slim unless you do some temping for the company first. If you temp you could (legally) expect a weeks notice if you've worked for four weeks or more or one weeks pay... But sometimes you won't get that. (After a year expect a months notice). Generally local businesses will pay you, but probably on African time (ie a couple of working days late, a week is probably the most you should go before trying to sort something out). All companies are terrified of the CCMA (the labour court) but a healthy fear of the South African legal system is definitely justified. Don't go this route unless you've really been badly treated!

Crime:
Is bad but... Common sense really does go a long way. Read your lonely planet, speak to the locals and don't think that just because this is one of the most beautiful countries that the people ignore their own hunger in order that you have a good trip. Many people are hungry, be sensible and treat them with respect.

Other:
While ESL jobs exist, getting jobs in the tourism industry is easier and a better way to get to meet locals. The pay is also far better.
ESL volunteer positions exist, but generally these cost alot.

If you have any questions regarding this please post a thread. I wish however to avoid long winded, closed minded discussions about South Africa's economic climate etc.

I hope this helps, C