Job Discussion Forums

[Schwaman]

Hi,

I'm wanting to start a career in teaching English. I've a good TEFL qualification and plenty of determination. What would be a good country in Europe to start out in? Please note I don't have a degree yet, something I'll be working on later. It would be preferable if it were somewhere where the pay could get quite good over time (by average EU standards).

Any pointers most welcome..

[spiral78]

The first question is a really basic one: can you work legally within the EU?

If so, there will be issues in terms of getting started without a degree, as well. Prior to obtaining a degree and experience, you're definitely looking at lower-paying jobs in general, with corresponding lesser benefits.

Moving up to really professional levels in Europe often means an MA in an applicable field, if you are really looking to make this a career. Of course, that can come later, but without even the first one, you're really starting around the lower levels.

This means that you can expect to make enough money to live, but not to save, or travel substantially, or to pay off any debts you may have. That's the basic starting reality, assuming you are an EU member citizen. If you're not, you're starting on an even shakier footing, depending on what country you decide to head for.

[Chasgul]

Europe continent or Europe-EU?

Check out the threads in the newbie forum for all this and more....

[Otterman Ollie]

Not much help so far are they ?
If you are not an E.U citizen then nowhere is the answer . However,there are places on the fringes as it were that have a number of unqualified and inexperienced so called teachers,I think that section applies to you . It would mean starting in a language school or Dershane,don't expect much of a salary and you won't be disappointed,you are illegal therefore basically without rights or getting redress if you get shafted,which of course you will ,many times . Still interested ?

[Schwaman]

Hi!

Thanks all very much for the replies they have been helpful.

Yeah I've British nationality so fortunetly I can work in the EU legally. I suppose until I get better qualifications I would have to procure private work to help save. Are there any suggestions for particular countries or places where opportunities for this might be good?

Does anyone know off hand if Austria has much in the way of opportunities with a school for a newbie? I notice there isn't a specific forum for this country from what I can see.

Thanks.

[spiral78]

You're right - not much going in Austria, and most of what's there tends to require a fair level of qualification.
You might check out Luxembourg. There are (were two years ago) two relatively large private schools there with tons of work in the financial sector. Pay was quite decent, though the hours were long. Lots of travel around the city required, but you'll find that's true at most private language schools in Europe (you're usually teaching businesspeople at their offices). There was a need for teachers as most EU native English speakers don't want to go there, thanks to the London-style weather and the fact that the country's landlocked and without any major airport.

By the way, Otterman, it appears that I covered all the same info as you - so I'm not sure what you mean by previous posts not being very helpful. Should I have written more simply? I'll repeat : No degree = lower pay and benefits. Professional level = M.A. (usually). Starting off = making a living, but not much more. No EU citizen = even lower start.

[Schwaman]

Thanks spiral78, I'll check out Luxembourg. London like weather is better then Irish weather where I'm living, anything better is a bonus! Besides I get to practice my French!

[spiral78]

French is the working language, and the native language is a rather weird mixture of French/German. Food's also fantastic in Luxembourg....wouldn't mind returning there myself, I must say!

[afowles]

Try Poland (or any other of the new EU countries).

In Poland, one can find work without having a degree, and your certificate and experience will go a long way. You might have to spend your first year in a smaller town, but then you can upgrade. There are PLENTY of private language schools here, which may not be true of other European countries (I couldn't see any language school signs in Vienna).

The pay is comparably good. That is, when compared to "regular" Polish salaries. But if you live near Katowice, Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan, or Bydgoszcz (and maybe even some others), you are a cheap flight away from London.

[XXX]

Poland. Easy living and more money than south or east of there. Great food, excellent beer and pretty ladies. But you will have to be able to teach- if you can't, STAY HOME. But if you do come, bring your long johns.

[gerr]

Poland. If you have no experience Poland is a good bet as it joined the EU over a year ago and is currently crying out for English teachers. The Callan method is very popular in Poland. It is a teaching method that promises the students Engish 4 times faster than traditional English. It is mind numbingly boring but incredibly easy to teach.
I spent 6 months in Oswiecim (aka Auswitch) teaching The Callan Method which is about an hour away from Krackow which is fantastic. With this experience I then moved on to another city near Gdansk teaching traditional English.
Money wise, its very very cheap to travel in Poland, and yes the beer and cigarettes are even cheaper. Its as good a place as any to start. Stay away from Katowice and Zabre. Cesspits.
I dont have a degree either and I had no problems getting work. Thousands of jobs in Poland but its really cold in the winter.

[Schwaman]

Hi guys thanks for the replies, very helpful.

I don't mind the winter as long as its not always raining like here in Ireland!!

What would be the typical starting salary in Poland for a newbie? Would there be much scope for private lessons, and if so what is the going rate?

How did you find the language barrier? I had one lesson of Polish and can count to 10, I have to say it wasn't easy!!

[XXX]

As for the pay scale, it would depend on if you were working in Poland A, B. or C. Privates: If you are a good teacher, they will beat a path to your door- and again, the rate would depend on which Poland you are teaching in. The winter, well, I wouldn't worry about rain. Think cold and snow. But then again, the skiing in Zakopane is excellent ( as is the night life).

[gerr]

Hey,
typical pay for a newbie teaching Callan is a little lower than traditional teaching.
Private lessons are easy to come by to supplement your salary. I honestly cant remember what salary I was earning but it was twice what a doctor would make. I had a few privates in both towns and as far as I can remember I was getting 120zl into the hand for each lesson. Its 4zl for a large beer!
As for the language barrier, yes Polish is tough. We made a deal with both schools to provide us with free Polish lessons. Once you know a few basics its not too difficult. If you go to Gdansk, Krackow, Warsaw etc there are a lot of English speaking people, especially in Krackow.
(I'm Irish in China. I miss the Irish weather. The Polish weather isnt as depressing as the Irish weather and not as damp. But the pubs arent as good either.)

I got our first job on the internet, also google search for TEFL Polish job websites, there a few decent ones. Check what the schools are offering and take it from there. I think, but I hesitate, that we were making 3000zl each per month. I think...
The pay is better down south and the scenery is nicer, and its amazingly cheap to travel up north and to other countries in eastern europe.

[orangiey]

Hi
I'm looking at Poland but have never heard of the callum method. I have a Celta and am currently teaching in China. Can someone enligten me on this. Oh, I'm also a UK citizen.
cheers