Job Discussion Forums

[eae7]

So I really just do not get it, why is it so hard for Americans to get jobs in W. Europe? I know it sounds bad but really some one just break it down for me. So is it just difficult, the paper work to get a visa, lots of competition or the fact one is american?

I would like to get started at least attempting to get a work visa for the Schegen region, however I do not know if it is just a waste of time because i am an american.

[ls650]

I don't think the situation is much different for Brits trying to teach English in the USA...

[Cdaniels]

I don't think its the same for Brits getting jobs in the US. Although it may seem like some sort of poetic justice. The idea behind the regulations on both sides is the same: that immigration boards do not want foreigners taking jobs that can be done by native workers.
The EU is a multinational organization, though, which makes it kind of different. I believe Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians have nearly as much trouble getting work visas in the EU as US citizens.
Part of the problem for Brits and Irish in the US comes from the poor job market in ESL teaching. If there were an economic demand for such teachers, I'm sure US employers could find loopholes (like they do for computer programmers and computer scientists)

But, for eae7's original question, It is because Americans are not EU citizens that it is difficult to get legal jobs. Any EU passport holders (including those with dual citizenship) have an easy time of it.

[eae7]

thank you, it makes sense. I just believe I need to chnage my plans a bit.

[Justin Trullinger]

In most EU countries, if you find a job, with a legitimate employer who is willing to sponsor your papers, it can be done. (Even if you are from the US.)

They'll have to say that you have some skill that they need, that a national of an EU country couldn't provide, in order to do it. Often, in the case of language schools, they do this by simply pointing out that a large percentage of their students want to learn "American English." They're nothing like the majority, but I have met some number of Americans teaching legally in various parts of Europe.

The problem is, for this to work, a school has to want you, personally. If they're just looking for "any teacher," they'll hire an EU national and avoid the hassles. This means they have to meet you. As a US citizen, you'll probably need to go to your country of choice, find a school, wow them with your stunning abilities and experience, leave the country to get your visa, and return. It's complicated, and expensive. It also only works if you really can wow them with your abilities. If you're just starting out, and if they're just looking for a warm body, they may hire you, but they won't do your papers.

Regards,
Justin

[spiral78]

Justin's post makes a valid general point, but you should be aware that even if a school wants you and is willing to make a case for you, it's still not always legally possible. Depends on the country.
When I first arrived in the Netherlands with my M.A. in TESL/TELF and eight years of previous experience, the local uni wanted me enough to make a court case at Den Haag to ask for an exception to the EU hiring laws. It would have been a logical case, since the uni needed at least one North American speaker on staff, as per many student requests. However, the DOS was told one day before the case was scheduled not to bother to make the trip, that the case was denied outright as being against the current laws.
I was ultimately able to get a work permit thanks to my spouse's international employer having swung a blanket deal to cover non-EU spouses of their staff. But that was a fluke!

[lalalateda]

[Justin Trullinger]

New EU countries, or anyplace the Brits don't like to go.

Try Poland, which is new EU, or Germany, which the Brits seem to avoid. I know or know of a fair number of US citizens in both places...

Justin