Job Discussion Forums

[whimzee42]

I want to bounce around to Latin America & Asia first. Then, maybe go back & get my secondary Ed certification (in English, in which I have an MA) through an alternative cert program in the states.

Are International schools in Europe more willing to go through the work permit BS for Americans than your average language schools? I know the perks/ pay are better.

Thanks

[queenkp]

American schools might be willing to hire you, but keep in mind with no experience teaching or teaching certification your options with these schools might be limited. An MA could get your foot in the door if there are openings (English is a popular subject to teach) though teaching ESL is not the same as teaching literature/English, and all schools I've come in contact with hire ESL teachers for ESL teaching positions and English teachers for English teaching positions. Keep in mind international schools are very professional and expensive, so they are looking for experienced teachers with knowledge of child development, learning styles and theories, etc. Consider their standards equal to or higher than those needed to teach in most public schools in the US.

I've never come across a private language school that will deal with work permits for Americans in the original EU nations, though the 10 new EU countries might still have loopholes that allow Americans to work at their schools. (I'm in Slovenia, where Americans are not allowed to work at private schools; however, I've heard that Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Poland will still hire Americans.) You're right to realize the perks/pay are better, but the workload and responsibilities are much more significant.

Good luck!