Job Discussion Forums

waltish · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 2

Hey everyone, I'm new to ESL and the cafe.

I was wondering about job availability in Luxembourg. My sister is studying abroad there and I was hoping to get a job there and be able to split the rent with her. I just want to know if tere is a strong market for ESL teachers there. Does anyone know of any language schools in Lux.? I was also wondering about visas and work permits, is Luxembourg as strict as other European countries as far as not allowing non-e.u. citizens to work there? Any info you can share is greatly appreciated.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I taught in Luxembourg 2000/2001. I don't know how much has changed, but I can tell you what the deal was then.
It was actually possible for North Americans to get legal working papers, though it was a long, arduous process.

There were jobs for teachers. People who are employed in the banking industry have to pass basic English exams, and Luxembourgers and those who work there (tens of thousands of French and German people drive in daily to work) generally have studied English in school, but have no daily need for the language, and hence, need teachers so they can pass these exams.

However, remember, Luxembourg is very small. There were exactly two language schools in the city, employing a total of about 40 - 50 teachers max. Those teachers worked around the country, and sometimes we drove into France to businesses as well. So, no, can't be said to be a 'strong' market for teachers.

Finally, as with most European locations, you have to be there, professionally dressed, CV in hand, to even get an interview. It's almost impossible to do anything from abroad.

waltish · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 2

Thanks for the info, you wouldn't happen to know the names of those schools, I'm searching all over the net, but I can't seem to locate a school in Lux.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Sorry, have lost my old address book. One is a chain, and one is private. Go for the private one, if possible.
I honestly wouldn't worry too much about contacting the schools in advance in any case. It's very unlikely that you'd even hear anything back from them. You really have to be there on site to even get an interview....

daily chai · Joined: 16 Nov 2003 Posts: 150 Location: Brussels

daily chai · Joined: 16 Nov 2003 Posts: 150 Location: Brussels

There are a lot of new jobs in Luxembourg/Luxemburg for experienced TEFL-ers at the European Institutions (various EU organizations). I heard in the pipeline there is a huge 'bon de commande' (order) for new English classes so if anyone's interested, apply around at language schools in LUX. BTW after being in Benelux for a year I'd no longer say you have to show up in person to get a job, the demand is so high you can apply in Belgium from afar by email (that's how big the bon de commande is!)

I've met Americans working here without papers but they all get deported at one time or another. Word to the wise. The cops knock on your door and give you 2 weeks' notice to vacate the country. In some other threads people are saying North Americans can get their papers here if they're patient and stand in line, etc. but being here in Brussels I haven't seen that as the case. Even I got threatened, hassled, told to show proof of XYZ and I'm married to someone from the EU. When we showed up together with our passports and marriage certificate the problem cleared up. Be careful and if you come anyway get an open-ended return ticket.