Job Discussion Forums

Steppenwolf · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 1769

Guten Tag, Freunde und Freundinnen!

This is Steppenwolf, TEFL veteran currently based in China, looking to get some pointers about getting employment in Germany, jawohl!

The German lingo poses no problemo, nor do quals. The reason why I am asking is manifold:
- I have been in the Chinese boonies for several years (began last century...) - will that compromise my chances?

- I have been teaching English here most of the time though I also taught German (and have an excellent testimonial from my British superior at that school);

- the main snag is this: I am getting married to a Chinese national (and that's the reason why I want to go to Germany!) - this could be a serious counterweight to my hopes, doesn't it? I hope she can work here too though she speaks no Deutsch! How about Mandarin classes? Any freelance classes?

In short, I am asking for the Impossible; is it possible to succeed? "Wer nichts wagt, gewinnt nichts..."
And yes, I am not an E.U. passport holder though I have close relatives in an E.U. country. My parents hailed from Europe, though.

What's your opinion, folks? Thanks in advance!

Deicide

nelly06 · Joined: 18 Sep 2006 Posts: 22 Location: Japan

Hi Steppenwolf,

agree with Deicide: pretty tough without EU-passport. My two cents worth: try to get your hands on a European passport since your parents came from Europe! Go to the relevant embassy-consulate and get it rolling....
Regarding your wife: I don't believe that the Einwanderungsbehoerde makes any difference between nationalities- only the old EU/non EU story. I have a bit of experience in that field (German, married to non EU citizen) and had endless converstations with the relevant offices.
Feel free to PM !

nelly06 · Joined: 18 Sep 2006 Posts: 22 Location: Japan

Dear Suzi K,

Are you looking for English teachers sipping GOJI juice in front of their classes????[/quote]

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 3:14 pm Post subject:

nelly06 · Joined: 18 Sep 2006 Posts: 22 Location: Japan

Showem · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 31

Steppenwolf, never minding the work visa issue, are you prepared to try and support two of you on a teaching income in Germany? If you have been in the backwaters of China for a while, you might be in for a shock at the difference in the cost of living.

I wouldn't say being married to anyone in particular or having been in China will mar your chances, but I would look at how much you can reasonably expect to earn (remember that most teachers work freelance in Germany, meaning no health care, pension, etc along with the wacky hours) before you start packing to arrive here.

abusalam4 · Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 143

Steppenwolf,

it is like the other people in this board said: Getting a legal job over here is difficult because you are not a EU passport holder. The same may apply with respect to your Chinese wife....

Also, please consider this: You would have find and pay for your own housing, and rents in Germany are quite high. It might be difficult to pay for this and other regular expenses with a pretty low income you may have when working here for some of the private language schools. You will be a freelancer here, not being paid during holidays and vacation, and you have no basic "income security". Their pay is mostly crap, and no German person (with a decent university degree) would be really willing to work for that.

I do not know your age...but I think that from a certain mature age on you would be much less in favour of "adventures" and a relatively unstable life. This is why I would only apply for university jobs anywhere I would go.

Hermann Hesse is nice to read but real life these days in Germany is somewhat harder and ..... [/b]

Jetset · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 74

Deicide · Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2007 7:06 am Post subject: Re: Job in Germany?????

Psst-Rolex? · Joined: 24 May 2007 Posts: 12

If both your parent were born in an EU Country you are legally entitled to apply for, and receive, an EU passport from the country where they were born. To get your passport, based on info you provided, it is a simple application process. However, If only one of your parents were born in the EU it gets a bit tricky. As for your wife; if you hold an EU passport your wife is automatically entitled to a 5 year residence visa for the EU country you live in. Remember if your parents were born in (lets say Britian) and you want to live in Germany; you must obtain your British passport, your wife needs a Schengen Visa (this is valid for 90 days) and during this 90 days you need to apply for a Residence visa for your wife in Germany. No EU country can deny your wife residency in their country once you have your EU passport.

Deicide · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 2:01 pm Post subject:

Psst-Rolex? · Joined: 24 May 2007 Posts: 12

I'm afraid your wrong, but not on all points you raise. What you indicate about Germany is true to some extent. However, let me present additional info for you. What I presented are documented facts and EU law, therfore binding on all EU countries. Rather than write a lengthy explaination, and as each situation can present its own unique circumstances, you may refer to this link. It is basic info but sums it up quite neatly.
http://www.wikihow.com/Obtain-an-EU-Passport-as-a-US-Citizen

Deicide · Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 6:40 am Post subject:

Psst-Rolex? · Joined: 24 May 2007 Posts: 12

Wiki was my choice of response as it was a clear general description. However, my initial post is fact based on my personal situation and experience with EU law.
It definitely was not.
[absolute misinformation] or based on an opinion.
That said, I'd be happy to help you or Steppenwolf if you want to know what to expect or how to proceed based on your exact circumstances. [/quote]