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[Tumteetum]

I'm very keen to spend some time working in Romania but I'm not really into the whole contracts, fixed hours, observed classes, tied to one school type thing (although it seems there's not too much of that going on there anyway).

Here in Poland I teach for between 5 and 7 schools/organisations in town, working in companies teaching Business English. I've also built up my own mini horde of privates through contacts at the local universities.

So my question really is this: Is there scope for this type of work in Romania? Obviously I wouldn't expect to instantly have 25 - 30 hours a week but is there decent scope for building that up - a few hours here and there with different schools, privates, Business English etc.?

Any pointers greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

[Mike_2003]

Hi Tumteetum,

There aren't many schools offering English in Romania, maybe 5 or 6, and the British Council mop up most of the money contracts. There are a few schools you could try, and I'll send you their details if you like - they might have enough contracts coming in from time to time to get you some pocket money on a freelance arrangement.

Most of the English language learning here is done at high school and the private lessons the students take are more or less just money-for-grades scams by their teachers to boost their admittedly poor salaries.

Privates are also available, although in my experience the students here are less reliable than in other countries with a high rate of cancelled or postponed lessons. As you say, reputation is important here so it would take you time to build up enough work to live on. I've been here over two years now and I've got a full schedule, a mixture of in-company contracts (who require invoices) and privates, although I try to keep the privates to a minimum.

Anyway, feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Mike