Job Discussion Forums

[kingmalka]

Greetings everybody

As a quick background, after high school here in Los Angeles I honestly felt that I wasn't quite ready for another 4+ years of school. I thus acquired a position as iT for a game production company in Santa Monica, and have been saving money ever since. I am now 19 and ready to begin a new adventure and possibly life abroad.

I believe I have a fairly strong grasp of the English language, and I truly wish to help students communicate their thoughts, feelings and dreams by empowering them to use the tools of language to reach out and connect with other human beings -- truthfully, however, my passion for overseas teaching mainly derives from the opportunity to experience a completely new country and culture. I also feel the need to develop as a human being and member of society before returning to school.

My question for you kind folk is thus: I have already purchased a ticket to Israel to visit family in Tel Aviv (July 3rd-August 1st). It would clearly be quite convenient to remain in Israel and teach there (if at all possible), but I would honestly prefer to experience a culture I havn't already engaged with. Italy, Netherlands, France, possibly Spain -- I am intrigued by all. For one such as myself and current situation, what suggestions could you all offer as far as teaching/assisting to teach English without a professional degree? Is it hard getting work permits? Finding jobs? Where should I start? Must I be fluent in the home country's language? I'd love to hear of personal stories ... or any comments for that matter!

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Eagerly awaiting responses,

- David

[kingmalka]

To elaborate a little more, I'm really just looking for a summer to summer "life experience" in a new country and culture; in essence, just something I'd really like to do before returning to school for another 4+ years. I suppose you could say I'm looking to teach English as an excuse to travel.

Any personal experiencies and/or advice would be much appreciated!

- David

P.S. I have roughly $6,000 USD to invest in this 'adventure' ... perhaps a little something to assist in getting situated whilst searching for work. Could I get by on this?

[Jameso]

Greetings

I can't say I blame you wanting to travel and enjoy be young and carefree. There are a few things that you probably need to consider before jetting off to europe. Firstly, you are going to need some sort of TEFL qualification involving at least 100 hours of training and observed TP with real students. Why? Because everybody else here has one. The British council's schools in Milan and Naples run CELTA courses here in Italy, don't know about the rest of europe but I imagine its the same. Secondly the Visa issue. I know a lot of people say its easy to work in europe "under the table" and it is, in some countries. But you may need to be prepared to be taken advantage of. Better if you can work legally. Any chance of a duel nationality? If not, registering as a student to learn the local language and staying on a student visa may be a possibility.

Depneding on where you are, the local language may be more or less useful. It is certainly not essential, but you may find it tough to engage with the locals, especially the further you get from a major city. I am out in the sticks and was shocked when I arrived. The only people in the whole town that speak any English, work in the school where I teach!!

The degree situation is a bit tougher. Most ESL teachers do have either a degree or a lot of experience. Most of the hiring is done "on-site". As you have savings, it may be possible to get qualified and be in the right place at the right time. How well do you scrub up in a suit? Present a professional image and people will think you are a professional teacher.

Don't know if my waffling was any help.
Good luck

[kingmalka]

[Jameso]

Okay, not sure if you were joking about the CELTA, so thought I'd give the details anyway. It is a short course moderated by Cambridge Uni, which, along with the Trinity Cert.TESOL, is regarded as the industry standard entry level qualification. Depending on where you want to work, it is not essential. However, in Europe it certainly is. Generally runs for four weeks and contains at least 120 hours teaching and 6 hours observed teaching practice with real students. The observed TP is what is important here. As a quick aside, it is also one of the toughest months of your life, but really enjoyable. With regard to online courses, I hate to say it but they are pretty much useless. If you arrive in Europe without an externally moderated certificate with observed TP, you will be regarded as unqualified.

Certainly possible to stay in Milan to do it, though rents are not too cheap there. Have found there is a course run in San Diego at the International House there. MY U.S. geography is rubbish, but I think that is fairly close to LA. www.ih-sandiego.com however, lots of people on this forum will tell you to do the course in the country that you wish to work. I'm not sure. I did my course at home then moved out. But each person works their own way.

Nothing european in the citizenship? Well, options are limited unless you can find an employer to support visa applications. Or as I said before, arrive on a student visa. Also, don't look to the big cities if you get out here. Everyone goes there so wages are low and rents are high. Italy is a country of a thousand climates, pick the weather you want then find a medium sized town. Any other questions and I'll do my best.

Best Regards

P.S. Am not sure if you can get it in the States, but Susan Griffith's "Teaching English Abroad" is an excellent source of information

[spiral78]

Israeli citizenship would do you no good within EU countries, because Israel is not an EU member country. However, if you decided to get citizenship there, you could probably look forward to serving the mandatory military service required by your new country, which would certainly satisfy your wish to stay abroad for a while...

James is absolutely right about a CELTA or other on-site training course. All (ok, 99%) of newbie teachers in Europe have a certification from one of these. If you're still dreaming of anywhere in Europe, including Central/Eastern, you need training.

[Teacher in Rome]

If it's a summer to summer thing, perhaps you could do a summer camp for kids. I have no idea whether people would ask for experience (perhaps enthusiasm and youth is enough??) and you might be able to swing a couple of months' summer work without necessity for visa. Who knows. It's worth looking at some of the places advertised on tefl dot com, but beware that it is now rather late in the season to apply. On the other hand, some places might be desperate for someone (no offence intended) and willing to take on someone with no experience, training or visa. I personally wouldn't want to do the work, but it could at least be an "in".