Job Discussion Forums

[bridgetc]

Having read this forum at length I realise this is a oft-repeated question but... here it is again!

I'm off to Berlin in March, have managed to get myself a business internship which will take me through until the end of July after which I will be running a summer camp in NRW.

After that, I'm hoping to teach in Berlin. Is this futile? I am a British citizen with a degree and CELTA, I have experience of teaching children in Germany and Poland and of teaching adults in the UK at a very well-held FE college. I also speak German, I guess I'm upper-intermediate.

It will be September time by the time I'm looking for work, unless I should use my time in Berlin to scope out jobs for the next academic year? Am I more likely to get a 'last minute' job in September, or secure work for later in the year if I start looking in March? Where should I look - VHS? Private language schools? What are my chances?

Any tips welcome and I mean ANY.

Edit: I'd also consider Hamburg, as I love the city and my boyfriend is a native (so he's rooting for there) but I get the impression that's an even harder employment market to crack...

[Sansibar]

I highly doubt you will have any difficulties finding work in Germany with your background and qualifications.

Take a look at these two schools: 'Berlin School of English' and 'Hamburg School of English'
Both have an excellent reputation and are always looking for teachers.
(Check the tefl.com website)

The best chance of getting a job in Germany is to walk right into the school and offer your services. Schools rarely take someone on without being able to get a first impression. (And there are so many possibilities of doing this in these two cities!)

Best of luck!

[bridgetc]

Thanks Sansibar - advice very much appreciated!

I had heard that the direct approach is favoured in Germany, does that really mean just barging in there all guns blazing with a CV in hand and my personality set to it's most charming and professional setting I can't imagine doing that but... when in Rome I suppose.

Does anyone have experience of working at a VHS? I began my foray into the world of learning German at a VHS in Austria many moons ago and I loved it, I'd love to work in that environment but I get the feeling so would many other hundreds of people? Is it just a case of right place, right time...?

[matthew_k]

I'm not sure of how many people even know of the existence of the VHS who are looking for English teaching jobs. I wonder the same thing myself, and would also like to find work for one. The question is: Do they support you for a work visa?

[Deicide]

Arbeit finden, ja, davon leben, naja.

Since you are an EUer you probably will be able to find something.

But it will likely be part time contractual work.

You have good qualifications so try these guys...

http://www.berlin.school-of-english.de/index.html

They have sticks up their arse (but in Germany what else do you expect?)

You will have to take a 'test' to make it to the first part, etc...

But they do pay relatively well.

Worked there for a bit...

[lunasea]

i'm curious! what was the test like, deicide?