Job Discussion Forums

brucecrawford · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 19

Hello,

I have been thinking of moving to Europe to teach ESOL there (I am currently based in Brazil). I know that Malta is a very popular destination during the summer months and the ELT industry is growing there. Anyone teaching ESOL in Malta? I would appreciate any information on the cost of living (ie accommodation, food expenses, sundries) vs wages at accredited ESL schools.

Regards
Bruce

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

I checked out the ESL scene when I was in Malta a few years ago - so I might be out of date - but there wasn't much going on - only a few private schools and mostly they employed locals. The general level of English in Malta is very good - so not so much call for private teaching. Also, it was very difficult for outsiders to get a work visa (even for EU nationals married to locals!). I suspect your best chance would be to go there for an extended stay and try and weasel your way into a work situation, but I don't think it will be easy.

brucecrawford · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 19

Hello, Marcoregano!

Thanks for your message. I had heard that Malta only hires locals to teach ESOL but I am not sure whether this is true to date. I have recently spoken with the DoS of a language school in Malta who was willing to hire me for the summer. I have the RSA CTEFLA (now CELTA) and over twelve years' experience in ELT. He told me that as an Australian, I might have difficulties getting a visa but because of my dual (British) citizenship, I shouldn't have problems finding other teaching posts if I wanted to stay on.

I have no idea of the cost of living there and whether I will be able to have a 'decent' life in Malta, if you know what I mean.

Regards,
Bruce

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

Hi Bruce,

Judging by what you say it sounds like they've relaxed visa restrictions since I was there. Impossible for me to say how well you could live as an ESL teacher, though Malta isn't cheap. Presumably you would earn enough to survive OK though I doubt you'd save much (but that goes for ESL in Europe generally).

However, I'd recommend Malta even if you only end up staying for a holiday. It's an amazing place. The medieval city fortress of Valetta and adjacent historic quarters are among the most impressive works of man I've laid eyes on - really worth seeing - and not yet gentrified like so much of Europe's historic cityscape (unless there have been big changes in the last 4 years). The food is good (a mix of Italy and north Africa), people lively, and 'religious' pyrotechnics (airbomb!) fiestas take place somewhere on the island virtually every day. The surrounding sea is crystal clear and great for diving and snorkelling. And surprisingly, despite it being a popular holiday destination, tourists and tourism haven't impacted like they have in parts of Spain or Greece - most of Malta still feels very 'real'. I intend going back there myself sometime, but who knows when??

brucecrawford · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 19

Hi Marciregano,

Thanks for the info! I really appreciate it!! Very Happy

Well, I believe they *had* to relax visa restrictions; as Malta is now a member of the European Union, they must (at least theoretically) allow any EU citizen to work there.

As for the money, they offered me the same amount I was offered a couple of weeks ago to teach English in Spain: EUR1200. So, no, I do not believe I'll be rich teaching EFL in Europe (or anywhere else, really!). I want to go to Malta because of its ancient heritage: megalithic temples, Phoenician, Greek, Roman archaeological sites - those things really fascinate me!!

Thanks again!
Bruce

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

You're right - Malta was obliged to relax working restrictions after EU membership, BUT they were also allowed special dispensations as they were worried about having a deluge of people going there to work. I'm not sure how it has all panned out these few years since.

Re. the sights of Malta - yes, also plenty of prehistoric ruins but IMO it's the medieval stuff that's truly spectacular. Anyway, have fun. Btw, methinks 1,200 euros is a pretty decent 'regular' salary for Europe/Malta (in ESL at least - not if you're an investment banker!).