Job Discussion Forums

Mike_2007 · Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Posts: 349 Location: Bucharest, Romania

I've lost one major corporate client. They weren't having particular problems here in Romania but they are part of a global group so they've had to freeze any kind of training for the moment. On the other hand, I've had about four or five requests for private lessons which leads me to suspect some of the comments above are true: companies are cutting budgets while professionals are honing their language skills (to be more competitive in the job market or to prepare for a move abroad).

I was well prepared for this recession in three ways (partly luck, partly planned). Firstly I bought a property in 2006 so I can pretty much survive on a few hours a week. Secondly I raised my hourly rates last summer, something I probably wouldn't get away with at the moment had I delayed. Finally I've managed to save a substantial wedge over the last two years.

I can see things becoming problematic here after the summer. Most of my existing clients/students have been with me for 2-3 years, so it's kind of getting near the time when they would end classes, recession or not. Also I think the effects of the recession will start being felt more here in the second half of the year.

jonniboy · Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 11:46 am Post subject:

GeorgiaGirl · Joined: 17 Nov 2008 Posts: 5 Location: Georgia, USA

I am glad I found this post. I was about to begin a new one asking about the economic crisis related to teaching English abroad. I am a newbie and was recently accepted to a TEFL program in Prague but have deferred for now to see what kind of affect the economy has on teaching positions. It seems the opinion is that some jobs are being cut, some language schools are closing but we are seeing a slight increase in private sessions? I guess I am just trying to decide if I should begin my TEFL career now or wait a few more months and see what happens? Any thoughts? Thanks!

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Starting to feel the bite in Costa Rica with some major corporate clients cutting back on EFL training for staff...I hope it doesn't last long...

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2009 6:28 pm Post subject:

I've been watching this thread for a while. If you haven't already, upgrade your creds an' come to the sunny, sunny Gulf...an' I'm not talking 'bout the Gulf of Fonseca!
We're recession proof! Embarassed

NCTBA

Vanica · Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 368 Location: North Carolina

ESL teachers being pushed out in the public schools in North Carolina.

Vanica · Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 368 Location: North Carolina

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

The building boom in Dubai has been affected by the crisis. Here in KSA I see no sign of recession. Well, the number of applications from would-be teachers of EFL is growing on my boss's desk.

You know ,"I have spent 10 years workins as an investment advisor and now I am seeking a meaningful change in career direction."

Kootvela · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 513 Location: Lithuania

I still have many private students. I think people will need to learn English even more because of staying competitive on the job market. Our national labour market doesn't offer language courses because they 'want to retain people inside the country and not to invest in them so that they go abroad soon after'. So the demand for private classes is high. I now work 60min for less money than for 90min but that makes both sides happy.