Job Discussion Forums

[superturbo]

I have already sent a few preliminary emails to some job posts which I have seen on TEFLjobs.com and I've even had a reply!

I have yet to complete my CELTA and I'm using this time to actually find out how easy it is to find work after completing it and so on.

My question here is what is the minimum I should expect from a new school? I am looking at Eastern Europe at the moment although I would like replies from all over the world (to compare and for future reference).
Also, what should I NOT expect?

Thanks!

[denise]

I would expect help--as much as they can legally give, which varies-- getting a visa, initial settling-in help (something as simple as meeting you at the airport and offering to take you grocery shopping), help finding accommodation if it's not provided, materials provided by the school so that I don't have to provide my own, and an environment in which I can ask questions and get help if I need it.

Not all of those expectations have been met in all of my jobs. The biggest problem seems to be with materials--for many reasons, I refuse to lug my entire library around the world with me, and I always wish I had... Every place I've worked at has of course had textbooks, but often not a lot of supplementary activities, so I just learned to make them myself.

I have been lucky in that I've had a lot of settling-in help--stuff that is not necessarily included in your contract, but your colleagues do just to be nice, decent human beings.

Things not to expect... well, depending on where you're going & what your qualifications are, don't expect certain benefits like paid airfare and housing or regular salary increases. Some countries & jobs offer those, and some do not. Also, don't expect to be paid immediately (the paperwork can take some time), and don't expect to be able to take vacation days immediately.

That's all I can think of right now...

d

[Sonnet]

Again, this might well be very region-dependent!

The key thing to expect/demand is, in my opinion, a clearly-worded, unambigious contract. When working abroad, it doesn't hurt to have a contract with the caveat "In case of dispute, the English version shall prevail" - quite often your contract will be translated into the school management's local language. Hopefully 'disputes' never occur (I've been quite lucky in this regard, but got burned once...).

Otherwise, I'd agree with denise's points. Try to get specific information on any induction or settling-in periods, and contact current or former teachers for information on their experience of this (and multitude other things!).

[spiral78]

In some European countries, contracts that are not in the local language are not legally enforceable, so I don't think it would be effective to insist that 'the English version shall prevail' in case of any dispute.

For Eastern Europe, you cannot expect paid airfare or housing, but you should get visa assistance. Because most reputable schools in the region DO NOT HIRE FROM ABROAD, you will not likely get airport pickup or grocery-shopping assistance. Schools should help you find housing, or hook you up with a reputable agent. They should also provide some free or cheap instruction in the local language.

Denise's point about not expecting immediate pay is also valid. A very important point to consider when relocating to the region is that you will need to have enough savings to get yourself through the first few months without pay. Consider: landlords will want one month's rent as security and one month's rent up front. You may also have to pay an agent's fee equivalent to one month's rent. You'll get paid at the end of your first month worked, so start-up costs are relatively high in the region.

You'll need to plan carefully, to avoid getting caught short, financially. You should also think about typical contract periods - for Europe this is normally Sept/Oct thru June. There is very little work in July and August, and you will find it hard to pick up much at all in that period.
Ideally, come over mid August and go around to the schools at the end of the month and the first of September. Expect your first paycheck at end Sept at the earliest!

[superturbo]

Some quality advice here - thanks a lot!

So what I've gleaned from it is:

i) Have enough saved up to at least tide me over for a few months. (for rent, agents fees, living costs).
ii) I have a better chance of getting employment face to face and within the host country than by sitting here sending emails/CVs out.

There could be more you may have mentioned but I've sort of missed it out as a key point.

What I will do, based on your advice, is complete my CELTA course in a few months time. Since I am from England it can be quite cheap to fly out to some Eastern European countries (poland and slovakia for instance) so I'll consider visiting after I've done my course to see if I can find work.

By the way - some schools guarantee jobs or help with finding a job after passing a course - what do you think of them?

[spiral78]

One key point you may have missed is timing - Remember that the contract period for the region is Sept - June. This way you can time your job search for the most effective time period.

I know that Caledonian School in Prague offers in-house jobs to successful trainees who get certified through their course. Their wages are generally a bit lower than other schools, but some newbies appreciate the security. This particular school has been around for a while and has a generally decent rep. I can't speak for others, but the general rule is that wages may be a bit below the norm for the area.

[naturegirl321]

Expect to be paid on time, a visa. Materials, sounds base, but lots of school don't have them.

Probably not housing or transport allowance, or flights either.

>This is for Europe, in Asia, you'd probably get housing and flights for some countries.

[Lhenderson]

Based on my successful efl experience you need to base things on:

1. know your legal rights in the country you are working in.
2. get into a school.
3. find a local lawyer.
4. exert your local rights.

This means the school won't mess with you and you let everyone know that you know your rights and will enforce them.

Just based on my experiences.

Lee

[denise]

[spiral78]

I'm with Denise on this. I would not anticipate legal problems.
Further, it's very difficult to deal with local laws and lawyers when you are living in a country where you do not speak the local language well.

And if the school is going to 'mess with you' then you shouldn't be working for them to begin with.