Job Discussion Forums

[Knight]

Hello all,

Currently I am employed at a high school in Seoul, Korea. I have 11 years teaching experience in Korea (contrary to the reputation here, I am serious teacher, not a babysitter, or game player, and have done years of online self-teaching about the English language). I have taught mostly high school, university, and businesspeople (and other shapes and sizes too).

This winter I am taking CELTA at IH Bangkok (and I see they are in Prague, so must be recognized there.)(?) I am planning to arrive in Europe this summer, and am interested in Prague (!!) or Warsaw, for September (seems to be the time).

Of course, I have all sorts of questions, but I'd love to hear any essential information people might have to offer. I have been reading here, at the Forum, and have gleaned some general info.

I am familiar with "newbie" nightmares in Korea (and there are many), and would like to avoid the most common pitfalls of "newbies" in Prague. I consider myself professional and have excellent letters of recommendation. I'm not a backpacker or partier-type (not that I see anything wrong with that). I'd like to set up and try it out for a year. Money is not the most important thing, but let's face it, we don't do good work for free, nor do we like to be under-appreciated.

I'm not afraid to just show up, as many seem to advise. I suppose visas and acommodation figure fairly high in my query. I'm sure there's a whole new "game" to be learned there. And general tips for life there, like I could give for life/contracts/visas in Korea.

Right now I'm fishing around for some common sense and insight. I will most likely have other questions later, once I see your kind responses.

I am a Canadian citizen (no E.U. passport), 48, unmarried, and have some/enough "emergency cash" to bring. I'm familiar with the Asian scene, but not Europe. Please help.

Thanking you in advance,

Ted

[parrothead]

[Knight]

Wow, that was fat. Thanks parrothead.

I don't mind securing a job before I arrive, yet also know those aren't always ideal choices (a few stinkers out there). Once you have a job/visa is it easy to change workplaces? Is the visa attached to one contract job only? Must you get a new visa with every new job?

For Korea, I'd traditionally have said to people secure a job first, but now, 11 years later, I'd say just show up and find some decent expats. But the CR is not Asia. And just showing up here in not for the weak-kneed. And means having money to exit/go to Japan.

I'm not afraid to just show up, if you think there is any reasonable advantage to do so (better jobs: meeting face to face: grasping the scene.) Securing a job beforehand and just showing up are both a bit of a gamble in their own ways. I'd like to be happy with my work, foremost, not just paying the bills for the sake of living there. Know what I mean?

(If it was all about money, I'd stay here. I do well now and like my job. Liking my job is the more important; the rest follows.)

I'll keep my eye on CR job postings and check them out. And Poland and Hungary etc. As I said, today was my first post. Fishing.

Thanks to all for your help.

[Deicide]

Serious Teaching, in Korea?

[xjessie007]

[spiral78]

It's different depending on your nationality. Your best bet is to try checking the Indian Embassy website regarding visas in the Czech Rep.

Be aware that most teachers here are from North America or the UK. If you have an accent that is not standard for these two regions, that may be a drawback.

Most Czech students are intermediate at least, and are concerned about accents.

[xjessie007]

Perhaps I could teach some Indian girls. Are there any Indian girls in Czech?

[spiral78]

Probably, but not likely enough for you to make a living teaching them!

[xjessie007]

Hehe, a few would be enough. :O)

[spiral78]

bumping this one up for superturbo