Job Discussion Forums

[MsDooLittle]

hmmm my students tell me the Tatras are overcrowded with Poles, crazy Czechs and Hungarians, (never noticed myself) though the currency fluctuations will put a dent in that this year. But you are right about the beauty of the Tatras...

Just one more thing to add re. the work question - I am self-employed with 'Zinostensky' (license to trade) I guess the same system works in Prague? It means I can pick and choose my students + hours. Much better than working/slaving for schools. It also means 'word of mouth' marketing is all you need for good teachers. So far there has been plenty of demand in Bratislava. Is the same true in Praha/Cesky?

[spiral78]

Yes, but with more competition. The zivnotensky set-up is effective when you have local contacts and a solid rep. Consider going with a school at first.

[MsDooLittle]

Spiral, are you familiar with ITC in Prague? Do they still exist?

[spiral78]

My original cert is from ITC, the 1998 version. I recently learned that they still exist. They're kind of like the energizer bunny - they fall down, but never totally die out

[Knight]

When I was in Europe before I was one of "those tourists", whisking myself from city to city. It's not the same as living somewhere for a prolonged time. I want to vist small towns and see places Europeans go in their spare time. I love to walk old streets, stop at cafes, and talk to the locals.

All this correspondence makes this all seem more real. (It still seems like a distant idea.) When our lives are all set up, nice and cozy, it's easy not to change. That's how my life is now, and I feel I'm standing still. Not as much as if I were in Canada, but nonetheless.

I suppose the teaching will be a big change. I've been teaching at high schools mostly, but have taken privates with businesspeople in the past. I used to do a lot of teaching for Samsung.

And... I'm not sure what you meant, by "the winters are different." I'm Canadian, so... Korea has cold winters, but not much snow in Seoul. My trips to SE Asia require a 6-hour flight to get there. It's freezing when I get back to Korea.

[Knight]

[spiral78]

No, there is much more freedom here to break a contract and change jobs, and it is also usually not illegal to take on private students to supplement your regular teaching contract, so long as you don't recruit students away from the language school you are working for.

[MsDooLittle]

With a good track record, and a little perseverance, you should be able to find what you want. I've taught in schools - the private 'Mercury Gymnazium' and British and American International schools are always looking for good/professional native speaking English teachers. They usually provide accommodation plus good monthly salary. You should be able to find them on Google and send your CV off to them. They'll also help with visa issues. Or you can try the British Council. (I taught at Mercury but decided it wasn't for me and left before the end of the three month probation period, no problems and no regrets.)

Or, there are private language schools; Plus Academia, International House, to name just two. Though their hourly rates are appalling. I taught at Plus and it was great 'training' but moved on when I figured I can earn more on a self-employed basis.

I prefer the business sector. Hourly rates are good (set by me) and students are fantastic. It takes a little time to get yourself known but in this small town 'contacts' are everything. It's all about who you know...

But I speak of Bratislava. I think Prague may be a bit more competitive and the cost of living will be more. However I am sure the teaching 'set-up' will be similar. A little bit of research online should provide you with lists of private language schools/International schools. Check out the Prague Post online. Or, here in SK www.professia.sk often has jobs for English teachers. There must be the same for Czech/Prague jobs , try www.profesia.cz.

You made the move once before when you set yourself up in Korea, and look how much you gained in your life. You can do it again... and you have so much to look forward to!

ps. there is also great demand for yogis... I personally would love to find an English speaking instructor (though I have learned to copy.) I am sure you could set yourself up as an instructor for ex-pats.

pps. 'Winters are different' I meant there are no Asian beaches in these parts! The climate here is very similar to the Ontario climate, long hot summers and cold snowy winters.

[MsDooLittle]

one more thing - the Czech koruna has taken a bashing so accommodation will be comparatively cheaper, (depending on which currency you are using.) We have the Euro here which makes the cost of living comparatively more (but earnings better)

[Knight]

Great news about the yoga!!!!!!!!! I am highly trained and have yoga-teaching experience already. I studied a very traditional-style raja yoga. After 5 years of training/study/practise, I am certified/licensed by the International Yoga Federation to teach in any country.

I taught yoga to Koreans, in English, with no problems. A good yoga teacher shouldn't speak much anyway, just give proper guidance and observe using his "third eye" and his heart. And I have an excellent letter from my yoga master, hundreds of hours of experience. (O happy day. a demand for yoga!)

Oddly (?), I'm not really about money. I'd much rather be happy doing what I do. Money comes and goes, and I can live on a shoestring. I don't buy much "stuff". My school asked me if I wanted a raise, and I said, "I don't really care." They gave me one anyway. (Is that weird?) (They seriously like me.)

Must be my yoga training: not to be rushing after idle trinkets (?).

Thanks for even more tips. Gosh, I'm going to be all set up, before I even get there. I'm not too concerned about competition. I know my craft and have time in the trenches already (not a newly graduated hopeful). But I venture toward hubris, so I'd better zip it. Times are tough everywhere, so I hear. (I don't know what to believe anymore. Seems to be an international horse and pony show going on.)

More and more, I think information gets disseminated to the masses so we'll tremble in fear, and cling to our (crappy?) jobs. Know what I mean? Like, wasn't the G-20 just a giant photo-op? What has changed?

And about winters, I am from Southern Ontario, so know the drill. Korea is somewhat similar, but winter is shorter here. I have my flowers in my rooftop garden already (where I live); it's why I took the place-- a garden in Seoul!! Our blossoms are finshed and the trees are greening up nicely now.

[ITTP]

[Knight]

--->>>"By the sounds of it you take your job seriously"

Yes, that I do. Not a bad idea, to circulate my CV in advance. I have several excellent letters from places I have taught (including yoga). I already have a letter from my current school. I asked last month. (It is good.) Guess I'm just driven, once I get into something.

Is it customary to attach a photo, as in Asia? Is a North American style resume acceptable (or tolerated)?

Since I'm back here, I was wondering about how they expect you to dress. I NEVER wear suits, or ties. I have quite a lot of nice clothes, but don't wear traditional business-wear. I have lots of nice pants, but not suit-type stuff. I often wear jeans to school, but dress those up. I'm never a "slob". I guess I have my own style; somewhat trendy. No school, or business, has ever had a word to say about my own "dress code": it's always been acceptable.

Koreans really like to dress (like crazy, fashionista capital) but they have a hip-trendy look too, and clothes are very affordable here. Anyone "making an effort" is accepted, jeans inculded. If you look ragged you'll be snubbed, quite openly. Must... fit... in... (here, for sure.) It's the Far East: that's how they live.

Thanks for your encouraging note Neville. I'm starting to feel, if I throw my heart into things, I'll do just fine. I like work, and enjoy my job. That helps. My "kids" help a lot. They're pretty cool, each of them.

[ITTP]

[Knight]

Hmmm... Stuff to keep in mind. I doubt hot in Europe is what I'm used to as hot in an Asian summers, but I could be wrong. Some days are 36*+ and 110% humidity, or totally, unspeakably GROSS. Shorts sound good, but I doubt I would do that. I'll see what I can pack in my bags. I do own ties and jackets, but not suits, per se. It is still cheap to get custom-made suits here.

I'm not familiar with European-style CVs, but will look online. There's a fair amount of stuff to list. I'll have to trim it down. Right now, it's 1 2/3 pages.

I don't know if I'm "great". Korea is a different market. I know my stuff, and establish good rapport with students. I know how to get the right ideas across, in ways students understand. I'm sure Koreans have different problems with English than Czechs would, yet it's all teaching English. I did teach international classes in Canada one summer. There were lots of Europeans present. And my CELTA classes were multinational.

Thanks again, Neville.

Cheers,

Ted

[Great Teacher Umikun]