Job Discussion Forums

[want2travel]

Hello again,
I was trying to comprise a list of countries that accept certifications without university degrees backing them up. It�s hypothetical at this point-but let�s say I have a cert that meets industry standards (120 hours class/ 10 hours supervised teaching) but no other experience than this. Which countries are my best options? I have no problem with a simple opening level conversational English position, as long as I do not have to starve to death. I�m just looking to try something different. The experience is what is important to me.
One or two other little tidbits that cause me concern- a criminal record and multiple tattoos. To be as detailed as possible: All misdemeanors, but one for possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) and two for embezzlement. All over ten years ago, but I was above eighteen. I will be checking into it further with an attorney, but if I can�t make these go away� am I out of luck with getting work visas?
Onto the tattoos! If I wear long sleeves, you may still occasionally catch a glimpse of the ones around both wrists. I know some of you are tattooed, and read a thread dealing with how to answer certain questions during interviews, etc- but did my chances of employment just go from slim, to slimmer, to none?
Other than these little issues, I am really a charming fellow.
Thanks ahead of time for any responses, and I beg pardon if three different topics in one post is too many.

[spiral78]

A BA is not legally required in Central/Eastern Europe, and US citizens can get legal working permits in the region, though it's a hassle.
There are plenty of people with tatoos around as well, though you'd want to be sure you look professional in terms of dress - even more so than if you wer�n't decorated

The criminal record's the kicker for this region, I expect. Most countries there do expect a candidate for work/residency visas to provide a document from your home country/state certifying that you have no criminal record. Perhaps your attorney will be able to help somehow.

[want2travel]

Thanks Spiral, I found out today that if you have more than a single conviction you are ineligible for expungement in the state of Michigan. It doesn�t matter how little (or long ago) the charges were. Next question and not trying to raise a moral debate over legal versus illegal employment necessarily: I gather from reading various threads a number of people are working illegally, either with no papers or under tourist visas, or somehow. Doesn�t this open a person up to a number of possible troubles? Besides the obvious deportation and fines, wouldn�t it really put you at the mercy of your employers? If they don�t pay, if they place you in crappy quarters, work you like a slave, etc? Some of the threads reveal enough of this even with legal documents
Are there any countries that turn a blind eye to criminal records? Anyone�s personal (or I had a friend who�) experience in this area is appreciated...

[spiral78]

Don't worry about raising sensitive topics here - the fact is that working illegally in many parts of Europe USED to be commonly done.

That loophole's been very nearly closed now in the Schengen zone (google for a list of countries) where the rule for non-EU citizens is now that you can be in the zone for 90 days, then you have to be OUT for 90 days - before 2009, a border run to get a stamp restarted your 90 days.

You would still be pretty unlikely to get 'busted' while in the country, though some spotty raids on language schools involving deportation of illegal teachers have occurred in various European countries this year (read the Spain and Czech forums for some of the stories).

The problems come at any airport as you try to leave, and the authorities note that you've overstayed. There are also occasional checks at train stations and I was even asked for my documents once on a bus between Netherlands and Germany.

I'm obviously speaking only for Europe here - other regions might be better options for you in terms of legalities.

Good luck!