Job Discussion Forums

ben&iola · Joined: 04 Sep 2009 Posts: 11

My girlfriend and I are currently looking for work on the continent. Since getting our TESOL qualification w have been sending out our CV's to loads of schools in Italy, Spain, Croatia and The Czech Republic but have had little luck!

What do people suggest we should do? I'm worried that we might miss the recruitment boat.

Thanks

Ben

jonniboy · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 3:38 pm Post subject:

In the case of Spain at least don't waste your time sending CVs from abroad. There are dozens of English teachers already there on the ground so no employer needs to bother making offers to people from abroad who may not show up. You need to be there, CV in hand, looking professional. I suspect this also applies to the other countries that you mention.

Also the elephant in room ... do you have EU passports? If not, you won't get an offer of legal work from any of those places. Croatia is a possible exception but you need to be there on the ground first.

ben&iola · Joined: 04 Sep 2009 Posts: 11

I thought that this might be the case. We are both British graduates so Europe shouldn't be too much of a problem for us.

When does the recruitment cycle end?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

The key really is to be here in person. Schools that do hire from abroad, when there are lots and lots of candidates here in person, tend to be dodgy - the ones that people in-country know better than to work for.

The hiring period for the Europe is roughly September. You need to make a choice and get on over here before all the contracts are filled!

ben&iola · Joined: 04 Sep 2009 Posts: 11

We don't have much money so what are the chances of getting a job if we went to somewhere like Madrid/Rome? Which cities offer the best chances of getting a job if we fly out there do you think?

Cheers

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Don't forget that start-up costs are considerable. Best case is that you get a paycheck at the end of October. Landlords are likely to want rent up front + a month's rent as security, and you may have to pay an agent as much as the equivalent of a month's rent.

If you're really tight, it's going to be a risk.

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

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

By the way, what certification do you have? That can also affect your chances in this market.

ben&iola · Joined: 04 Sep 2009 Posts: 11

We both have TESOL certificates. Our only reason for going to the capital is because there are a greater number of schools but if you think a smaller place would be better then maybe we should consider that.

I was thinking of getting a flight out there and spending a week there to see what we get, if nothing then can always come home. Do you think this is a good idea? Difficult to think what to do when we have no experience of going out there and finding work.

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

I tend to side with those who argue in favour of physical being in the country of question. You may contact school before you arrive, tell them you're interested, and ask if they'd like to meet you when you come. Just give them some time to plan it, surely. I'd say a week notice would be right.

ben&iola · Joined: 04 Sep 2009 Posts: 11

Good idea. What does everyone think our chances are of finding something in somewhere like Madrid if we went out there?

If knows of a city which has more TEFL opportunities then feel free to suggest any!

Thanks

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Sorry, but it's still unclear what cert you have. TESOL is simply an acronym for Teaching English as a Second Language.

From what organisation do you have certification?

The reason it is important is that the vast majority of newbies on this market have certs from an on-site course 100+ hours that includes teaching practice with real students. If your generic course (I'm assuming you don't have a CELTA, because you'd have called it that) was online or shorter than 100+ hours on site, you're at a significant disadvantage on the job market.

ben&iola · Joined: 04 Sep 2009 Posts: 11

We have a Certificate in TESOL (both Merit) which is a trinity college qualification accredited by the British Council. Its made up of 120 hours and is equivalent to CELTA.

With that in mind what do you think our chances are?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Your chances are quite decent.

I think worst case, you may have to cobble together a couple of part-time contracts to make ends meet (it's the economy, and the fact that you're a bit on the late side).

As you said, worst case, you can fly home fairly easily and cheaply.

But you've got a very reasonable chance of landing something OK.

Go for it!

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

A bit more info....
Croatia - the market is really small to begin with.
Czech Rep - there's work, but tons of teachers and it's tight.
Spain - high unemployment and tighter all round, but probably do-able
Italy - maybe your strongest option of those you've named, but that's just a guess on my part!