Job Discussion Forums

thefuzz · Joined: 10 Aug 2009 Posts: 271

I'm currently in China, getting very sick of this place already and thinking of an escape sometime in February 2010. I hold an EU passport, a BEd degree, TESOL teaching certificate and over 7 years of experience (in China as well as the Middle East). So here's the question:

What is the best country to work in Europe?

I want to make decent income, be able to save some cash if possible, but most importantly live comfortably. I don't much care for Eastern Europe (would like to stay in the West), but apart from that I don't have much of a preference, so if you guys out there are able to give me a hit or two where to go I would appreciate it greatly.

Cheers.

jonniboy · Posted: Sun Dec 13, 2009 7:22 pm Post subject:

Decent income and Europe can't really be mentioned in the same sentence!

Unfortunately the best places to live in inevitably attract more teachers which in turn pushes wages down. Personally I've been much better off financially in Latvia than Spain for that very reason.

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

With your quals, you're in the midst of the newbie pack. You've got nothing that really stands out...remember that the teaching contexts of Asia and the ME are so different to those of Europe that employers, while they won't overlook your experience entirely, aren't likely to give you much credit for it either.

As jonniboy notes, the vast numbers of newbies on the markets in Europe keeps wages down in general.

If you come for the September 2010 hiring season, you're bound to land something wherever you want to be, most likely, but expect to live frugally, and to work pretty hard for it.

thefuzz · Joined: 10 Aug 2009 Posts: 271

Thanks guys for the feedback!

I know that my qualifications are not as great as they could be, but I do plan to continue my studies in the not too distant future. I also understand that most European employers want to see something "local" on your resume and not just work experience in Asia, but, nonetheless, I want to give it a go.

Thanks also for the heads-up on Latvia...I said that I don't really care much for Eastern Europe, but Latvia and Estonia are two countries that I never considered, but now have sparked my interest. What's funny is that my wife is pushing for Spain as she loves the country!

So, if I may ask, how is the job situation in Latvia? How much more are you able to save as opposed to working in other parts of Europe? What kind of jobs are available?

Thanks!