Job Discussion Forums

[nyc2323]

I'm halfway through my CELTA course and spending some time thinking about where I want to move in june or july. Berlin is at the top of my list for several reasons; one big one is that I have a free place to live. I spent a couple weeks there in 2006 and loved it in every way.

About me - i'm an american, 29, no teaching experience but on top of my CELTA what I have to offer is a BA in english and a few years working in public relations.

I've read a lot of posts...I understand the difficulties of paperwork, health insurance, working permit. I know that i won't save a lot of money. i also speak NO GERMAN (eek!).

I'm really just wondering - if i just want to come for 6 months, will i be able to find freelance work at language schools or elsewhere right away? I understand they prefer an EU person over me, but do i stand a chance to get SOME work even though i have no experience and have no German?


thanks!

[spiral78]

You mention moving in June or July...do keep in mind that there is little work over the summer in any case. August in particular is for holidays. Normal contracts are roughly Sept - June, so arriving when you mention most likely guarantees that you'll be jobless (and without a paycheck) until September.

Unless you are really just coming for a holiday with a bit of work to help offset the costs, I don't think June/July to Nov/Dec is really feasible from a financial standpoint..


The other issue to keep in mind is the Schengen zone laws. Google Schengen zone for a list of member countries. You can only be in the zone (not country-specific) for 90 days, before you have to leave for 90 days - unless you have legal working papers.
A simple border run no longer suffices - you have to stay out 90 days to remain legal.
Working illegally has become more and more risky and rare. They really do check passports at airports, and the penalties for overstaying are up to a 10-year ban on entering the zone at all.

I think if you are determined to do this, postpone your arrival until late August or the first of September. Then, come over and you will have some weeks to try to convince some employer to help you apply for the paperwork you'll need to work legally, or to get help to apply for a freelance work permit on your own. You'll need help either way, without any language skill in German.
You'll probably have to consider staying all year to get anyone to help you to this degree, though.

[nyc2323]

Thanks Spiral for your advice. When does the recruitment/hiring usually take place for the jobs that begin in september? In other words, when should i plan to arrive if i want to score a job that starts in Sept?

Thanks!

[spiral78]

I guess roughly right at the end of August. Jobs don't usually start 01 Sept,but more like 15 - and everybody is seriously On Holiday in August.

I would try to set up some interviews in advance if possible, and you might even send your CV to some schools (you can google schools in Berlin, I guess) and ask if they might be interested in talking with you when you arrive. Don't be discouraged if many dont' reply at all - it's a cultural thing and doesn't mean that they may not talk to you when you get here.