Job Discussion Forums

[EllenaM]

Hi all,
I have just received my CELTA certificate have a BA in Journalism, but I am not a native speaker. I am particularly asking those of you who have plenty of experience in this, to advise me which are the best countries to start in Europe? Where have you seen a friendlier attitude towards fluent non-native speakers (I was told I sound Canadian, so no strong accent there).
I am an EU citizen, hence, I would like to use this advantage. I have been fluent and living in EN speaking countries for almost 10 years now, still, don't know where to start applying...Thanks a lot, all the best, Elena

[naturegirl321]

I would say start applying to countries taht you're intersted in teaching in and see if they'll hire you.

[spiral78]

Elena, the main problem is that jobs aren't usually found from abroad. Particularly as a non-native speaker, your best chance will be to focus on a country, and to go there at the top hiring season. This is mostly early September or possibly January - most job contracts for this region are Sept-June and there is usually a smaller hiring wave in January to replace teachers who didn't return after the winter holidays and to fill slots created by contracts that begin at the first of the year.

If you show up with CV in hand, looking and sounding professional, I think you have as good a chance in most of Europe as a native speaker. I've taught in Europe for 12+ years now and have worked with many non-native speakers.

However, I think you will have to go through the same hiring procedure as all newbies do - go to the country and seek a job in person. Yes, there are start-up costs involved, but it's really how nearly all newbie level jobs are found here.