Job Discussion Forums

[xtremdelt8]

I've been lurking on this site for a few weeks and have been researching ESL now for a couple of months. I have paid special attention to the central/eastern Europe information. One thing that has has jumped out has been the fact that it may be difficult to land a job when applying from outside of that country.

A little background: I'm American, 33, I have a BS degree in Telecommunication, but no teaching experience. Because of this, I am willing to pay for the in-class, hands-on, 4 week TEFL certification so I can get some classroom time under my belt.

Because I am looking for any excuse possible to get back to Prague, I am looking at certification courses there. (Not until next summer, however, so I still have a lot of time to research) Would it be more to my advantage to take the 4-week course in Prague and, while there, search for jobs in nearby countries? Would my chances of landing a job (maybe even in the Czech Republic) be greater than if I had applied from here in the US?

I guess I just have this big fear of leaving my job here in the US, studying in Prague for a month and then not being able to find a job anywhere. And I really don't want that fear to hold me back from what could be an amazing opportunity.

Thanks in advance for any help/advice.

[denise]

Yes, you're better off looking for jobs once you're there. Your TEFL course provider can help you with contacts.

Your fear is very real, and it's something that many of us have faced (and survived!). Just make sure that you have enough of a financial cushion to cover yourself for a few months--including airfare home, if necessary, but there are so many jobs out there that it shouldn't come to that!

d

[spiral78]

Chris Westergard has posted a very informative thread on finding one's first job in Prague on the Czech Rep forum. I suggest you go over that - the market is still approximately the same as it was when he posted.

Yes, there is a chance you won't find a job. But with timing and a reasonable level of energy and commitment on your side, you should be able to find something.

No, jobs in the CR and the wider region are not usually found from abroad. There are simply too many teachers here on the ground for reputable employers to have to take a chance on anyone sight-unseen.

[xtremdelt8]

I read the Chris Westergard post and it was very informative, thank you.

In your experiences (and among the people you've talked to) what would you say is the average length of time between completion of a TEFL course and landing your first job? I will, of course, be searching and sending out resumes and knocking on doors while I am taking the course in hopes to get a job right away. How realistic is that though?

Also, as a newbie with little to no experience, do you think I should aim for a different part of the wolrd to get my feet wet? Is wanting to work in the CR too ambitious?

[tttompatz]