Job Discussion Forums

[donniebruceco]

By doing some research on job posting websites, I've noticed that Eastern European countries like Czech Republic and Slovakia are less strict when it comes to needing a First Degree to get TEFL work.

Is this the case?? Also which countries have the highest demand to supply ratio in Europe??

I am a UK passport holder, so permit in EU not an issue, but I failed to complete my Uni Degree years ago due to ill health. Im looking to gain a CERT Tesol and do some travelling and teaching for a while. Im open to where I work (ideally in Europe), as I realise without a Degree or experience, competitive areas like Spain will be very hard to find employment.

I would like to hear from anyone who could help advise in this area, anybody who's been in the same situation or know others who have. Any advise pertaining to working or gaining employment without a First Degree would be appreciated.

Thanks

[spiral78]

Most European countries do not require a first degree for English language teachers. You will need a CELTA or equivalent (on-site, 120 hours, practice teaching with real students) to be competitive. To offset your lack of a degree, plan to present yourself as professionally as possible.

I think your biggest challenge will be finding a job market that's not too competitive and timing your job search. Keep in mind that most contracts in the region are Sept/Oct thru June. There is usually a small hiring peak in January to replace teacher who didn't return from holidays and for companies starting new contracts in January.

The Czech Rep is a VERY competitive job market (lots of training centres in Prague, so quite a few new teachers try out the region first before moving on). Yes, Spain and France and Italy are all competitive as well.
You might consider Luxembourg - I've been out of touch with the job scene there for a while, but there used to be a strong need for teachers in the financial sector, and not so many UK teachers wanted to go there thanks to the London-equivalent weather. I quite enjoyed living there, however - it's a very nice area.
Overall, you will probably need to pick a city, come over at the right time, and give it a try. You should be competitive for whatever's going, so long as you play up your professionalism and reliability to offset the lack of degree.

[donniebruceco]

Thanks Spiral, I will definately look into Luxembourg, its quite nicely placed to access other countries and try for work elsewhere too. From what I hear, physically being in the area can give you a massive advantage as they dont have to rely on getting someone over there.

I did hear however that more and more countries are demanding First Degrees now to teach English, or is this more to do with the working Visa situation for non EU Passport holders??

[spiral78]

It's mostly to do with the economy and the fact that there are lots of teachers around. Most employers will prefer candidates with degrees as it's simply more credible for their students. However, I have NOT heard that any of the Eurozone countries have changed their official requirement to demand a first degree.

You may be correct that if a school is going to jump through the legal hoops required to hire a non-EU passport holder, they are likely to want a first degree plus other stuff, but that's at the employer level, not governmental.

Play up the university you have, and any experience in the real/business world (you said you didn't finish some years ago, so presumably you've been doing something useful since then ) and you should have a decent shot at work.

Please forgive me - I don't want to seem snarky at all, but I am an English teacher. It's definitely and advice. To advise (verb) Advice (noun). apologies if I seem too picky here - it's an internet forum and not a formal written situation, I am aware

[donniebruceco]

Ha no its cool, I realised after I'd submitted, serves me right for not proofreading (will not make same mistake again)

Yeah I've been working in Childcare Recruiment for the last 8 years, as well as in the Music Industry, and have many years experience teaching music privately. I would however like a break from all that and to get out of London, as I never got to travel when I was younger due to health issues. From what I hear, its a great way to incorporate travelling and working and can be very rewarding.

Thanks again for all the adviCe

[mozzar]

[Kofola]

Slovakia is less strict on the degree front and also less competitive than CR. On the downside, the kinds of jobs you can get without a degree pay shite wages... Having a CELTA would improve your chances.

[donniebruceco]

Cheers Kolofa

What is Slovakia like to work and live in?

[Kofola]

I've been here a while now and really like it.

Students are nice and hard-working; never been shat on by an employer; generally treated well.

Nice place to live. Some foreigners find it a little quiet, especially if they're used to the bigger cities of Budapest, Prague etc. But I'm never short of things to keep me occupied with. This month in Bratislava we've had a month of photography and a film festival. I've also worked in the smaller towns and enjoyed travelling around. It is expensive though in relation to wages - particularly in the capital.

[donniebruceco]

sounds promising, certainly a place I will be looking at in more detail when the time comes.

Thanks a lot for the info.

[Prof.Gringo]

Best places to teach without a degree:

Asia: Vietnam, China (PRC), Cambodia, Thailand (although the law says you need one, I have known many teachers that made a go of it with no degree)

Latin America: Pretty much everywhere is open without a degree, but I would say Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Mexico are top spots.

Europe: Not too many places, but Russia is a possibility. I think some of the other CIS countries might be an option as well.

Best of luck

[Madame J]

Don't forget about Laos!

[Prof.Gringo]