Job Discussion Forums

MarcyG69 · Joined: 21 Dec 2010 Posts: 20

Hello I am 24 yrs old native English speaker from the United States. I have my Masters Degree in Education and have been teaching for about a year. I am looking to see the world and gain some experience and figured teaching abroad would be an excellent idea. I am however debating where I should go. I am looking for adventure, to meet new people, experience new culture, and to have fun. I want to go to a Country that is safe and exciting. I was considering Costa Rica ( I love to surf, hike, ect) or somewhere in Europe. Any tips on Countries people have taught in would be great.

mimi_intheworld · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 167 Location: UAE

Hi Marcy -

Just a note, Europe is pretty much out of bounds for you. You won't get a visa in most Western European countries...or indeed in many Eastern European countries. Having said that, I did spend a year in the UK teaching English in a comprehensive school (public school to us in the US). So it's possible, but highly (and I emphasise highly) unlikely. Particularly with the economic downturn.

As to Costa Rica - there are others who can tell you about opportunities in the Americas. I am unfamiliar with working anywhere south of the border!

Another question you will need to consider - are finances an issue for you at all? If you are hoping to earn enough to save/start a little nest egg/live on/subsist on... Money and your own financial plans will also help determine where you might go.

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2010 4:58 pm Post subject:

If you have specific questions about a country, try posting (or better yet, searching first) on that specific forum.

General Q&A's (Costa Rica vs. Panama) can be posted on the Latin America forum, for example.

MarcyG69 · Joined: 21 Dec 2010 Posts: 20

Is it still possible to live in Europe if I take TEFL course in Europe?? I have been looking into getting certified in Europe would that increase my chances in finding a job in Europe?

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

from the sound of mimis post, no, not much help to you in taking a course in-country. EU residents get most of the jobs, we dont need visas and have a legal right to work in the EU.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

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

Is it still possible to live in Europe if I take TEFL course in Europe?? I have been looking into getting certified in Europe would that increase my chances in finding a job in Europe?

No - it's about your passport, not your qualifications.

However, non-EU member citizens can still get legal work permits in the 'new' EU member countries, like the Czech Rep (a very tight job market, though), Poland, Slovakia, and etc. If you're interested, I suggest you read up on the country-specific forums below. Getting certified in-country can increase your chances of finding a job in a country where you can get a legal work permit. That won't be Western Europe, but Central/Eastern Europe are possible - though much more difficult overall than other regions.

LH123 · Joined: 13 Jun 2010 Posts: 61

Europe for an American will be tough. Have you thought about Argentina, Chile or Uruguay? Safe and exciting...

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

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

To explain a bit further Naturegirl's hints:

Google Schengen zone - non-EU citizens can be inside the zone (includes most of western and central 'Europe') for 90 days out of 180. That's on a tourist visa - you are not allowed to work legally during this period. To work, you need an employer to file for legal paperwork for you. This is only possible in the 'new' EU member countries, as I've pointed out in an earlier post.

The study visa is in the event that you can enter a field of study at a European university (most often studying IN the local language) and work a few hours to help support yourself.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

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

I'm being pedantic, I realise, and apologise for that.

However, the OP may not be aware of what this really means exactly - and the information can make a difference in someone's considerations.

Ah, yes. Sorry, I assumed that when she said "live in Europe if I take TEFL course in Europe" the OP realised that they won't be able to work since these courses are intensive and that they would ONLY be there for the duration of the course, which is usually 4 or 5 weeks.

A non-EU member citizen can be in the Schengen zone for 90 days out of 180. That means he/she can take a 4 week course and still stay in the zone for two additional months as a tourist.

I wouldn't define 'living' in a country as 90 days or less. If I had to count every country I've 'lived' in for a month to three months - well - I'd have 'lived in' a WHOLE lot of places!!

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Steinmann · Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 8:10 am Post subject:

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home