Job Discussion Forums

[CanBrit81]

Hi all,

So I've been reading these forums a lot and planning a move to Germany. It seems most of the questions regarding job prospects are asked by those with American or Canadian passports.

I have both a UK and Canadian passport, I am currently taking a TESL-Canada 120 hour in-class course, with 20 hours of observed practicum teaching and I am doing a Business-English specialization that gives me another 20 hours of observed Business-English teaching. I have a Masters Degree in history and for the last couple years I have been teaching history at the University of Auckland (before I quit the PhD program I was in). I also minored in German during my undergrad, my spoken German isn't amazing, but it's passable and I really want to improve it.

Some of the forum posts paint a pretty bleak picture of TEFL prospects in Germany. Are the prospects better for those with an EU passport? I have sent my CV out to a few places, there have been many replies but they all say they can't discuss employment unless I am in Germany.

I guess I am just looking for some peace of mind. I have a ticket booked to Frankfurt on Nov. 9th. I am realistic, I know I'm not going to make a million dollars teaching in Germany. I have $6000 Canadian saved up to see me through the initial phase. Is there anything else I should do, or have I prepared as much as I can? Just go to Frankfurt, try hard to find work and hope?

Any advice would be most appreciated!

[spiral78]

Your qualifications are quite ok and you should be good for whatever work is going. The problem is simply the economy/job market - there just isn't tonnes of work out there. That's why your plan to go over and look in person is the best idea.

It also sounds like you've got a reasonable amount of funding: keep in mind that, at best, you're not likely to get a paycheck of any kind until end January - that's assuming that you land some work before Christmas to start early Jan. Schools normally pay at the end of the month worked.

Also keep in mind those summer months where there is really almost nothing going (August for sure, possibly most of July).

I predict that you'll be able to scratch up some bits and pieces, and maybe something better, for the first half of 2011. In that time period, don't stop hustling around to build local contacts and reputation. You will be most likely to get a 'real' solid contract beginning September 2011 for the coming year.

Basically, I guess you'll be living on the edge Nov-August, and can hopefully land something more stable by September. Just my guess - maybe you'll get luckier!

[renovatio]

There is always work, especially in the Frankfurt area for native speakers, maybe not a lot but some. Your quals are good, so I wouldn't worry too much. You speak passable German too that will only get better with time, so that's a big plus. My German is getting better, but I wouldn't call it passable yet.

[artemisia]

CanBrit81 wrote:

[CanBrit81]

Hey all, I really want to thank you for the amazingly helpful posts. I did not expect such detailed replies. You definitely set my mind at ease but also kept me realistic in my expectations. I leave for Frankfurt in 2 weeks. I look forward to running into you all again on the forums.

Best wishes,
CanBrit81

[niffree]

I have family in Austria and my EU passport and Canadian passport. My qualifications include a B.A. and B.Ed. with TESOL .Having taught music for several years, I when on to teaching in Korea and China. I've been in the teaching field in government supported schools and had a part time business for several years. Always looking into innovative teaching methods, not many places in China are prepared to release autonomy to such a teacher.
I'm looking for a listing of schools that offer English classes. I have taught Business English and I am developing an English course for fashion designers. I could do this in many practical fields since I have some experience in woodworking, refinishing, sewing, and crafts.
Can someone help me?