Job Discussion Forums

[Helas]

Hello, I am an ESL newbie looking to work for a year or so in Eastern Europe or the Baltics. I have a Bachelor's degree in philosophy and a TESOL certificate (Canadian English) with specializations in Business English and English to Young Students (5-12 years old). I am also fluent in French and have an intermediate knowledge of German. No experience, unfortunately.

I have a nest egg of approx. 10.000$ American and can live on very little, so income is not a big concern for me, although I would like to break even if possible. I want to go to Eastern Europe mainly for cultural reasons. I'm currently looking mostly at Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, and the Czech Republic, but I'd be willing to consider Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine etc. if necessary. The pipe dream is Germany, but I'm aware that one is mostly out of reach.

What I would like to know is: how is the market for Eastern European countries? Which ones would be easiest to find a job in, given no experience? Which ones are most likely to let me break even (I don't mind kissing goodbye to the airfare)? Am I likely to be asked to fly over for the interview? Are jobs available after September? Would my fluency in French and my basic knowledge of German be significant assets?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

[smithrn1983]

Your passport will likely be the biggest determining factor in where you can go. It sounds like you're of the North American variety, so you can count out pretty much all of the EU, with the possible exceptions of CR and Poland. I know it's possible to find EFL jobs in Lithuania and Estonia, but I think you have to be on the ground in those countries to get them. The same goes for the rest of the EU, as well.

Jobs are plentiful outside the EU, though. For someone with no experience, pay will be subsistence level pretty much everywhere you look. Looking from abroad, it's probably easiest to find jobs outside the EU in Russia or Ukraine. Russia pays better, on average, but, at least in Moscow, things are also much more expensive. If you work for a McSchool in Moscow, they'll provide you with a free shared apartment, refund your visa and flight costs, and give you about $1000/month salary. That should set you up to break even over the course of the year. Jobs in Moscow are available year round.

No one is going to ask you to fly over for an interview. Everything will most likely be done via Skype, or for the schools who haven't caught on to the trend, over the phone.

What kind of cultural experience are you looking for, exactly? Germany and Kazakhstan have vastly different cultures, and even the countries you mentioned in Europe are all quite distinct culturally.

[spiral78]

Actually, for the Czech Rep and I expect Poland is the same, no-one is going to talk to you by Skype or telephone in advance. There are lots of job candidates here on the ground, interviewing in person, and an employer who needs to consider someone sight-unseen may well be an employer that local teachers are avoiding for good reason. The exception is for teachers with specialist qualifications (yours, OP, are average: French and German won't be a serious asset, though fluent French may be a positive for some employers who want to offer French lessons as well) or for schools in very remote locations.

In this part of the Central/Eastern European world you mention, jobs are normally found from inside the country, using the old-fashioned method of knocking on the doors of schools. Typical contracts are September - June, so end August through mid-to-late September is the time to arrive and get started. Assuming that you are a Canadian citizen, you have 90 days inside the Schengen zone (google this if you're unfamiliar) to get a contract with a school that will apply (help you apply for) legal working papers.

Yes, there are up-front costs and in this part of Central Europe, no-one is likely to reimburse your flights. Teachers usually make enough to live on OK (particularly if you don't mind a flat-share) and to enjoy the country they are in, but not to save up much or travel a lot outside the country.

[smithrn1983]

[spiral78]

If I recall, you were in the Czech Rep, smithrn, right? I do think it's a bit different in terms of the job market than farther East.

[Helas]

Thanks, I really appreciate the feedback!

My original goal was actually to go to either France or Germany, because I would like to pursue a Masters and eventually a PhD in either of those countries, and I was hoping I could visit some universities while teaching. I'm aware that my qualifications are pretty subpar for Western Europe, though, so I've recalibrated. I'm looking at Eastern Europe because it's relatively close compared to say, Korea, and I'd like to get a feel for what it's like to live in Europe. I'd rather go to an European Union country, but I'm willing to be flexible if jobs turn out to be too difficult to find.

It seems that going overseas without a job is the best way to apply for work in most European countries other than Russia. I'm willing to do it if it's what it takes, but I'm a bit concerned about accommodations. I don't want to be kicked out of the country for sleeping on a park bench. Can you rent a room for 2-3 months on a tourist visa?

Thanks again. I really appreciate hearing what people who have taught English in Europe have to say.

[smithrn1983]

[spiral78]

[coledavis]

Your obvious strengths: niche skills of business English and working with younger children. Your being from outside the EU, however, puts you at a big disadvantage in EU countries, as employers don't want to go to the bother of applying for visas when they can get British or Irish native speakers. However, if really do want to try to compete in the EU, then play up your strengths. The younger children skill is a rarity, so you might still do it.

Russia: with your skills, a piece of cake. Personally, I wouldn't go to Moscow. Russia is such a big country. Why go to its rather grumpy capital?

If you want to be in a capital, I can say from experience that Kiev language schools are definitely short of people who can teach younger children, and they want people who can teach business English. In the case of Kiev, I feel fairly sure that if you hole out somewhere, you should be able to shop around and find a school that will want you.

[Helas]

Thanks once again for the advice! As a result of what you've told me, I've decided to look for work mainly in Russia. The Western cities are still reasonably close enough to the rest of Europe that I could feasibly visit universities in Western Europe during the summer holidays. Finding a job quickly and without too much hassle is definitely my priority, and it sounds like I might have a hard time doing that in an EU country with my Canadian passport. As a Northern Canadian, I'm used to harsh winters and I love bleak Northern landscapes, so I probably won't have too much difficulty adapting.

Thanks again, smithrn1983, spiral78, and coledavis! This has really helped me make a decision.

[smithrn1983]

Good luck! and let us know how it goes okay?