Job Discussion Forums

[cymruambyth]

Hi everyone! Long time lurker, first time poster here!

I just got my Trinity CertTESOL at Manchester University here in the UK and like most people who just got their qualification, I've been searching the various tefl job websites. It seems like everybody wants 1-2 years experience before they'll consider you to work for them.

It may seem like a silly question, but I'm genuinely curious to know how one gains experience in the field. Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks!

[tttompatz]

[cymruambyth]

Hey, thanks for the reply!

I have a degree in Japanese but I'm hoping to start off in either Italy or France, since I also know those languages pretty well and generally love those countries. Maybe when I'm a bit better off, I'll go back to Japan!

[spiral78]

The majority of contracts for Western/Central continental Europe are September/October through June, with a smaller hiring bump in January. Most jobs at the newbie level in this region are not found from abroad - you need to be on hand to interview in person (this is because there are plenty of teachers around - no school will be interested in someone sight-unseen when there are teachers standing ready in their offices).

Best idea is to pick a city or two, and come over at the hiring season. You're most likely to find something then - and it should be fairly easy for you to do so. You've got the 'right' passport and your cert's going to be recognised.

[coledavis]

Maybe look at this from the point of view of demand. There is a lot of competition for western European positions, but the demand is in the east. Why not go to Poland, Ukraine or Russia to gain some experience (not China, as the 'conversational' work does not fit in well with schools' idea of experience)? Then apply westwards when you've got a year or two behind you.

In the summer, you should find there is some demand in UK language schools. Every little helps, as they say.

[cymruambyth]

I'll definitely look into somewhere with more demand for teachers, like Russia or the Ukraine. I definitely don't want to restrict myself to predictable countries like France or Italy!

I actually got sponsorship from the British Council to do my CertTESOL (I'm an unemployed graduate) and part of the deal is that I have to attend this all-day conference next Friday. They're going to give us all sorts of advice on finding jobs, when the best time to apply is, etc.

First thing's first though, I need to find myself a job in my hometown so I'll actually have money to go abroad with! Easier said than done at the moment though...

[coledavis]

Wow! I have never ever heard of anybody getting sponsored to train in TEFL.

[cymruambyth]

[jen_blue]

Thats amazing - thank you so much for that.

In terms of gaining experience have you asked around "foundation colleges" or local volunteer groups which may offer courses in basic literacy/english as a foreign language? They may like a teaching assistant which is a start.
Jen

[petertrinh10]

good luck