Job Discussion Forums

ashleyzz · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 9 Location: Los Angeles

I am looking to end-up in Europe, and understand it is EXTREMELY difficult to get being an American citizen. Looking at Oxford Seminars for certification? Understand CELTA is the best, what would my chances be with no degree, if I go that route... How difficult would it be without a degree? (Currently work in Real Estate & would love to make a new career path overseas). Should I start in South America for the experience? Any & all suggestions greatly appreciated! How easy is it to get hired under the table if I do get certified, if anything? I am used to a certain way of life, but would love to live simply, for the cultural experience.

antonia v · Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 49

I'm an American with tons of experience and an MA in Linguistics, and I wouldn't have a chance in Europe. At least not for any decent job. Under the table is another matter. Maybe eastern Europe? If you're young and single you might be willing to work for peanuts. I'm not.

You're idea of going to South America is very good. It would be very easy to get a job there, the cost of living is very low, the prospect of romantic adventures is very high, and S. America is a pretty cool place. Go to Peru. Youll love it.

And one last thing: "end up" is a phrasal verb, and phrasal verbs are never hyphenated. English teachers are expected to know that sort of thing.

ashleyzz · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 9 Location: Los Angeles

I am single, young and looking for the experience. I don't need much. I'm willing to work for peanuts, as long as I could afford food and housing. My only fear in going to South America is having difficulty ending up in Europe. Are they more likely to hire me if I have experience in South America or should I get my CELTA in Eastern Europe & work under the table? Where in Eastern Europe would I most likely get a job and how would I go about doing it? Where's the best location for the program? Thanks.

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

North Americans can still get legal working permits for most of the new EU member countries, including the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, etc. You don't have to work under the table in Central/Eastern Europe. In most of the older European countries, you would.

You should go to the individual country forums (below this forum, same board; just scroll down the page) for more specific info.

You say that you are willing to work for enough to cover food and housing, and that's basically what you'll get in Central/Eastern Europe, plus enough to enjoy the area you're in. Most teachers live all right, and can enjoy some travel inside the country where they work, but don't make enough to have many holidays in more expensive areas or to pay off debts back home.

It's usually better to get a certification from the country where you want to start working. That way, you can make helpful contacts during the course and get yourself oriented a bit to a new country while you still have some support structure to help you. Most good training courses offer orientation and will find or help you find housing, at least for the duration of the course, and can give you helpful tips afterwards. Also, the students you have for practice teaching will be the same kind of students you'll actually be teaching, so the practice is a very useful introduction to that new culture.

The general practice in all of Europe is to be on-site, and to go from school to school to line up interviews. It is very rare to get even an interview from a distance. They basically want to see you standing there, looking professional and reliable, CV in hand.

You probably need to 1. review the info for different countries below,

2. decide on a place you want to start, and then

3. research programs on offer in that country.

4. Then, be sure you have enough financial cushion to go there and support yourself for three months or more. Remember that you'll have no income during your training course, and that most landlords will want one month's rent as a deposit, and one month's rent equivalent as a security fee. Most language schools pay monthly, at the end of the month worked. So, you see that you have to count on a fairly extensive period when you'll be depending on your savings.

Good luck-

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

Sorry, a typo. Not 'older' European countries. I mean the ones that have been EU members longer, specifically Italy, France, Spain, Netherlands, etc.

ashleyzz · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 9 Location: Los Angeles

I sincerely appreciate all your help. Take care, looks like I will be looking for a school in Eastern Europe.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 5:24 pm Post subject:

Spiral is right- basically your only chance of working legally would be in countries that are recent EU members.

Under the table is common in some countries who have been EU members longer- I know Spain and Italy first hand...it can be done, but know that it means you have no workers rights, and no recourse if an employer isn't honest.

It's possible for an American with the right qualifications, determination, and luck, to get legal work a lot of places in the EU, but your lack of degree puts you out of this category. I think Antonia could do it, but no degree...

best,
Justin

ashleyzz · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 9 Location: Los Angeles

I'm looking into Prague now. Taking the CELTA there would I have a chance to get a work permit without a degree?

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

The Czech government does not require a BA for you to apply for a work permit. Employers have their own criteria, though, and some employers may expect a first degree. The key is to be, and look, professional and hard-working. You will be qualified only for entry-level positions, but that is probably all you need for now. Later on, if you decided you wanted to make a career of EFL/ESL, you can always pursue further qualifications.

ashleyzz · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 9 Location: Los Angeles

Thank you again! Since, you're a pro in the field do you have any other suggestions to where would be the "best" place to start. Would it be Prague? Before I make a huge transition, I want to MAKE SURE it is the best way to go...

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

Many new teachers start in Prague, so there are pretty good support systems available there for them. But, everybody has different ideas of what the 'best' kind of place is. It depends on your individual points of view.

ashleyzz · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 9 Location: Los Angeles

I was expecting that answer, since it was such a broad question. I've spent a lot of time researching Prague and that looks like where I'll end up going to school. I'm getting excited. I was looking for diversity, and culture. I'm trying to find out how diverse Prague is at this moment. If anything, I'll try to travel throughout Europe during my stay to experience as much culture as I can...

wildchild · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 519 Location: Puebla 2009 - 2010

deleted by wilderson

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

I'm not sure what aspects of the city you are hoping are 'diverse.'
Racial diversity, diversity of expats in the city, architecture, arts?
There's a lot to do culturally, if that's what you mean.

Remember that you won't make enough money anywhere in Europe in entry-level positions to do extensive traveling. Hopefully, you've got enough savings in the U.S. to fund travel.

ashleyzz · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 9 Location: Los Angeles

I have a really good job here, and am leaving it to experience life... so, I will have enough. I've been looking on-line & see how culturally diverse Prague is.
Once again, I sincerely appreciate all the helpful information you've given me. You've significantly helped in my decision on where to go.