Job Discussion Forums

[spiral78]

Ok, I'm one of the regulars on the General Europe scene, having lived/worked here for 12+ years now. I can confirm that as a US citizen, you'll have very little chance of landing legal work in Spain or Italy. Most of the 'new' EU member states are still legal options (Czech Rep, Poland, etc) though the paperwork's a hassle.

I differ with Nick on where to take a course. If at all possible, consider taking it in the country where you want to start teaching. There are lots of great reasons to do this if you can. 1) you can get your feet wet in the country/culture while you still have a support system- training centres generally arrange for your housing during the course, airport pickup, local orientation, and can hook you up with reputable housing agencies later on. 2) your practice teaching students will really be representative of those you'll be working with when you start 3) you can get invaluable info regarging reputable local employers from a good training centres

Sorry not to answer before. I'm on holiday (like many other regulars, I suspect)

[nickpellatt]

I should follow Spiral and say that whilst I often post about taking the course in your home town or country if possible, my opinion is not the most common one as lots of people do suggest the 'in-country' option.

Ultimately it is something for you to weigh up in terms of finances, and also the sort of person you are. I really enjoyed my course, and I like to think I was able to take a lot from it (I couldnt recommend it high enough really) There were people on my course that found it very stressful and difficult though. An older gentlemen came in on the monday morning of week 2 wearing his slippers, because he had been so distracted and worried all weekend he forgot to put shoes on. Another woman was in tears a few times during the course, and the girl I was partnered with during teaching practice had to stay up until 5am to finish a project assignment.

Im personally not the type of person who copes with stress. I cant cope at all actually! And no qualification in the world is worth me staying up until 5am. My course experience was great simply because I had no outside distractions during its duration, due to my support network in the UK.

Spiral - Enjoy your holidays!!

[naturegirl321]

[sultaneh]

Nick and Spiral-- Yes I can see how there are pros and cons to it. I can relate to Nick-- I'm not good with a lot of stress, and I really want to do good in CELTA training, so I am going to opt for a familiar environment. I do wish I had an excuse to go to Egypt though! will have to save it for another time.

Nature Girl -- thanks for sending me the info! There are so many countries and it's hard to choose, but Spain is a place I have always wanted to at least visit.