Job Discussion Forums

PattyFlipper · Joined: 14 Nov 2007 Posts: 572

Andrew, I read your post in the General Discussion forum after I made the above post. Let me preface my remarks by stating that what I am about to write is in no way intended as disparagement or as a personal attack. It takes a special kind of intestinal fortitude to upsticks and try to carve out a life for yourself in a foreign country, and I admire you for wanting to try it. That said, you really need to think about whether TEFL is good way for you to achieve your long-term goals. Being a 40 year old, male, non-degreed, US citizen with no teaching experience is not going to make you the most desirable candidate to the majority of TEFL employers in Europe. You are pretty much going to be looking at bottom-feeder jobs for quite a while, unless you manage to get lucky. If you are only using TEFL as a stepping-stone to something else, then fair enough as long as you have a plan, but being an American in Europe is going to be a handicap; not a totally insurmountable one, but a handicap nevertheless. In trying to make a 'career' out of TEFL you will also be restricted by your lack of a degree and your age. TEFL employers and even some of the students can be racist, sexist, ageist and all the other 'ists' you care to name. Not all of them, obviously, but enough to make life problematic for someone who is not young and good-looking, and/or also lacking in qualifications and experience.

You also stated in the other thread that you had limited savings, and I really don't think that teaching English in Eastern Europe is going to enable you save for old age. You need to take particular care that you do not wake up one day in your fifties, with no money in the bank, the inevitable health issues that come with increasing age, and few of the support systems you might have back home (I have met a significant number of people in this situation, though admittedly mostly in Asia). I am sure there will be others here who will post from a more positive angle, and that is fine. Just bear in mind that a freshly-graduated 20 something has a very different set of options and opportunities available to them.

AndrewR · Joined: 23 Oct 2009 Posts: 26

Thanks for your input PattyFlipper,

Yeah, obviously I don't expect the TEFL life to be glamorous or produce riches. But my options here in the US aren't exactly a bed of roses either.
Even before the recession hit, I could expect to get jobs with subsistence-level income at best.
(so how do I have any savings at all, you may ask? I've participated as a test subject in a few clinical research trials. They pay far better than a regular job would.)

So if I'm going to be just as poor whether inside or outside the US, I might as well look for ways to get legal work outside it. And so far, TEFL seems to be the closest to a realistic option for someone at my skill level.
But if you have a better idea for an American who wants to live legally overseas, I'm all ears.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Following the logic of the last two entries, why not adopt a phase strategy. While there's a recession in the USA, get a job (preferably with training) somewhere where you can and enjoy it (Thailand, China, maybe?). Then when the recession lifts, return to America and go back to plain old work. Obviously, if you enjoy Phase 1 too much, you may veer away from Phase 2, which will require some thought (and possibly a degree by distance learning along the way).

AndrewR · Joined: 23 Oct 2009 Posts: 26

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

I think this is uncertain. Often, countries in trouble have devalued their currencies, in the face of end-of-the-world expressions of calamity, and have found their fortunes transformed within a few years. In terms of the general discussion thread, Phase 1 still seems a good bet, as one can ride with the new wave if there is one or stick to TEFLing.

roywebcafe · Joined: 13 Jan 2006 Posts: 259

Is ther any work in Europe????

I have had the same problem as Deicide looking for work. Have fired my CV off to numerous countries and companies, schools etc by internet and had few replies usually NO or we will let you know. In APril i went to Krakow and visited many schools at least 14 and they all said try in september. Despite emailing them had no reply!

I can only work within travelling distance of my home or relocate to another country or town so unless employers can help me with this I am screwed unless you count a xmas job at Debenhams!!!

I have about #1000 GBP in my account so can i afford to look around another country while paying for food and accomodation???

Which country is good for looking around on a meagre sum like that? Thought about hungary? Anyone know if its easy to find a job somewhere like hungary?

Any advice welcome

Deicide

MsDooLittle · Joined: 25 Jan 2009 Posts: 63 Location: somewhere else

Deicide.... good to see you here in Europe threads...btw I hope your situational doom and gloom is passing.... how about going out for a beer with friends and not worrying so much...that way you may meet a nice lady who will help with you your evolutionary ambition...

Deicide · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 4:40 pm Post subject:

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

Is ther any work in Europe????

I have had the same problem as Deicide looking for work. Have fired my CV off to numerous countries and companies, schools etc by internet and had few replies usually NO or we will let you know. In APril i went to Krakow and visited many schools at least 14 and they all said try in september. Despite emailing them had no reply!

I can only work within travelling distance of my home or relocate to another country or town so unless employers can help me with this I am screwed unless you count a xmas job at Debenhams!!!

Reputable European employers very rarely hire from abroad. There are simply too many well-qualified teachers here on the ground for employers to give any time/energy to someone applying from abroad. The notable exceptions are 1. dodgy employers for whom teachers on the ground won't work and 2. teachers with specialist qualifications.

Most contracts in Europe are Sept-June. Your best bet is obviously late August through September to land work. Also, bear in mind that there is an economic recession...highly unlikely you will find some school desperate enough for teachers to grab someone up from abroad, in the off-season!

mr tree · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 98 Location: Prague, CzR

Mrguay84 · Joined: 03 Dec 2009 Posts: 125

AndrewR, just go for it. You'll regret it if you don't. Life is short.

roywebcafe · Joined: 13 Jan 2006 Posts: 259

I just wondered if you have ever signed on the dole in Europe?? I am on the dole in the UK and the wasteland i mean West midlands here is a bad place to look for work. It could be better if i sign on the dole in Europe and look for work there as finidng work in Europe from the UK seems impossible - I think employers In europe only use the Internet to torment me and show people already living there they are recruiting!!