Job Discussion Forums

[nielsbrrzl]

Dear people,

Just like many others I'm also going through a lot of stages of research in terms of where to take a CELTA course and where to work (doesn't have to be per se in the same country as the course). Keeping this in mind there are other questions rising after good research on fora, websites and facebook groups:

- What's a good place to take a CELTA course within Europe? Doesn't particular mean that I would look for a job within the same country of where the course was.
- In which places are the chances for non-native english speakers reasonable, to find a job?
- how about the contracts at the schools (cause I've heard, depending on what school, they treat you like sh*t sometimes)
- in terms of living: I want to live in a good place, where lots of young people are, expats, many things to do,... and preferrably a warm climate.

Maybe a little information about myself:

I'm 26 years old, and will have worked 2,5 years (when I finish my job at the end of 2014) for Flemish Government at a closed governmental institution working with young delinquents. Obviously I have thorough experience working with youngsters (especially the "heavy" cases) and have been doing both social work tasks as educational tasks. My level of English is very good, and I'm a passionate traveler. Been in Australia for 7 months on a WHV and traveled many countries next to that.

Is anyone here able to help me out with good information based on own experiences?

Thanks a lot!

[nomad soul]

Do you have at least a bachelor's degree?

[spiral78]

I'll assume a degree, since most young Europeans do have one. If you don't, as nomad is hinting, your options are very limited.

Your written English above includes a fair number of errors that would be problematic were you teaching at higher levels. That said, there are numerous schools that will hire non-native speakers to teach beginner to lower intermediate levels. Having learned English yourself to a functional (if not formal) level is a strength, and you may be able to find an employer who appreciates that.

Your first language may well be seen as helpful, particularly when working with lower-level learners, so it's quite likely that another French-speaking country (such as your native Belgium or France or Luxembourg - no chance to get a work visa in Canada, probably) would be your best bet. And probably somewhere less desirable to native speakers, as you'll have a hard time competing.

I worked in Luxembourg a decade ago, and unless things have changed (obviously they may well have done), this might be worth checking out. The capitol is a nice small city-you've likely been there- but the weather makes it less attractive to UK nationals. Too similar to London. There are lots of lower-level students in the finance industry who would benefit from a teacher who's functional in English but can use French when needed.

[nielsbrrzl]

Yes nomadsoul, I have a bachelor's degree in social work. There would be no chance that I could do my current job without that degree.

I'm aware that my written English still could improve of course, but that's also what I'm willing to do. I'm convinced my spoken English is better and I can fairly speak without a strong accent. Spiral78, my first language is Dutch and I do speak French and basic German as well, as these are our other official languages. In Belgium we are known to be good at languages.

Spiral78, thanks for your advice and comment.
I do realize that there is huge competition in the whole TEFL industry. The big discussion and frustration in the "non-native English speakers" issue is that as a non-native speaker it's harder to get through at employers. It's something I've been reading about a lot. Even if you would be a better teacher than a native speaker, the employer would probably still hire the Brit, Canadian, Australian or American, right?

I still believe that if you're good enough and willing to undertake a lot to succeed in the course, we should have fair chances. Of course many employers prefer to hire a native speaker above a non-native but I hope I would stand a chance in other countries than Luxemburg. Don't get me wrong, I can't afford to be too picky about a first teaching job, but I'd rather find something a bit more attractive than that. If you know non-native speakers yourself, where did they find a job mostly? You have any more tips or hints?

Thanks again for the quick reply.

[nomad soul]

[spiral78]

I am very familiar with the Limburg region, so I have a clue what your language skills may be like. Confidence in speaking (but a lower level of written English and accuracy overall) can translate into things like summer camp gigs and possibly some private language school jobs, with lower level students and/or kids. You won't be the most attractive candidate to teach mid to upper level businesspeople (a big part of the market) or test prep classes (another big market segment).

Where are you hoping to go, and who do you imagine teaching?
If you've got 'the look,' Asia might be easier than Europe. This is a competitive and demanding job market and an nns with unrelated BA and CELTA isn't a super hot property in most market segments in desirable western European cities.

I know numerous nns English teachers in Europe, but they almost all have upper-level qualifications. Most started in Asia.

[nielsbrrzl]

Thanks. Where have you been teaching then if I may ask? And how did you get started in the beginning? There's truth in what you say about being confident in speaking but having it harder for perfect written skills.

My goal is actually to teach youngsters, or children. In my experience working with the most difficult young delinquents it would be suitable to see that as my ideal target group. By taking the CELTA course (i know i'm supposed to teach adults with that) I'm trying to get the best possible course and that's why I choose a CELTA over any other course. Or do you think it would be more ideal to take a course specified to teaching youngsters and children? If so, what would you recommend me?

About a location, I would take the CELTA course at IH Barcelona in february 2015. After that, and when I (hopefully succeed), I would just wait and have look where it's possible to teach according to the demand for teachers. I won't be picky at all but prefer Spain, when I'm there anyway. Asia would be a good option.

[nomad soul]

[spiral78]