Job Discussion Forums

[abcadyz]

Definitely a noob, prepare for noob questions... Graduate with an English B.A., female, 20s. Fluent in English and conversationally in Spanish. Did some volunteer teaching in Spain when I studied there, also had a contract to teach in China (z visa, all proper) but I really didn't like China much. I did love teaching though!! I'm wondering what the prospects are like for getting a job in the EU, such as Spain (I'm Canadian) or Japan/Korea... or anywhere really, but I'm just wondering how to spot the scams. What are the most reputable teaching agencies? How should I go about looking for a job online? I don't want to get caught up in a scheme....

So basically,

1. How likely is it that a Canadian can find an English teaching job in the EU, decent pay? Anywhere from UK to Eastern Europe is alright but I know they tend to take EU nationals because they don't have to bother with the visa hassle.

2. What should I be looking for when I browse job offers? Red flag signs? I've read a few lists of how to spot a scheme but I thought some seasoned vets might be able to help.

Thanks!

[In the heat of the moment]

Great opening question! (No sarcasm here - your opening was very good). I'm sure others will be around to offer advice, so take mine lightly.

The bad news; it's unlikely you'd be able to get a good job in Europe. Sorry, that's just the way the visa system is - nothing to do with your application or capabilities.

The good news; Korea is a lot cleaner than China, much more money is invested in education there, the pay's good, there are thousands of teachers working there (some marry and stay), the students in Elementary are great, those in Middle School can be difficult, the Hagwons... don't go there, the University positions are usually only available for seasoned Korea teachers.

Also the transport, food, and culture in Korea is great for a new(ish) teacher, learning the ropes. I have many friends who worked or work there and none have the usual gripes you get in a lot of places; if you go to a good school (don't just look at Seoul, it's expensive and crowded, look at towns near there or Busan or other large cities) you'll have hard-working students and colleagues.

Also look for other teachers' websites which specialise in Korea. I moderate a huge website there which has an enormous bank of good/average/awful lessons, run by a Canadian. Also join Facebook groups when/if you work there. Do a lot of research, ask the schools the right questions, and go with an open mind. PM me if you want.

[spiral78]

Canadians can still get jobs in Central/Eastern Europe, though it's a hassle and EU teachers are preferred. Jobs are not found from abroad in this region, and you need a CELTA or equivalent cert to compete on the job market. Very few jobs will hire from abroad - you have to be here ready to interview in person.

Beware any European school that offers to hire you sight-unseen - in fact, post here for advice if you receive such an offer as most are scams and we have seen them before. Unless you have specialist qualifications, that is. Don't fall for anyone that promises to get you a work visa in the EU for a fee. It's not real.

Most contracts in this region are Sept/Oct thru June, so timing matters; come over in late August and walk the sidewalks, essentially. Yes, there are start-up costs, and pay is a living wage, but if you have debts back home you won't earn enough to pay them off in the first year or two.

[In the heat of the moment]

Never pay a fee. You should be offered return flights (over there at the start of the academic year, returning to a main airport near your home town at the end), a free (clean, suitable) apartment, you might have to pay for electric/water/heating, sharing an apartment with other teachers is a mixed bag, it can be great as you share teaching experiences or they could be an alcoholic idiot, YMMV, I prefer to live alone but next to colleagues.

Also medical should be provided, at least accidental. If you choose to go rock climbing on holiday you MUST pay for insurance, I've seen many people have accidents and their insurance doesn't cover it - they have to stay in hospital, which costs $$$$ every day, until their family (parents) have flown over to pay the six-figure bills.

[AGoodStory]

Unlike the US, Canada has bilateral agreements for "working holiday" visas with a number of countries, including several in Europe. These allow young people (usually 18-30, sometimes a little older) to work for a period of 12 to 18 months in one of the countries that have entered into this mutual agreement. France, Spain, Norway, The Netherlands, and a number of other countries are listed on the Canadian government website.


http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/residents/iec/index.asp

http://global-goose.com/travel-tips/working-holiday-visas-for-canadians/

Apparently the working holiday has been renamed, and is now referred to as IEC, or International Experience Canada. Personally I preferred "working holiday," but if it gets you to Europe . . . !

[scot47]

Go for it. My intro to EFLing many moon s ago was as a Teaching assistant through a similar Govt Programme.