Job Discussion Forums

[maw]

Hi
Just wondering if anyone has had experience teaching ESL in Finland. I'm heading to Porvoo to stay with my son and his family for a year but unfortunately I dont have an EU passport.
If anyone else has been there and knows of any work opportunities I would appreciate any help or suggestions.
Thank you.

[spiral78]

On what legal basis will you stay with your son for a year?

I have two friends who have worked as EFL teachers in Finland long-term. However, both have EU passports and high-level qualifications. The (vast) majority of English teaching positions are held by well-qualified locals. I expect you will have a difficult time finding anything other than some random private students, to be honest.

[Dedicated]

I have to agree with spiral78 on this. All primary, secondary and university teachers in Finland must have a master's degree.

There is an International College in Porvoo as well as the campus of Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. Porvoo is itself about 50km east of Helsinki which is less than an hour away.

Porvoo is actually a beautiful Medieval town with a unique historic old town of wooden buildings and cobbled streets.

[scot47]

http://www.porvoo.fi/en/our__services/education/schools_in_porvoo

If you are non-EU you will have the tricky questions of recognition of your qualifications and a work permit.

Private students could be a way.

[maw]

Thanks so much for your replies.

I am able to stay for one year on a family ties visa, but getting a work visa is not as easy.
Yes, the qualifications need to be very high to work in private institutions in Finland and even though I have worked in Universities here in New Zealand, the letters i have had back after enquiring, is that they like to employ people who speak Finnish as well....Ive only just started learning it and it could be a while before i'm fluent!!!

I think the private students will probably be the only way at this point.
Thank you for the links.
Porvoo is beautiful, I have been there once but in the midst of Winter and -29 degrees, so it will nice to actually see the cobbled roads this time.

[scot47]

There is a university in town. There may be some demand for IELTS tuition. Do you have any experience with IELTS Preparation ? ?

[bograt]

Funny, when I first got into TEFL in the 90s there were always a ton of jobs advertised in Finland in the Guardian just asking for a CELTA. Maybe the scene's changed since then.

[maw]

Yes actually I do have IELTS Prep experience, that could be an option even for private students...thank you, a good marketing niche!!

Yes, I think alot of places now seem to want more than CELTA.

I even thought of maybe going to Russia for a teaching stint while I'm there to make a little money as its not too far from Finland, but they could be asking for more than CELTA now also.

[nomad soul]

[scot47]

For university students in Europe now the big deal is ERASMUS which allows movement between unis in the EU. English Language plays a significant role in this and IELTS is a key to opening doors.

[maw]

Another option I thought of, was trying to do some Online teaching. That seems to have got quite competitive now, but does anyone on this thread know of a reputable company that employs tutors online or has had personal experience with Online Teaching.
I wrote to one from Daves ESL, but they semed a bit suspect...wanted all my details but after three emails still wouldn't tell me the name of the person I was communicating with or the name of the company that was supposedly hiring.

[nomad soul]

[maw]

Great...thanks for that!!