Job Discussion Forums

[SOBELLE]

Hi,
I am an American citizen but a non native. I am a certified French teacher but also taught English at the elementary level. I am pursuing a Master's degree in Computer and technology in education. What are my chances on finding a teaching job in Finland and how to apply? Any suggestions will be helpful. Thanks.
P.S: I forgot to mention my husband is Finnish!

[poro]

It depends on your location, Sobelle - your chances are best in the Helsinki - Tampere - Turku triangle, because that's where most of the population is. Of course, you CAN get work outside there too, but the opportunities are fewer.

To find a job, check out the Ministry of Labor database - obviously, practically none of the jobs are advertised in English, so you may need your husband to help you:

http://www.mol.fi/Tyovoimapalvelut/Paikat/

You can also check out the bigger newspapers, particularly for your locality.

http://www.helsinginsanomat.fi

is about the closest we have to a 'national newspaper', and it has a jobs link too. Quite often, newspapers link into the MoL database though, so you might not be getting anything 'new' from there.

To apply for a job, just follow the instructions in the ad. Nearly everyone accepts applications by email or electronic means these days, so it shouldn't be a problem to apply.

Another thing you could try is an unsolicited application at the schools in your area, especially the polytechnic (ammattikorkeakoulu). The latter like hiring people who can teach 2 languages, so you already have an advantage there.

The only other suggestion I could make offhand is to apply at the local Community College (Kansalaisopisto). They might not be actively looking for teachers, but if they know they have someone, they can start advertising courses, and you might get lucky. Your French would be good for this, because there aren't that many people here who can teach it.

Anyway, I hope this helps, and good luck!

[SOBELLE]

Hi Poro,

Thank you for taking time and replying to my message. I am actually working and living in the U.S. I will try some of the information you gave me. Thanks a lot