Job Discussion Forums

[Michael Gaylord]

Hi out there,

I'm currently living and teaching in Poland; I'm considering looking for a teaching post in SLOVENIA or CROATIA, though, when my contract ends. I was hoping to get some feedback (eg.: job prospects, living conditions, availability of opportunities to learn the language, pay, working state/vs/private, etc.). Some answers about these basic questions, as well as any warnings on schools/things to watch out for, would be much appreciated.
Mike

[queenkp]

I've been working in Ljubljana since September of last year. I found my job via TEFL.com and first interviewed for the position in March; I was formally offered the position in August. Upon arrival I met dozens of English teachers, nearly all of whom are Slovene. The problem you will run into in Slovenia is the amazing English level here already. Slovenia especially; the kids have all learned it for years, and Tito didn't squelch English from the curriculum. I've seen adverts for a few schools in the centre of Ljubljana, but do not know of any Slovenes or native speakers who teach there. You could probably piece together a salary on private lessons, but Ljubljana is an expensive city, so unless you have some cash saved it could be tight at first. Also remember this is now an EU country, which means you won't likely get hired unless you have permission to work here.

As for Croatia, all I have heard of are British Councils. The best thing for Croatia would likely be to just go there and try and find work. English is a third language there, as German is much more prominant due to the thousands of holidaymakers each year, among other things.

Good luck!

[Michael Gaylord]

"Queen",

Thanks for the reply. You're info. is really helpful. I didn't realize that Slovenes were so "well-educated", in terms of English lang. comprehension...a bit different than here in Poland! Still, I'm curious to find out more about the country and to possibly look for work there.
You mentioned that you have met (only?) Slovenian-English teachers...any other native speakers at all? How are you "coping" with this isolation...do you know the language already? Also, was wondering how you feel the school "treats" you (i.e.: paid on time, allowed to be creative in the lessons, etc.), and: about the expensiveness of Llubjana, just HOW expensive is it (Warsaw is nearly as expensive as Toronto!)?
Thanks for the feedback.

Mike

[queenkp]

Hi Mike, sorry this reply is so late!
There are a few native speakers around doing this and that, but it's certainly not a Prague or a Madrid or someplace oozing with expats. I don't speak Slovene but you don't have to here - as I mentioned before, the English level of Slovenes, especially in Ljubljana, is beyond anything I expected. I am a contractor being paid from the States, so I don't have any issues with my school. They have a huge respect for native speakers here, so I can do a lot of creative things in class, which is great. Expenses: a one-BR flat in the centre will run you 700 euros/mo, and there aren't many to share other than student flats, which are out of the centre and between 300 - 500 euros/mo. Transport is about a euro per ride on a decent bus system. Food is expensive as all fruit and veg are imported and sometimes it's cheaper to grab food out than make a normal meal at home. Beer is cheap, around 2 euros for a pint, more if you want imports. Wine is cheap and good. Slovenes tend to go to Italy to do their shopping as it's cheaper for clothing, food, household stuff, etc. If you want to get out and about and have a reasonable social life, you need to make a couple thousand euros a month. I find it more expensive than most mediterranean European cities and much more expensive than Prague was three years ago when I lived on US$500 a month. Just not possible here. And if you're Canadian (from the Toronto reference) know that they're enforcing the EU employment laws and tend to be strict on non-EU passport holders.
I am fuzzy on Croatia, but if you want to work there (or here) it's all about perseverence and having enough cash to tide you over for a few months.

[herman]

I don't know anything about TEFL opportunities in Croatia, either, but I've been there twice and I'm sure it's *much* cheaper than Slovenia, the tourist destination of rich Austrians year round. My Croatian friend has relatives in Slovenia and always says how surprised he is that they are so much more well off.

In Croatia, for the younger generation English is second language; German is more for the older generation and the rural areas. Croatia is moving forward quite quickly and their level of English definitely surprised me when I got there; not much accent and very easy to communicate with, but I guess I hung out mostly with university students. I can imagine, though, that they're not as good as the Slovenes. There should be some market indeed.

[scot47]

The lands of the southern slavs are indeed different from those of their northern cousins. People who have been in Poland will be familiar with the seeming inability of the Poles to deal with foreign languages. Czechs seem to be also cheerfully monoglot !

[TheWanderer]

[mekala]

I also taught in Slovenia for a school term. I was located on the coast in Koper. It is a lovely town and it was a good experience.
I found my job by posting fliers at the internet cafes & libraries. I was lucky and ended up with a few privates and a weekly Conversational English class with the University. It is possible and especially in Koper, since (to my knowledge) there are very few foreign teachers there.
In my opinion, Slovenes have a good understand of the English language- particularly their Oral English; however, they are always very keen to practice and improve.
I found myself in Slovenia by accident, but I am so thankful that I did because I ended up adoring the people (my students), the culture and the way of life. It's a beautiful country and still not a huge tourist destination, which makes it more appealing.
Best of Luck finding work there. I am sure you will enjoy it.