Job Discussion Forums

[kara3010]

Hi Everyone,

Was wondering if you can help. I have just done a weekend TEFL course and am looking to find a job in Europe, starting asap and ending during the summer. I am struggling with my lack of experience at the mo?

Any ideas?

Thanks

[spiral78]

Europe's a big place. If you can be more specific, you'll get better info.

First, are you an EU member citizen (I guess you may be British, judging by your use of 'at the mo')? If so, the older EU member countries like Spain, Italy, and France are legally open to you. If not, you'll need to target the 'new' member countries like the Czech Rep, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary, where you can get legal work/living permission.

Generally speaking for Europe, starting 'asap' in Feb/March - it isn't the easiest time to find jobs. Normal contracts are September - June. There are usually some openings around January, because teachers sometimes don't return after the holiday break, but now you are looking at the winding-down period of the contract year, so things are tighter. There is little work in July essentially none in August in Europe generally. You could try to cobble something together with a contract thru end June somewhere, and then a summer school stint, but August is just pretty much out.

Finally, a 'weekend' TEFL course is going to leave you at a disavantage in Europe generally. Most good schools require an on-site certificate from a course involving 100+ hours, including at least 6 hours of actual teaching practice with feedback from teacher trainers. You will be competing against newbie teachers who mostly have this kind of certification.

[joshsweigart]

Sign up for some Esl websites like eslbase.com or tefl.com and they will send you job opening info. I only get the ones for Poland but here are the links.

http://www.eslbase.com/jobs/poland/3643

http://www.eslbase.com/jobs/poland/3609

[johnnyenglishteacher]

First of all, it would be best to get a CELTA or Trinity certificate if you want to work in a decent school.

There is plenty of work available in language schools around Europe, and if you do get a certificate you should be able to find work fairly easily, probably in Central or Eastern Europe to start with. With a certificate and a year�s experience, you will have a lot more choice.