Job Discussion Forums

gear · Joined: 16 Apr 2007 Posts: 2 Location: UK

Hi

We (husband and I) are hoping to start teaching abroad when our son hits one, which will be around September time. I don't plan on teaching full time, but my husband has a CELTA certificate and is looking for his first full time job. Any advice on where would be good to start? We are UK based and were thinking somewhere like Croatia or Poland...or are we crazy to try? Any advice welcome!

Thanks!

Sgt Killjoy · Joined: 26 Jun 2004 Posts: 438

Try it, you got nothing to lose. There isn't any perfect age to hit the TEFL circuit with a kid in tow, but that's a better age than many. He won't have any adjustment issues whatsoever.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

The problem will be making enough to support all three of you, with one full-time and one part-time salary. It's possible, but will be tough. Wages in Europe generally, and particularly the areas you're talking about, are subsistence level, meaning that it takes one full-time salary for one person to get by. You will obviously save a bit by sharing a flat, but bear in mind that many teachers are flat-sharing with other teachers, because it's the best way to make your wages stretch to cover 'extras' like sometime restaurant meals, entertainment, and local travel.

jr1965 · Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Posts: 175

Gear,

Since your husband is the one who will be working full time, have you considered the idea of his going ahead first and checking a place out, both for work and the living conditions/costs? He could get things set up and then you could follow, versus trying to do it all with a year-old child in tow. If you're based in the UK, the distance wouldn't be that great (if you're looking at Poland or Croatia), and you could set yourselves a time limit for scoping out the situation, for example, 2-4 weeks (or longer if you can afford it).

I made a move from the U.S. to Spain a little over two years ago with a child. My husband came ahead and got us set up housing-wise, which made the move/transition here much easier than if we'd had to stay with my in-laws (hubby is Spanish) or in a hotel and look round. Having a place to go to when we arrived made everything so much easier.

gear · Joined: 16 Apr 2007 Posts: 2 Location: UK

Thanks for the advice - I think my husband going ahead is an especially good idea! Good to hear positive responses too, though of course money is going to be an issue...

Cheers!

MELEE · Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 3:05 pm Post subject:

You might do better in other parts of the world, where cost of living is lower. But then the cost of flights back to the UK will be higher so that needs to be factored in.
I'm the mother of twins, from before they were born until this past Feb. my husband was in graduate school. I made enough to support the 4 of us. In Mexico, one good full time job will be enough to cover your expenses, the part time job will give you a little extra.
Whether or not parenting in Mexico is right for you in another question all together.

jr1965 · Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Posts: 175

Gear,

It's true; money will be a factor if you're looking at jobs in Europe. This is why I'd really encourage your husband to go ahead and check out the situation�both in terms of job opportunities and living conditions and costs. It would be one thing if it were just the two of you going; it's a whole other kettle of fish with a baby or young child involved. This is true whatever the country you go to.

Also, what about health care and coverage for the child? This is important to figure out ahead of time. Perhaps you could telephone or visit the British consulate in the capital of whichever country you're going to in order to find out more about this. They may be able to give you a referral to a good pediatrician--perhaps someone who speaks English if you don't speak the lang of the country.