Job Discussion Forums

[Haft]

What is the typical start date for European schools when the academic year begins? When I try to estimate precisely when I can leave against how much I can save before going, I do it according to the start of September, typically September 3rd (which is my birthday, actually, not that it matters). I am thinking primarily of the Eastern Bloc of the EU.

[Haft]

Oh, and why I used the above date is because it's for the American system of public education, using a traditional (farm work in the summer) academic year, following just after Labor Day... being that I am American.

[spiral78]

First of September +/-. Depends a bit, just like it depends from State to State in the States.

Also depends somewhat on what country you're thinking of. There's no continental standard!

Employers are looking for staff now to mid-Sept max.

However, it sounds as though you plan on teaching in state-run institutions? In any case, contract periods for private language schools and state school years are approximately the same.

[spiral78]

simonporter's thread "Job Hunting in Poland" on the Poland thread would probably be useful to you in terms of planning and dates.

[Haft]

Thank you, I just went and read it. Definitely have more questions now, but it looks like the basic plan I had in mind is workable.

[Mags_11]

At the Technical University in Bratislava, for example, the "winter semester" starts at the end of September and goes until January. The "summer semester" goes from late February until June. Add a couple more weeks on to the tail end to complete finals.

Of course, elementary and secondary schools have different dates. I believe they start the first Monday in September.

Margarete Hurn
Author
The Foreigner's Guide to Living in Slovakia
www.fgslovakia.com

[scot47]

The Medieval German model - still followed today is
Winter Semester October to January
Summer Semester February to June

This pattern is common in most countries in Eastern Europe. The Germanic influence has been strong !