Job Discussion Forums

[renzobenzo1]

I have 2 years teaching experience in Indonesia and Korea.
No teaching credentials however, but a double degree nonetheless.
I am from New Zealand and believe visas can be arranged for up to a year in certain countries but some require you to change employers every 3 months eg. Italy.
It might be easier for me to get into Eastern Europe-Slovakia, Czech Republic or the Ukraine for this reason. I don't mind to be honest where I am. I thought about Russia but it might be a bit daunting?...

So these considerations aside, where do you think I should start out-I would like to save a little bit of money....I like nature and historical buildings and a bit of night-life, but more importantly housing and teaching hours are important to me.

Thanks in advance.

[spiral78]

First of all, the European market emphasizes a basic teaching certification. The standard is 120 hours on-site with at least six hours of supervised teaching practice on real students. Because 99% of teachers on the market have such a qualification, to go without one will put you at a disadvantage.

Secondly, European schools are generally aware that Asian teaching and learning styles are substantially different than the European model. Your experience will be worth something, but employers will expect you to be well aware of the differences in student expectations.

Third, it is not feasible to plan to save money in any European country teaching in private language schools. Sure, there are some university or international school jobs that pay better, but your credentials won't make you a candidate for anything other than newbie level jobs. The wages are subsistence level. They will give you enough to enjoy living where you are, but not more.

Finally, housing in the countries you mention is all relatively expensive on a teaching salary. Most teachers flat-share. Split shifts are the norm, and you can count on substantial travel to the offices of your students daily. It's rare to find a job that is entirely based in-school.

I don't want to imply that you shouldn't go to Europe. Simply that it's important to have realistic expectations about the conditions you will find there.

[SueH]

[ecocks]

Read a bit on the Ukraine thread and post any questions you come up with.

[Plisken]

If you're looking at Eastern Europe, you probably should have checked my thread right under this one. It's mostly ecocks, spiral78 and Kootvela giving me the lowdown on the area. Lots of helpful information.

As for the rest, it's a bit confusing - a double degree and 2 years of experience, but no "credentials"? I'm pretty clueless in any case, but from what they told me, the best course of action is to take an in-country CELTA course that will help you get an "foot in the door" with whatever area you choose. From what I've seen so far, expect to pay ~750-1000 pounds.

[scot47]

My diseased imagination led me to read this as "Nookie".