Job Discussion Forums

js21 · Joined: 19 Jan 2009 Posts: 6 Location: boston

Hi all,

I am strongly considering teaching abroad. I would most likely do it in Europe. I have some questions about the quality of life and what was it like after you got home.

I would teach business english, so I am wondering if it actually helps your resume, and networking etc.

Any one who would share their experiences / information would be great

Thanks,

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

If you're an American, working in the old EU will get very difficult. For Americans who overstay the 90 day limit in the Schegan countries you can get banned for at least 3 years.

Try asking spiral78 about Europe.

The newer EU countries and the non EU ones might be agood bet.

are you just looking at doing this for a bit? try working holiday visas.

js21 · Joined: 19 Jan 2009 Posts: 6 Location: boston

Yeah to be honest I am just looking to do it short-term. I just graduated and there are no jobs so I would like to teach business english in Europe. I was thinking about the Czech Republic a lot.

I just have a ton of questions because I am absolutely clueless on the whole thing in general.

And is americantesol.com legit?

If I do it my plan is to get certified through them, and then they guarantee job placement. They told me I just give them a list of 5 places I'd like to teach then they work to get you a job until there is one that you want to do.

Kootvela · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 513 Location: Lithuania

With current job cuts and closing down of university sections, fewer people coming to language schools, your prospects in Lithuania are really bad, I'm afraid.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

There are new TEFl training places popping up all the time. Best thing is to talk to current TEFLers and make sure it's got at least 120 hours and 6 teaching students. The CZ still might be available to Americans, like I said, spiral78 would know.

The job placement thing isn't what it seems. they're not going to garauntee you a job. they can assist with interviews, but if you screw up the interview or demo lesson, there's not much you can do

js21 · Joined: 19 Jan 2009 Posts: 6 Location: boston

Thanks for the replies. So realistically speaking would you guys know how hard it would be for a first timer to land a job, and what to expect for pay / quality of life? Let assume I stick with Eastern Europe.

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

Americans can still get legal working visas in the Czech Rep. See the Czech forum for current visa requirements.

For anywhere in Europe, you will need a certification from an on-site course of at least 100+ hours, including supervised teaching practice on real students. As this is what 90% of newbies in Europe have, anything less puts you at a disadvantage in the job market.

Ideally, take the course in the country where you want to start teaching. This gives you a chance to get your feet wet in country/culture while you still have a support system, since training centres usually arrange for housing during the course, airport pickup, and local orientation. Further, they can give you invaluable info regarding reputable local employers.

So far as standard of living, for Europe you can make enough to live ok, but not to pay back debt from home, save up much, travel outside the country extensively, or to make major purchases such as a car. Count on being somewhat frugal, but making enough to have some fun and enjoy the area where you are.

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

I'll add that the hiring season in the Czech Rep is late August to September and most contracts are Sept/Oct - June. So you can time your trip.

js21 · Joined: 19 Jan 2009 Posts: 6 Location: boston

Spiral, would you mind looking at this site for me?

https://americantesol.com/ATIBE.pdf

I have talked to them a bunch of times on the live help part of their website, and they basically have told me, I get certified online, give them a list of 5 countries I would want to teach in, and then wait for offers. They said they will work with me until I secure a job. They said I will get a free place to stay, and some places pay for the flight.

Do you think it sounds legit?

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2009 6:45 pm Post subject:

js21 · Joined: 19 Jan 2009 Posts: 6 Location: boston

Well to be honest, I don't really care if the school will hire me with or without a certificate. My main concern is just getting there having something lined up, and with that place I like that they do that part for you.

Do any of you who have taught have AIM? I got a head full of questions and that might be easier.

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

What you say american tesol offers won't work for European destinations.

1) European employers nearly never hire anyone sight unseen from abroad. You really have to be here to get a job.

2)Paid flights and accomodation are also limited to places where there are few teachers in the market- this is NOT the case in Europe.

3)As I noted before, an online cert puts you at the bottom of the hiring ladder in Europe.

Really, if you want to go for any European destination, you should plan to save up a few thousands and get a decent certification in country.

js21 · Joined: 19 Jan 2009 Posts: 6 Location: boston

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

They will probably hook you up with a job in some other region and call it good.
It won't be any job Europe, not with the deal that they are offering.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

American TESOL seems to think that all countries are ok. Sure, some will get you a flight and some will get you free room and board, but not all.