Job Discussion Forums

[js21]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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?