Job Discussion Forums

CallieWho · Joined: 16 Jul 2008 Posts: 25

Hi,
I'm taking a CELTA course at HI Krakow for March, but now with this economic downturn I am worried that I will not find suitable work. I have a bachelor's degree but no experience teaching. I've done some web searches including this site and haven't found any new information for this the job outlook for 2009.
Anyone heard anything? Or had any experiences? Insight?
Thank you,
Callie

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

A lot of people are sort of bunkering down and not moving this year BECAUSE of the economic situation. That makes it a harder year than most to find a new job, and employers who ARE looking for people are also thinking of their economic situation and lowering salaries accordingly.

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

March/April isn't the ideal time to be looking for work in any case. Most contracts are Sept/Oct through June, so you're getting in on the tail end of the contract year. There's never much work in July and August, and this is Europe-wide.

As for next year, I agree that there will probably be fewer jobs out there, but there should still be work. If you're determined to do it, you can probably make it work, but make sure you've got enough financial cushion saved up before you go to get you through any tight times.

Mike_2007 · Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Posts: 349 Location: Bucharest, Romania

I've had at least 5 or 6 people approach me for private lessons in the last couple of weeks and I'm not even advertising. A friend of mine recently hit all the free internet classified sites and he's getting a call per day on average as a result. It seems to me the desire for private lessons is increasing slightly as employees attempt to compete for jobs and promotions in the current climate.

If you are prepared to give up a little of your free time to do some lucrative cash-in-hand private lessons then I think you'll be ok. You could start advertising for them as soon as you get to Krakow to keep you afloat during your job search (assuming that's where you're intending to stay).

Best,
Mike

Greg 09 · Joined: 30 Jan 2009 Posts: 169

Interesting post Mike. Your observation supports my theory that ESL may be one of those recession-proof industries, which maintain high demand because of its importance. But only if you're situated properly, and you seem to be.

Romania is a "target" country for me, but not as the newbie that I am. I suppose I'll have to gain some experience and work my way in. I was thinking of starting a business there but not at the moment.

Back to my theory... ESL will always be in demand, its too necessary for any multinational entity to ignore, either public or private. Think about it, if Ministries of Ed around the world require English in public schools, its a sign that there's something of value an ESL teacher has to offer. If a gov't can figure it out, you can be sure that businesses and individuals get it.

I miss tuica Mike, can you spot me one until Tuesday?[/i][/b]

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

One things for sure, teaching kids, I haven't had any probs. I've decided to only teach privates, ironically none of them are Peruvian, but all are Korean and I've got some South Africans. I work with embassies, so I haven't noticed a decrease. In fact, I raised my prices from 11 usd to 15 usd, hey, the embassies pay.