Job Discussion Forums

Simone82 · Joined: 18 Mar 2009 Posts: 13

Hi everyone! I have an interview next week for my CELTA but now I am starting to doubt whether this is actually the right thing to do for me. I am an art historian, have a Master's in non-Western art but have a very hard time finding a job in Europe (I used to live in the U.S. where it was easier to find something in that field but had to move back to Europe because someone in my family got very ill...) I am just wondering whether I should just hang in there and try to find something in the art field rather than putting more money down the drain with a CELTA. Can someone tell me how much you earn in Europe (Spain or Italy) as a newbie with a CELTA? Maybe I'm wrong, but I would also assume that lots of people do the ESL teaching just for a couple of years - I can't imagine to move every year for a new job anymore (I've moved around quite a bit already..) Can anyone actually build a career upon this? I'm just starting to think that this might not be worth the investment.... What are your thoughts? Will I actually be able to find a teaching gig in Spain or Italy with a somewhat decent pay? Meaning more than 1000 Euros per month and accommodation paid for? Is that realistic? I really do not want to go to Asia and I'm not really in the position to do so because of my sick family member. Any feedback welcome!

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

Simone, teaching wages in Europe for newbies (and with a CELTA that's what you will be) are subsistence level in general. You can expect to make enough to enjoy living where you are, but not to save much or pay off debt back home.

Paid accomodation is very rare. Start-up costs are generally high - you will need to pay for your travel, and usually for your accomodation as well (one month's rent as security and first month's rent up front at minimum). Language schools pay monthly, at the end of the month worked. So, you see you'll need at least a few months' worth of funds just to get started.

Also, consider your timing - standard contracts are Sept/Oct- June. August is holiday month and there is very little work around. If you arrive at the end of the contract period seeking work, you're not likely to find much at all.

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

Sorry - just to clarify - yes, you can build a career, but not with just a CELTA. Ultimately, you would need more formal qualifications (DELTA or related MA) in most cases. There are more and more well-qualified teachers out there these days. With just a CELTA, even with a few years of experience, most people don't make to to 'career' level.

Simone82 · Joined: 18 Mar 2009 Posts: 13

Hi Sprial78! Thanks so much for your reply - so where in Europe would a newbie most likely get the best deal? Any idea? Anyone?

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

Simone, the above is pretty standard for the whole of Europe. Especially these days, with economies tanking, wages just arent' strong.

The 'good' packages for newbies (airfare, provided accomodation, enough salary for savings) are pretty much limited to Asia.

Simone82 · Joined: 18 Mar 2009 Posts: 13

Spiral78-thanks so much! As a newbie non-native speaker with a CELTA - will I have any chance of finding a job in Spain? Which cities should I look into? I was made aware by someone else on the forum that for a non-native speaker, finding work in the teaching business in Spain or Italy could be a problem. Any ideas?

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

I noted on both threads that you are German - but I didn't remark on this as I know several German English teachers who have never experienced any discrimination as English language teachers in Europe whatsoever.

Maybe it's not politically correct to point this out, but the four German English teachers I know well are all blonde and blue-eyed, and have been received as native speakers due to their strong language skills....

Sorry to get a bit personal, but if you've got the look, the confidence, and the English - you are unlikely not to be treated as a native in most cases.

Simone82 · Joined: 18 Mar 2009 Posts: 13

Hi Spiral78! Thanks again for the message. Hmmm.... well, I'm not the blonde, blue-eyed German girl. I used to live in North America and everyone thought I'm a native speaker because I don't have an accent - therefore, I think I should be fine.... hopefully!