Job Discussion Forums

[Begemot]

Greetings,

I've decided to take the CELTA course at International House Budapest either from January-February or February-March, and afterward looks for a job in the area. I understand that this is not the best time of year as language schools run from September or October to May, and most other positions open in January after winter break.

I'm wondering if would I stand any chance of finding work in Eastern Europe during this time of year. (I have no other teaching qualifications or experience--my degree is a B.A. in journalism). I'm not very picky about where to teach--I'd happily take a job offer almost anywhere in Asia (minus Korea and China)--but I would even more happily take a job in Europe. I would also like to avoid paying return airfare home, since I would only be going home to fly somewhere else.

Should I gamble and purchase a one-way ticket? Or should I fly back home and not waste my time and money? How much help (if any) does IH offer in finding local work?

(Interesting sidenote, although many of you probably know this already--I live near NYC, where they offer a CELTA course that's so expensive, it's almost $1,000 cheaper to fly to Hungary, take the CELTA there, AND fly back!)

[spiral78]

It's not great timing as you know, but it's likely that you could find enough work in the region to keep yourself afloat (barely, probably) until September. You would need to be sure you have enough funds to float yourself until you can get paid work, and don't forget that August is pretty much unpaid for every teacher around.

I think it's unlikely that you'd find 'a' job that would fund you in this time period - you're more likely looking at putting together lots of bits and pieces. Your biggest challenge would probably be finding some employer who is willing to take enough stake in you to sponsor you for a visa...

I suggest you go for the CELTA and ask the course providers to help you get in touch with potential employers in the region beginning at least by week two in the course. They should be willing to help you do this - they won't certify that you're going to pass, but it's not uncommon to start making contacts with schools well before the course ends. Then, you'd have an idea where/whether you're going to be able to get something quickly.