Job Discussion Forums

[Kyle737]

I am a Canadian citizen and partway through my third year in University, but I have been feeling fatigued and I thought I would try to spend a year teaching English abroad, which is something, after I eventually graduate, that I would like to pursue as a career. I have a TESL certificate and, for what it's worth, spent six years as a homestay for ESL students. However, I have never held employment as a ESL/EFL teacher.

In the last two weeks I have been sending off CVs to Portugal, because I speak the language well enough to communicate, I have spent time in the country and I generally like it there. However, I have not had much luck. The little non-form-letter feedback I have received seems to indicate that employers there just are not willing to wait through the lengthy work Visa process, but unfortunately I would need a promise of employment before I could apply.

So my questions are:

1) Does anyone know enough about teaching EFL in Portugal to tell me if it is worth keeping on with it and hoping the the job market in general improves? I realize the current economy might be a factor here. Are Portuguese employers ever going to be willing to wait out the VISA process? Any other advice?

2) Is there another country where EFL employment might be easier to come by, so I can at least get some real experience on my CV? I am really pretty adaptable and quick enough with languages. My only worry is moving to somewhere very dangerous (like a large Brazilian city) or moving somewhere with a crazy totalitarian government like UAE. I don't want to end up in prison for having a speck of something on my shoe. Also, I would not consider working illegally.

Thank you for you time and any advice you can provide.

[spiral78]

You're apparently unaware of one of the most important points of working in Western Europe: unless you are an EU member citizen, in most of the 'old' EU member countries, you won't be eligible for a work permit. Laws vary by country, but the general theme is that English teaching positions are considered easily filled by EU member citizens (meaning British teachers).

Portugal is one of the countries where it's highly unlikely that a North American will be able to get legal permits. The list also includes Italy, France, Spain (with the exception of student visas - read in the Spain forum for more info on that), the Netherlands, etc...

The 'new' EU member counties (Czech Rep, Poland, Slovakia, etc) are better prospects. The visa process is a hassle, but still legal.

Be careful of the Schengen zone (google this for a complete list of member countries). Non EU member citizens are only eligible to be inside the zone for 90 days, then must be OUTSIDE FOR 90 days. This eliminates the border run option that used to work to keep one legal inside the EU.

Further, jobs in Europe are generally NOT found from abroad. Employers want to see you standing before them, CV in hand, looking professional and reliable, before they'll give you any real hearing.

The upshot is that you will need to target a country where you can get legal working papers, go there, get a job, and file for a visa. Obviously, you'll have start-up costs in this scenario.

Asia is a different ballgame - they are hungrier for native speaking teachers, and often hire from abroad and offer better packages, like airfare reimbursement and housing, etc...also higher salaries - European salaries at the newbie level are subsistence only.

The Middle East pays well, and demands serious quals and experience in return. You're not yet in that ballpark.

What kind of TESL cert do you have? The European standard is 120 hours ON SITE, including teaching practice with actual students (not peer trainees). There are some in Canada that meet the standard ,but many do not (they just have great advertising).


I suggest you do some reading through country-specific forums on Dave's and find out what your legal options are. Then we can give you more/better specific advice, if needed.

[ITTP]

[Kyle737]

I know it is possible for North Americans to acquire work permits in Portugal, as I met several working in the tourist industry last time I was there. Also, according to the closest Portuguese consul it is easy to get a work permit so long as I have a promise of employment, something echoed on a government website dealing with immigration.

My certification was over 120 hours and did include plenty of on-site experience.

Thank you, ITTP, for that information. I am actually quite happy you mentioned some of those countries, as I have family in Poland and a friend in the Czech Republic. Being able to narrow my search down is quite encouraging.

[ITTP]

[whiteshark]

There are some European countries you can get a working holiday visa for if you are under 30 or in some cases 35

http://www.youth.gc.ca/eng/topics/jobs/abroad.shtml

[xjessie007]

[naturegirl321]

[coledavis]

Russia would like you, but you do get in trouble for specks on your shoes, I assure you.