Job Discussion Forums

[Antsea]

Hi there. Doing me research into countries. Tallinn appeals...wiki travel confidently states that 'TEFL teachers are in high demand, so you should be able to find a job'.

Anyone know if this is the case?

FWIW I'm an EU citizen, have a CELTA grade B, 2 months of voluntary experience and a 2:2 degree from 10 years ago.

[GF]

Hello Antsea. I will give it to you straight. I have been here for nearly 6 years, work in a local high school and own a small language school to boot, so I know what I am talking about here in Tallinn.

Wiki travel is totally full of it. I don't know where they get their information but that is not accurate at all. TEFL opportunities are rare now. Only two schools I know of hire non-natives and neither has advertised for new staff for about a year (I don't need anyone because my school specializes in teaching Estonian to local Russians). It is possible to get some work in state schools but your CELTA is worthless in the eyes of the Ministry of Education, so you would be limited to temporary work. Salaries in such cases are low, but doable if you can find a cheap flat to rent and live frugally. You can make decent extra money from privates but like in the rest of Eastern Europe, you get these mainly by word of mouth.

If you have any other questions, I will do my best to answer them. Tallinn is a great city to live in but the work situation in almost all sectors isn't very favorable right now (programmers are one exception).

[Antsea]

Thanks for that. Looks like Estonia's a place to visit when I have some cash.

[Thomas5]

This was one of the places that I was looking into but don't think I will bother now!