Job Discussion Forums

[spoore]

Hey,

So Ive got a couple years (well in my second year) working in korea and I'd like a change of scenery. I was born in Canada but do to my father being British I have an EU passport. I'm not very qualified just a 4 year degree and the above mentioned time in Asia. I've got a couple questions:

As is do I really stand any chance of employment in Europe (I'd love to live in a french speaking country)

I've been looking into M.A.'s in applied linguistics in places like holland the tuition prices are very low for EU students would I qualify for this?

I've also been considering returning to Ontario to get a B'Ed in primary/junior education(from what I hear my chance of being employed in toronto is essentially 0) would this open any more doors for me in Europe.

Thanks for your help

[spiral78]

Well, you are very minimally qualified for newbie level jobs in Europe. Your experience in Korea won't count for much here, as most employers are well aware that the approaches, methods, and student expectations in Asia are very different to here. Your British passport makes you employable, BUT keep in mind that most newbies on the Euro job market have a CELTA or equivalent. With only a BA and no certification, you're really at the bottom of the heap.

I think you'll need to consider taking a CELTA or equivalent course to compete.

You might consider Belgium in addition to France, but keep in mind that wages will be borderline subsistence level. It will be quite a change from standard of living for English teachers in Korea!

Further, European jobs aren't generally found from abroad, like often happens in Asia. Usually, you will have to plan to come over, paying the up-front costs, and interview in person. It's obviously more expensive to get started here, and requires more commitment on your part, in terms of walking the streets actively seeking a job.

You might want to read Chris Westergaards' useful post on how to find a first job in Europe - much of this will apply to your situation:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=83830

On the MA topic: Keep in mind that an MA from a university in a non-Anglophone country may not be as well accepted as one from the UK or North America or Australia. I live and work in the Netherlands at the moment, but I do not know what the tuition situation would be like for a British national wishing to pursue a Dutch MA. However, I do know that universities here often give preference to MAs from Anglophone countries.

A BEd AND two years of experience teaching in Canada will make you eligible for international school positions, but openings are few and far between. I am not sure that this would increase your employability substantially in this region.