Job Discussion Forums

[SMRC04]

Hello,

I�m having a difficult time piecing together an answer from other posts, so I�m going to have to ask my question directly. For a very long time now, I�ve wanted to stay for an extended period of time in Western Europe and possibly live there (nothing against anywhere else in the world, but that�s where I�ve been drawn to my entire life). The only plausible way of doing this legally that I�ve been able to come up with is teaching English. I�d probably be happy doing this in any Western European country, but I admit that France has been my most desired destination (not really in Paris, unless it�s the only realistic option) along with Italy and Spain. But from what I can tell, Germany is the most realistic country in Western Europe where an American can teach English.

I�ve been trying to research on my own for a while now on how to accomplish this but all I find is contradicting information that varies wildly. I�ve heard some people say that they�ve gotten jobs in Germany with no certification or little if any experience. Another guy said that his experience in France taught him that most employers care about experience and not what certifications you have. Others have said most Western European countries demand certification (typically CELTA), Master�s Degrees, and lots of experience. I really don�t know what to believe, so I can�t figure out how realistic my idea is and how to go about making it happen.

Here is my situation:

-I�m American
-Mid twenties
-Bachelor�s degree (accredited) in English with a concentration in Linguistics rather than literature
-I have no certification (CELTA or TEFL/TESOL) but I�m willing to and planning on getting one before I head over there.
-I have no experience in teaching English
-Looking to end up in ANY Western European country, realizing that Germany is the most likely.
-Decent knowledge of French, also of German and Spanish but to half the extent of French (not fluent in any of them� yet)
-I understand I won�t receive a high wage; I�m fine with sharing an apartment with other people and I don�t need to live a lavish lifestyle.

I am prepared to obtain whatever certification I need in the meantime. I�m also considering getting a Master�s Degree in English with a concentration in TESL, which I should be able to complete in two years. But if I don�t have to get the Master�s Degree in order to do this, I would put it on hold as I would rather go over there and start teaching asap rather than spend two more years in school first.

So, how realistic is it to make my dream come true, and what would I have to do to make it so?

If anyone has any suggestions for how I could legally be in Europe for a long time other than teaching English, I would be grateful for that as well. (Not looking to marry a native for the sole purpose of staying there)

Thank you!

[tttompatz]

As an American - marry a European if you want long term residence or legal employment in the EU.

The other option is join the army/airforce and shoot for a posting in Germany, Italy or one of the NATO bases.

.

[Sashadroogie]

I'm afraid your biggest obstacle is the one listed at the bottom of your post: you are going to find it really hard, next to impossible, to work legally in Western Europe no matter what you job you are looking at. Work permits - not easy to come by. Plenty of information here already about this.

Sorry...

[Big Poppa Pump]

Is it possible for you to apply for a European passport of any nationality? I'm eligible for a British one through my father, which I intend to pursue in the next month or so.

[mozzar]

[spiral78]

I'm an American who has been living and working in Western Europe (Luxembourg and Netherlands) for 6+ years. The combination of luck and qualifications that got me here are really not repeatable. I was able to come initially on a spousal visa (spouse works for an international company) and then to return a few years later on my own merits on a specialist visa obtained for me by a university that really specifically wanted my quals and where people knew me and my work from the past. Bear in mind that I actually have specialist qualifications (it's not a smokescreen). I've also got an MA TESL/TEFL and 12+ years of experience.

Even with upper-level qualifications, without local contacts, repuation, and language skills, it is highly unlikely that any school will go to the considerable trouble and expense to hire a teacher from outside the EU. It IS considerable hassle and expense to an employer. I highly doubt that I'd be able to land a job anywhere else in Western Europe.

At the newbie level, no chance at all unless you find some study programme that also allows you to work part time.

[FoundWaldo]

What about Eastern Europe? A number of people in these forums have stated that schools there do not require EU citizenship. After a couple years you can then start applying for jobs in Western Europe. Is this advice still sound?

[spiral78]

After a couple years you can then start applying for jobs in Western Europe. Is this advice still sound?

Not really. Yes, the 'new' EU member countries still give work visas to teachers from non-EU member countries (technically, though the tight job market means it's much more difficult now than in the past to persuade an employer to go through the legal hassles required).

However - some experience will NOT change the visa situation for Western Europe. Non-EU citizen teachers will still not get into Western Europe regardless of some years of experience elsewhere.