Job Discussion Forums

[woodenfloor]

Ok, I have just found this forum so I guess I should ask one of the questions that has been bugging me about TEFL.

I have the CELTA, dived in a did it. I have looked up when places hire, where are the best countries to look, what you can expect in different countries etc etc. I have an idea about what and how I'm supposed to teach. Put me in a classroom and I'm ok to go (well not really, but I might muddle through)

but ok, now I am in the situation where I should be booking a plane.

I feel a bit what? I just go? I turn up, presumably stay in a hostel, hand my CV about and then am in the position of finding a flat in a foreign country I don't speak the language. how long should I expect to be in a hostel? what if I don't find anything initially, I can't stay in hotels for weeks. what sort of time limit should I set for finding work? (I'm not quitting my job in this recession without some hope of another one) what sort of help is offered by schools?

I'm not expecting all these questions, just interested what people that didn't have a job organised did just prior to and after they stepped on a plane.

[spiral78]

Well, this is why it can be helpful to take the CELTA in a country where you want to start teaching....then you have housing for the first month, local orientation, and some leads to reputable local employers. Plus an instant social network of fellow trainees and students.....

Lacking that, yeah, throughout continental Europe most people just show up, arrange for a hostel, and walk the pavements with a CV. When you find an employer, they will hopefully have some housing assistance for you, even if it's just in the form of contacts. Some schools keep a flat or two for teachers (usually shared, but not the worst idea for newbies).

Time your arrival to hit peak hiring time, and good luck! You've got a decent shot at it. Well, from the wording in your post I am assuming you are British and therefore have a legal right to work in much of continental Europe. If I am mistaken about your nationality, things get FAR more difficult.

[dean_a_jones]

[woodenfloor]

well, thank you guys. This feels very much like stepping into the unknown, guess I've got pick the destination now.

(I am british and quite fortunately I have more than enough savings so these aren't problems)

[spiral78]

For the EU, assuming you get over here during the hiring season (end August through mid September and possibly a bit later some places), if all goes well you should get first paycheque at the end of October. You MIGHT get something at the end of September, but I wouldn't count on it. Schools mostly pay monthly, at the end of the month worked.

[_smaug]