Job Discussion Forums

[lov2travel]

I recently just cut my travels short as I didn't budget my money well enough and am low on funds. I taught in Korea for 2 years and got a 100 hour online ( I know I know it's not a CELTA but it DID work for my friend..in Asia) TEFL. I decided I wanted a change in environment and came to Europe with the hopes of working in Europe as I had heard of others being able to find work here.

Now I'm wishing I read up a bit more before I trekked out. So my question is as an American...where can I find work? I've had a job offer for a 3 week camp in frankfurt am Main but I need housing in order to get the insurance and taxes..plus the insurance costs about the same amount that I'd be making. So..on Monday I'm heading back to Poland to apply all over there.

My original plan was to canvas for jobs in Western Europe but now I'm looking at plan B..and C.

Plan B is looking at Eastern European countries (I really want to stay in Europe) and if my money runs out completely (I'm at $200 now) then look back at Asia, Russia, Baltics...anything really that will bring in some money and will either fly me or that I can hitch-hike to.

My question for the pros in Europe out there are ...what're my best options at the moment? What advice would you have or sites do you know for applying in Poland or other new EU countries? Any tips on finding side work while waiting (as it seems most jobs are hiring in September).

Thanks in advance.

[lov2travel]

Ahhh I should probably add that I'm hoping to make atleast $1000 US/month since i'm still paying student loans but at the moment I'm looking for anything that pays and puts a roof over my head

[Sashadroogie]

$200 dollars? Cross Russia off your list, I'm afraid. Even tourist visas would take a huge chunk of that, if indeed it would cover it at all. I doubt that the figure will go very far anywhere in Europe, East or West. And not having enough money to fly home in an emergency is one of those situations that I always tell people never to find themselves in - especially in Russia.

But best of luck to you.

PS

Where are you now exactly?

[lov2travel]

I'm in Berlin

[lov2travel]

I haven't been home (except for a short trip last year) since 2008. When I run out of money I have the assurance that I can get a few hundred more in support from family until I get work and a steady income.

[Sashadroogie]

Taxes and insurance in Germany, or indeed any sort of legal work there are usually not options for Americans. If you have not looked up the Schengen Area, I suggest you do now, though I'd guess you have already done so.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Area

I'd advise posting on the Poland forum for more specific info from people there - as you will almost certainly need to re-locate east.

Sorry I have nothing more helpful for you. Berlin is a great place to stay for a little spell though!

[lov2travel]

Thanks I'm going to Wroclaw tomorrow as I have more contacts there and think it'll be easier (actually feasible) to find work there rather than in Western Europe.
I just found out about the taxes and insurance this week when I got my first sign of interest from an employer who guided me to the 'toytown' website for expats. Was quite a shock that i"m REQUIRED to get insurance.

[smithrn1983]

@Sasha - Americans can still find legal work in Germany, but employers generally want to see on-site certification, and teaching experience in Europe.

To the OP, your options are quite limited at this point. Going to Poland is a good idea, as Americans can still find legal work there, and the Czech Republic is also on that list. The problem is that very few employers in the region are hiring right now. There are local summer camps, but most schools running them hire local teachers whom they already know. Also keep in mind that you're only allowed in the entire Schengen zone for 90 days. After it's up, you'll have to leave for 90 days before returning.

If you can't find work in Poland, you'll probably need to look outside the Schengen zone, which rules out the Baltics. Ukraine is an option, as are most of the former Yugoslav republics. The latter, though, pay pitifully poor wages. You could also try finding work in Turkey if you can make it that far. If I were in your shoes, I'd look in Poland and Ukraine right now. There are some jobs in the latter advertised on www.tefl.com right now.

[lov2travel]

My Schengen lasts until Aug. 27th so I still have some time.

Currently I'm focusing my attention on applying to jobs in Poland and this morning started applying for jobs in Thailand as they will help with airfare and pay more than Poland. I guess it will come down to where I get an offer first but I do hope to stay in Europe.

Will keep people posted about what happens so I don't just 'disappear' from radar

[spiral78]

I'm afraid your clock for Europe is right down to the wire (and probably beyond) - you would have to get a new employer to file paperwork for you before 27 August. Technically, you'll still be illegal until the paperwork comes through, but so long as it's been filed, the immigration authorities usually don't make a case.

The major problem, as smithrn has already pointed out, is that you are squarely in the middle of holiday time here: it will be the rare employer who will interview and file paperwork over the summer, but hopefully you'll find someone.

You may want to think of ways you can boost the wording on your CV. You said 'online cert?' Ouch - the standard for the region is CELTA or equivalent. If you've got letters of recommendation from supervisors, other teachers, and/or students, that might help.

It's also helpful to be aware in the interview process that most employers know that experience in Asia doesn't always transfer well to European teaching contexts. Most newbie work is with businesspeople in their offices (kids get English at regular schools with local teachers, mostly), and the motivations and expectations of European businesspeople will be quite different to what you're used to. They'll likely want more say over what's done in the classroom, are more likely to have specific goals, and will want to feel real progress in return for their valuable time. You may want to be sure that any potential employer you interview with knows you are aware of (open to) the differences between this and whatever you may be used to. I'm sure you can get more info on this topic from your friends in Poland - you might ask them for advice on what a Polish employer will really be looking for in a new teacher - you can't necessarily say you've already got what it takes, but demonstrating awareness is a good step!

Good luck, and do keep us posted!

[naturegirl321]

You MAY still be able to apply for the teaching assistantship programmes in France and Spain. Deadlines have passed, but my brother's friend applied late last year and still got in. They pay about 700 to 1000 euros a month. But you'd have to go back home to get the visa.

[lov2travel]

I don't actually put online cert. but it IS where I got it. However I was taking this over a period of time and using the tools they were teaching in my classes. This is what I'm sending to employers right now.

Education:
TEFL Certificate Feb 2011
KEISIE Graduate School of International Education

The University of Iowa May 2008
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

University Studies Abroad Consortium,
Costa Rica Spring 2008

Kirkwood Community College May 2006
Associate of Arts Degree

Acquired skills:
Creative Lesson Plan development
Experienced Trainer
Effective proofreading and editing
Outstanding Oral Presentation Skills
Strong Inter-cultural Communication
Excellent Customer Service/Conflict Management

Experience:
Native English Teacher Seoul, South Korea Changlim Elementary School March 2010 � 2011
Prepared lesson plans for grades 3 � 6 primary with Korean Teacher
using Korean public Curriculum, planned and taught english camps,
Taught conversational English to parents,
Organized and taught remedial class for low-level 6th graders

English Teacher Bupyeong Incheon, South Korea
Wales Institute Nov 2008 - 2009
Taught Elementary and Middle School reading, writing, and Conversational English as well as prepared English dramas for elementary students.

English Tutor, America Reads Iowa City, IA
Tutored several at-risk and
advanced children in classroom setting Sep-Dec 2005

Increased Vocabulary/ Reading abilities
Expanded total vocabulary using memorization techniques, word Lists, and word use strategies. Increased word usage and understanding using reading and writing skill building practices.

Developed Daily Lesson Plans
Used lesson plan within lesson to further student involvement in the learning process by showing activities completed.

Communicated with Teachers and Parents
Communicated regularly with teachers and parents to update them on progress of students as well as to share strategies that are working for student.

Childcare, In home care 1998-2007
Was a babysitter for children aged from infancy to 10 years of age. Was in charge of feeding and study schedules as well as learned about child psychology.

Volunteer:
Hot Meal for Christmas Dec. 2009, Philippines
➢Coordinated and distributed 250 hot meals and gifts to families in need

Co-trainer of/and Orientation Leader, Off.
of International Students Dec. 2006, Aug. 2007/08
➢Trained 48 new Orientation leaders for international students
➢Lectured on �culture shock� and Ice-breaker strategies
➢Facilitated a discussion group for new international students


The only written references I have (from my previous director) is written in Korean. Koreans don't often write refrences and when I did ask they actually asked me to write my own reference (which I didn't)


Along with this I usually send 1-2 photos ...one is an ID photo and the other is of me actually teaching.

I see your point about how the education atmosphere will be different, I didn't think about that I suppose because usually I just focus on primary schools and YL which is what I'm really good at. I've taught adults and they were all happy with my class. I'll see about asking one of them if they could write a reference for me.

Thanks again for all the feedback. I'm glad I found my way back to Daves

[kazpat]

If you get really desperate and want an adventure hit me up on PM. My school in KZ is leaning towards hiring another expat. I should know in a few weeks. Your BA and online cert is good to go with the migration authorities.

If hired, I can guarantee you a great salary that is always paid on time with decent housing (internet and all utilities paid) 5 mins from the school, a meal stipend, company provided health insurance which is compulsory under Kazakh law and flight reimbursement.

I can also guarantee you crap hours, general bipolar behavior among some staff, last minute changes to your schedule and a belief at the workplace that as a foreigner you must be superman. With the YL they want an "edutainer." I dream of dropping that portion of my work load on this potential new colleague so I can focus on the adults and Oil and Business English classes.

[lov2travel]

define crap hours please

[kazpat]

They will try to get you to do 35-40 contact hours 6 days a week until the kids love you and you are popular and you then can push for a reduction.