Job Discussion Forums

cymruambyth · Joined: 22 Sep 2011 Posts: 9 Location: Wales

Hello everyone!

I'm a British graduate with a Trinity CertTESOL certificate and I'm having a hard time finding work in Europe. I don't have any experience so I'm only applying for entry-level positions at the moment. I've sent my CV and covering letter to about 10 different schools in places like Spain, Portugal, Latvia and Turkey but so far, I've heard absolutely nothing back from any of them. I've even got my CV up on tefl.com but I don't get anything (except for some dodgy e-mails from China and Taiwan).

I know the rule of thumb for Europe is to actually visit schools in the country you're interested in, but I'm working and saving as much as I can to be able to move abroad come September/October.

Has anyone out there in my position been able to find work in Europe online? If going abroad is the only option, how would you go about doing it? Do you set up appointments with schools or do you just turn up?

Thanks in advance!

Sashadroogie · Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 1:19 pm Post subject:

Sorry to hear that you have had no luck so far. But, if it makes you feel any better, 10 is not such a high number of schools to not hear back from. Par for the course. Anyway, rather than visit in person, perhaps a follow-up phone call could yield something. Might be hard getting an English speaker on the line, but worth a go.

Alternatively, come to Russia! Plenty of entry-level jobs in the McSchools...

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Chris Westergaard · Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 215 Location: Prague

Here's a thread that I wrote on finding work after your TEFL certificate course. It's the same advice that I give to our graduates.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=83736&start=0

Cheers,
Chris

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

"Spain, Portugal, Latvia and Turkey".
Given the recession, I would think that demand for teaching may not be so hot in these countries, at least in the first three cases, possibly all of them. Have you considered Poland or Russia? At least to get your career off the ground. Once you have the experience, after a year's work, perhaps your favoured countries may become easier to crack.

cymruambyth · Joined: 22 Sep 2011 Posts: 9 Location: Wales

Thanks for the advice, everyone!

I've actually managed to find a job in Spain, will be moving to La Coruna in September and I'm really excited! The salary is 1035E after tax for a 35-hour week, which seems pretty decent.

I was actually offered another job in Poland just before this one! Just goes to show what a little bit of patience and hard work can do - I had a choice of jobs to choose from! Wink

EFLeducator

amisexy · Joined: 24 May 2012 Posts: 78

To be fair, 10 isn't many.

I've had two European interviews, and the offer of a third which I turned down due to the appalling pay.

I have though applied to maybe 40 or 50 jobs in Europe. It is hard to successfully apply from abroad, especially when applying for jobs in the main cities, to anywhere in Europe.

Luckily for me I have been mainly focusing on Asia, and my job search has been more fruitful there.

EFLeducator · Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 7:55 pm Post subject: