Korean Job Discussion Forums

Kennyftw · Joined: 08 Aug 2011

I'm curious about people who have taught in Greece or Italy. I love the Mediterranean area (Spain, France, Italy, Greece.)

I would think teaching there with the history, architecture and culture would far surpass anything Korea has to offer--besides money.

What do they pay down in those areas?

I heard of a guy on here that taught in Greece, I believe. Just wondering what thought about it.

Also, for you, if you had the chance, where would you teach? Asia, or the Mediterranean?

missty · Joined: 19 Feb 2008

I taught in Italy for a while, and the pay was shocking. This was a while ago so it may have changed, but definitely don't plan on saving much and you won't get a free apartment. Overtime was very low, and I earned less than 1000 euro.

Italy also is just as full of bad employers as Korea is famed for (on this forum at least). Italians aren't exactly known for their business prowess, and last minute deals, changes to schedules and general messing you around was common place amongst my group of esl friends. I haven't taught in Greece, but know people who have and they say pretty much the same thing. These countries are really popular for esl teachers, so a lot goes on that is tolerated by teachers because the place they are in is so great.

The culture is rich though, the food is great, and if you are an experienced esler then there is no reason why you shouldn't enjoy it.

But remember, the EU means UK citizens don't need a visa. Which means if you are not a Brit then it is a million times harder to find a job. As no school will want to go through the hassle of visa paperwork and may want you to work illegally.

Oh, and without a CELTA certificate? You will only be hired by unreputable schools. A CELTA is everything is Europe, you may get a job but its not likely to be a good one. I know Greece and Turkey are a little more lax on this point though.

Kennyftw · Joined: 08 Aug 2011

Thanks Missty

You say that Italy and surrounding counties (maybe) want a CELTA. Would an American teaching license be an equivalent to a CELTA? Just wondering.

And I'm shocked that Italy treated their workers the same as Korean Hagwons...are we as disposable as they say we are???
ha!

Died By Bear · Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2011 1:48 pm Post subject:

You're not going to make any money in Greece. It's been discussed in great detail before. Trust me, no money in Greece. There are too many over qualified people that are already in there, plus no one has any money in Greece these days LOL. Very Happy

missty · Joined: 19 Feb 2008

Kennyftw · Joined: 08 Aug 2011

Thanks for the replies.
It seems it would be a waste of time then. I would love to live in Italy, though. Guess I'll just stick to vacationing there.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2011 5:00 pm Post subject:

edwardcatflap · Joined: 22 Mar 2009

I worked in Italy for the British Council around 10 years ago on around 3 million KW a month NET. I had to pay for a flat out of that though so didn't save a lot. Great experience though

One Shot · Joined: 23 Aug 2011

Illysook · Joined: 30 Jun 2008

I earned my CELTA certificate in Istanbul and it's easier for an American to get a visa there. Most of the expats that I met there were pretty happy. You can live near the sea and do reasonably well for yourself.

deizio · Joined: 15 Jun 2007

Ditto most of the above, I did my first post-CELTA year with a chain school in Portugal in 05-06 that I would imagine was pretty typical for Europe. Great experience that got me into much better things a year later, but with major caveats.

The school was able to choose from any number of experienced native speaking ex-pats (bored housewives and retirees mainly) in the local area to fill up most of their hours, especially the cushy daytime in-school classes. They would basically import two full time slaves per year on around 1000 - 1200 Euro / month who needed the work (i.e. me) and give them all the off-site work (teaching in factories / offices) and evening classes that no-one else wanted.

With ex-pats and British / Irish imports readily available, there was certainly no need to sponsor visas for non EU citizens. Note that the over-supply also seriously limits the need for schools to pay experienced / better qualified teachers (any) more than newbies, so sticking around for 5-10 years to make DoS isn't much of a plan either.

I would consider retiring to Portugal or another Med country, but wouldn't be ESling there again. That said, the pay was enough to have a decent time and some weekends away, and the experience teaching adults and in-company business English was just what I needed.