questions...answers realy needed!!

[mtgh131]

Hi,

I am graduating college in a year, and I have recently been introduced to TESOL opportunities. I am considering getting my masters in TESOL, but I have a few questions, and this looks like a good place to start asking!.....

1) Alot of websites talk about jobs in Asia, but I am more interested in perhaps Germany, Italy, France, and anywhere in Eastern Europe. How hard/easy is it to get jobs in Western Europe, or at least in Eastern Europe?

2) I know that it varies from area to area, and job to job, but, how much would I make? Any rough estimates would be appreciated! I am just worried that I would not make enough to live eat AND finish paying off student loans.... (mine aren't too high as far as student loans go, but they are there).

3) I am on a medication, are there ever insurance type benefits from jobs, or should I expect to pay out of pocket for it?

4) finally, I was just wondering does living in a foreign country with a differnt native language and culture ever get lonely? Are you able to really make friends with "locals" (asuming you don't call them that to their face ) I thought at first that I would love to travel because I am very much into arts, culture, languages and history, but now I'm getting cold feet, and was wondering if anyone had any opinions, advice as far as this goes.....


I would really appreciate any and all replies to any of the above questions, thanks so much for your time!!

Maria - mtgh131@hotmail.com

[Antonio]

Originally Posted by mtgh131

1) Alot of websites talk about jobs in Asia, but I am more interested in perhaps Germany, Italy, France, and anywhere in Eastern Europe. How hard/easy is it to get jobs in Western Europe, or at least in Eastern Europe?

2) I know that it varies from area to area, and job to job, but, how much would I make? Any rough estimates would be appreciated! I am just worried that I would not make enough to live eat AND finish paying off student loans.... (mine aren't too high as far as student loans go, but they are there).

Finding teaching jobs in Europe is more difficult than Asia. Most of the teaching jobs in Europe require teachers to hold an EU passport. Otherwise it's quite difficult and costly to get your visa issued. The British and Irish are more attractive to European schools as they hold an EU passport, so you would be competing against them.

Despite there being many English teachers in Europe, you wont likely see teaching jobs advertised on job boards or websites. Expect to source schools directly and even call them via phone.

Don't expect to get rich teaching in Europe. Cost of living is quite high, and many teachers do teach at various schools to make ends meet, rather then being fully-employed at the one school.

Perhaps you can teach in a chain school in Asia, such as Berlitz, and then try to teach at one of their schools in Europe after 1 year.

Originally Posted by mtgh131

3) I am on a medication, are there ever insurance type benefits from jobs, or should I expect to pay out of pocket for it?

Generally the insurance provided by schools when teaching abroad are for general health concerns and accidents that may happen. The insurance wont cover elective surgery and your medication. Best to have your medication shipped to you when necessary.

Originally Posted by mtgh131

4) finally, I was just wondering does living in a foreign country with a differnt native language and culture ever get lonely?

Depends on your personality whether you would get lonely or not. There are always opportunities to meet the locals and foreigners living in the country. Go to the local gym, niteclubs, hiking groups, culture classes, language classes etc... it's all up to you. If ever you feel lonely, you've always got the internet to serve your favourite English newspapers, and call back home.

[gfell]

Originally Posted by mtgh131

Hi,
1) Alot of websites talk about jobs in Asia, but I am more interested in perhaps Germany, Italy, France, and anywhere in Eastern Europe. How hard/easy is it to get jobs in Western Europe, or at least in Eastern Europe?

New job for teaching in Germany was just posted today --> http://www.aacircle.com.au/forums/te...s-english.html

If you’re interested in applying, please contact:

Dreisprachige Internationale Grundschule
Hugo-Junkers-Allee 54a
D - 39128 Magdeburg, Germany
School Director: Heike Gruschke
Phone: (0391) 7271845
Fax: (03 91) 72 71 849
E-Mail: dig.magdeburg@stejh.de
Website: www.stejh.de/Grundschule/

[mtgh131]

Originally Posted by Antonio

Finding teaching jobs in Europe is more difficult than Asia. Most of the teaching jobs in Europe require teachers to hold an EU passport. Otherwise it's quite difficult and costly to get your visa issued. The British and Irish are more attractive to European schools as they hold an EU passport, so you would be competing against them.

Thanks for the info.......I guess I am still just wondering, it seems as if you're saying it's hard but not impossible to work in Europe even though I am American......?

[Antonio]

Not impossible, but still quite hard to find a teaching job in Europe if you don't hold a visa or EU passport.

You have to think what you can offer that will make it worthwhile the school to hire you.

[mtgh131]

Originally Posted by Antonio

Not impossible, but still quite hard to find a teaching job in Europe if you don't hold a visa or EU passport.

You have to think what you can offer that will make it worthwhile the school to hire you.

thanks so much for all your help! ...would a Masters degree in TESOL make it at least a little easier to get a job, as oppossed to a Certificate only?

[gfell]

Definitely will help.

You should also consider being trained in Europe to increase your job prospects. Checkout post #2 at http://www.aacircle.com.au/forums/te....html#post6194