Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Turkey, Israel....Where to teach English? (crime, home)

[decafdave]

This is very tentative at the moment but seeing as I'm in my last year in university, the job market is terrible, and I love to travel, I'm considering teaching English somewhere. So I'll have a bachelor's degree but no TEFL certification or anything. However, if it's absolutely necessary and I do choose to teach English I may do so.

I know most of the teaching jobs are in East Asia. I've already lived in China for a summer and visited Taiwan and although I loved my time I'd like to experience a new part of the world. I've backpacked through much of Western Europe (studied in UK) and as far as I understand these countries teach English well enough in their education systems that there is not a huge demand.

On one hand I'm interested in Central and Eastern Europe but on the other I think living in a place like Turkey or Israel would be fascinating as well. To be honest I like how I wouldn't really stand out like a sore thumb in Europe but extremely cold winters scare me . Turkey really interests me but I've heard it's not so great to be a Western male there (dating). Israel is a real unknown to me right now but from what I like what I've heard from other travelers.

What do you think about these countries in terms of cost/wages, ease of finding work, sentiment toward foreigners, nightlife, meeting locals (especially women lol), and trip opportunities? How are the expat communities in these places? Are they open or cliquish?

I mentioned the above 5 countries but if you have any other ideas please share them. I chose not to make this a poll as I'm more interested in people's thoughts behind their opinions.

I'd like to hear alot of good honest opinions-even if negative. Thanks!

[azoria]

Dave's ESL Cafe

[wanneroo]

Certainly do your homework in regards to legalities with work and things like pay and housing. I'll also get good recommendations for places to work from people that have actually been there.

I've had some friends and associates that have taught english overseas and had great experiences and terrible experiences. In one case, one guy didn't get paid among other problems and ended up out thousands of dollars and had to come home.

[decafdave]

Originally Posted by wanneroo

Certainly do your homework in regards to legalities with work and things like pay and housing. I'll also get good recommendations for places to work from people that have actually been there.

I've had some friends and associates that have taught english overseas and had great experiences and terrible experiences. In one case, one guy didn't get paid among other problems and ended up out thousands of dollars and had to come home.

If you don't mind me asking, which city/country did your friend get ripped off in?
I don't know how I could avoid a similar situation, I should research this!

[dougie86]

I'm considering teaching English somewhere. So I'll have a bachelor's degree but no TEFL certification or anything. However, if it's absolutely necessary and I do choose to teach English I may do so.

You'll need a Bachelors degree + a teaching certificate + TEFL

http://www.teachabroad.com/listingsp3.cfm/listing/5749
Salary / Pay: Hong Kong salaries range from HK 12000-19000 (US$ 1600-2600) per month for 16-20 hours of classroom time per week

http://www.yorkinstitute.org/career.html
Salary

Salaries are based on a monthly rate of HK$19,000 and are paid each month in Hong Kong (current exchange rate is about HK$6.5 = CAD$1, that's monthly salary about CAD$3,000).

Public and private schools in Hongkong and Singapore pay qualified teachers well. A Masters + a teaching diploma are required to teach upper secondary. My mom's friend, a local born (Chinese Singaporean) English/Literature teacher at the National Junior College was earning $7k a month and that was like 10 years ago. A family friend teaching at NSWU in Australia bitched about how poorly he was paid compared to the professors at Singapore U. :LOL:

Here is a relevant link that may be of interest to you:

Ministry of Education, Singapore: Teaching as a Career: Applying to be a Teacher: Trained Expatriate Teachers / Foreigners
Remuneration

Trained foreign teachers will receive a salary based on their teaching experiences and academic qualifications.
In addition to the monthly salary, the annual remuneration package will include the following:

• A variable Non-Pensionable Annual Allowance (NPAA) equivalent to 1-month’s gross salary,
• An Annual Variable Component (AVC) at the end of the year, subject to Singapore’s overall economic performance, and
• A Performance Bonus, subject to the officer’s performance.

Contract gratuity is paid upon successful completion of the contract. This contract gratuity is paid in lieu of CPF contributions

HK and Singapore have good infrastructure, universities and institution of higher learning, conducive environment, and both are strategic financial centres. Besides earning a good pay check, traveling, it offers you the opportunity to further your career path and education.

Good luck and wish you success.

[dougie86]

I've heard of similar stories as wannero. ESL teachers appear to be a dime a dozen. Hence, I'm in favor of choosing a career as a Trained expatriate teacher over an ESL teacher.

[Chava61]

If you are Jewish and would like to teach high school, middle school or upper elementary school, I would try Israel. The people are friendly and there is lots to see there in your spare time. The weather is also pretty good. As an English speaker it won't be hard to have a social life there.

[decafdave]

Originally Posted by Chava61

If you are Jewish and would like to teach high school, middle school or upper elementary school, I would try Israel. The people are friendly and there is lots to see there in your spare time. The weather is also pretty good. As an English speaker it won't be hard to have a social life there.

I'm not Jewish, would this be a problem legally or socially?

Originally Posted by dougie86

I've heard of similar stories as wannero. ESL teachers appear to be a dime a dozen. Hence, I'm in favor of choosing a career as a Trained expatriate teacher over an ESL teacher.

What exactly is the difference here?

[MJay]

I'm a student from the Czech republic. Teachers from the U.S. are always wanted in Eastern Europe. Five U.S. teachers taught me so far (mostly from California). They all said, that the students they met were very polite and easy to get along. I'm still in touch with most of them and they come to visit us if they can. I think that the people are generally the same in CZ, Slovakia, Poland and Israel, but I'm not that sure about Turkey. I found the people in Turkey mean. I think that the best bet from the countries you listed are Poland, Israel, Czech republic and possibly Slovakia (higher crime and poverty). The cities I can reccomend you in the Czech republic are - if you like big city life - stay in Prague, nice medium sized cities are Brno, Pilsen and Hradec Kralove, architectural gem is Karlovy Vary and cute little town is Cesky Krumlov.

Let me know if you have any additional questions.

Good luck in your choice,

Jay

By the way: I noticed that you are from South Carolina! I just returned from there one week ago and loved it!

[dougie86]

Originally Posted by decafdave

"I've heard of similar stories as wannero. ESL teachers appear to be a dime a dozen. Hence, I'm in favor of choosing a career as a Trained expatriate teacher over an ESL teacher."
What exactly is the difference here?

ESL teacher - you teach adults or children in commercial schools run by business people whose main interest is to make money out of their students and unfortunately sometimes exploit foreign teachers.

Trained Expatriate Teachers/Foreigners - you're employed by government run public schools, and reputable private schools [such as International schools, American schools, elite schools]. Their main interest is education, and they are well managed and treat teaching staff with respect.

As an American citizen, you've the edge of teaching in any part of the globe and still pursue long-distance courses in librarianship, CA, CFA, etc.

Teaching ESL or French at the Alliance Française is fine for the first few years. But income is not stable as student enrollment may decline and classes have to be canceled. I've met teachers at AF, many wanted to switch to work in commercial & banking industry, if only they have the US equivalent of CA, CFA.

In a previous topic, an ESL teacher mentioned about rude people he met in China and pimps who solicited business from foreigners. Wherever you go, if you're in the wrong company, you meet rude and bad people. If you're at home in the US, you'll try to resolve conflicts of interest at workplace and walk away when necessary.