Published: 06 March, 2017  |  Last updated: 06 March, 2017

Teaching English in Lübeck, Germany

Lübeck-Germany

Report submitted on 20 Jan, 2017 by Cynthia Walther.

Teaching English in Lübeck, Germany:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Lübeck, Germany?
By sending out applications to language schools.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Part time English language school positions, private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.).

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
Usually native speaker, college degree. Teaching certificate is a plus.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
I would recommend doing a teaching course before applying to schools.

What are the levels of payment?
Sometimes unqualified teachers (students making some money on the side) charge as little as €8 (approx. 8,50 US$)/hr. Otherwise it’s usually €20-30 (approx. 21 – 32 US$).

How many teaching days a week is normal?
  It’s different for everyone days per week

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
See above hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
I believe most schools close during school holidays and their teachers take their holidays at that time as well.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Lübeck, Germany to teach English?
Besides doing a course before, get an apartment close to the center, buy a bike and you’re all set.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Lübeck, Germany?
You get to know all sorts of people, it’s a respected job, it’s interesting and your customers are always happy to see you. If you work in a larger school, you can meet other foreigners. I still have contact to some of my earlier co-workers from 20 yrs ago!

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Lübeck, Germany?
The hours are spread out, morning, afternoon and evening, which makes it difficult to do other courses yourself, e.g. German or fitness.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Sometimes people in companies don’t like talking about their personal lives in front of colleagues, which can create a stiff atmosphere.

 

Living in Lübeck, Germany:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Germany?
Yes, you have to get a resident permit and a work permit, but if you’re teaching your own language that’s usually not a problem for western countries.

What is the cost of living like in Germany?
My town is relatively cheap. Rent: €12 (approx. 13 US$)/sq mtr, Pizza €12 (approx. 13 US$), Bus €2.50 (approx. 2,70 US$), Loaf of bread €3 (approx. 3,20 US$)

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
I live with my family in our own house. Young people might want to share an apartment with other students, called a Wohngemeinschaft or WG for short.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Lübeck, Germany?
Culture, the Baltic Sea, traveling possibilities, reliable health care.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in scenery, Germany?
There are no mountains here and the weather is pretty lousy.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Lübeck, Germany?
Don’t just come in May, visit in November. If you can stand it then, it’ll be fine.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
The American people (enthusiastic, up-beat, fun, chatty with strangers, spontaneous); pop tarts, butterfingers, candy corn; the great outdoors (the woodsy areas are broken up by highways more in Germany).

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Germany?
The German people (honest, decent, reliable, loyal), the affordable cultural events, the free healthcare, the food especially the bread and pastries, riding my bike everywhere, the architecture, the Christmas markets, coffee and cake time.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Bring some food items that you love, to make the transition time easier. Macaroni and cheese in a box, reeses cups, bisquick, poptarts or whatever you love. You’ll need a taste of home for a while.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Cynthia Walther

Nationality: American

Students I’ve taught in Germany: Toddlers (2-4 years), pre-school / kindergarten (4-6 years), elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years), high school (15-18 years), adults, business

Where I teach: YouSpeak Language School – Lübeck, Germany. Teaching for 25 years.

How I found my current jobs: I founded it. I’m the owner.
 

My school facilities: Good. We’re very small and don’t have much technology. However, the room is very comfortable and the location is great.

What kind of teacher support is available at your school/s?: However, the room is very comfortable and the location is great.training / workshops, lesson observations, teacher evaluations

Links: www.you-speak.de

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