Teaching English in Italy – Taranto, Puglia

Published: 25 October, 2014  |  Last updated: 25 October, 2014

Teaching English in Taranto, Italy

 

Taranto, Italy

Report submitted on 24 October, 2014 by Virginia.

Teaching English in Taranto, Italy:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Taranto, Italy?
I am not sure, I found this job through a contact that my husband has at work. Word of mouth.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Part time English language school positions, agencies (send teachers to different locations), private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.).

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
I think that they are mainly looking for native speakers, though having a certification is also helpful.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
ESL certification or teaching experience.

What are the levels of payment?
16 euros an hour (approx. US$20)

How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
I am not sure, I don’t work many hours since I have a young child.  National Italian holidays are respected, and I would assume that August would be time off as well.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Taranto, Italy to teach English?
Don’t expect to make a lot of money, though if you have the time, they will have you work a lot of hours. Most classes are in the evening, it is difficult to find classes to teach in the morning.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Taranto, Italy?
People really want to learn.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Taranto, Italy?
No complaints.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
No complaints.

 

Living in Taranto, Italy:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Italy?
If you are not a citizen of the EU, you will need a visa to live in Italy and permesso di soggiorno once you arrive. If you work less than 20 hours a week, you can come on a student visa, otherwise you need a work visa.

What is the cost of living like in Italy?
In this part of Italy, which is very rural, the cost of living is low.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
I am not sure, I am here with my family since my husband’s job sent him here on assignment.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Taranto, Italy?
It is beautiful and the food is amazing.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Taranto, Italy?
It is very remote.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Taranto, Italy to live?
Learn a little Italian before you come and be flexible.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Diversity.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country (e.g. things that are difficult to get in your location)?
Books in English.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Taranto, Italy?
The food.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Virginia

Nationality: USA

Students I’ve taught in Italy: Toddlers (2-4 years), pre-school / kindergarten (4-6 years), adults.

Where I teach: Accentò in Martina Franca. Working here for 1 year.

How I found my current jobs: Word of mouth.

My school facilities: Very good classrooms and resources.

Teacher support at my school: training / workshops.

Link: http://italicious.wordpress.com/

 

Do you teach English in Italy?

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Teaching English in Italy – Fabriano

Published: 25 October, 2014  |  Last updated: 25 October, 2014

Teaching English in Fabriano, Italy

 

Fabriano, Italy

Report submitted on 23 October, 2014 by Helen.

Teaching English in Fabriano, Italy:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Fabriano, Italy?
Privately via language agencies, which is how I started and then once you have a foot in the door also by word of mouth and if you’re lucky into schools. As a mother tongue English speaker you only need to have A-levels (UK qualifications) to qualify as a mother tongue teacher in state schools.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Part time English language school positions, agencies (send teachers to different locations), teaching at private international schools, private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.).

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
If you are British with British parents officially the state requires that you have enough qualifications to enter university.
I don’t know in other cases. Privately, anything goes as long as you’re good…………….. so put yourself out there!!

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
If you want to work in a state school, do as many teaching development courses as you can. The state system works on a league table and you get points for these courses!

What are the levels of payment?
These differ from state jobs – about €30 per hour (US$38), to private agencies – about €15 per hour (US$19) and if you set up alone – about €20 per hour (US$25). But I know the private sector changes a lot depending on how affluent the area is and how high the demand is!

How many teaching days a week is normal?
6 days per week.

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

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
This is very hard to answer – for example I work a number of different situations, state schools, private schools and private lessons.  I currently work 19 hours a week but I refuse 2 or 3 jobs each week because I am a full time mum of 2 and don’t wish to work more than I am doing.

The school summer is from June to Sept so I work at a summer camp – August is all closed!

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Fabriano, Italy to teach English?
First stop get in touch with the agencies and don’t be too fussy to start with, Italy works best on word of mouth since Italians are incredibly distrusting so you need to build up a reputation.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Fabriano, Italy?
For me I love meeting new people and this offers other opportunities for socialising both for me and my children.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Fabriano, Italy?
Getting your first break and having the patience to build up the all important reputation – I lost all my contacts when I had my children and had to start from scratch (very frustrating). The state schools have a point system and a league table from where you get picked – the more you work the more points you get, but again it can be very frustrating getting started!

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
That American, Australian, etc, teachers are just as good as British. Even though I am British and it actually works in my favour – it is ridiculous. And makes getting substitutions difficult.

 

Living in Fabriano, Italy:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Italy?
Not for Europeans, I don’t know for other nationals.

What is the cost of living like in Italy?
Again it various a lot from area to area, but the hourly rate reflects this – taxation is high especially if you set up on your own!! although there is talk of this changing with new fiscal policies!

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Agencies and foot work!!

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Fabriano, Italy?
The food, the history, the art, the countryside. If you are outdoor type person who enjoys art and culture Italy is great. If you like technology and mod cons a lot of Italy is behind places like UK and America.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Fabriano, Italy?
Anything where you have to deal with the state, fiscal organization, etc. It is often hard to know who to trust.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Fabriano, Italy to live?
Get advice and help from someone living there who has already made the move and can help you.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Clarity in all things!

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country (e.g. things that are difficult to get in your location)?
Marmite!!!!!  Good books.  I use the internet to source ALL my teaching material

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Fabriano, Italy?
The weather! the mountains and the people. It is difficult to enter into Italian society (beyond a superficial level) but once you do they are very generous, loyal and fun.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Helen

Nationality: British

Students I’ve taught in Italy: Elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years), high school (15-18 years), adults, business.

Where I teach: Living wisdom school in Fabriano. Working here for 10 years.

How I found my current jobs: Friend of a friend.

My school facilities: Adequate – Lack of resources, technology, books, and hours in the curriculum.

Teacher support at my school: None.

 

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Teaching English in China – Ronggui Shunde

Published: 23 October, 2014  |  Last updated: 03 November, 2016

Teaching English in Ronggui Shunde, China

Ronggui Shunde, China

Report submitted on 23 October, 2014 by Rhonda.

Teaching English in Ronggui Shunde, China:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Ronggui Shunde, China?
ESL web sites and the institution you did your ESL qualifications through. In my case, Australasian Training Academy.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full time English language school positions.

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
You must have a BA in any subject. This is now a must in China to get the correct visa. They have clamped down on this since 2013. ESL teaching certificate. Experience helps but is not essential.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
You need the basic ESL training certificate, but further certificate for extra modules are helpful. These days you must be under 60 to get a 12 month working visa in China. They are strictly sticking to this.

What are the levels of payment?
Most teaching jobs in private schools, kindergartens, etc are paying between 10,000rmb and 13,000rmb per month (US$1,640 – US$2,120). They supply 2 meals at the school per day usually, and an apartment (shared) with own bedroom is the norm. Language schools can pay more but you do more hours. Some language schools pay less.

How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week.

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
15 – 20 hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
6 weeks during summer holidays and 2-4 weeks during spring holidays. Public holidays, but beware that if the Government offer more days, i.e. Golden week in October, you will have to work a couple of extra days to make up the time. Quite normal in China. We get 50% off or pay for the holidays.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Ronggui Shunde, China to teach English?
Bring some resources with you if possible as often they are difficult to find in certain areas.
If you have certain products for personal use, bring those as finding substitutes can be challenging.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Ronggui Shunde, China?
Making new friends. Learning a new culture. Learning a second language yourself. Sight seeing.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Ronggui Shunde, China?
There aren’t many negatives. At least with my school. Language barriers of course. Get used to squat toilets. It is a different culture and as such things like spitting in the street, dropping litter is common.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Lack of the local language while working with teachers in the classroom to get your lesson plan across to them. I teach young children, and you have to be very specific in songs and books to get the correct meaning across. I have large classes 35-38 children, so it is impossible to make sure they are ALL saying the correct words and correct pronunciation.

 

Living in Ronggui Shunde, China:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in China?
You must have a visa which the school usually organises for you. To teach in China you must have a 12 month working permit.

What is the cost of living like in China?
Apartment is supplied. Utilities are about 200rmb (US$33) a month, food is very cheap, movies are about 30rmb (US$5), travel on bus is 2rmb (US$0.40). Taxi’s are also cheap. Bullet train is reasonable and has good coverage across China.
Apartments range from 1000rmb to 3000rmb a month (US$165 – US$490).

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
The school will organise your accommodation. Usually it is a shared apartment with your own room.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Ronggui Shunde, China?
Learning the culture in a way you couldn’t do with a tourist visit. Making new friends. Eating new foods.
Total acceptance for who you are. Fast bullet train to most of the rest of China. Excellent public transport.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Ronggui Shunde, China?
We take for granted how easy it is to get around in your own country, to buy an necessity, going to a restaurant with only Chinese writing on the menu. Without a willing and competent national to help you, these things are next to impossible.
Stairs are everywhere. Most buildings have 8 floors and no lift. People constantly taking photos of you, novel at first, bit annoying after a while.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Ronggui Shunde, China to live?
Research not only the country of your choice, but the area in that country. Customs, food, language can all change within a very short distance. Make sure you get everything in writing from the school of your choice. Ask lots of questions, and ask for an email address for a previous teacher to get feedback. Make sure you read the contract carefully and if it is in Chinglish or a variety thereof, translate it and sent the school a copy to sign. Get a VPN number to be able to access google, facebook etc.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Regular foods that you are used to. Ease of getting around. Familiar places. Hearing your own language, because a foreign language spoken around you all the time can make you feel isolated.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country (e.g. things that are difficult to get in your location)?
Any personal items. Hair colour if you have light hair and colour it. Pain relief. Tummy tablets, very greasy food does take a regular toll. Clothes unless you are a size 8. You can buy online. Some resources. Crepe paper, stickers, Blue tac (never found any).

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Ronggui Shunde, China?
The friends I have made. The absolute acceptance by most of the people in the town. I am not in a huge town by Beijing standards, so people take the time to say hello.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Rhonda

Nationality: Australian

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

Where I teach: Alcanta International Kindergarten / various private language schools. Working here for 2 years.

How I found my current jobs: I worked for an agency (bad idea) the school bought my contract from the agency and I work directly for the school now.

My school facilities: Excellent – Technology access / school library / classrooms / teacher participation/ Principle’s character / apartment provided is brand new / friendliness of teachers / support from teachers and Chinese liaison teacher.

 

Do you teach English in China?

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Teaching English in Italy – Pistoia

Published: 20 October, 2014  |  Last updated: 06 January, 2020

Teaching English in Pistoia, Italy

 

Pistoia, Italy

Report submitted on 20 October, 2014 by EJ Brown.

Teaching English in Pistoia, Italy:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Pistoia, Italy?
Private schools or start up small groups at home or in centres.

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

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
Some schools don’t even ask for the TEFL.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
Although some schools don’t ask I think it’s best to have at least TEFL as some schools ask for it.

What are the levels of payment?
€15 per hour.

How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week.

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
20-25 hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
Monthly contracts so Christmas holidays are paid for but usually nothing from July to October.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Pistoia, Italy to teach English?
Learn some Italian before you come as Italians really DON’T know much English. In places like Milan it is easier to find jobs. Schools like WALL STREET often have vacancies and are a good starting point. Look on websites such as tefl.com.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Pistoia, Italy?
I enjoy it because you meet lots of interesting people.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Pistoia, Italy?
The pay and conditions are rarely great.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
The people don’t feel able to learn English.  It’s a dreadful throwback from school.

 

Living in Pistoia, Italy:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Italy?
For EU citizens it’s much easier. I think things have changed now and you must go to the ANAGRAFE to get documents to stay in the country.
For non-EU citizens it’s harder.

What is the cost of living like in Italy?
Not too expensive.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Sometimes with school or look for accommodation in a shared house with students if in a university town or city.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Pistoia, Italy?
Tuscany is beautiful and it’s easy to travel to other parts of Italy from here.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Pistoia, Italy?
People tend to be quite closed, although they do love English speaking foreigners so it’s not too bad.
It is very culturally different here compared to most Anglo-Saxon countries.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Pistoia, Italy to live?
Try your best to integrate and don’t worry too much about the cultural differences. You learn to love their peculiar ways.
They really need good English teachers particularly for children as schools generally don’t teach English well.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Nothing else.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country (e.g. things that are difficult to get in your location)?
If you like cooking some ingredients are hard to come by unless you live in a city.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Pistoia, Italy?
I can’t imagine ever leaving. I love the food and the outdoor way of life here too much.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: EJ Brown

Nationality: English/Italian

Students I’ve taught in Italy: Babies (0-2 years), 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: British School in Pistoia and also private teaching. Working here for 12 years.

How I found my current jobs: tefl.com.

My school facilities: Adequate: There is a lack of certain material and space for children in particular

Teacher support at my school: None.

 

Do you teach English in Italy?

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Teaching English in Japan – Yokohama

Published: 14 October, 2014  |  Last updated: 14 October, 2014

Teaching English in Yokohama, Japan

 

Yokohama, Japan

Report submitted on 14 October, 2014 by Justin Schornack.

Teaching English in Yokohama, Japan:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Yokohama, Japan?
There are numerous schools looking for native teachers.
Online listings are usually posted in English and are easy to find using a Google search.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full time English language school positions, part time English language school positions, teaching at kindergartens / pre-schools, teaching at state schools, teaching at private international schools, teaching at colleges / universities, teaching at companies, teaching at community centers, etc., private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.).

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
If you have a 2 year degree it’s not difficult to find work in either public (elementary – high school) or private conversation schools.
The degree is not even required to be related to English.
Even those without a degree can have opportunities if they find another way to enter the country legally (marriage or other visa).

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
The most important requirement is personality, if you meet the above requirements or more, it’s more than enough.
But many schools will bend over backwards for teachers that have outgoing personalities and are friendly and kind.

What are the levels of payment?
Ranges for a native teacher are usually around 2,000 yen per hour (US$20) for a regular full time job and up to 5,000 yen per hour (US$50) for specialized private lessons (group lessons or business lessons etc.).

How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week.

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
20-30 hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
Holidays are normally flexible for English teachers, with public holidays, and even Summer vacations being off for elementary – high school teachers. Ten days to two weeks personal holidays are also the norm (though often not necessary).

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Yokohama, Japan to teach English?
Language teaching is one of the easiest ways for a native English speaker to find work in Japan. The pay is good for the amount of work, and the conditions are usually very good.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Yokohama, Japan?
For those who are looking to find a career in Japan, it is a very easy way to go. Many people start it, planning to continue for only a short while, but continue for years.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Yokohama, Japan?
If you have the personality for being a teacher (i.e. infinite patience and an ability to get along with others), it can be very good/easy. If not, then even for a short time, you will find it hard.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Learning patience and care for others feelings.

 

Living in Yokohama, Japan:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Japan?
A work or perhaps marriage visa is required to teach continuously. A tourist visa of up to 3 months though is usually enough to find work.

What is the cost of living like in Japan?
Comparable to many first world countries, housing is usually small but not unbearably so.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Rental apartments and the like are available, people almost always go through real estate agencies as brokers. So contacting several is almost the only method.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Yokohama, Japan?
Japan is a wonderful, safe and dynamic country with kind people.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Yokohama, Japan?
A feeling of being put apart, or sometimes on a pedestal can make people feel uncomfortable in rural areas.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Yokohama, Japan to live?
Take a chance, you will enjoy.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Some foods.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country (e.g. things that are difficult to get in your location)?
Whatever culturally unique things they feel they may not find in another country. Everything else is available.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Yokohama, Japan?
The food and people.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Justin Schornack

Nationality: USA

Students I’ve taught in Japan: 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), university, adults, business.

Where I teach: Working in Yokohama for 11 years.

How I found my current jobs: Online.

My school facilities: Very good – Environment is good.

Teacher support at my school: None.

 

Do you teach English in Japan?

Tell us about your experiences – click here to submit your report about teaching English in Japan.

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Teaching English in China – Tianjin

Published: 11 October, 2014  |  Last updated: 11 October, 2014

Teaching English in Tianjin, China

 

Tianjin, China 

Report submitted on 11 October, 2014 by Ronan.

Teaching English in Tianjin, China:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Tianjin, China?
Word of mouth, online, call into the school in person, etc. Usual methods.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full time English language school positions, part time English language school positions.

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
TESL Cert.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
2 years experience.

What are the levels of payment?
Varies from 100Rmb – 200Rmb per hour (US$17 – US$34).

How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week.

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
25-30 hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
Public holidays – that’s all.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Tianjin, China to teach English?
– be prepared for a culture shock.
– be prepared for air pollution
– be prepared to be ripped off
– research the school beforehand as many unscrupulous operators exist

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Tianjin, China?
There is a high regard for teachers.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Tianjin, China?
Teaching hours can be inconvenient.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Getting students to speak is the most difficult task in China as students more often than not like to keep quiet for fear of loosing face if they make a mistake.

 

Living in Tianjin, China:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in China?
Z visa (working visa).

What is the cost of living like in China?
– rent 1,500 – 2,000Rmb per month (approx US$250)
– food varies depending on restaurant type or cooking at home. Generally can get by on 50 to 100 Rmb per day (approx. US$8 – US$17).

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Schools can arrange accommodation or you find your own.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Tianjin, China?
Good transport, nice places to visit, no shortage of shopping outlets.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Tianjin, China?
– air pollution
– congestion on the streets
– budget restaurants have poor hygiene practices

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Tianjin, China to live?
– make sure you will earn 10-12k per month (approx. US$1,630 – US$1,950)
– have somewhere to live before arriving

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
– clean air
– quiet streets with no cars honking horns
– food
– the beach being a 5 min walk away

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country (e.g. things that are difficult to get in your location)?
Wettex cloths.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Tianjin, China?
Having plenty of amenities nearby.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Ronan

Nationality: Irish

Students I’ve taught in China: Pre-school / kindergarten (4-6 years), elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years), high school (15-18 years), adults, business.

How I found my current jobs: Website, local one.

My school facilities: Adequate – has everything required.

Teacher support at my school: None.

 

Do you teach English in China?

Tell us about your experiences – click here to submit your report about teaching English in China.

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Teaching English in Puerto Rico – San Juan

Published: 29 September, 2014  |  Last updated: 29 September, 2014

Teaching English in San Juan, Puerto Rico

 San Juan, Puerto Rico

Report submitted on 29 September, 2014 by Mery.

Teaching English in San Juan, Puerto Rico:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in San Juan, Puerto Rico?
First, you take PCMAS teacher’s Test you make an application for your teachers license and wait in a turn list for the Department of Education to call you for an evaluation meeting.  Private Schools only want your license and academics credits. After you summit everything they call you for evaluation meeting.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full time English language school positions, part time English language school positions, agencies (send teachers to different locations), teaching at state schools, teaching at community centers, etc..

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
The minimum teaching requirements for getting an ESL from fourth to sixth grades is 128 credits in BA. and to be HQT in the specialization are 54 credits.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
Only 18 credits in methodology in the area to specialise and a test evaluation.

What are the levels of payment?
The level of payments are US$1,700 with BA. and US$1,850 with MA.

How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week.

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

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
The normal arrangement for holidays are 12 holidays a year.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to San Juan, Puerto Rico to teach English?
speak only in English. Students in Puerto Rico understand the grammar and reading but don’t speak the language with fluency because they don’t have a daily conversational practice.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in San Juan, Puerto Rico?
Many people from Puerto Rico Travel to the U.S. and stay there for vacation or work for one or two years.  When they come back they have improved their language and practice.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in San Juan, Puerto Rico?
Some oppositions and political groups think that English couldn’t be official language of this country so when the Department of Education tried to implement a pilot project to develop and enrich the language many opposed it. I think English is an universal language like Spanish and if many people in Europe speak it we have the right to decide how many languages we want to speak. Teachers are not well paid.  Before I got this job I worked in two part time jobs. Now, because I am a transition teacher and not a permanent, I only have vacation and holidays days pay.

Also, I can tell you now because I will begin next Monday – last week I had to paint and decorate my own classroom with my money. The principal told me “This will be your classroom to do your work”. It was very depressing to receive my children with dirty walls and floor.  They have never had an English teacher until now.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
We continue to have challenge students not the more than we hope achieve our goals.

 

Living in San Juan, Puerto Rico:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Puerto Rico?
Yes. You can work with passport permission from the Department of State.

What is the cost of living like in Puerto Rico?
The cost of living is very high to compares to what you earn. You earn less than your daily necessities so teachers need to have two or thee part time jobs to have life quality.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in San Juan, Puerto Rico?
Well, the land where I live is mine and my house too. My country is beautiful.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in San Juan, Puerto Rico?
The cost of live is too high. The increase in crime and drugs doesn’t let me go to a weekend place to have fun because you think something will happened but there are many places that continue to be good.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to San Juan, Puerto Rico to live?
Look for a place to live with access control and comes with the mentality for the pay and the high cost of life.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country (e.g. things that are difficult to get in your location)?
Get information about the place and school where you will apply to. Don’t forget to teach you customs and traditions from your own country.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave San Juan, Puerto Rico?
My traditions, the food and the nature and ecology of my country.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Mery

Nationality: Puerto Rican

Students I’ve taught in Puerto Rico: Elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years), high school (15-18 years), adults.

Where I teach: SEPA an Addiction Program in Hogar Crea, Rio Piedras, P.R.  Teaching for 14 years.  The SEPA Program is a Project from The Dept. of Education. Teachers assist like tutors for the equivalent test for middle and high school Program.

My school facilities: Adequate – I give an F for the school library. The school doesn’t have a librarian or adequate textbooks for grades.  Classrooms don’t have air conditioners and I have the smoke from Kentucky Fried Chicken near my classroom. Image the class at eleven o’clock!

Teacher support at my school: training / workshops, teacher evaluations, peer support / training.

 

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Teaching English in Ethiopia – Addis Ababa

Published: 28 September, 2014  |  Last updated: 28 September, 2014

Teaching English in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

 

 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Report submitted on 28 September, 2014 by Mike Kewer.

Teaching English in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia?
I went through seriousteachers.com who allow people to pay about £23.00 to have their details sent to up to 10 countries. I put Ethiopia in my choices to make up the 10 options and it was the only job offer that came through after spending four lots of £23 without Ethiopia I might add.

The lack of responses may be due to the fact that I am 57 years old and obviously no one would want to be taught by anyone much more than 20 years old.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Teaching at private international schools.

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
– Degree
– TEFL
– PTLLS
– Enhanced DBS
– Over 2 years experience
– Also the qualifications need to be notarised and then apostilled.
– Hint: instead of getting each certificate notarised/apostilled, make copies and get one notary certificate for all the copies and then get one apostille.. That’s the difference between the £135 I paid £1500 plus VAT that another Notary tried to charge me for everything.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
– Degree
– TEFL
– Enhanced DBS
– Over 2 years experience

How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week.

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

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to teach English?
Think seriously about looking for work there because I think it’s better than working for a sub-standard Training Centre in China or anywhere else because the schools are properly regulated.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia?
It’s kind of a newly opened country and as it’s up high (2400 feet above sea level) then the day time temp is in the 70’s and night time is in the low 10’s – plus no malaria risks.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Ethiopians have a different language called Amharic, and they don’t have a English style alphabet.

 

Living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Ethiopia?
Yes, you need a business visa that costs £22 for a multiple entries and then a work permit.  Also notarising services and apostille too.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
The school supplies the house, it is shared with two to three teachers.
The house is a new build and near the school.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia?
I’m not working for one of those Training Centre Corporations where money is more important than education.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia?
Age discrimination.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to live?
Don’t be over 45 years old.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
I have travelled widely from Australia to China, Romania, Moldova, Russia, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore – my last case of homesickness was in Australia in 1990.  I miss almost nothing because I accept that being overseas isn’t like being at home and that I should enjoy the experience.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country (e.g. things that are difficult to get in your location)?
Reference books, bring a Microsoft Surface with your lap top, DVDs or download films off youtube, use a proxy server to watch BBC programmes if the internet is working. Also download as many ESOL resources as possible for the reason previous.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Addis Ababa, Ethiopia?

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Mike Kewer

Nationality: British

Students I’ve taught in Ethiopia: Elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years), high school (15-18 years), university, adults, business.

Where I teach: Fountain of Knowledge School in Addis Ababa.

How I found my current jobs: Seriousteachers.com.

My school facilities: Excellent.  They are doing as good as they can with limited internet and other resources.

Teacher support at my school: Training / workshops, lesson observations, teacher evaluations, peer support / training

 

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Teaching English in France – Paris

Published: 08 September, 2014  |  Last updated: 08 September, 2014

Teaching English in Paris, France

Paris, France

 

Report submitted on 08 September, 2014 by Angie.

Teaching English in Paris, France:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Paris, France?
Free-lance, associations, town hall, all schools. There are a lot of opportunities.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full time English language school positions, part time English language school positions, agencies (send teachers to different locations), teaching at kindergartens / pre-schools, teaching at state schools, teaching at private international schools, teaching at colleges / universities, teaching at companies, teaching at community centers, etc., private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.).

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
Speaking English language fluently and experience. Sometimes diplomas are required but they don’t really check.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
A TEFL diploma.

What are the levels of payment?
It goes from 25€ to 50€ per hour.

How many teaching days a week is normal?
4-5 days per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
We have school holidays every 6 weeks for 2 weeks, then a long summer holiday. Parents like putting kids in an English speaking summer camp for the vacation holidays.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Paris, France to teach English?
Be patient and tolerant. French people can sometimes be annoying!

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Paris, France?
Motivated and enthusiastic students.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Paris, France?
Annoying parents of these motivated students.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Competition (for teaching work).

 

Living in Paris, France:

What is the cost of living like in France?
Depends where you live. Paris suburbs are less expensive than Paris. Going out can be expensive.

How can you find accommodation?
Agencies, newspapers, internet…

Local private schools help you to find a place but you will pay the rent.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Paris, France?
Beautiful country, great food, good pay, and large English speaking community.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Paris, France?
Sometimes you meet unfriendly people, but that’s everywhere I guess!

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Paris, France to live?
Find the English or American community as soon as you can. You will need their support.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Friendly service in stores and restaurants.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country (e.g. things that are difficult to get in your location)?
Nothing. Everything you need is here. Perhaps books in English.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Paris, France?
I have a family here so I don’t plan on leaving.
I would miss the beautiful countryside and Paris, and great food!

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Angie

Nationality: French/American

Students I’ve taught in France: 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: Different public schools and an association, and I’m also freelance. I’ve been teaching here for 1 year.

How I found my current jobs: Just by applying. People come to me too.

My school facilities: Adequate – Not enough resources. I need to find my own.

Teacher support at my school: None.

 

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Teaching English in France – Béziers

Published: 04 September, 2014  |  Last updated: 04 September, 2014

Teaching English in Béziers, France

Béziers, France

 

Report submitted on 02 September, 2014 by Francois.

Teaching English in Béziers, France:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Béziers, France?
There are not many opportunities around the city I live in. Montpellier is a bigger city closeby and there are therefore more opportunities there.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Agencies (send teachers to different locations), private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.)

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
You would have to hold a degree in English and in education, preferably a Bachelor’s degree.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
It is quite hard to find a teaching position in French schools, due to the very protective nature of the French government. All teachers in State schools have to have a French degree. There are opportunities in the private sector, so the more experience you have the better. Speaking French is a requirement.

What are the levels of payment?
Can range from 15€ per hours if you work for a company to 55€ per hour if you are very experienced and can sell your services to a company.

How many teaching days a week is normal?
4 days per week.

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

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
5 weeks if you are employed. It is the law here in France. It will be more if you are hired by a school. If you are self employed you have to work all the time!

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Béziers, France to teach English?
Definitely be fluent in French and learn about French culture before you come. A lot of people want to learn a foreign language and their first choice is usually English.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Béziers, France?
The south of France is gorgeous and the weather is terrific! You have the sea and the mountain not far, lots of tourists during the summer months.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Béziers, France?
The economy isn’t doing so great in France, not many jobs available.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
You have to know French and make sure you can teach pronunciation well.

 

Living in Béziers, France:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in France?
If you are not a EU citizen, you will have to have legal status to be able to live in France. It can be very difficult to get.

What is the cost of living like in France?
Cost of living in France is quite comparable to the USA. Small towns are cheaper, Paris is outrageously expensive.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Most people live in apartments if they are within the city limits. You can rent apartments quite cheaply in small towns.

Local private schools help you to find a place but you will pay the rent.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Béziers, France?
The weather and proximity to the sea and mountains.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Béziers, France?
It is a small town and pretty poor. People tend to be conservative and not very welcoming at first.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Béziers, France to live?
Be patient, get to know people. At first people tend to not be as friendly as they would be in the USA for instance. It doesn’t mean they are not nice, they need to get to know you first!

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Stores being opened all the time. Good customer service!

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country (e.g. things that are difficult to get in your location)?
You can find all the things you find elsewhere in the industrialized world. If you really like peanut butter, Cheezwiz or vegemite… bring it along, the French are very conservative with their food 🙂

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Béziers, France?
The food!!!

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Francois

Nationality: American

Students I’ve taught in France: Elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years), high school (15-18 years), university, adults, business.

Where I teach: I teach privately. My wife and I created a structure and we teach locally and on Skype. My wife teaches mostly French and I teach ESL.  I’ve been teaching here for 1 year.

How I found my current jobs: I am self employed.

My school facilities: Good – All schools have good to superior facilities.

Teacher support at my school: Training / workshops, lesson observations.

Links: http://living-in-languedoc.com

 

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