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I want to teach english in Europe, Is that possible? Is its hard?

I want to teach abroad but I really want to teach in Europe. I heard in Europe that if I do this I won't get a job due to the European Union only wanting Europeans mostly for these jobs instead of Americans. This is true? #education #educator #english #international #international-education

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Leslie’s Answer

Yes, it is absolutely possible! One great way to do this is through a Fulbright, which is a competitive program through the U.S. government where fellowship recipients go teach English in foreign countries. However, Fulbrights only last for a year, I believe.


Beyond Fulbrights, there are many countries that directly hire native English-speaking teachers as instructors and where you could work for multiple years. It depends on the country, but I have known people that have done this in Spain, France and various countries in Asia and Latin America. This is a relatively common thing to do. I would urge you to do some research on google to see what options exist. I'm certain there are many.


Hope that helps!

Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Jasmin
Thank you comment icon thank you! Elmer
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Stella’s Answer

Hi Jasmin. Yes, you can get a job teaching English in Europe. But what you have heard is also true. In the European Union, EU member country citizens have first dibs on jobs. What this means for English teachers is that teachers from the U.K. and Ireland (both EU members) have first preference for jobs in other EU countries, like France, Spain, Italy, and Germany. While you may be able to get a job in the EU, it is possible that your employer will hire you "under the table" in order to avoid having to apply for a work visa for you, which you are not likely to be approved for unless you have EU citizenship. This path is not recommended, as it puts you in a weak position if your employer can't or won't pay you or otherwise doesn't honor your terms of employment. It is also important to note that, in EU countries, most employers of English teachers will require you to hold a CELTA or, better, a DELTA. These are certificates or diplomas recognized and required by schools in Europe, but not typically required by schools in the U.S., Central/South America, or Asia. You can usually finish an intensive CELTA course in 4 weeks, which is the basic pre-requisite you'll need.
Okay, so, the good news. As Leslie mentioned, the Fulbright program sends individuals with at least a bachelor's degree and some proficiency in the host country's language to work as teachers' aids in public schools in many countries, including a few European countries. This is the most common and probably the best way to get started teaching in Europe, since it establishes you in a location where you can meet people who might be more likely to make a job offer and go through the work of getting you a work visa than if they had not met you at all. Another popular option is to do a TEFL certificate or CELTA program in a European city; often, this can lead to growing your network and getting you job opportunities in that city. I've met many teachers who started out in Prague. Finally, I have worked with several teachers who started out teaching in Turkey; the requirements for teachers are not as strict in Turkey, job conditions are sometimes less stable, but people really seem to have enjoyed working there.

Thank you comment icon thank you so much, I heard a lot about how Prague is where a lot of people started at to teach. Jasmin
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Kelsey’s Answer

Hi Jasmin,

I got a Fulbright to teach English in Greece and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I highly recommend! If you are going to a country where you do not speak the language, it is beneficial to begin studying before you go. You don't have to become fluent. For me, this meant learning the Greek alphabet and basic greetings/questions. You can use free apps like Duolingo to get you started. Usually on a Fulbright, they also give you classes in the language, so that is super helpful too!

I hope you get to teach abroad!
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