Germany - TEFL in Germany

Generally speaking, teaching in Germany is for professionals with experience. It's not the kind of country where the ability to speak English is enough to get you a job. German students - mostly adults - tend to be well motivated and polite and hard-working. And they will expect the same from you.

Most teaching will be done in the private sector. Often this will mean some hours working for a private school, some hours teaching in a company and some private lessons. Obviously this means that it can take time to build up a full timetable.

In addition, Germany has been experiencing a recession in the past few years so that the market has slowed somewhat so while there are still jobs around, they are not as plentiful as before.

As regards schools, one tried and tested method is to be there in person. It's unlikely you'll find work from another country without appearing in person (though some German schools will hold interviews in London). This can often lead to doing a demo lesson and then - if suitable - a few hours a week.

Work is availble all year round but, like most of Europe, the country slows down in July/August and many schools will close then.

Pay is reasonable (between 10 - 30 Euros per hour) but remember that high taxes and a high cost of living in Germany mean you won't get rich overnight.

There are some big chains in Germany, like Inlingua & Berlitz, and these have lessons all day. Working in the business sector will often mean hours early in the morning or later at night.

Contents 1 Qualifications 2 Speaking German 3 Worth Knowing 4 External Links

Qualifications

As Germany is in the EU you will generally need to be have a passport from an EU country to work here. The basic qualifications to teach here are a degree and a TEFL Certificate such as the ICAL TEFL Certificate.

Speaking German

If you're looking for work, knowing German can be a huge benefit. This especially applies if you are working freelance and have to deal with German bureaucracy without the benefit of a school admin to back you up.

In addition, since finding work is often done when you're in country, this means you'll have to come over, arrange accommodation and so on and survive so a crash course before heading out will help.

Worth Knowing

Eleven percent of 1,000 small and midsize businesses surveyed by the EU Commission in 2008 stated that they had lost orders because of inadequate foreign-language skills; 26% of those businesses specified English and 13% mentioned German as the most important languages for export commerce.

Nearly half of the surveyed businesses accordingly plan to improve their staffs’ foreign-language skills in the coming three years. New applicants who have already perfectly mastered one or more foreign languages prior to applying for a job are much more likely to be hired.

Small and midsize German businesses are certain: English is a must.

External Links

ToyTown - a popular forum amongst British and American people living in Germany discussing many issues related to living and working in Germany.