Teach English Europe

If you're thinking of heading overseas and wondering if you might teach English, Europe isn't promising. Throughout the European Union, labor laws have been standardized to favor EU laborers, including those who teach English. For teaching English, the EU now requires that the job be given to a resident of the EU unless specific, required knowledge and skills can't be found in the EU. The prospective teacher must obtain a work permit (usually requested by the hiring school) or a visa specifically authorizing work (given before entry to those who can show that a job awaits them). That's the legal way to do it. The Teach English Europe-route is not an easy one to travel. Many teach illegally, as freelancers or simply without a permit, running the risk of legal troubles over taxes, licensing, certification, etc., and possibly facing deportation.

The truth is that local authorities rarely hassle an illegal teacher or the school that hires him/her. It varies from country to country, and sometimes from place to place within countries. Some governments see illegal teaching as a loss of tax revenue-which it is-and are eager to stop it and collect the taxes plus any other required contributions (to pensions, for example) and fines.

That said, you might teach English while studying overseas, even in Europe, legally and above board, by doing some heavy duty advance work. Correspond with schools, academies, colleges, or other potential employers. Impress them with your credentials. Tell them why you offer something that nobody in the EU can provide (it helps to have a secondary discipline, like an MBA or other degree). It helps if it's all true, but at least it must be convincing. If they bite, work out a solid contract before you go. Take the job offer to the embassy or consulate nearest you and, viola (to use a French term), you might get a work permit to teach English in Europe.

For the truth of what I say, search the Web for advice to teachers of English as a foreign language looking for work in Europe. Start with this article at Transitions Abroad: Transitionsabroad.com, before taking the Teaching English Europe-route.

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