ESL Teaching Jobs in Germany – A Different Approach
Teaching English as a second language is a job that is usually associated with either working in the developing world or teaching immigrants to English speaking countries. In fact, many ESL teachers use their ESL teaching skills as a means to visit far flung corners of the globe. Seeking ESL jobs in regions of the developing world in particular can be very different from seeking ESL jobs in an English speaking or European country. The requirements are often a bit more relaxed; for instance, you may be able to teach ESL without any experience or without a teaching certificate. The students often have minimal experience with English, if any at all.
Teaching ESL in Germany is a different prospect. German schools start children in English language education at a young age, and the citizens are exposed to a great deal of English culturally. For this reason, many ESL teaching jobs in Germany are for teachers who are qualified to teach English at the advanced level.
Since English language education does start at a young age in Germany, there are openings for ESL teachers at the elementary level. However, it is far more common for ESL jobs to be found at the secondary or university level. Another popular avenue for ESL jobs in Germany is though businesses that have a large international presence; many of these companies keep ESL teachers on staff to ensure their employees are fluent in English.
What You Need to Know about Working in Germany
If you want to teach ESL in Germany, you will need a work visa. Fortunately, since English teachers are so valued, there is seldom a problem in securing a permit. You must find an employer before you apply for a visa, and the employer will arrange for your visa on your behalf. Be aware that a visa generally ties you to a specific position. Furthermore, a visa for employment in Germany does not translate into European Union wide employability. Immigration procedures for the handling of non-EU citizens are managed on a national basis.
Once in Germany, you will have three months to establish yourself on the national health system and arrange for a tax idea number, and then you will receive final clearance for your permit. Luckily, you can work in the meantime.
Another important thing ESL teachers heading to Germany for work should be familiar with is the tax system. If you work on a freelance basis, you will be heavily taxed. The best case scenario in terms of managing the tax burden is to seek a job in a school that will list you as a full time employee; full time employees pay far less tax than freelancers. Note that being a full time employee is not the same thing as having a contract – you must be on the full time payroll to avoid excessive taxation.
Finding ESL Teaching Jobs in Germany
Universities, secondary schools and multinational corporations are all great places to start your search for ESL jobs in Germany. If you would like to start your search online, these Web sites are good places get the hunt underway:
- ESL Employment offers an online classified ad system for jobs from around the world. A free membership is required to get the full benefits of the site.
- ESL Job Find is a job listing site with lots of resources written by ESL teachers, sharing advice based on their experiences.
- TESasll has tons of resources for people looking for jobs in Germany, especially North Americans.
- The English Club is a clearinghouse of Web sites for ESL teachers looking for jobs all over the world.
Print this Page
Suggestion Box
Send to Friend