Finding a TEFL job in Europe for a non-native TEFL teacher

[Xandler]

Good day Lucy!

My name is Josué Chandler and I'm from Panama city, Panama. I'm 31 years old currently working as a flight attendant and I finally have the money and time to get my TEFL certificate. I want to get my certificate either in Germany or Brazil.

The only concern I have is how hard is to find a job as a non-native/almost no experience/no university diploma teacher. When I say almost no experience is because I taught Portuguese for only 2 months here in Panama city to a group of prospective flight attendants.

I'd love to teach in countries like Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Brazil or Argentina. I've heard from some friends that the demand of teacher is pretty good, but will they hire me with my TEFL certificate only?

What do you think about my case? What are my chances considering the economy situation in countries like Germany and Brazil?

Thanks in advance for your reply and greetings from the Caribbean!!!

[Lucy]

Hi Xandler,

I don’t like to say that anything is very difficult but I think you will come up against a few problems. If you decide to follow the TEFL route, you will be in competition with native speaker EFL teachers, many of whom will have a university degree and at least a TEFL certificate. Whilst it wouldn’t be impossible to be a TEFL teacher, you would have difficulties getting a good job in a good school. You’re also considering teaching in countries like Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Brazil or Argentina. In those countries you will be in competition with English native speaker teachers as well as German teachers of English, Polish teachers of English, etc. In those countries, you won’t have the advantage of being a native speaker of the language in question.

I think you are creating some difficult obstacles; everything is possible but you really need to give this some thought and do your research. Here are some questions for you to consider: Have you thought of teaching English in Panama? Do you really want to go into TEFL? Or would you consider teaching another topic? Have you thought of specialising in teaching flight attendants? That could be a niche for you to get started in. These are just some questions to get you thinking.

All the best,

Lucy