1) Procedure

SOL is working closely with many schools and universities in these countries, particularly in regional towns as the capitals are well provided for. Many teaching vacancies exist. If you are interested in taking up such a post, then please request for an application form and return it to SOL. Normally an informal but comprehensive interview is arranged, where possible close to where you are if in the UK, to discuss your interest as well as conditions of work, support structure, arrangements etc., before any specific post is offered or any final commitment is given by you. It is very important that you feel confident about SOL and the posts being offered, so the full implications of working abroad will be discussed and all your questions will be answered. It is likewise important that SOL can rely on your commitment to do an important job!! The intention will be to offer firm teaching positions to successful candidates during the spring and to complete the signing of interim contracts before the end of the academic year in June. Some posts might arise during the academic year.

If you are applying from abroad and can not arrange to be in the UK or Central Europe for a meeting, then we will need to consider a two-way interview by phone or internet. Because of the responsibility that SOL takes on in securing good teachers (and we have an excellent reputation!) as well as assuring teachers that their placement is sound, priority may be given to those that we meet in person. However, there are likely to be several posts that are taken by non-UK based people - the important thing is to be assured of their commitment. The SOL team is becoming increasingly international in its composition, and this is very welcome! This year 11 of the team are non-British.

Once you have agreed to accept a post, it is then essential to realise the responsibility that acceptance brings. SOL, and the institutions, rely wholly on trust in you accepting your commitment from that stage.


2) Requirements

A degree is almost essential (ideally in Education or Languages) plus at least an introductory TEFL/TESOL certificate. These TEFL/TESOL courses are run by many institutions world-wide, and we can offer advice on what might be suitable. With any other subject degree, a substantial course in TEFL (e.g. RSA/UCLES or Trinity TESOL) would normally be required, but other factors are taken into account, particularly experience, so do not be deterred for this reason. In some cases, the school or college may want a subject specialist.

No knowledge of the local language is needed! French can be useful in Romania, but in all countries English is increasingly widely spoken especially amongst the young. However, you will be working with English speaking teachers, and the best English teachers there only speak English in the English lessons anyway!


3) What is involved

Salaries are really quite low, but of course, prices are less, and all teachers manage to live within this amount. In addition, you will have a small furnished flat provided. A basic salary of £150 to £300 per month in local currency is likely (less in Romania), with school hours approximately 07.30 - 14.00, with about 20 or so, 45 minute lessons being taught per week to groups of about 15 at a time. Less in higher education.

Many posts are secondary (14 - 18), though there are some primary (10 - 14) and several higher education placements as well. Most are in regional towns. Some schools run bilingual courses and may want you to teach another subject (e.g. Geography) in English. Please indicate any interest in teaching a specialist subject in English, if you are interested in this.

All posts will include free and independent accommodation, usually in a small flat near the school. We do not accept family based accommodation or hostels as these can often prove quite restrictive. In addition to your basic contract you are likely to have the opportunity to take extra (paid) private work in language schools, or elsewhere. Your income will enable you to cover your everyday needs, even after paying any taxes (a bilateral agreement means that for UK citizens, for 2 years, none are paid in Hungary if you have registered with the UK tax authorities).

The posts will be challenging but very rewarding. On the whole you will be working with very well motivated students who are keen to learn, and in a place where your presence will be much appreciated. You will also gain an outstanding insight into the changes which are taking, and have taken, place in these countries - changes which we, looking from outside, cannot really appreciate. It is certain that many taking up these posts will want to stay on after their first year!

Your passport must be valid or at least 1 year. A residence permit is required but this presents no problem once the post is identified. Schools are responsible for this, and it can be done in advance. Sometimes it can take a great deal of time and patience (another reason for the schools to be sure of their teacher!!). For non-EU citizens visa requirements will be discussed when application is made.


4) The commitment


Contracts run for a complete academic year which has 2 terms - 1: September 1st to January 31st and 2: February 1st to June 30th. In most cases though you will continue to be paid through the summer vacation.


5) The costs

We are not able to offer assistance with travel costs but with the advent of low cost airlines within Europe, the travel costs now are a fraction of what they used to be. Even BA flights compare to EasyJet now! However, we will also support any of your own efforts to seek local sponsorship if you wish.

If you require further information, please contact SOL. In most countries we have well qualified teacher co-ordinators who will ensure you have support for your work throughout the year. We will also run a brief induction course which will be provided for you in the last week of August. This gives everyone a chance to get to know the others - and that in itself is a great support, with teachers often visiting each other at weekends or holidays.


6) Health care

Health care is provided free for teachers working in these countries, as you will pay national health insurance (about 12%) and you will have normal employee insurance cover provided by the school. In addition, native speaker teachers often get preferential treatment because of the culture of favours which is common there - you are bound to be teaching one or two doctors' children!! Additional personal insurance is a matter for individuals to decide upon and some companies such as 'Worldwide' or 'Columbus' may be worth considering for the extra benefits including repatriation (only needed once in 400 teachers!). Loss of money or theft is worth considering for insurance. Though the flat itself will be insured it is wise to make sure that your own possessions are covered by your own all-risks policy from home.

For further opportunities of volunteering visit www.wwv.org.uk.

Current teachers abroad