When I first started my search for a TESOL job in Germany, I began to search online for different language schools in the area. I applied to school after school and received little feedback. Shortly after, my girlfriend got a job in another city called Bochum.
So we had to move there, which was good seeing that nothing had come up for me in Kassel.
Applying for TESOL Jobs In Germany
The entire month before we moved, I applied to over 35 language schools, high schools, elementary schools, etc. Anyone that offered English received a cover letter from me. In my cover letter, I basically stressed my individual skills. I focused on the type of person I am and what I have done for my community rather than what I have studied.
Every few days I would receive a message that would turn me down or explain that they could have me help out in class but they couldn’t pay me. I visited several schools and hoped that my efforts to help their students for free would be rewarded in the long run.
I met a lot of new people and learned how the schools are set up and were able to experience life as a student in Germany. It was fascinating to see how advanced these students. It is were as opposed to where I was when I was their age in school. I assisted in class and prepared presentations on life in America and what I liked to do.
The kids really enjoyed it. Still, I had no job and no visa. My time was quickly running out. It was past the new year and I had almost a month until my tourist visa expired.
My First Interviews
Then I started getting interviews at schools. One interview I went to was a total disaster. They said they couldn’t hire me to teach English because my German wasn’t good enough. Another job canceled because they found out I am not a part of the European Union nor have a work permit.
Teaching English is something that could not be done by everyone. So getting the right qualifications and obtaining a work permit is essential. It is really essential if you are planning to teach English in Germany. In the next blogs, I will explain how to obtain the necessary credentials for Germany.
I was not able to get a regular teaching position. The positive side of my experience was that I obtained real teaching experience through volunteer positions and prospective employers place a high value on this. Volunteering is also a very good way to find out if teaching is right for you before you invest a lot of time and money in a TESOL certification course.
Related Articles – TESOL Germany
My First Teaching Job in Germany
TEFL in Germany: Jobs, Visa, and Insurance
TESOL Certification Comes in Very Handy
Teaching English In Germany: Make Extra Money Teaching One-To-One!