It's finally happening! After 120+ hours of classtime and intensive grammar courses, I'm finally TEFL/TESL certified! With this training to Teach English as a Foreign Language/as a Second Language, I am now formally prepared to teach in any country.
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During the course my teacher reiterated, many times, how difficult it is for Americans to get a teaching job in Europe, particularly somewhere so highly desired like Italy. I completed my course with this understanding, knowing that to be recognized and considered for a teaching position within the EU I would need credible experience and a good-looking resume. From my research it seems that, when considering teachers, it is complusory for English schools in the EU Union to hire EU citizens before hiring foreigners. It is possible to hire an American, but I've been told the amount of paperwork is overwhelming, just to prove that the American can do a better job than anyone else in the EU--A major bummer for an American ESL teacher wanting to live in Italy.
After completing my certification, I decided just to see if there was ANYTHING in Italy, even short term. That's when I stumbled onto the English Camp Company. This opportunity sounded perfect! They actively seek Americans, Australians, Kiwi's and Canadians to come and act as day councelors for their travelling English Camp. I submitted a lengthy application (including an "example of personality/creativity...Which can be found here: http://austinmeyer.wix.com/forecc)
and two days later I was hired! It is a paid (just basic expenses) 6 week teaching position where we host two-week English day-camps in various cities throughout Italy. I will be staying/eating/practicing Italiano with host families, traveling using the public transportation, and teaching primary-school-aged Italian children from 7:20 until 16:30! And I couldn't be more excited!
If you want to know more about ESL certification, The English Camp Company, or my plans/resources for teaching please don't hesitate to contact me!
Ciao á tutti!
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