|  Overview
Due to globalisation, it has become more and more important
for the individual employee in Germany to improve his/her
knowledge of English, particularly after the re-unification
of the former east with the western half of Germany. In
the former eastern half of Germany, the TEFL market is about
to establish itself and continues to grow. However, TEFL
teaching in western Germany is not stagnating and work for
Cert. TESOL/TEFL teachers is a- plenty.
It is worth noting that German language schools and other
language teaching establishments now seem to insist on well-trained
and certified TESOL/TEFL teachers.
Salary and hours
Pay tends to be in the region of €20 per 45 minutes,
plus travel expenses. Higher rates can be demanded when
working for businesses.
Type of teaching
EFL teachers in Germany usually teach adults either
in language schools or ‘Volkhochschulen’ (local
state run colleges), and at all levels.
Berlitz and Inlingua are well established in Germany and
have schools in most of the major cities. In addition, EuroSchulen
offer contracts to EFL Teachers with some knowledge of Business
English, Accounts, Marketing and/or Sales skills.
Driving out to companies is usually quite common so a driver’s
licence is definitely an advantage.
Accommodation
This is not usually provided by employers.
Start of school year/ best time to look for work
Teachers in ‘Volkshochschulen’ are recruited
about 6 months in advance so if you want to start in September
then you need to apply in the January. Work in businesses
is generally available throughout the whole year.
Red Tape
There is a registration procedure in Germany which
means in order to work there you must register with the
local town hall. If you choose to move to another town or
city you must un-register and re-register at the new place.
Miscellaneous advice
It is usual for language schools and ‘Volkshochschulen’
to offer EFL teachers 6 month contracts at a time, which
means they work on a free-lance basis and are responsible
for paying their
own taxes, health insurance as well as pension contributions.
It is advisable to contact a local tax consultant (Steuerberater)
who will take care of this matter for you. In most cases
it is possible to find an English-speaking tax advisor.
Some language schools do offer some full-time contracts
and the employer contributes to all of the above.
A good place to search for work is in the local yellow
pages, referred to as the “GelbeSeiten” in Germany.
FCO
Lonely
Planet Guide - Germany
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