Move to Germany - Get a job or be a private english tutor?

Question

I want to move to Germany. My family is German andmy great aunt can teach me hte german language here in the usa. ince Germany has such a high unemployment rate how would i go about everything? One way I was thinking is to get a self employed visa, i was told it would be much easier to get, and teach English. Other people have told me that now-a-days Germany learns english so well in school that going to teach english is kind of pointless. So any ideas, concerns, or suggestions would be great. Also just so you know I asked, I am not German enough or how ever you would put it, to just get a normal pasport. I dont know if I said that last thing right but thanks everybody! :)

Also what city would you suggest? I do want to live in a city, or at least very close to a nice big city.

Answer 1

There are plenty of private language schools looking for self-employed teacheres.  For one, lots of Americans and Brits do it for only 6 months so there is a big turnover; for two, the schools do not have to officially "employ" you, therefore they don't have to give you vacation or health insurance.

Try language schools like Berlitz and Inlingua.  They do not expect you to speak German.  They actually prefer if you don't!

Answer 2

Start with a language school. They're always looking for people who speak American English natively. However, just because you speak the language doesn't mean you understand it enough to teach it. But it's a way many people get a start in Germany.

And just because kids learn English in school does not mean they know how to speak English. There is still a great need for English education in Germany.

Here an edited in message: it is not difficult to get a residency permit if the school you begin to work for gives you a letter stating that they need you to teach AMERICAN Business English. This is something only Americans and Canadians can do. Believe me, I worked in this field and know it works - very easily.

Answer 3

Just with speaking english you will not be able to make here a living. If you speak chinese, english and german, that would be great. City Munich or Hamburg. I beliefe in the moment Hamburg is better. But both cities are expensive.

Greetings from Hamburg, Germany

Heinz

Answer 4

Yes, most Germans have a good knowledge of Englisch. If you are not fluent in German you will not be able to keep any students. You will have a harder time teaching than they will learning if you do not speak German. OH - BTW - It is a D@mn hard language to learn, trust me I know.

Answer 5

I lived in Germany for nearly 6 months off of just tutoring English to Germans that needed assistance in preparing for exams to get work and for school too.

Sure they learn English in school no doubt but there is still plenty of room for teaching if you are good at it and know how to market yourself and get clients!

Maybe i was lucky in succeeding with it but you won't know unless you are to investigate it more I would not just go over there and plan on teaching, good luck!

Answer 6

You might want to check out http://www.toytowngermany.com and ask at the forum.

Please note that you are not the only one with the idea to move to Berlin. It is the top spot for foreigners wanting to move to Germany and make a living teaching English to Germans. If you want to be an English tutor you'll be up against some tough competition.

On the other side it is very difficult to get a work permit, unless you are in IT or engineering.

If you want to move to Germany permanently the best way is usually to graduate from a German university. If you got your BA already consider doing masters. The universities in Berlin currently do not charge any tuition fees, but you need to be able to support yourself without working more than a few hours per month.

See http://www.daad.de

When you graduate from a German university you are given one year to find a job suitable to your qualifications. If you find one you'll then be eligible for a work permit.