Country Report - Teach English in Germany

Teach English in Germany - ESL Teaching Jobs, Hiring Season, Work Visas, Summer Job Opportunities

Why Teach in Germany

Known across the world as 'das Land der Dichter und Denker' (the land of poets and thinkers), it’s easy to see why so many ESL teachers looking for a European experience find their way to Germany. Geographically surrounded by Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands, since its beginnings Germany has attracted the attention of those around the globe. It was the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Ludwig van Beethoven, and has always been thought of as a cultural hub. Since it has become the international language of business, many Germans have become particularly interested in learning to speak English.

Many find that obtaining a job teaching English in Germany is not an easy task for ESL teachers who are not from a European Union nation. Although difficult, it is still possible to find employment, but be prepared for a vast amount of paperwork.

English teaching jobs in Germany are not known for their great wages, but most ESL teachers come to Germany for the experience, not for a large paycheck.  English teachers usually earn €1,000 to €2,000 monthly. With the cost of living in Germany being €700 to €1,000 a month, some careful budgeting should allow the ESL teachers the ability to have some money to explore the country during time off.

What to Know About Teaching English in Germany

Housing

There are a wide range of apartments available in Germany for an equally wide range of prices. An apartment search is different in Germany than in America: bathrooms, WCs (water closets), kitchens and hallways are not included when an apartment lists the amount of rooms it has. Another challenge for English teachers in Germany is the lack of furnished apartments in the country. When a German apartment is referred to as 'non-furnished' it literally means that there is nothing in the apartment. There are no closets or cabinets, no appliances, and possibly no light fixtures or even a kitchen sink. For these German apartments, the tenant is responsible for their own furnishings. Sometimes the previous tenants of the apartment will offer to sell everything they installed for a price. If ESL teachers are willing to do an extensive amount of research, it is possible to find an all-inclusive apartment, which is known as a 'warmmiete' (warm rent).

English teachers arriving in Germany will need to visit a local police station and get a 'Polizeiliche Anmeldung' (police registration). This document will need to be shown before any landlord hands over keys to an apartment, especially if applying to rent a warmmiete.

Expected Apartment Costs

Rent prices in Germany are generally considered high. Monthly rent rates in large urban areas can run as high as €13 per square foot and an apartment in a smaller town or suburb will cost around €6 per square foot. English teachers should be sure to look around and find a place that meets their needs and matches their budgets. Teachers moving specifically to Munich should be aware that this city has the most expensive rent in Germany.

Airfare

With so many teachers interested in teaching English in Germany, it is extremely rare and highly unlikely that any school will offer to pay for a flight to Europe. Luckily, there are many options for English teachers flying from North America to Germany. The Internet is a great tool when it comes to finding an inexpensive airplane ticket.

In addition to researching airline travel, it is also important to plan and make any land travel arrangements for transportation needed after landing on German soil.

Health Benefits

Non-German and non-EU citizens will most likely have a portion of their salary deducted for Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung contributions; German schools can pay for their English teachers to be a part of the system, but this is highly unlikely to happen. Before arriving in Germany, it may be necessary to purchase private health insurance that will ensure coverage in case teachers require any medical care while teaching in Germany or throughout Europe. During the visa application process, Americans will be asked to provide evidence of private health insurance before a German working visa is awarded.

Germany's health benefit program, the 'Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung', is one of the most renowned healthcare systems in the world. Like many European nations, Germans have an option of being a member of the public healthcare system or of using private healthcare for a fee. Money for the health system is taken from a German employee's earnings and taxes; the government pays the healthcare cost for those who do not work. The plan covers most doctor visits, medical appointments, health spa treatments, out-patient care, and hospital stays. Germans are required to pay an additional €10 per day when staying overnight in a hospital bed.

When looking for medication, Germans go to the 'apotheke', not the 'drogerie'. The drogerie is a store that offers its customers hygiene products, makeup, and other typical drug store items but does not sell medications. The apotheke is a pharmacy; customers can purchase both prescription and over-the-counter medications from the pharmacist.

Retirement Age

The current retirement age in Germany is 65 years. In 2007, the German Bundestag (lower house of the German government) voted to increase the retirement age in Germany from 65 to 67, with this change being phased in over time. Government officials fear that there will not be enough workers in the future due to the nation's low birth rates in recent years.

German workers have pension deductibles taken directly from their paychecks, and the amount is matched by the employer. Many of the nation's economists predict that today's workers will not receive all of the money they have contributed to the plan due to the high population of Baby Boomers in Germany.

Technology and Advancement

Aside from being the birthplace of Albert Einstein, one of the world's most well-known thinkers, Germany is also one of the most technologically advanced nations. Located in Berlin, the Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin (German Museum of Technology) showcases some of Germany's greatest technological accomplishments. Teachers will have access to many of the same technological comforts as they do at home.

Landline telephones are fairly easy to have installed in German apartments. Germans are some of the most frequent mobile phone users in the world, with companies like Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile), Mannesmann Mobilfunk, and 02 Germany all offering German mobile phone service.

DSL Internet connections are readily available throughout most of the German countryside. Germany does have their own country code for website URLs; any website address ending with .de originates from the country. With all of these technology options available to English teachers in Germany, keeping in touch with loved ones back home can be done with ease.

American Food

The best place to find familiar American products and brands is in large German supermarket chain stores. Like many European nations, German shoppers frequent multiple shops when doing their grocery shopping. Typically, a German's food is purchased at various specialty stores such as the bakery, the butcher shop, the dairy, the cheese shop, and the farmer's markets. This trend is especially evident in more rural German locations.

Many German cities have North American food at either an American-themed restaurant or at chain restaurants. English teachers in Germany can eat their dinner at the Hard Rock Café located in the Charlottenburg region of Berlin. Throughout Germany, it's very easy to spot American chain restaurant names like Pizza Hut, McDonalds, and Subway. English teachers can enjoy a cup of American-style coffee at either Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks.

Transportation in Germany

Germany was one of the first nations to introduce the automobile, and even today, Germany is a car lover's paradise. Germany features a total of over 400,000 KMs of roadway, many of which have no posted speed limit, including the Autobahn, on which the recommended cruising speed is 130 Km/h. Speed limits do exist in areas that safety officials have deemed dangerous or congested. Given Germany's central location within Europe, its roads are a popular destination for transport trucks. Some areas of Germany charge a toll to those driving large transport trucks.

In addition to driving, Germans have many transportation options available to them, including taking the train. The train is a good way to travel both short and long distances and the railway system links to other nations including Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Belgium. The Deutsche Bahn (German Rail) is the largest railway business in the nation and was once a state-owned company.

Public Transportation

• Taxi

  Getting a ride in a taxi cab is a fairly simple process in Germany. Finding a taxi is usually as simple as finding a taxi stand and hiring the first one available. English teachers can find taxi stands in busy areas of town where there are a lot of shoppers. Another option is to call a taxi from Taxi-Zentrale to come to any location for a pick-up.

  Taxi fares in Germany are regulated by local governments and do vary slightly from city to city. Usually customers are charged for both a basic pick-up fee and for the driver's mileage. Tipping is optional, but is usually offered for excellent service from the driver. Riding a taxi in Germany will typically cost €1.30-€1.50 per kilometer.

• Train and Subway

  German commuters have the option of traveling around town on the U-Bahn (subway system) and S-Bahn (street train) systems. The U-Bahn systems can be found in Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich, and Nuremberg. English teachers in Germany should not have a difficult time riding the U-Bahn, as it is similar to a typical North American subway system. The S-Bahn system covers both large and small urban areas. There are currently 13 S-Bahn with plans to build two more over the next couple years.

• Bus

  The bus is another easy and economic way to travel around Germany. Most German cities have public buses which are often linked to the U-Bahn and S-Bahn services. Bus stops are labeled with a large green "H" and offer the stop number, the bus number, the destinations, and a color-coded map of the city. Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg offer all-night service on some of their major bus routes. In addition to using the bus as a way to get around, English teachers can also use the bus as an affordable way to explore the German countryside on the weekend. There are plenty of charter bus companies that offer customers the ability to travel on their buses for an affordable price.

Other Modes of Transportation

• Bicycle

  German cities are very bicycle-friendly and have some of the safest streets for people to cycle on in the world. There are often designated lanes for bikers located next to pedestrian walking areas. These bike paths often feature their own stops and crosswalks. ESL teachers working in Germany can either buy or rent a bicycle in many locations throughout the country.

• Motor Vehicles

  Though there is a relative lack of speed limits, there are still plenty of rules to follow on German roadways.

  Once an ESL teacher from outside the EU lands in Germany, they are able to use their native nation's driver's license for six months. After this time, English teachers have the option of renewing their German driving status for another six months. Once a year has passed, they must get a German driving license. ESL teachers from Connecticut, Florida, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee or Washington D.C. will need to take a written driver's test; all other states can just trade in their licenses for a new German one. Citizens of South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand will be required to take a written test and a driving examination in order to drive in Germany.

Banking in Germany

Banking in Germany is fairly straightforward. ESL teachers going to the bank for the first time will need to bring their valid passport, German address information, and some cash to make a first-time deposit. Once an account is setup, customers are given a Eurocard (EC). This card will offer access to ATMs, the ability to check balances, make money transfers, and sometimes even allow for payment in some larger stores. Credit cards are also becoming more popular in Germany and this could be something offered to English teachers opening an account for the first time.

Peak ESL Hiring Season in Germany

The peak hiring season in German schools varies depending on the area an ESL teacher is moving to. Smaller cities in former Russia-controlled East Germany like Leipzig, Dresden, and Erfurt are in more need of American ESL teachers than the more popular destinations of Berlin, Munich and Hamburg. Many ESL teachers in Germany have found more success applying to teach in smaller cities and have found these towns to be excellent places to learn about the culture and history of Germany.

Public Schools

The German school year is much like that of its American counterpart. The school year is divided into two semesters and children have a summer vacation which usually ends in the middle of August. The best time to apply for an ESL teaching position at a public school is at the end of the summer and Christmas vacation. Some English teachers feel homesick and leave their jobs once these holidays approach, so it’s an excellent way for a new teacher to get their foot in the door.

Private Lessons

English is the international language of business in most places in the world, including Germany. ESL teachers in Germany are often hired to give one-on-one English tutoring to students of all ages and backgrounds. Some clients may be school-age children looking to keep up with their class and other clients could be VIPs of large companies needing to touch up their English conversational skills. If an ESL teacher does offer private lessons, they must be sure to keep track of all earnings and expenditures as they will be charged more tax for owning a business.

How to Find Jobs Teaching English in Germany

In today's world, finding a job on the other side of the globe is not as difficult as it sounds. With the Internet, English teachers can access all sorts of online resources and digital newspapers. Technology is not only useful in searching for a job, but it can also be a great source in finding a place to live.

Most German job websites are written in German, but can easily be translated to English using various online tools such as Google Translator and Babel Fish. Below are just some of the online resources that should help you in your search.

Resources that may include ESL teaching jobs:

• Oxford Seminars' Global ESL Schools Directory
• http://www.eslemployment.com
• http://www.esljobs.com/
• http://www.eslcafe.com/
• http://www.monster.de
• http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/de

German Newspapers (all of which are written in German):

• http://www.sueddeutsche.de
• http://www.faz.net/
• http://www.welt.de
• http://www.fr-online.de
• http://www.tagesspiegel.de

Largest Chain Schools in Germany

Private language schools offer German and native English-speaking children an English school curriculum in a German setting. In order to attend these schools, students must pay tuition costs which can reach €16,000 a year. International schools often feature a wide range of students with an equally wide range of English knowledge.

• Bavarian International School

  For nearly 20 years, the Bavarian International School has been offering an English education to residents of Munich. Located in the historic Schloss Haimhausen mansion, students are surrounded by some great examples of German countryside. Classes are offered to students from preschool age to grade 12. There are 650 students enrolled at the school with 42 nationalities represented within the diverse student body.

  http://www.bis-school.com/
• International School of Düsseldorf

  Government studies have shown that the Rhein-Ruhr region has the fastest growing English-speaking population. The International School of Düsseldorf is located within this region. Starting at the age of three and continuing up to Grade 12, the 111 staff from nine different countries teach students in English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, and other languages.

  http://www.isdedu.de
• Frankfurt International School

  The Frankfurt International School is the largest private English school in Germany and has a reputation for preparing students with the necessary skills needed to seek future education at some of the best English and German schools in the world. Since 1961, the Frankfurt International School has had a diverse group of students. Currently, the school features 1,770 students from more than 52 countries. With so many ESL teachers wanting to teach here, applicants are asked to have at least a bachelor's degree or an equivalent.

  http://www.fis.edu
• Munich International School

  Located on a 26-acre property, the Munich International School is known for providing excellent English-based education to its students. In addition to featuring a renowned academic curriculum, the school also promotes healthy living by offering a wide range of sports for the students.

  http://www.mis-munich.de

Other Jobs Teaching English in Germany

Teaching Business English in Germany

With Germany emerging as one of the wealthiest nations in Western Europe, the desire to learn the language of business is extremely high. One of the most popular options for ESL teachers in Germany is teaching business English to adults. It is much easier finding freelance work as an ESL teacher in Germany than finding an 'angestellt position' (a full-time teacher position with a school) and usually the pay is better if a foreign ESL teacher manages to keep busy. Generally, teachers with more teaching experience and an understanding of the German language will earn a higher wage than those without these competencies. Those new to teaching ESL can expect to receive €17-€22 for a one-hour lesson; these wages can double with more experience, an understanding of the German language, and a good reputation.

Jobs Teaching English in the Summer in Germany

Finding work teaching English in the summer months can be an excellent way to earn some extra money. For the most part, German students are taught English from an early age in the public school system, so many parents are not interested in hiring an ESL teacher to teach additional lessons in the summer. If they are interested, they are most likely going to send their child to a summer course in the United Kingdom. That being said, there are 'volkshochschules' (adult schools which do not offer official credits) that run English courses throughout the summer months.

Additional ESL Resources to Help Teach English in Germany

The best thing that any future English teacher in Germany can do is spend some time researching. Use the internet to look through job postings, apartment listings, and other online resources. There are also country guides about Germany which can be purchased in any bookstore. With today's technology it is easy to go online and read about the experiences others are having teaching English in Germany. Reading this type of content gives teachers the ability to see what working as an ESL teacher in Germany is really like and some English teachers may be able to email and/or post questions to the author.

The examples below may not suit all individual teaching needs, and are meant to be used as general resources only.

• Oxford Seminars' ESL Teaching Resources
• Teach Abroad - http://www.teachabroad.com
• Transition Abroad - http://www.transitionsabroad.com/

Preparing to Teach English in Germany

In order to be successful, English teachers in Germany will need to adapt to the German way of life. Below are some examples of common German etiquette.

General Etiquette

• Germany is a nation of hand shakers: be prepared to shake hands when entering or leaving the room after you meet someone.
• Being on time is a very important skill to master in Germany. There is little patience for being late. If running behind more than 15 minutes, be sure to call.
• If invited to a dinner party, bring a present such as flowers, chocolate, or wine. Wine can be tricky, so be sure that the wine is imported from Italy or France as this shows respect to the host.
• When at a party or event, wait to be introduced by the host before talking to strangers.
• It is polite to greet everyone in a room, even if it is a doctor's office.
• Many Germans consider it bad luck to wish someone a 'Happy Birthday' before their actual birthday.

Business Etiquette in Germany

• When entering a new workplace, the manager/owner is in charge of introducing the new person to everyone.
• Doors are often kept closed in German offices, so it is important to knock before entering someone's office.
• When someone is having a birthday, it is common for the person to bring their own birthday cake into the workplace.
• German business meetings are often very formal; however, do not mistake formal for rude.

German Eating Etiquette

• Never place elbows on the table while eating.
• When someone says they do not want a drink, respect it. Repeating the offer or giving a drink anyway is considered rude.
• Germans are known for being upfront.
• Send a hand-written thank you note the following day after attending a dinner party.
• Rolls of bread are broken apart by hand.
• A common toast with wine is "zum wohl!" ("to your health!"); when toasting with beer, "prost!" ("cheers!") is popular.
• The dinner host should always toast first.
• Try to eat everything offered at dinner.

Language in Germany

With an estimated 100 million native speakers, the German language is one of the most spoken in the world today. In addition to being the national language of Germany, other nations such as Austria, Switzerland, and Luxemburg all use it as their primary language.

Anyone thinking about teaching English in Germany should consider taking German lessons to ease culture shock. The German language is actually the third most-learned language in the world, so lessons are fairly easy to find in any American or Canadian city. Below are some examples of common and useful German phrases.

• Hello
  Hallo
• Thank you
  Danke schön
• How much is that?
  Was kostet das?
• I need a doctor
  Ich brauche einen Arzt
• How do I get to______?
  Wie komme ich zum/zur _____?
• One ticket to _____, please.
  Bitte eine Fahrkarte nach _____
• Excuse me
  Entschuldigung Sie bitt
• To the bus station
  zur Bushaltestelle
• To the train station
  zum Bahnhof
• Can you show it to me on the map?
  Kannen Sie mir das auf der Karte zeigen?
• I would like _______.
  Ich möchte _______.
• When does the bus/train for Berlin leave?
  Wann fahrt der Bus/Zug nach Berlin ab?
• Good bye
  Auf Wiedersehen

Eating in Germany

German Cuisine

It is estimated that the average German will eat 72 pounds of meat in one year, and the German love of meat is definitely reflected in the nation's cuisine. There are a wide range of dishes for English teachers in Germany to sample and food varies from region to region depending on local food resources. This will ensure that teachers will have plenty of meals to choose from.

When cooking meat, Germans usually prefer to pot-roast their meals. German meals feature meats such as pork, beef, and poultry. In addition, a large variety of traditional wild game meats such as boar, rabbit, and venison are incorporated into German cuisine.

The Germans grow a lot of root vegetables to go along with their many pot-roasted meals. Finding fresh carrots, turnips, and potatoes in a German market is a fairly easy task. Germans also love asparagus and sometimes devote entire meals to the green vegetable, especially when it first comes in season.

With an estimated 300-600 different types of breads in Germany, one could easily assume that bread is commonly served with meals. It is actually very rare to serve bread with a German meal; it is usually reserved for breakfast and for making sandwiches. German breads are reproduced around the world; arguably, the most famous loaf is pumpernickel.

Like many nations around the world, eating a meal in Germany can be an excellent way to meet new friends and learn about a new home across the ocean. Some of Germany's more popular dishes include:

• Kassler mit Sauerkraut - cured pork chops served with Sauerkraut and boiled potatoes
• Wiener Schnitzel - a breaded and fried veal fillet, usually served with fries and a salad
• Erbsensuppe - pea soup that has been cooked in a beef broth; usually onion and potato is added to the mix
• Rote Grütze - a pudding made of various berries with a vanilla custard topping

German Sausages

The most popular German food around the world would have to be sausage. Germans love the delicacy so much that it is estimated they eat 438,884 sausages during the world-famous Oktoberfest celebrations. There are an estimated 1,500 different types of sausages in Germany and many German meals are planned around the sausage. Families pass sausage recipes down through generations; with so many choices, people rarely get tired of them.

Beer in Germany

The logical drink to accompany sausages for many Germans is beer. Germans have been known throughout history as one of the world's top beer producers. Even today, the only nation to produce more beer than Germany is the United States. With brands such as Beck's, Krombacher, Veltins, Warsteiner, and Bitburger, German beer is well known around the world. During Oktoberfest, Germans drink an estimated 6,100,000 liters of beer. Many English teachers in Germany have spent countless nights sampling the wide selection of beer that the nation's pubs offer.

Food Costs in Germany

Germans are known for being a nation who loves to shop. English teachers in Germany will have lots of grocery store flyers to look at, as there are numerous large chain stores throughout the country. Aldi, Kaufland, Lidl, Real, Selgros, and the Penny Market are only some of the larger grocery stores in Germany. Unlike in America, Germans are not fond of the "one-stop shop"; a typical grocery shopping trip involves many different destinations.

Below are some examples of typical German food prices.

• 1.5L bottle of Pepsi
  €0.85
• 1 kg of fresh pears
  €2.99
• 1L of milk
  €0.49
• Bread
  €1.00-€2.00
• Beer
  €3 (average per pint)

Climate in Germany

As a whole, Germany is a nation with a temperate climate, which involves experiencing four seasons. The German coast of the North Sea does experience warmer weather in the winter and cooler weather in the summer due to the Gulf Stream. The areas of Germany not on the North Sea receive colder winters and warmer summers. All regions of Germany receive regular rainfall.

Natural Disasters in Germany

Germany is one of the safest spots on the globe when it comes to avoiding natural disasters. Throughout its history, flooding has been the only natural disaster to cause the nation any harm. The first flood documented occurred in 1634; 2007 was the most recent flooding from the North Sea. In those nearly 500 years of public record, there have been a mere six large-scale floods in Germany.

Holidays in Germany

One of the great things about being an English teacher in another country like Germany is the fact that teachers get to experience holidays specific to that nation. With the exception of German Unity Day (October 3rd), all German public holidays are determined by local governments.

National Holidays in Germany

• January 1st - New Year's Day (Neujahrstag), like in America, marks the first day of the Gregorian calendar.
• Two days before Easter - Good Friday (Karfreitag).
• Day following Easter Sunday - Easter Monday (Ostermontag).
• May 1st - Labor Day (Tag der Arbeit) is a national holiday which celebrates German workers.
• 39 days after Easter Sunday - Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt) is another religious holiday based on the Christian faith.
• 50 days after Easter Sunday - Whitmonday (Pfingstmontag) is a Christian holiday celebrated in various parts of Europe, including Germany.
• October 3rd - German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) is held on the anniversary of Germany's reunification in 1990.
• December 25th - Christmas Day (Weihnachtstag).
• December 26th - St. Niklaus's Day (Weihnachtstag), the day after Christmas, is also a holiday in Germany.

Regional Holidays in Germany

• January 6th - Epiphany is celebrated in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony-Anhalt.
• 60 days after Easter Sunday - Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam) is celebrated in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony, and Thuringia.
• August 8th - The Peace Festival (Friedensfest) is celebrated in Bavaria.
• August 15th - Assumption Day (Mariä Himmelfahrt) is also celebrated in Bavaria.
• October 31st - Reformation Day (Reformationstag) is celebrated in Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia.
• November 1st - All Saints Day (Allerheiligen) is celebrated in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland.
• Wednesday before November 23 - Repentance Day (Buß und Bettag) is celebrated in Bavaria and Saxony.

Tips for ESL Teachers in Germany

Many Germans do speak English in some capacity, but German is still the native language. Learning as much German as possible before leaving will make a new life teaching English much easier.

• Getting to Germany is expensive, so taking time to research airline prices and schedules could be very worth while. In addition to finding the airline with the best price, try to find one with minimal layovers. The Internet is an excellent resource for ESL teachers when looking for the best deal on flying to Germany.
• Go through belongings: while it would be nice to bring everything in suitcases across the ocean, it’s not practical. Airlines usually have baggage weight limits and exceeding these limits can be very expensive. Pack wisely and pay attention to the latest luggage and customs rules.
• ESL teachers should find maps of the German city they will be teaching in. Use the internet and find transit maps, restaurants, grocery stores, drug stores, hospitals, and any future workplace or apartment.
• Traveling to Germany to teach English can be expensive and there are not as many jobs as other markets. It is usually best to save some money before leaving to be sure that all bills can be covered until an ESL teacher gets settled in. Having saved money is also part of the requirement of getting a German working visa.
• Moving to the other side of the world usually means that ESL teachers must find someone they trust to manage their finances while they are gone. Some choose friends/family that they know and trust and others opt to speak to a professional financial advisor.

Requirements to Teach English in Germany

English teachers coming from another European Union nation will not experience any major issues when applying for the needed paperwork. Those coming from the outside the EU will realize that there are many hurdles to being able to teach English in Germany. Remember, any stay longer than 90 days requires a German work visa. English teachers from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan can work in Germany for up to one year with a German Working Holiday Visa.

Getting a German Working Visa

When entering Germany, visitors from most countries outside the EU have a short-term Schengen Visa (tourist visa). This allows the person to travel around the nation for up to 90 days with a strict ban on working.

Any person from outside Germany and the European Union must obtain a working visa to have employment in Germany. Many English teachers in Germany find the process of getting a German working visa to be long and stressful. Although challenging, receiving a visa in Germany is much easier than in many other EU nations. There are many lawyers that offer to help with this process for a cost; this could be an option for some English teachers.

Unlike most EU nations, foreigners working in Germany do not need a separate work permit to attach with their visa. The German work visa is both a visa and a work permit, which does make the application process easier when compared to nations that require two separate application processes and equally long wait times.

Americans have two options when it comes to obtaining a German working visa. English teachers can apply at their closest German embassy or consulate. Another option is to arrive in Germany and then start the visa application process. Every Aufenthaltstitel (German work visa) includes information concerning when the visa holders' permit expires, any conditions or restrictions, a color photo, and a stamp of approval from the Aliens Office issuing the visa.

An application for an Aufenthaltstitel will typically cost between €60 and €80. Prices vary depending on the length of time the applicant is applying to stay for. Future English teachers applying for their visas in America should expect to wait one to three months for an application to be processed; again this is quicker than many European nations. Many Americans seem to have better luck when applying for a visa in Germany, but beware that applicants who choose this method must get their residence permit before their 90-day tourist visa expires and will need a German address.

Documentation Needed for German Work Visa

• All areas of the application completed; when applying in the United States applicants will need to fill two applications
• Two passport photos
• If applying in Germany, be sure to have evidence of a German address available
• A letter from the applicant's future employer stating that a job has been offered; be sure to fill out the matching work permit application (part of the visa, not a separate card like in many EU nations)
• Bring recent and past tax information, bank statements, and other financial documents that show a healthy money situation
• The public health system rarely covers Americans; bring evidence of private health insurance which is going to provide full coverage while working in Germany
• Bring cash to pay for the application
• Any additional documentation which was requested before the application appointment

Working Holiday Visa

One option that some Canadians may find appealing is the German Working Holiday Visa. Germany has working holiday visa agreements with Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. This visa is meant to allow citizens from other nations to vacation in Germany and work at the same time to help maintain their travel costs. Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age. The maximum amount of time that someone can spend working one job is 90 days. This visa will expire after one year, so Canadians interested in staying longer will need to research other options. Before being issued a Working Holiday Visa, Canadians must prove that they have money in the bank and have enough to pay €250 for each month of the stay to cover living expenses.

Requirements for EU Citizens to Teach English in Germany

Germany is one of the most influential members of the European Union and like many other countries, it has an open-door policy when it comes to citizens from other EU nations making the Deutschland their new home.

All EU citizens have the right to work and live in Germany without a work visa. English teachers from the EU simply need to visit their 'Einwohnermeldeamt' or' Bürgeramt' (residence registration office) in the local German city hall and register with a German address.

Embassy and Consulate Information in Germany

The United States of America Embassy and Consulates Offices in Germany

Embassy of the United States in Berlin
Pariser Platz 2
10117 Berlin
Federal Republic of Germany
City: Berlin
Phone: 49 30 238 5174
Fax: 49 30 238 6290
Email: ACSBerlin@state.gov
Website: http://germany.usembassy.gov/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to noon

U.S. Consulate General in Düsseldorf
Willi-Becker-Allee 10
40227 Düsseldorf
Federal Republic of Germany
City: Düsseldorf
Phone: 49 21 1788 8927
Fax: 49 21 1788 8938

Consulate General of United States in Leipzig
Wilhelm-Seyfferth-Straße 4
04107 Leipzig
Federal Republic of Germany
City: Leipzig
Phone: 49 34 1213 840
Fax: 49 34 1213 8471
Email: leipzig@usconsulate.de
Website: http://leipzig.usconsulate.gov
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt
Gießener Str. 30
60435 Frankfurt am Main
Federal Republic of Germany
City: Frankfurt
Phone: 49 69 7535 0
Fax: 49 69 7535 2277
Website: http://frankfurt.usconsulate.gov/frankfurt/contact.html

Consulate General of United States in Munich
Koniginstrasse 5
80539 Munich
Federal Republic of Germany
City: Munich
Phone: 49 89 2888 0
Fax: 49 89 280 9998
Email: ConsMunich@state.gov
Website: http://munich.usconsulate.gov/

Canadian Embassy and Consulates Offices in Germany

Canadian Embassy in Berlin
Leipziger Platz 17, 10117 Berlin
Germany
City: Berlin
Phone: 49 30 2031 20
Fax: 49 30 2031 2121
Email: archivio.boston@esteri.it
Website: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canada-europa/germany/menu-en.asp
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 12.30 pm; 1:30 pm to 5 pm; visa applications: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 11:00 am\

Canadian Consulate in Munich
Consulate of Canada - Munich
Tal 29
80331 München, Germany
City: Munich
Phone: 49 89 2199 570
Fax: 49 89 2199 5757
Email: munic@international.gc.ca
Website: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canada-europa/germany/con-muenchen-en.asp

Canadian Consulate in Düsseldorf
Benrather Strasse 8 40213
Düsseldorf, Germany
City: Düsseldorf
Phone: 49 21 1172 170
Fax: 49 21 1359 165
Email: ddorf@international.gc.ca
Website: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canada-europa/germany/con-duesseldorf-en.asp

Honourary Consul of Canada in Stuttgart
Honorary Consul of Canada at Stuttgart
Lange Strasse 51
70174 Stuttgart, Germany
City: Stuttgart
Phone: 49 71 1223 9678
Fax: 49 71 1223 9679
Email: stuttgart@canada.de
Website: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canada-europa/germany/con-stuttgart-en.asp
Normal Hours: Monday and Wednesdays, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm; Thursdays, 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Australian Embassy and Consulates Offices in Germany

Australian Embassy in Berlin
Wallstraße
76-79, 10179 Berlin
City: Berlin
Phone: 49 30 88 00 880
Fax: 49 30 88 00 88 210
Email: info.berlin@dfat.gov.au
Website: http://www.germany.embassy.gov.au/
Normal Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm; Fridays, 9.00 am to 4:00 pm

Australian Consulate-General in Frankfurt
Main Tower, 28th Floor
Neue Mainzer Str. 52-58
60311 Frankfurt
City: Frankfurt
Phone: 49 69 90558 0
Fax: 49 69 90558 119

Australian Consulate-General in Munich
Maximilianhöfe
Maximilianstraße 13
80539 München
City: Munich

British Embassy and Consulates Offices in Germany

British Embassy in Berlin
Wilhelmstr. 70-71
10117 Berlin
City: Berlin
Phone: 49 30204 570
Fax: 49 30 21109 155
Email:info.munich@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://ukingermany.fco.gov.uk/en
Normal Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

British Consulate-General in Munich
Möhlstraße 5
81675 München
City: Munich
Phone: 49 89 21109 0
Fax: 49 89 21109 166
Email: info.munich@fco.gov.uk
Normal Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 pm to noon and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm; and Friday 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm

British Consulate-General in Düsseldorf
Yorckstr. 19
40476 Düsseldorf
City: Düsseldorf
Phone: 49 02 1194 480
Fax: 49 02 1148 8190
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Irish Embassy and Consulates Offices in Germany
Irish Embassy in Berlin
Botschaft von Irland
Jägerstraße 51
10117 Berlin
City: Berlin
Phone: 49 30 22072 0
Fax: 49 30 2207 2299
Email: info.munich@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://www.embassyofireland.de/
Normal Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm; 2:30 pm to 4:45 pm.

Honourary Consulate of Ireland in Munich
Denningerstr. 15
81679 München
Federal Republic of Germany
City: Munich
Phone: 49 89 20805 990
Fax: 49 89 20805 989
Normal Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to noon

Honourary Consulate of Ireland in Hamburg
Feldbrunnenstr. 43
20148 Hamburg
Federal Republic of Germany
City: Hamburg
Phone: 49 40 44186 113
Fax: 49 40 44186 551
Normal Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Honourary Consulate of Ireland in Frankfurt
Honourary Consulate of Ireland
Gräfstr. 99
60487 Frankfurt am Main
Federal Republic of Germany
City: Frankfurt am Main
Phone: 49 69 977883 883
Fax: 49 69 977883 880
Normal Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

New Zealand's Embassy and Consulates Offices in Germany

New Zealand Embassy in Berlin
Friedrichstrasse 60
10117 Berlin, Germany
Federal Republic of Germany
City: Berlin
Phone: 49 30 20621-0
Fax: 49 30 20621 114
Email: nzembassy.berlin@t-online.de
Website: http://www.nzembassy.com/
Normal Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm; 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm (closes at 1:00 pm on Fridays)

New Zealand Consulate-General in Hamburg
Domstrasse 19
20095 Hamburg, Germany
Federal Republic of Germany
City: Hamburg
Phone: 49 40 4425 550
Fax: 49 40 4425 5549
Email: hamburg@nzte.govt.nz

Embassy and Consulate Information Outside Germany

German Embassy and Consulates Offices in the United States

Embassy of Germany in Washington DC
4645 Reservoir Road, NW,
Washington DC
20007-1998
City:Washington DC
Phone:1 202 298 4000
Fax:1 202 298 4249
Email:info@washington.diplo.de
Website: http://www.washington.diplo.de
Normal Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (closes at 3:30 pm on Fridays)

Consulate general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honourary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services. A full list of German consulates in the US can be found at: http://www.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/04__Legal/01__Consulate__Finder/HC/00/__Honorary__Consuls.htm

German Embassy and Consulates Offices in Canada

Embassy of Germany
1 Waverley Street,
Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 0T8
Canada
City: Ottawa
Phone: 1 613 232 1101
Fax: 1 613 594 9330
Email: info@ottawa.diplo.de/
Website: http://www.ottawa.diplo.de/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to noon

Consulate general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honourary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services. A full list of German consulates in Canada can be found at: http://www.ottawa.diplo.de/Vertretung/ottawa/en/02/Oeffnungszeiten/missions__Seite.html.

* Exchange rates are subject to change. Check www.xe.com for current rates.
** Information is updated regularly, so check back for more details about teaching English in Germany
† The Big Mac Index is a credible, reliable, third-party cost-of-living index created by The Economist. For comparison purposes, it lists the cost of an American Big Mac at $3.54.

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