Work in Freiburg
Jun 19th 2009, 5:27 am
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
Work in Freiburg
Hi all,
Apologies to repeat an old and ever-recurring topic - I know people must get bored of this question. I'm currently living in China and am soon to be moving to Freiburg to live with my girlfriend.
I've been looking on forums throughout Germany to see what's about, and the harsh reality that Freiburg has very little in the way of jobs is starting to set in.
I've had experience working for HMRC in UK, and am currently managing a UK Trade company supplying the UK supermarkets with goods from here. However, my girlfriend still has several years left at Uni, and in the interest of not living in China by myself for the next 2-3 years, I've decided to give up the job and join her in Freiburg.
To be honest, I've thought of starting up my own operation, but I'd appreciate opinions from perhaps expats who have tried this themselves?
Also, does anyone know of any sourcing companies within the Baden-Wurttemberg region? I've so far found two. I've "cold-called" them with my CV.
As a "stop gap", I have previously managed to organise private tutoring - in my early days in China - so figured this could well be possible. I will admit I don't have a TEFL certificate, as it was never strictly enforced here. I'm presuming it is in Germany? Will this prevent the tutoring aspect (I have BA hons)? The experience was why I initially went to China btw, getting a job to teach in Zhejiang University, and training to do so.
I know it's a long shot, but any thought/comments/opinions harsh or hopeful, will be gratefully received.
Cheers,
Kev
Apologies to repeat an old and ever-recurring topic - I know people must get bored of this question. I'm currently living in China and am soon to be moving to Freiburg to live with my girlfriend.
I've been looking on forums throughout Germany to see what's about, and the harsh reality that Freiburg has very little in the way of jobs is starting to set in.
I've had experience working for HMRC in UK, and am currently managing a UK Trade company supplying the UK supermarkets with goods from here. However, my girlfriend still has several years left at Uni, and in the interest of not living in China by myself for the next 2-3 years, I've decided to give up the job and join her in Freiburg.
To be honest, I've thought of starting up my own operation, but I'd appreciate opinions from perhaps expats who have tried this themselves?
Also, does anyone know of any sourcing companies within the Baden-Wurttemberg region? I've so far found two. I've "cold-called" them with my CV.
As a "stop gap", I have previously managed to organise private tutoring - in my early days in China - so figured this could well be possible. I will admit I don't have a TEFL certificate, as it was never strictly enforced here. I'm presuming it is in Germany? Will this prevent the tutoring aspect (I have BA hons)? The experience was why I initially went to China btw, getting a job to teach in Zhejiang University, and training to do so.
I know it's a long shot, but any thought/comments/opinions harsh or hopeful, will be gratefully received.
Cheers,
Kev
Jun 19th 2009, 5:44 am
#2
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
Re: Work in Freiburg
Also, as an afterthought, I've signed up at the Sprackenkolleg in Freiburg for a 3 month course.
Studied in school, enjoyed the language, and got good grades, but then trying to speak to my girlfriend, she informed me, that even the simplest parts of my pronunciation were off - "Ich" etc. So have decided to do it properly and get stuck in.
I'm also proficient at shouting commands in Mandarin.
Fully attempting to immerse myself in the culture and make an effort here.
Studied in school, enjoyed the language, and got good grades, but then trying to speak to my girlfriend, she informed me, that even the simplest parts of my pronunciation were off - "Ich" etc. So have decided to do it properly and get stuck in.
I'm also proficient at shouting commands in Mandarin.
Fully attempting to immerse myself in the culture and make an effort here.
Jun 21st 2009, 3:36 am
#3
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
Re: Work in Freiburg
Also, as an afterthought, I've signed up at the Sprackenkolleg in Freiburg for a 3 month course.
Studied in school, enjoyed the language, and got good grades, but then trying to speak to my girlfriend, she informed me, that even the simplest parts of my pronunciation were off - "Ich" etc. So have decided to do it properly and get stuck in.
I'm also proficient at shouting commands in Mandarin.
Fully attempting to immerse myself in the culture and make an effort here.
Studied in school, enjoyed the language, and got good grades, but then trying to speak to my girlfriend, she informed me, that even the simplest parts of my pronunciation were off - "Ich" etc. So have decided to do it properly and get stuck in.
I'm also proficient at shouting commands in Mandarin.
Fully attempting to immerse myself in the culture and make an effort here.
At the moment I'm not much help in terms of job search. I am, however, moving to Freiburg soon for work and am trying to meet others and find a decent area to live in. I'm in mid-20s. When are you moving? Do you know any other good forums for Freiburg?
Jun 21st 2009, 2:38 pm
#4
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
Re: Work in Freiburg
Hi Teaks,
Apparently can't do PM's here unless I've done 3 posts, so be expecting that now. After this.
Cheers,
Kev
Apparently can't do PM's here unless I've done 3 posts, so be expecting that now. After this.
Cheers,
Kev
Jun 21st 2009, 4:42 pm
#5
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
Re: Work in Freiburg
Looks like I have to write a few more posts as well.
post 2
post 2
Jun 25th 2009, 8:19 pm
#7
Perfer et obdura
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Birmingham 26 years, Germany 20 years, in Toronto since 2015
Posts: 146
Re: Work in Freiburg
MIght be able to help you as far as the stop gap is concerned; I didn't have a TEFL certificate but I was Head of English at the Schulungscenter Foley and International Business School in Friedrichring for a while. They were constantly on the lookout for native English speakers with teaching and business experience. Try here:
www.schulungscenter.de
www.f-ibs.de
Job applications are handled in the same office, so you don't have to apply twice.
The Volkshochschule is also always on the lookout for English teachers. You can offer coaching on the notice board of the university's "Anglistik" department, and at the Fachhochschule. There are other language institutions in Freiburg too - although I'd be a bit wary of Berlitz, low pay and they force you to teach using strictly their own method.
Hope that helps
www.schulungscenter.de
www.f-ibs.de
Job applications are handled in the same office, so you don't have to apply twice.
The Volkshochschule is also always on the lookout for English teachers. You can offer coaching on the notice board of the university's "Anglistik" department, and at the Fachhochschule. There are other language institutions in Freiburg too - although I'd be a bit wary of Berlitz, low pay and they force you to teach using strictly their own method.
Hope that helps
Jul 7th 2009, 11:33 am
#8
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1
Re: Work in Freiburg
Hi all,
Apologies to repeat an old and ever-recurring topic - I know people must get bored of this question. I'm currently living in China and am soon to be moving to Freiburg to live with my girlfriend.
I've been looking on forums throughout Germany to see what's about, and the harsh reality that Freiburg has very little in the way of jobs is starting to set in.
I've had experience working for HMRC in UK, and am currently managing a UK Trade company supplying the UK supermarkets with goods from here. However, my girlfriend still has several years left at Uni, and in the interest of not living in China by myself for the next 2-3 years, I've decided to give up the job and join her in Freiburg.
To be honest, I've thought of starting up my own operation, but I'd appreciate opinions from perhaps expats who have tried this themselves?
Also, does anyone know of any sourcing companies within the Baden-Wurttemberg region? I've so far found two. I've "cold-called" them with my CV.
As a "stop gap", I have previously managed to organise private tutoring - in my early days in China - so figured this could well be possible. I will admit I don't have a TEFL certificate, as it was never strictly enforced here. I'm presuming it is in Germany? Will this prevent the tutoring aspect (I have BA hons)? The experience was why I initially went to China btw, getting a job to teach in Zhejiang University, and training to do so.
I know it's a long shot, but any thought/comments/opinions harsh or hopeful, will be gratefully received.
Cheers,
Kev
Apologies to repeat an old and ever-recurring topic - I know people must get bored of this question. I'm currently living in China and am soon to be moving to Freiburg to live with my girlfriend.
I've been looking on forums throughout Germany to see what's about, and the harsh reality that Freiburg has very little in the way of jobs is starting to set in.
I've had experience working for HMRC in UK, and am currently managing a UK Trade company supplying the UK supermarkets with goods from here. However, my girlfriend still has several years left at Uni, and in the interest of not living in China by myself for the next 2-3 years, I've decided to give up the job and join her in Freiburg.
To be honest, I've thought of starting up my own operation, but I'd appreciate opinions from perhaps expats who have tried this themselves?
Also, does anyone know of any sourcing companies within the Baden-Wurttemberg region? I've so far found two. I've "cold-called" them with my CV.
As a "stop gap", I have previously managed to organise private tutoring - in my early days in China - so figured this could well be possible. I will admit I don't have a TEFL certificate, as it was never strictly enforced here. I'm presuming it is in Germany? Will this prevent the tutoring aspect (I have BA hons)? The experience was why I initially went to China btw, getting a job to teach in Zhejiang University, and training to do so.
I know it's a long shot, but any thought/comments/opinions harsh or hopeful, will be gratefully received.
Cheers,
Kev
I don't see any problem with giving private English lessons in Germany without certification - unless you plan to do it large-scale. I give private English lessons (mostly individuals) from home. I'm a Brit temporarily in Germany because my Mum lives here.
Aug 1st 2009, 3:31 pm
#9
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1
Re: Work in Freiburg
Hi there
I moved here a year ago (spent my exchange year here, graduated and came back) and was also faced with this harsh reality! even though I speak fluent german and french i still couldnt find anything. However, by far your best bet would be to work in Basel - I do it now and it's fantastic. So many people live in Freiburg and work in Basel. Train connections are brilliant (around 35 - 45 mins, depending which station u go to) and of course, you earn a Swiss wage. To top that off, there are a huge number of English-speaking companies based there in all different fields. I seriously recommend you look for something there. Pretty confident you will find something.
Good luck and feel free to ask me any questions on working there.
I moved here a year ago (spent my exchange year here, graduated and came back) and was also faced with this harsh reality! even though I speak fluent german and french i still couldnt find anything. However, by far your best bet would be to work in Basel - I do it now and it's fantastic. So many people live in Freiburg and work in Basel. Train connections are brilliant (around 35 - 45 mins, depending which station u go to) and of course, you earn a Swiss wage. To top that off, there are a huge number of English-speaking companies based there in all different fields. I seriously recommend you look for something there. Pretty confident you will find something.
Good luck and feel free to ask me any questions on working there.
Sep 3rd 2009, 4:25 pm
#10
Just Joined
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3
Re: Work in Freiburg
1st post for PM. Apologies
Nov 16th 2009, 7:37 pm
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 83
Re: Work in Freiburg
so americans can get into germany with no problems
Nov 16th 2009, 7:39 pm
#15
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 83
Re: Work in Freiburg
Hi there
I moved here a year ago (spent my exchange year here, graduated and came back) and was also faced with this harsh reality! even though I speak fluent german and french i still couldnt find anything. However, by far your best bet would be to work in Basel - I do it now and it's fantastic. So many people live in Freiburg and work in Basel. Train connections are brilliant (around 35 - 45 mins, depending which station u go to) and of course, you earn a Swiss wage. To top that off, there are a huge number of English-speaking companies based there in all different fields. I seriously recommend you look for something there. Pretty confident you will find something.
Good luck and feel free to ask me any questions on working there.
I moved here a year ago (spent my exchange year here, graduated and came back) and was also faced with this harsh reality! even though I speak fluent german and french i still couldnt find anything. However, by far your best bet would be to work in Basel - I do it now and it's fantastic. So many people live in Freiburg and work in Basel. Train connections are brilliant (around 35 - 45 mins, depending which station u go to) and of course, you earn a Swiss wage. To top that off, there are a huge number of English-speaking companies based there in all different fields. I seriously recommend you look for something there. Pretty confident you will find something.
Good luck and feel free to ask me any questions on working there.
can you provide any information on swiss work in the open forum, i need something onarrival europe.
