In which (European) countries can an American citizen live and be gainfully employed for about a year?

Question

I'd like to go overseas for six months to a year or so. I'd like to go to another country with my family (husband, wife, two kids) and live while gainfully employed. I'm an English teacher w/ a Ma in instructional technology.

I'd like to try a European country b/c I think the culture shock wouldn't be as great as, say, an asian country. It seems that all the job postings are for third world countries and I don't think we're ready for that.

It is possible? Are there legit agencies?
any ideas?

Answer 1

I agree that eastern Europe has the most opportunities for you, but both you and your spouse might need to work, as wages are rather low, the local parents also work both in most countries in Europe.

You can check out requirements for visa and work permits on most embassy websites.

Europe is working on a 'Blue Card' a work permit for most/all of the union, that should work from sometime in 2008 or 2009.
As the plans stand now you would need to be highly educated and be able to earn at least twice the local minimum wage, but it would be easier than getting permits now.
If you are planning ahead, follow the news (google for 'Blue Card' every now and again) and set money aside for a trip like this will cost you dearly, even when you do earn money while over here.

I do not know about agencies but I am sure there are some. Google can help with that too.

Answer 2

Look on the website
http://www.tefl.com
As you said, most of the jobs are in Asia, and European jobs often pay low AND put EU national preferred.
It looks like Bulgaria has some interesting possibilities.
Low pay, but cheap cost of living, and you could set up some free lance work once you get there.
The best is get a Fulbright scholarship. They used to have some in computers and education.

If you want to just pick up and go, as I did in 1984,
if you just go to a city in Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy,or Eastern Europe and get yourself set up with a phone, canvas all the city's language schools (borrow phone book from your hotel) and show up at the end of August/beginning of September and you might get lucky with a last minute call. I did in Barcelona, but that was 1984. Since the EU integrated, they give the jobs to Brits first. You can search the net before you leave and try to get something set up ahead of time. There is an online service with international schools that you have to join for about $25 a year. you can post your resume and search for openings. They had some jobs in Portugal, Czech, Poland, Croatia, Slovenia, and Germany, some of these jobs are like American style K-12 schools, often requiring state certification (from any state) in the subject you're hired for, and it's an annual or 2 year contract. Others said they required a little experience or some say they'll train.
http://www.tieonline.com (for k-12)
Good Luck

Answer 3

I would research language schools the the countries you are interested in, and call them directly. Could be a great experience, but the culture shock would be must greater in Asia, and probably an easier move (more opportunities, less costs). Western Europe is not much different from the US so I would at least try Eastern Europe for the cultural adventure. Good luck.