ESL Lesson Plan

... that was posted by Frank, from the US. Thanks for the question, Frank!

Question:

As I see job postings requiring EU passports, I am dismayed at this obvious unfair practice that excludes both Canada and the USA, (and of course other countries that aren't part of the EU.) Would someone be kind enough to explain why this is the way it is ? I have more than ten years teaching experience both in the USA and Asia and would just like to simply know why this apparent block exists. Thank you, Frank

Answer:

Hi Frank,

While it is frustrating to hear that many jobs in the EU require an EU passport, you might find it refreshing to know that it's not an act of discrimination. It's actually about the work permit. As far as I understand, in order for non-EU citizens to get a job in the EU, they have to prove that they are more qualified than all other EU citizens. Then they have to get their employer to go through the hassle of supplying a work permit for them. It is possible to still work there- in many countries, it is possible to work part-time while studying, for example.

If anyone else has information about this, please feel free to comment. It'd be great to hear from any non-EU citizens who have found work in the EU.

Carol Rueckert
Writer, ESL Lesson Plan
E-mail: crueckert@eslemployment.com
Blog: www.esl-lesson-plan.com

"I hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand." - Chinese Proverb

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About the author of this entry:
Carol, a native English-speaker who hails from the small town of St. Joseph in Minnesota, USA, and lived and worked in China for more than 7 years. During that time, she worked with students that range in age from three to more than sixty years old. She worked in universities, private language schools, grade schools, international schools, as well as private tutoring. Besides teaching, she also worked as a head teacher, an education manager, and a material development manager. In addition to working on this newsletter, she currently writes a monthly column for Time Out Beijing. Carol is also currently working on her MA in TESOL at the Oxford Brookes University in England. Look for her posts on the ESL-Jobs-Forum discussion boards!