<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.1//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml11/DTD/xhtml11.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en"> <head> <title>Teach English in Switzerland - Teaching Conditions, Living Conditions and Job Opportunities</TITLE> </head> <body> <img src="block_n.jpg" alt="University of Nevada, Reno" width="75" height="75" /> <body background="mapworld.jpg"> <h1 align=center> <a id="top"></a> Teach English in Switzerland</h1> <h2 align=center> Teach English in Switzerland - Teaching Conditions, Living Conditions and Job Opportunities</h2> <h3 align=center>Author: Luca Steiner</h3> <h4 align=center>last updated: June 4, 2008</h4> <p align="right"> Skip to <a href=#links> Links to Websites </a><br> Return to <a href="index.html"#home> Home Page </a><br> </p> <a href=""> </a> <p> Since the inception of the European Union (EU) in the early 90 s, it has become more difficult for qualified American EFL teachers to find employment in that part of the world. Luckily, Switzerland is not part of the <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/switzerland/intro/index.htm"> EU</a> and work can still be found there. There are some visa requirements and <a href="http://www.justlanded.com/english/Switzerland/Tools/Just-Landed-Guide"> other considerations</a> that you should keep in mind before you move there and when you arrive. Even though Switzerland is not part of the EU, a non-EU citizen can only receive a <a href="http://www.justlanded.com/english/Switzerland/Tools/Just-Landed-Guide/Jobs/Work-permits"> work permit</a> if their employer can prove that the position can not be filled by Swiss or EU citizens. All of this has to take place before arriving to Switzerland which makes it a bit more challenging for Americans and it s why a higher degree (e.g. MA-TESOL) or ELT certification <a href="http://www.celta.esljunction.com/switzerland-celta/celta-centre-switzerland.html"> e.g. CELTA</a> would be beneficial in entering the Swiss job market. </p> <p> Although most Swiss students K-12 are enrolled in the <a href="http://www.educa.ch/dyn/129983.asp"> public school</a> system, there are also hundreds of <a href="http://www.swiss-schools.ch/?language=en"> private schools</a> that are often looking for teachers. Within the public school system there is an <a href="http://www.swissworld.org/en/people/language/english/"> ongoing debate </a> as to how early English should be taught. Some cantons prefer the idea of first teaching the local language (Italian, French, German or Romansch depending on the area) and teaching English second, since it s the language of international business. Other cantons, fearing a loss of Swiss identity, want to teach another national language second and English third. The only impact of this debate on EFL teachers would be how old the students are. </p> <p> Teaching positions are also available through <a href="http://careers.berlitz.com/Europe/ch/default.asp?aInfo=3&cInfo=CH&cCode=31"> Berlitz</a> and other job search databases. Additionally, the <a href="http://www.lesroches.edu/les_roches_bluche/en/en-en/index.cfm?"> hospitality industry </a> in Switzerland is booming, and within it jobs can be found in teaching EFL. There are also options to teach business English to adults for the <a href="http://www.wallstreetenglish.ch/index.php"> Wall Street Institute</a> which has centers all over the country. Following the motto  you speak, you learn the Wall Street Institute provides an intensive English language training course for highly motivated business professionals. </p> <p> The <a href="http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/rossuk/swiss.htm"> cost of living</a> in Switzerland may seem high as compared to other countries, but so is the standard of living. Switzerland boasts one of the world s most efficient <a href="http://www.swisstravelsystem.com/"> public transport system</a>, so when you are there getting around is easy and enjoyable. Busses, boats, trains and trams crisscross the country getting you to your destination on time and in style. If you want to take the scenic route, the <a href="http://www.travelistic.com/video/show/8414/Glacier-Express"> Glacier Express</a> train ride is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. </p> <h2 align=center> Links to Websites about Job Opportunities, Teaching Conditions, and Living Conditions in Switzerland </h2> <p> <a href="http://www.e-tas.ch/other/index.asp"> English Teachers Association of Switzerland</a><br> An organization dedicated to promoting professionalism in ELT in Switzerland, by providing a network among professionals at all levels in the field, as well as available courses, workshops, lectures and a nation-wide job board. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.celta.esljunction.com/switzerland-celta/celta-centre-switzerland.html"> CELTA Centers</a><br> Contact information for the four CELTA providers located in Zurich, Bern and Geneva. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.eslbase.com/courses/switzerland/"> ELT Certifications</a><br> In addition to CELTA, this comprehensive list includes DELTA and schools for business English certificates. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.bell-school.ch/en/General/index.php"> Bell Switzerland</a><br> Located in Geneva, this school provides English for professional people working in the multinational or international contexts. In addition to CELTA, the teacher education department at Bell includes certificates for teaching young adults and business English. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/nameri/vusa/wasemb/scitec/study/hidden/usonly/ful.html"> Fulbright Exchange to Switzerland</a><br> Information on when, where and how to apply for a Fulbright Scholarship to Switzerland. </p> <p> <a href="http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/ch"> Swiss Craigslist</a><br> Search for job opportunities, places to live, and community information for specific Swiss cities. </p> <p> <a href="http://switzerland.isyours.com/e/index.html"> Switzerland is Yours</a><br> Great starting place for all information having to do with living and investing in Switzerland. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.escapeartist.com/switzerland/switzerland1.htm"> 'Escaping to Switzerland</a><br> Here you will find information on living in Switzerland, travel, retirement and the occasional job opportunity. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.switzerland.isyours.com/e/guide/costoflife/index.html"> Cost of Living</a><br> The cost of groceries, cars (rent/buy etc.), museums, movies, books and more. </p> <p> <a href="http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/rossuk/swiss.htm"> Practical Advice on Moving and Living in Switzerland</a><br> Read about the experiences of several ex-pats and download relevant information from the Swiss Embassy website. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.traveldocumentsystems.com/ch/embassy.htm"> Travel Documents</a><br> Contact information for Swiss embassies in the U.S. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.xpatxchange.ch/"> Ex-pat Advice I</a><br> First-hand experiences with everything from job opportunities and living to food and transportation. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0409/teaching_english_in_switzerland.shtml"> Ex-pat Advice II</a><br> An interesting article by a woman who has moved to Switzerland, married and found work& </p> <p> <a href="http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0507/living_in_switzerland.shtml"> Ex-pat Advice III</a><br> Some realistic insights into living in Switzerland from another ex-pat </p> <p> <a href="http://www.justlanded.com/english/Switzerland/Tools/Just-Landed-Guide"> New Arrivals</a><br> All the information you need when you first arrive to Switzerland. From visa information to phone service, from job searching to housing. </p> <p> <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/switzerland/intro/index.htm"> Switzerland and the EU</a><br> This article gives an overview of EU relations with Switzerland. </p> <p> <a href="http://careers.berlitz.com/Europe/ch/default.asp?aInfo=3&cInfo=CH&cCode=31"> Berlitz</a><br> Job openings through Berlitz including positions in Switzerland. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.tefl.com/jobs/search.html?tefl_session=c483f1eb630c687cda8f079cdd254761"> TEFL.com</a><br> Specific job search within ELT in Switzerland. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/esl/bestwebsites.shtml#esl_jobs_search"> Transitions Abroad</a><br> ESL school reviews as well as ESL job postings. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.wallstreetenglish.ch/index.php"> Wall Street Institute</a><br> Business English school with centers across the country that is often hiring. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.swiss-schools.ch/?language=en"> Swiss Federation of Private Schools</a><br> Although most students go to public school in Switzerland, this site provides information on member schools, scholarships and job opportunities. </p> <p> <a href="http://switzerland.tasis.com/"> The American School in Switzerland</a><br> An example of a private school for grades pre-k thru 13. This school often looks for teachers during the summer season. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.fc.edu/index.jsp"> Franklin College</a><br> An American liberal arts institution in the same town as TASIS. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.lesroches.edu/les_roches_bluche/en/en-en/index.cfm?"> Swiss Hospitality</a><br> The hospitality industry in Switzerland is booming, and within this industry jobs can be found in teaching EFL. This link connects you to an international school of hotel management which regularly looks for qualified English teachers. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.educa.ch/dyn/168061.asp"> Federal Education Offices</a><br> Links to federal offices and institutions that are directly or indirectly involved in the Swiss education system. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.educa.ch/dyn/129983.asp"> Swiss Education System I</a><br> Extensive explanation of the Swiss public educational system. Includes admission requirements, statistical data, curricula, responsibilities and more. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.edk.ch/e/eurydice/framesets/mainBildungCH_e.html"> Swiss Education System II</a><br> Simplified picture of the Swiss education system as it varies from canton to canton using a flow chart. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.swissworld.org/en/people/language/english/"> The changing role of English.</a><br> The four Swiss national languages and English are jostling for position in Swiss public schools. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/top_news/detail/National_languages_get_priority_over_English.html?siteSect=106&sid=7949922&cKey=1182496012000"> English as a Third Language</a><br> The House of Representatives vote to require a second national language to be taught before English. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.skbf-csre.ch/fileadmin/files/pdf/bildungsforschung/equity.pdf"> Equity in Education.</a><br> A detailed 96-page article on educational equity in Switzerland. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/vacationplanner/destination/travel-switzerland?from=vac_stateoverview"> Navigating Switzerland</a><br> Advice on getting to and around Switzerland. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.swisstravelsystem.com/"> Swiss Public Transportation</a><br> Overview of the effective public transportation in Switzerland. Includes passes, schedules and maps. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.travelistic.com/video/show/8414/Glacier-Express"> Glacier Express</a><br> The scenic Glacier Express train takes you across the Alps from Zermatt to St. Moritz. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.postbus.ch/en/index_pag.htm"> Bus Travel</a><br> Easy-to-navigate site with schedules, routes, fares and travel ideas. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.britannica.com/eb/art-83203/Switzerland-is-proud-of-its-sophisticated-railway-system"> Rail Travel</a><br> A short video with information on rail travel in Switzerland. </p> <p> <a href="http://mct.sbb.ch/mct/en/reisen.htm"> Train schedule</a><br> Homepage of the Swiss train system detailing schedules, routes, fares and other services. </p> <p> <a href="http://map.search.ch/"> Rail, Boat and Bus Scheduling</a><br> With this site you can look at a map of Switzerland for how to get around by train or bus by doing a simple search of bus stop to bus stop or train station to train station. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.travelvideo.tv/videos/switzerland/zurichtransportation.html"> Public Transportation in Zurich</a><br> A video on getting around Zurich on public transportation. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.xe.com/pca/input.cgi"> Currency Exchange</a><br> Find out how much the U.S. Dollar is worth in Switzerland. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.oecd.org/document/47/0,2340,fr_2649_201185_37562223_1_1_1_1,00.html"> Swiss Healthcare</a><br> This article gives an overview of the Swiss healthcare system and points out the high cost of coverage. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.justlanded.com/english/Switzerland/Tools/Just-Landed-Guide/Health/Health-insurance"> Health Insurance</a><br> Information of the different kinds of health insurance, and the Swiss healthcare system. </p> <p> <a href="http://en.comparis.ch/immigration/default.aspx"> Living and Spending</a><br> Tips on living and getting around in Switzerland as well as paying taxes and for health insurance. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.internationalrealestatedirectory.com/country/switzerland.htm"> Swiss Real Estate</a><br> This site is only helpful if you are planning on buying a house or apartment, which would no doubt be expensive. </p> <a href=""> </a><br> <br> <a href=""> </a> <p align="right"> Return to <a href=#top> Top of Page </a><br> Return to <a href="index.html"#home> Home Page </a><br> </p> <br> <br> <br> <TABLE align=center cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD bgColor=#ffffff><IMG height=1 src="" width=1></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=copyright align=middle bgColor=#d6e2fa height=18> <div align="center"> <p align="left" style=font-size:10pt> <span class="style3"> </span> </font><span class="style3"></b> Information shown on this website is the result of a collaborative effort by Dr. Rod E. Case and the EDS491/691 Special Topics in Teaching English as a Second Language Class, Wintermester, 2007.<br><br> Direct questions about the <a href="http://www.unr.edu/tesol/"> TESOL Program </a> to <a href="mailto:&#99heney@unr.edu">Dr. Christine Cheney</a>.<br> This website is maintained by <a href="mailto:r&#99ase@unr.edu">Dr. Rod E. Case</a>.</span><br> Last modified: August 23, 2007 <SCRIPT LANGUAGE="JAVASCRIPT"> </SCRIPT></p> <p align="left"> <span class="style3"> </span> <img src="nlogo.gif" alt="UNR logo" width="64" height="43"><span class="style3"><span class="style5"><a href="http://www.unr.edu">University of Nevada, Reno</a></span> <br> </span><br> <span class="style3"></span></font> </p> </div> </h5></TD> </TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=778 border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD bgColor=#ffffff><IMG height=1 src="images/7dspace.gif" width=1></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> </body> </html>