A Teacher's Life In Sweden
Updated at 12:26:35 AM on 1998/5/12
Special thanks to
John Curry for the info!
How do I find work in Sweden?
Opportunities
Culture
Life After Dark
When should I come?
Taxes
What's it like to teach in Sweden?
| How do I find work in Sweden? |
There are several ways:
|
Check out internet sites such as The Digital Education Network, IATEFL, Dave's Cafe' ... |
|
|
Visit the Swedish unemployment Office's home page. |
|
| Get your hands on The EL Gazette |
I first came to Sweden on holiday and found myself looking for work through the Sprakutbildning [note: exact Swedish spelling omitted due to differences in various browsers' ability to render it correctly] section of the Yellow Pages. Several calls later I was invited to several interviews. I have been working here ever since.
| Opportunities |
At the moment there seems to be plenty of work for English teachers. Many teachers work for Study Associations - profit making bodies which have sprung up from various trade unions. I can't speak for the government sector as I have had little experience there. However, I'll post anything I find.
| Pay |
Ah! The BIG question. This varies greatly from one place to the next. In my 2.5 years here I have received from $15 per 45min lesson to $50 per 45min lesson! Of course, there is always the private one- to- one market. From talking to colleagues I hear rates vary from 100Swedish Crowns (approx. $14) to 300SEK for 45-60mins. I suppose it comes down to student requirements and market forces. There has been some discontent lately among foreign teachers regarding differences in pay between teachers and circle leaders. By some strange quirk of fate, foreign teachers seem to have ended up being defined as circle leaders, and therefore receive less per hour than Swedes doing the same job. It's all rather too complicated to explain in a FAQ but I think we have all heard the story before. However, moves are being made to change the situation. Let's hope it improves before too long.
-
Note: I am speaking from personal experience with my own employer. If
you are from an organisation in which the above practice does not exist,
please let The Two
Cents Cafe' know and they will pass it on to me for correction.
| Accomodations |
After having lived in several countries, I feel well qualified to say that accommodation in Sweden is excellent. As with everywhere, you get what you pay for. However, I think your crown, punt, pound, dollar... gets you more here than most places. Average rents for a one bedroom apartment in a city run to about 3,500SEK($450) per month. This includes running hot water and heating(an essential in winter). If you think this rent is expensive, ask yourself how much it would cost to heat your present home when the temperature drops to 15 degrees centigrade below zero.
| Culture |
Swedes are justly proud of their achievements and are fond of pointing them out to newcomers and others alike. In recent times the economics of the country have put something of a dent in national pride and the feeling of total security. However, the level of difficulty which meets the extrovert EFL teacher (TEFLER)when trying to strike up a spontaneous conversation with new hosts remains.
(see the Teaching section for more info.)
| Crime |
There has been an increase in racially motivated attacks by a growing number of organised neo-nazis et al. They still make the news so they can't be that common. Muggings are still relatively rare. Burglaries are a royal pain in parts of the bigger cities. The apartment block I live in has had the basement done about a dozen times in 24 months. I have also been the victim of another popular past time- bicycle theft. Most crimes seem to be of the economic kind so Sweden is still a pretty safe country to live in.
| Language |
I have not had the time to learn Swedish but have survived due to the excellent English spoken by most Swedes -- Swenglish phrases notwithstanding!
| Visas |
European citizens do not need a visa or work permit. As with all EU member states a residence permit is a necessity. This should be applied for within 3 months of arrival ( please check this). Non-EU citizens should check with their nearest Swedish/EU embassy. I am trying to find info. on this and will post it a.s.a.p.
| Life After Dark |
If you like to party till the wee hours- go somewhere else! Unless, that is, you have a very rich family. The approx. average costs of a night out are:
-
1 Pint of beer = 45SEK/$6 !!!!!
A (cheap) meal for two = 300SEK/$39
A (cheap) meal for two with wine = 450SEK/$58
| Can I save money in Sweden |
This depends a lot on your situation here, i.e., are you a freelance or contract teacher. I spent some time as a freelancer and enjoyed it immensely. It is very stressful though- not knowing how much will come in from month to month. One January I had to look forward to the prospect of surviving February on approx.$300!!! On the other hand, there can be some very good months i.e. approx. $3000. Careful housekeeping will serve you well.
Contract teachers of course have a set salary per month. Contracts are generally specified in contact hours per year with overtime being paid per month after the specified no. of hours have been taught. If you're a poor housekeeper, this is no bad thing!
TIP: If you are considering freelancing here, bring a substantial amount of pocket money.
Even if you are lucky enough to find enough hours in your first month to survive on (which I doubt!) you probably won't see any money for the first 60 days! i.e. If you start work on 1st Oct., your first pay day will probably be +/- Nov 25th.
This said, most DOS I have dealt with have been prepared to advance pay- if only in part.
| When should I come? |
The busiest times seem to be Oct.-Dec. & Feb.-June. Summer is sacred here and few want to be indoors listening to even the best TEFLERs. Not surprising when you consider the length of the winters! The one exception: Cramming. For kids who haven't made the grade in school.
| Taxes |
The hated. Runs to about 30% on all earnings. I'm no expert but I believe if you start later in the year you can expect a rebate during the following year. My own ran to about $400! At first I thought it was a bill!
Again, don't take my word for it- check it out.
| Weather |
Sweden's a BIG country! Far north- wave your swimsuit goodbye! The south can have bad winters but nothing like up there. Summers are generally good-but short.
| Hobbies/Sports |
If you like fishing (I DO!) then this is a great place. Swedes take the environment VERY seriously and accordingly the rivers, lakes etc... are VERY clean and FULL of fish.
Needless to say football(soccer) is a big favourite. Other loves include ice hockey and handball.
| What's it like to teach in Sweden? |
As with all teaching- it's stressful at times. However, there is the opportunity to teach in a wide range of situations- ESP, Business, Examination courses etc...
There is a culture of consultation in Sweden which, to some extent, makes it possible for the teacher to choose certain preferred courses.
This helps maintain a happy triangle of teacher, client, school.
