BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
Teaching English in Bosnia-Herzegovina is becoming a popular choice for a unique European experience
This southeastern European country offers an
exciting new market for English teachers. War-torn
not 20 years ago, this beautiful country has
picked up the pieces and moved forward. Lonely
Planet describes it as "a
beat-up country in the process of healing".
There are many things to see: Jajce, a walled-city of cobblestone roads will appeal to those interested in medieval times; Sarajevo, for a long time a place of peaceful co-existence between cultures, is a multi-cultural and diverse city, yet small and manageable; the National Museum hosts a variety of Balkan archaeological finds; the Banja Luka castle is a beautiful spot which offers a fantastic drama and music festival in the summer, and much more!
But what about teaching English? Many schools have started to advertise excellent positions in main cities such as Sarajevo, Bijeljina, Brcko and Zvornik. TI has a few grads who have ventured into the unknown and been pleasantly surprised by a growing demand.
Reports from our
teachers confirm that salaries are quiet generous
for Eastern European standards; expec
t between
1000-1400BAM (AUD$850-$1200) per month (local average salaries are about
350BAM). Teachers do not need to be degree qualified and
a European Union (EU) passport is not required. Accommodation can
be found for about 300-400BAM per month, which
leaves you quite a bit left over for wining and dining. Cheeses
are delicious and fruit and vegetables fresh, colourful and
cheap.
One of our graduates, Natalia Savatic, says: "I would describe Bijeljina as a small city; the population used to be 35,000 before the war but now it is 85,000; many people migrated here because there was no actual fighting. The main shopping centre has been completely revamped and the night life is great - heaps of cafes turn into nightclubs at night. There are swimming pools in the next suburb in Dvorovi and they are topped up with natural spring water every morning. In all the shops I find everything I would basically find in Woolworths. There is a transit centre in Bijeljina so you could travel basically anywhere on your weekends or time off."
Tempted? Pack up your TESOL Certificate and head over for a fantastic and unique experience!
