If you’re planning on spending more than three months working in Greece, search for a job well in advance. Be aware that work permits can be hard to come by, and make sure that you will be employed by a company that will assist you in getting one. International placement agencies are often the easiest way to find employment abroad, especially for teaching English. Internships, usually for college students, are a good way to segue into working abroad. Though they are often unpaid or poorly paid, many say the experience is well worth it. Be wary of advertisements for companies who ask for fees to get you a job abroad—often the same listings are available for free online or in newspapers. One reputable organization is AIESEC International, which coordinates business jobs that aim to promote “peace and fulfillment of humankind’s potential” in over 80 countries, including Greece. (☎21036 28 236; www.aiesec.org.) Another interesting opportunity is Trekking Hellas, Filellinon 7, Athens 10557, which hires experienced travelers to guide others on various expeditions throughout Greece, including mountain treks and sea kayaking. Applicants, who are generally between 22 and 35 and are fluent in more than one language, must go through extensive training to demonstrate their abilities in the outdoors. (☎21033 10 323; www.trekking.gr.)
Teaching jobs abroad are rarely well-paid, although some elite American schools offer competitive salaries. Volunteering as a teacher in lieu of getting paid is a popular option; volunteer teachers often receive a daily stipend to help with living expenses. In almost all cases, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree to be a full-time teacher, although college undergraduates often can get summer positions teaching or tutoring. Those who wish to teach English in Greece should have a university degree (preferably in English literature or history) and a solid command of English. To obtain a teaching license in Greece, you must present your diploma and your passport translated into Greek, among other things; for current requirements contact the Hellenic Ministry of Education, Mitropoleos 15, Athens 10185. (www.ypepth.gr.) Greek schools rarely require teachers to have a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate, but certified teachers often find higher-paying jobs. Placement agencies or university fellowship programs are the best resources for finding teaching jobs in Greece. The alternative is to make contacts directly with schools or just to try your luck once you get there. If you are going with the latter, the best time to look is several weeks before the start of the school year in September. The following organizations are helpful in placing teachers in Greece.
Au pairs are typically women in their late teens or twenties who work as live-in nannies, caring for children and doing light housework in foreign countries in exchange for room, board, and a small spending allowance or stipend. One perk of the job is that it allows you to really get to know the country without the high expenses of traveling. Drawbacks, however, often include mediocre pay and long hours. Au pairs in Greece generally work 30-45 hr. per week, including a few evenings, for €45-70 per week, depending on the number of children, duties, and qualifications. Much of the au pair experience depends on the family with whom you’re placed. The agencies below are a good starting point for looking for employment as an au pair.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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