Useful job certifications pre-move?

Member since 05 April 2018

jtempsMember07 April 2018 14:13:04

Hi everyone,

I'm a US-Citizen looking to move to Berlin this year, to be with my significant other (German citizen). Are there any useful job certifications worth considering before moving -- for example: yoga instructor certification, teaching english as a second language certification, etc.? I won't have a job before moving and am wondering if having something like the above would help me make some money in the meantime.

Thank you!

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beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany/Singapore Expert07 April 2018 16:44:53

15610

Attend German language courses and get certificates from there (A1, A2, B1, B2, etc.). That is the most efficient way of getting paid work in Germany!
You need A1 in any case if you want to get a family reunion visa to join him.

TominStuttgart Germany Expert

Member since 19 March 2012

TominStuttgartGermany Expert09 April 2018 21:16:32

2795

I think having a TEFL certificate in addition to being a native speaker will help if you want to teach English. Just be warned that most language schools don't pay much. Biggest problem is that teachers only get so many courses and the hours don't add up. There is no legal requirement for certification in yoga. It all depends on the school. There are so many different types of yoga and most schools are biased towards a certain approach. Having a certificate from a renowned school with the same style will be a help, from any place else, maybe not so much. And as Beppi suggested, any effort towards learning German will be helpful. One can theoretically survive with English for the short run but if you live in Germany you will be constantly limited and frustrated until you can manage to get along with the language.