This blog post was written by our student ambassador Ana, who is a student of the semiotics programme at the University of Tartu.
Dreaming of an ideal job in Estonia that will provide you with an ideal future? Searching for a perfect job can be challenging and exhausting from time to time, but don´t give up, because the right job is just around the corner. In this blog, I will share my own experience of getting a dream job in Estonia and the story of my time at the job so far. So, to all of you planning to work in Estonia or who are currently searching for a job, I hope this blog will be useful and inspiring.
I got a job as a French and English teacher at Laulasmaa Elementary School. I am beyond happy and excited, because after mastering the Estonian language and working at places I didn´t like, but had to work for the money to survive, I finally got a perfect job related to my education and competencies. Honestly, I still can´t believe it happened, and sometimes I feel it´s just a beautiful dream. How exactly did it happen? Well, I was scrolling through CV.EE, looking for potential new jobs, since my job at the store was starting to waste my energy and will. I saw the post from the school looking for a French teacher, and since I speak French and I have experience in teaching a French course at my former university, I decided to apply. I sent my CV and a cover letter, and a couple of days later, I received an email from the school´s administrator who invited me for a job interview. I was really surprised, because usually when I send my application to educational facilities, they immediately turn me down. So, we made an appointment for the interview, and about two weeks later, I came for a job interview. I had a talk with the school principal and the head teacher. We talked about my previous work experience and my motivation to work with kids, and they also introduced the structure of the work and the groups I would potentially teach. Since they were also looking for an English teacher, they asked if I would be willing to fill in that position as well. I agreed. After the interview, I went to the Laulasmaa beach and enjoyed the beautiful landscapes. I also went to see Arvo Pärt Center, but it was unfortunately closed. I still managed to enjoy the breathtaking forest surrounding the center. Later that day, I received an email from the school administrator, telling me they wanted to hire me, but I needed to send some documents first. After I sent all the necessary documents, the job offer was official. The next step was to move from Tartu to Keila, because Keila is the closest city to Laulasmaa. I had to say goodbye to my beloved Tartu, which had been my home and the biggest support for 4 years, but when an opportunity like this comes, you have to take it. Next, and the most significant step, is starting a new job and an adventure at school.
Teacher´s life; my story
I started working at school a week after school started, because I still had to do a notice period at my former job. My first day was one of the most nerve-wracking days of my life. I was super anxious and excited, because I really wanted to leave a good first impression. First, I met up with the head teacher, who explained to me all the important procedures and then led me to my own classroom. My first period was English. When students started arriving and the school bell rang, I felt like I was going to faint from nervousness. But I managed to keep it together, introduced myself, and asked them to introduce themselves as well. Then, we started with the lesson. We read the text and started to discuss it. I also gave them pair work tasks, so they can work together and be more proactive. After three periods, my fourth period was free, so the head teacher invited me to the teacher´s lounge. The principal and all the teachers were there. The principal and the teachers gave me the warmest welcome ever, with everyone applauding me, and the principal also gave me a welcome gift. Everyone was so nice and friendly, and they told me that if I had any questions, I could always ask, and they would be happy to help. As a teacher, I try to use methods such as interactive discussions and some game exercises to boost my students´ creativity and to allow them to express their own opinions. That´s the best way to learn and to grow, in my opinion. So far, I would say those methods are working quite well, because students have so many things to share. Of course, I know there is a long road ahead of me and I must continue doing my best and make progress, but I am not giving up, and I will continue improving my skills. I am so blessed to be working in such an amazing school, which provides its students with joy, creativity, and learning. Plus, Laulasmaa is a true paradise, so I am even more blessed.
I hope my story will inspire all the job seekers in Estonia not to give up, because the right job is waiting for you, and dreams do come true. Also, here are some useful links for finding jobs in Estonia: