By: Bryan Wallace

Bryan Wallace — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:55:53 +0000

In my previous posting I might have given the impression that my contract of 24 hours teaching meant that I was teaching 24 hours!!!!! Silly me! The contract said 24, but in reality 30 was the norm,preparation time,(9 different levels) travel(15 hours) wasted time from constant split shifts spent drinking coffee in cafes etc did not count.If you are a qualified teacher avoid the dragon woman like the plague.

By: Bryan Wallace

Bryan Wallace — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:02:10 +0000

I am a highly experienced teacher and have taught in many countries and in a variety of situations.I am an IELTS ,and Cambridge examiner,have an MA, Delta and PGCE.In other words I do not consider myself to be a mug.IH Vilnius was to show me that there is one born every minute.I am now a permanent resident in Vilnius and thought that I would like to do some part time work as I am semi retired. Hence IH Vilnius.I was instantly offered a 24 hour contract with a flat provided.6 weeks later I was still waiting for the flat.I found thatI was teaching 9 groups all of differing levels with only one class in school. I was teaching at 5 different sites spread throughout the city.I was working a 5 day week, leaving home at 7am returning at 9 30 pm.Of course it was all split shifts but with never enough time to get home.I was spending 13-15 hours a week travelling from site to site.Of course none of this was paid for.On arrival at the school I was informed by a Lithuanian teacher to be very careful as the”dragon woman” loaded any experienced teachers with all the classes she could.Friday was a half day for me( leave home at 7.30 for two one hour classes in different locations) but I was then expected to share the benefits of my experience by running seminars in the afternoon(no pay of course)On two occassions I was expected to provide cover in my split shift time—again no mention of extra money.A previous contributor referred to slave drivers –correct.The “dragon woman”treats staff as if they are rubbish.In my time there she lost three out of three of her native speakers and the DOS(a Lithuanian)and she still cannot understand why!!!!! I LEFT AFTER 6 WEEKS.After collecting my pay I handed her a letter of resignation informing her that by not providing me with a flat she was in breach of contract.She was dumbfounded.Six of my classes were with with government ministries so she lost all of them as they insisted on a well qualified native speaker(EU MONEY!!!! was paying for the courses).Of course I never did get back the money that I had paid for my accommodation, but her loss was greater than mine!!!!!
Incidently I do not know what they are paying now,but last year it was about 12 lit /55 minutes and a flat(if you get it!!!!!) Most schools are paying a minimum of 25 lit/45 minutes.I freelance now taking IELTS courses which pay me about 100 lit/45 minutes.An American colleague gets approx 60 lit for his classes.The expats here would not touch IH with a barge pole.For newly qualified Celta teachers try American English or English first which seem to be OK. and when you have some experience and contacts go freelance. there is a large market here.

By: Rick

Rick — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 19:55:20 +0000

Lithuania is a great place apart from the cold weather. However, if you come here to teach, don’t do IH. Well, not here anyway. The management here are real slavedrivers. I even saw admin staff and teachers go home crying after a days work here.
If you have to teach in Vilnius, try some of the smaller schools or register self employed.

By: Jon Squire

Jon Squire — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 21:56:14 +0000

This school cannot be recommended to anyone. The hours are ridiculous for what you get paidÂ¨. 55 minutes is the normal teaching hour here. The Boss here will no doubt give you and other employees a hard time with her rudeness and endless bullying.
International House is an excellent organisation, which has some excellent schools and is good for teacher development. However, this school is an exception.

Comments on: International House Lithuania

By: Bryan Wallace

By: Bryan Wallace

By: Rick

By: Jon Squire