The town of Chania

Chania, or XANIA as it is spelled in Greek, is a beautiful coastal town located on Crete, the largest of all the Greek islands. Crete lies south of the Aegean Sea, providing a vital link between Asia Africa and Europe. The landscape encompasses rugged snow capped mountains and lush green coastal plains. There are many historical sites to visit including Knossos, home of the fabled Minotaur. The island offers an abundance of beautiful beaches and rocky coves, charming villages and quaint harbours as well as excellent food.

Chania was built, according to archaeological research, on the ruins of the ancient town of Kydonia, dating back to the Minoan period 1900-2200 B.C.

Chania's old town is considered Crete's most beautiful urban district, especially the crumbling Venetian harbour with its 15th century lighthouse Faros and the Mosque of the Janissaries Giali Tzamissi, built in the 17th century. Many of the old buildings have been restored as hotels, restaurants, shops and bars, making the old town a lively and colourful place during the tourist period especially May-September. The Splantzia quarter behind the inner harbour and the Venetian Arsenals are still largely untouched and very atmospheric. This atmosphere prevails throughout the old town during the less busy period of the year November-March.

The climate is relatively mild. During the autumn and winter months north and north-west winds dominate, while in the summer the southerly winds bring the warmth of the Sahara Desert. Chania Prefecture has the largest amount of fresh water in Crete (65%) and is rich in plants and fruitful trees as well as semi-tropical plants.

Lastly, don't forget that the Greeks are notorious for having a good time. You've probably seen the plate smashing, but have you seen the fire dance? If you study in Chania, you're almost guaranteed to have the time of your life!

The clean beaches of Chania have a tradition for winning the "blue flags" of Europe and are accessible for all ages throughout the year.

Greece country facts

• Capital (and largest city): Athens
• Official language(s): Greek
• Government: Democratic (Parliamentary republic)
• Area: 131,990 sq km (50,944 sq mi)
• Population: 11,306,183
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: EET (UTC+2)
• Drives on the: right
• Calling code: 30

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The EBC TEFL course training centre

The training centre is located in a quiet residential area only five minutes walk away from the town centre or a 15 minute walk from the sea front.

 There are three main teaching areas as well as an office, kitchen and bathroom with shower facilities.

A garden terraced area provides an ideal setting for outdoor classes or relaxation.

The training centre is located at number 34, Igoumenou Gavriil street, which in Greek is written Ηγουμένου Γαβριήλ.

For detailed information about the training centre, what is on offer, where it is located, local information and job prospects, please click here to download a prospectus containing all the information you'll need.

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TEFL jobs in crete, greece

The EBC TEFL course training centre in Chania also runs a language school. Subject to availability, you may get offered an English teaching job by the language school at the end of the course.

A few facts about teaching in Greece

• Demand for teachers - Even though there is a crisis in the construction and construction related sectors, the demand for English teachers remains HIGH and COMPETITIVE
• Main job availability regions - Athens, Crete, Corfu, Thebes, Thessaloniki, Larissa
• Main types of teaching - Usually through "Frontisteras" covering: General English, Business English and English for Young Learners
• Busiest periods - the academic year from September to June
• Summer periods - there are usually opportunities to teach: intensive courses, English final retake preparation courses and summer camps during July and August
• Qualifications - an accredited TEFL/TESOL certificate
• Job duration - the full academic year or the remainder of the academic year
• Teaching hours per week - 20 to 30
• Salary - From 1,000 EUR to 1,500 EUR per month depending on the number of hours worked
• Freelance work - from 15/20 EUR per hour
• Average basic monthly expenses - 600 EUR

It is easy to find teaching jobs if you have an accredited certificate.

There is a great demand for teachers both on the mainland cities and throughout the Greek islands including Crete, Corfu, Thebes, Thessaloniki and Larissa.

The main types of teaching positions are in private language schools (Frontisteros) and private lessons either in the student's home or your own depending on the situation.

Types of classes vary from simple general English to preparation for exams set by several examination bodies like Cambridge, Michigan and Edexcel. Age-groups range from young learners to adults. The need to speak English is on the increase for most Greek professional workers as well.

Since Greece depends on tourism as its main source of income, learning English is a basic necessity and therefore an ideal opportunity for those wishing to live and work abroad.

It is, however, almost impossible to organize a job in Greece before going there. Language schools have become stricter, and most will now demand a TESOL TEFL qualification and/or some teaching experience. In addition, almost all schools will expect to interview you face-to-face before making a job offer.

This is one good reason to choose EBC.

We have direct contacts with many language schools. We ensure that your CV/resume is available to potential employers on the last day of the course which should then result in interviews and job offers.

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