FAQ
Who is eligible to join ELTA-Rhine?
We are an organisation primarily of teachers and trainers working in or with the English language. However, membership is open to all and we particularly welcome professionals in related fields such as translators. Membership is open to both individuals and institutions.
How do I become a member of ELTA-Rhine?
To become a member, you must complete and sign an application form and send it by fax or letter to our treasurer. You can download an application form from this website.
How much does it cost to join ELTA-Rhine?
There is no joining fee. Annual membership costs 35 euros. If you join after 30th September, your membership is valid until 31st December of the following year.
What are the benefits of joining ELTA-Rhine?
- A quarterly approximately 28-page newsletter with information about English teaching in our area, in other parts of Germany and around the world, including an events calendar, book reviews, conference reports, work available, practical teaching tips, training opportunities, and special features on all manner of ELT topics.
- A free email discussion list open to all members. Questions, requests and offers can be posted on the list for other members to read and reply.
- Reduced admission to our workshops and presentations by international and outside speakers and free admission to members' workshops, experience-swapping and social events. ELTA-Rhine also has a literature circle, a choir and regular local meetings in smaller cities.
- A Professional Directory of members looking for teaching work on a freelance basis sent on request in electronic or hardcopy form to schools and companies looking for teachers and trainers.
- A training officer offers advice on what (further) training opportunities are available for ELT teachers both in Germany and abroad.
- National and international information and networking facilities through an inter-ELTA network which links us with similar organisations in the other major German cities, and affiliation to IATEFL, the International Association of Teachers of English as Foreign Language, based in the UK.
Can I attend the events listed in your programme without being a member?
Yes, of course. We welcome both ‘accompanied’ and ‘unaccompanied’ guests at all our advertised meetings. We hope that having found out more about our organisation you will then want to join, but that is entirely up to you. You will notice that the attendance fee for some meetings is higher for non-members than for members, but if you join at the door or even immediately after the event you pay only the (lower) members’ rate.
Must I register in advance to attend an ELTA-Rhine event?
No one will be turned away from an event simply because they have not registered in advance. However, those who have registered in advance have priority in the case of limited seating, in some cases enjoy reduced attendance fees and will be informed in advance in the case of a change of venue or cancellation.
I am looking for work teaching English. Can ELTA-Rhine help me?
We do not operate an open work exchange. If you are new to the area we are happy to provide a general overview of work prospects. As a member you will have access to the offers of freelance and (occasionally) full time teaching work in our Newsletter and on our email list. You will also have the opportunity to hear about work opportunities through informal networking. Many of our members are employers or directors of studies.
I am interested in coming to Germany to teach English. Can ELTA-Rhine help me with immigration and visa formalities?
We are not able to offer formal advice on these questions, which should be addressed to the relevant authorities in your home country or in Germany. However, many of our members have been through or have recent experience of such formalities and may be able to offer suggestions informally.
Can ELTA-Rhine help me with advice on tax and social security questions for English teachers?
ELTA-Rhine can direct you to professionals who will be able provide professional advice (often in English) for a fee and to other sources of helpful information. As a member, you will be able to seek informal advice from other members who have experience with these issues.
How can we advertise or products or services to the approximately 250 members of ELTA-Rhine?
We welcome advertisements as these help to defray the considerable costs of printing and mailing the Newsletter. All advertisements are, however, published at the Committee's discretion. For details please email:
advertising@elta-rhine.de