Handbook for US English-Language Teaching Assistants in Austria
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A HANDBOOK For US English-Language Teaching Assistants in Austria 2020–21 Fulbright Austria (Austrian-American Educational Commission) 2020 Quartier21/MQ, Museumsplatz 1, 1070, Vienna, Austria. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise—without the prior permission of the Austrian-American Educational Commission. FOREWORD The purpose of this handbook is to provide you with useful advice and information, which you may need before leaving the United States, while preparing for your arrival in Austria, and during your stay in Austria. The material is general in nature. It is illustrative and by no means comprehensive. Some opinions contained in this document may seem colored by personal experiences of former teaching assistants from whose reports we draw. No two experiences as an English-language assistant are alike, and you should bear that in mind when reading this handbook. The midyear survey reports and final reports you complete during the year will offer a good opportunity for constructive comments on the materials provided and your experience as an English- language assistant. These reports will be used to periodically update the information included in this handbook. If the handbook proves to be helpful in preparing you for your year in Austria, it will have served its purpose. Please bring it with you to Austria and refer to it as needed throughout your stay. Security Issues The US government publishes official travel directives and advisories for US citizens abroad, accessible on the Department of State website. For relevant news releases and statements with a more “local” or Austrian focus, the website of the US embassy in Austria has good resources. Fulbright Austria is in regular touch with the US embassy in Vienna and informs USTAs on an equally regular basis if there are any warnings, alerts, or specific issues of concern. Please note, however, that Fulbright Austria has no additional sources of information on security issues outside of the official sources listed above. Registering with the US Consulate in Vienna US citizens staying in Austria for more than three months are encouraged to register with the US consulate in Austria and to inform them of your arrival, address in Austria, and eventual departure. The relevant form can be completed online using the US embassy’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. US consulate in Vienna: Parkring 12A (in the same building as the Marriott Hotel), 1010 Vienna Tel: (01) 313 39 Email: [email protected] Web: https://at.usembassy.gov/ Those who register with the embassy will also receive relevant email updates regarding security concerns and events of interest throughout their stay. 1 Teaching Assistant Handbook For Americans in Austria, 2020–21 1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 4 2. GETTING STARTED .............................................................................................................................. 4 2.1 Check Lists ............................................................................................................................................ 4 2.2 Important Dates ..................................................................................................................................... 5 2.3 Initial Expenses ...................................................................................................................................... 6 2.4 Financial Obligations at Home ............................................................................................................... 6 2.5 Medical Matters ..................................................................................................................................... 6 2.6 Austrian Residency Permit Application .................................................................................................. 6 2.7 Photocopies for Safety........................................................................................................................... 6 2.8 Driving .................................................................................................................................................... 6 2.9 Attire and Packing .................................................................................................................................. 6 2.10 Housing Information ............................................................................................................................... 7 2.11 Resources for Finding Housing .............................................................................................................. 8 2.12 Mandatory Orientation Program........................................................................................................... 10 3. ONCE YOU ARRIVE ............................................................................................................................ 10 3.1 First Priorities ....................................................................................................................................... 10 3.2 Fulbright Austria Emails ....................................................................................................................... 10 3.3 Registration with the local Austrian authorities: Meldezettel ................................................................ 10 3.4 Residency Permit: Aufenhaltstitel ........................................................................................................ 11 3.5 First Day at Work (October 1, 2018): Dienstantrittsmeldung ................................................................ 11 3.6 Teaching Schedule .............................................................................................................................. 11 3.7 Opening a Bank Account: Gehaltskonto .............................................................................................. 12 3.8 Austrian Insurance: BVA ...................................................................................................................... 13 3.8.1. Health insurance for accompanying dependents ........................................................................ 14 3.8.2. If you fall ill ................................................................................................................................... 14 3.9 Your Salary and Taxes ......................................................................................................................... 14 4. LIFE AS A TEACHING ASSISTANT ......................................................................................................... 15 4.1 Duties ................................................................................................................................................... 15 4.2 You Are Expected To: .......................................................................................................................... 15 4.3 Therefore, You MAY NOT: ................................................................................................................... 16 4.4 Compliance and Confidentiality ........................................................................................................... 16 4.5 Have Fun! Make the Most of Your Time at School!.............................................................................. 16 5. EXPECTATIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS .................................................................................................... 16 5.1 Accents and Colloquialisms ................................................................................................................. 16 5.2 Adjusting .............................................................................................................................................. 17 5.3 The Workplace ..................................................................................................................................... 17 5.4 Workplace Relationships ..................................................................................................................... 18 5.5 Classroom Discipline ........................................................................................................................... 18 5.6 Tips from Former Teaching Assistants................................................................................................. 19 6. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT AUSTRIA ......................................................................................... 20 6.1 Language ............................................................................................................................................. 20 6.2 Personal Austrian-American Relationships .......................................................................................... 21 6.3 Currency and Financial Matters ........................................................................................................... 21 6.4 Living Standard and Costs ................................................................................................................... 22 6.5 Medical Coverage ................................................................................................................................ 23 6.6 Tipping