Greetings all! I am new to this forum as I just discovered it in my research for a potential move to Switzerland. So far, I've found the most useful and helpful information here- thank you! I am a US citizen from New York, and would very much like to move to Switzerland (Bern) for an amazing woman. I have learned that this is an extrememly strenuous and complicated process, but I am an optimistic person and like to think that almost anything is possible if your willing to work hard enough for it. With that said, my plan is to obtain CELTA or TEFL certification to become an English teacher. I would like to take the necessary certifications back in NY, and hopefully find employment for the start of the fall 2010 school year in Bern. I have no experience as a teacher, and I posses a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field. I also only speak English and just begun learning German. I've been reading away on previous posts and learning quite a lot, but I still have several unanswered questions. I'm sure some of these questions may seem redundant to the forum, but like I said, I have not discovered the answers. If anyone could please shed some light on any of the following questions, I would truly appreciate it.

1. Can anyone hypothesize or say from experience, will schools ganfully hire native speaking english teachers with only the credentials of a CELTA or TEFL certificate? I know that each kanton has there own system and requirments, and that each individual school may operate different as well. I also realize that Switzerland has different schools systems (private, state, international, and language schools). Can you advise which type of school may be my best option?

2. I have visited a couple TEFL programs in New York, however, I am still uncertain if I would have more luck with CELTA, TEFL, or if it would make a difference at all. It appears that CELTA is more widely known. I would also like to pursue CELTYL extension too. Any advice here?

3. What's the best way to go about seeking employment aside from the resources of the program I enter? From other posts, it sounds like Swiss schools do not adverstise positions and that job seekers are better off directly contacting schools.

4. Any other useful information or links you can recommend?

Thanks again for any help. I am extremely excited about Switzerland and hope to make this dream a reality.