Job Discussion Forums

[Skipp]

I've been investigating Spain, but I've been told that things are bad there now, rent is high, jobs are few and far between and medical help is expensive...

I'm 28, British, have a 2:1 degree and will have a CELTA some time next year, when I hope to set out (August-September most likely).

I'm fairly flexible with where I live... I'm currently in London, earn �1200 after tax, pay �400 rent, save �300 per month, have a gym membership and socialise a lot, but I don't expect such a lifestyle and have lived on around �800 per month and had similar outgoings...

I'm in secure employment, but I want to teach abroad. It's something I've wanted to do for years... I'm well spoken and loved delivering work shops in work...

I'm basically looking for:
- An income to cover rent and essentials and a bit of socialising (I don't drink or eat meat, so it's cheaper)
- A friendly country
- Nice(ish) weather compared to the UK
- I occasionally need antidepressants, so some kind of healthcare
- Somewhere not too hostile towards gay people

I should have around �4k savings.

Any advice?

[jonniboy]

I've partially replied to you on the Spain forum. Spain would be fine, rent isn't high, at least outside the big cities and it's falling and also in terms of friendliness and good weather it would certainly tick your boxes. One of my 4 workmates is gay and I've seen gay people in the streets here with no one batting an eyelid.

[ancient_dweller]

Why not start by teaching some ESL in London to get your experience up?

You can also do tutoring for GCSE and A-level kids.

If you are in London for �400 a month rent - that is awesome! Average rents are well above �800.

CELTA is good a good start but, as I said, start standing up in front of people in London. (of course your work shops are also very useful)

I don't know anything about Spain. But your post was about where to go as a newbie in general.

I guess if you do want to go to Spain that means you want to venture out but not too far. Spain is a home from home for most Brits i think.

[Skipp]

I can't tell how much of your post is a wind up... Or if you just have an incredibly ignorant attitude towards mental illness.

Needing antidepressants (or any medication) isn't something to be ashamed of... I've been on and off them a lot of my life. Like many people with the condition, I get depression occasionally in cycles and normally manage it by diet and exercise.

So it isn't a case of pessimism, or needing to 'lighten up' (if I were so negative, I wouldn't be looking at this kind of leap), it's just a fact of life and I don't want to be paying giant medical bills if I don't have to.

I have all the skills I need, I'm a pretty upbeat, independent and strong young woman. I would never be ashamed of an illness!

[ancient_dweller]

My apologies, I should have been more sensitive.

[Skipp]

I'm not offended... I just couldn't tell if you were joking, or had some archaic views on something quite common (and stigmatised). Maybe I read it in the wrong context, I know it's hard to tell somebody's tone online (hence I rarely use message boards these days). If this is so, I apologise!

Rent in London isn't around �800 for a room (I rent a room)... Well, it may be in some parts. I work with unemployed people and have access to job databases... So far as I know, there's not much industry for teaching English here, especially as a lot was cut back by the government.

That and I wanna live in other countries.

Thanks for your help anyway... I heard Czech Republic is very competitive, though I may look at Russia.