Job Discussion Forums

[DC]

I'm an American interested in teaching EFL in a Spanish-speaking country. At this point, I'm not sure of whether I should go to Spain or the Americas, so I'm hoping someone out there has grappled with this and could lend some insight.

I'm leaning toward Spain because I've spent some time there before (one summer) and wouldn't be totally overwhelmed culturally. This would be my first TEFL experience.

I'd also like to start by taking a TEFL course, rather than dive into working, so that I'll be better prepared and qualified. Spain seems to offer a much better selection of bona fide courses.

On the other hand, it would be much easier to work legally in LA, given the EU restrictions. And although I'm a bit squeamish on unstable governments/economies, it might be more beneficial to try something different.

My question for those in Spain is: Did you choose Spain over LA, even at the risk of eventually having to work illegally, because of the scarcity of good cert. courses in Latin America?

And for those in Latin America, did you find good training there, or were you forced to do it somewhere else or forgo it? If you considered going to Spain, were you deterred by the EU restrictions?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

DC

[reality]

Its true that Americans can work in Spain, illegally as Teachers. Especially, in the bigger Cities. However, Spain is getting expensive
to live in. And you need to earn a good European Salary to live realitively well, especially in Madrid and Barcelona.

Generally, many people work illegally in Spain, the Spaniards have a knack at ignoring the EU rules they don't like. Mainly because Illegal foreign workers are cheap labour, they can get away with exploiting
to the full.

By all means take a TEFL course in Spain, but look elsewhere for
good English Teaching work.

[naturegirl321]

I answered you on the LA board. If you've been to Spain, you know that unemployment is high and college graduates usually spend at least 6months looking for a job. I lived there and you can get work, as a waiter or DJ, possibly an EFL teacher. My advise is to go to LA and travel Spain during holidays.

[avahanian]

[naturegirl321]

Spain might have a better economy, but it's difficult to find work. People who hire under the table are usually fishy. Whereas it's the norm in Latin America. BUt, give it a go and let us know how things turn out. Just be aware that unemplyment is high and the Euro is higher than the dollar and people with Eu citizenship can legally work there

[Pete Brown]

Hi DC,
I�m working down in the very south of Mexico now, about an hour away from Guatamarla, and loving it. Also I worked in Madrid for 6 months after doing my training there, and also loved it.
I can only talk about the job situation in Madrid not sure about the rest of the country. There is work that will give you a decent life style in Madrid, yes even without a EU passport.
The draw back is that you need to spend time building up contacts and sending emails, going to various interviews all of which you may need to fit in whilst working for for a poor wage. I had several American friends working ilegally in Madrid, some found it hard to get work others didn�t. Sorry thats a bit vague but there's a certain amount of luck to it and it also depends on how hard your willing to sell yourself.
If you look to do your training in the city you think you'll end up in there's usually a couple of teachers from previous courses hanging about who will be able to give you contact names. Best time of year for jobs is late August /September.
Madrid is a very young city with lots of fun stuff, houses are a bitch to find and can be expensive. But my best recomendation with regards to Spain is if I'm to live in Europe again I'll probably live there.
With regards to Mexico only been here about a month and a half, got very lucky with my job, which is for a school that's sorting all my visas and paying me enough to live in beautiful countryside and with wonderful people. On the work front I think it can be just as easy/hard for you to find work which will give you a good quality of life, I think the job markets in both countries have aspects which are simular.
Anyway good luck. If you do decide on Madrid post me and I'll let you know about schools there.
Best regards
Pete