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stephlyons20
Joined: 27 Aug 2015 Posts: 4
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2015 6:04 pm Post subject: I need help please |
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Hi, my name is Steph & i'm 23.
I am in the process of completing a TEFL course and I plan to move to Pineda de Mar in Spain ,( it's on the coast & about 1 hour from Barcelona) . We are moving the end of January 2016 to start of February 2016. I am wondering will i be able to get a job at that time of year? & If so is it possible to get the job before arriving or what is the norm?
I am completely new to this so i am just enquiring the best way to start & generate an income ? Hopefully there will be work near where i am located.
Thank you in advance
p.s I have little to no spanish yet, i hope to learn when i am there & also I have a Honours law degree if that helps .
Regards,
Stephanie |
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2015 6:34 pm Post subject: |
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And your passport is from? It matters quite a lot.
The norm is that you will need to interview in person. Schools that offer jobs to people sight-unseen are often dodgy for some reason (there are lots of teachers around, so why would a reputable school take a chance?).
There are up-front costs and as most contracts are Sept/Oct through June, your timing is not great.
What kind of TEFL cert? An online or short course will also put you at a further disadvantage on the job market. |
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stephlyons20
Joined: 27 Aug 2015 Posts: 4
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2015 6:40 pm Post subject: |
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Thank you for replying to me.
My passport is Irish? The course i am completing is online course as i currently work full time, it also has a weekend practical for us to complete.
So normally one would arrive and then apply directly to any schools that i can find? Yes i am worried that the timing will be an issue but i have heard some say that I could possibly have one-to-one language lessons or possibly a private language school? Thank you kindly |
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grahamb
Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945
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stephlyons20
Joined: 27 Aug 2015 Posts: 4
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2015 6:55 pm Post subject: |
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Thank you once again for all the help. I am beginning to feel a bit more at ease.
If i could find work in a language school until the following semester begins It could give me the experience required to supplement the fact that the course is online. I hope that if i do find work in a language school it would provide enough income to live.
How does one go about one-to-one classes? |
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2015 7:00 pm Post subject: |
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Yes, assume that you will be cobbling together bits and pieces to get you through until September. Given that you do a good job of whatever you get, you'll be fairly well placed to land something reasonable for the next year.
Irish is ok:-) Just so long as you're aware that Irish English can be considered non-standard in some respects, and you can adjust.
The online course weekend is unlikely to include actual teaching practice with real students - that's the key ingredient of CELTA and other respected entry-level courses. You'll see whether lack of a standard course is a hindrance in your case - if you find that it is, you can always invest later on in one.
grahamb, that link effed up the thread format...possible to put a break into it? Not suggesting that it isn't useful; I'm sure it is! |
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stephlyons20
Joined: 27 Aug 2015 Posts: 4
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2015 7:15 pm Post subject: |
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The course that i am doing is i-to-i Professional TEFL Certificate (140 Hours)
I am a little fearful now as its sounding a bit hopeless judging by that information.
I am hoping its going to be bit more positive of an outcome, but i do want to be prepared so that i may get a job. I thought that since the course is accredited it was the right thing.
Do you think that i should make alternative arrangements then? |
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash
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Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2015 7:25 pm Post subject: |
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You'll be going at a bad time, with a substandard cert. And it sounds like you are going somewhere there is limited work available.
I-to-I of course told you their course would be a great idea....It is unfortunate that you didn't ask here first.
But don't despair - it's just not going to be an easy ride. So long as you have a sufficient financial cushion to get you through the start-up costs and that you make a good impression with whatever employers (and private students) you can find, you have a reasonable chance of finding something decent next September after what may be a rather rocky spring/summer.
You are aware that there will be very little work around in July and August, right? |
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