Job Discussion Forums

Snoopy · Joined: 13 Jul 2003 Posts: 185

Has anyone got information about Astex or Betagroup? I went to Madrid for an interview with Astex, was given a job, only to find an email when I got back to the effect that their contracts with the companies had fallen through and there was no work for me. I have now been offered a job with Betagroup. Any advice would be welcome.

gmjones · Joined: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 72 Location: UK

Hi Snoopy,

I've also accepted a job with the Beta Group. A friend of mine interviewed with them last year and, comparing offers, she said that they seem to be fairly reputable and the pay is good. Let me know if you want any more info...

Granada Girl · Joined: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 40 Location: Guizhou, China

I worked for Astex in Barna, but not in Madrid. They were okay. They had almost no materials at all but at the same time they left me completely on my own, no one watching over my shoulder. A bit shady though, they hired me w/o papers and then took out taxes and basically pocketed it.

Joan Mitchell · Joined: 01 Jun 2004 Posts: 21

There are a lot of jobs in Madrid, despite the EU vs non EU issue that keeps on popping up. Of course the language centres must pay the same rates, and non EU�s must make sure they don�t get their wages hit for taxes. For obvious reasons, no papers, no taxes!

There are many above board schools in Madrid and the wages are between 12 - 20 euros an hour. Why the big difference? The higher end would be the rate teachers charge their private students, meaning they don�t go thru a language centre. Norm would be 12-16 euros net going thru a language school.

Advice though, get certified, especially in Madrid where the companies are more selective so you can�t just pop in and interview based on English being your first language like maybe how it was a looong time ago! Many companies ask for a TEFL certificate, some work experience even if it�s not related to teaching. Madrid is a lovely city, full of life and remember you shouldn�t have too much problems finding work so the dollar euro issue won�t be too bad because if you earn in euros you will always get more when you travel outside of Eurolandia! At least for the moment, so enjoy your euros before the dollar gets back on its feet again!

Enjoy Madrid and Europe in general!

mary cooper · Joined: 08 Dec 2004 Posts: 5

Jobs seem to be plentiful in the major cities of Spain, Madrid, Barcelona. The rates are pretty much like what�s been posted from 12 - 16, some as high as 20-25 but these are the private students.

I guess if you work for the big language schools, you�ll never run short of hours. I agree with the post that said pay scales should be the same for EU and non EU teachers.

William Garcia · Joined: 01 Jun 2004 Posts: 4

Working in Madrid, that�s somehting I miss! I�m now back in the US and I did my TEFL training in Madrid and then worked for almost 2 years in that great city. I log in once in a while just to see what�s new and all I can say is it was worth it. Europe is so full of life, it has its own culture, although they�re 25 in the European Union, they all have their own identities, languages, customs, etc. So if you are thinking of giving the whole TEFL training, working as an English teacher a try, I recommend you go for it. No big bucks but good enough to live on and see a lot of Europe.

When I�m asked why I�m back home, well , many things, family, good job offer, more money but I still think of heading back to Madrid every so often! Who knows maybe I�ll be on the next plane after I sign off!

Cool

A todos, suerte y feliz a�o!

Maria Kirby · Joined: 26 May 2004 Posts: 56

I did my TEFL certificate in Madrid, I was working right away and all I can say is I am enjoying every bit of my stay here. The city is so alive, a lot of Madrile�os are hoping for the Olympics ( at least my Madrile�o/a friends are!!) and there seems to be more teaching work around, getting that English up to scratch I guess! Well, that�s good for us English teachers! The more teaching hours, the merrier!

maria

N Kelly · Joined: 14 Jan 2005 Posts: 1

Choosing Madrid has been one of the best choices I �ve ever made! The nightlife is unbeatable and it�s European but also Spanish in flavour! Once you get to know the city you really get to enjoy it! My Spanish, that�s another story, I teach so many hours, I find myself speaking English 25- 30 hours a week, plus the hours at home with my roommates! Gotta hit the bars more often or maybe get extremely friendly with someone who doesn�t speak a word of English!

shannon w · Joined: 26 May 2004 Posts: 11

I like that option, get friendly with someone who doesn�t speak a word of English! Also make sure he/she will not want an "intercambio" in English. Lots of them do, but that�s the other way to learn a language I guess. My Spanish isn�t great but I manage and I�m, working, living and loving Madrid! Whew! If you need more info, just send me a pm.