Job Discussion Forums

[grendude]

I'm a TEFL certified teacher who has been teaching
in Taiwan for the past two years. I've decided to give
up Chinese (I'm ok talking but can't read or write to save
myself) and work on my Spanish.
I've read the boards and don't think I would have a problem
finding work in Spain, but those of you who are there could
give me a heads up on the reality of the situation.

My biggest concern is the approaching summer months.
Is there any work to be had besides privates for a newbie
with only basic Spanish skills?

For those of you in the larger markets please let me know.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[Moore]

Hello, please check this link this topic was mentioned just last week under "summer jobs Spain":

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=20415

...as I said there, there is really NO work here over summer (end July, August, start September), not even privates, at least, not here in Madrid, or anywhere else I have heard of: I stayed here last summer and there really is nothing, but then again who wants to work when it�s baking hot and there are loads of local open-air swimming pools?
If I were you I�d save up a bit of cash in Taiwan, and then use that to tide you over the summer months and use the time to study Spanish somewhere: courses are not too expensive and living here is pretty cheap - you could get by on 1000 euros a month if you�re careful.

[Maria Kirby]

I don�t know about that, you see there are jobs in the summer months. For one thing I can give you the names of the academias that offered work from July all thru to the first two weeks of Sept. Then there are the academias that specialize in the "examenes oficiales" like the First, CAE, Proficiency or just preparing to retake their school�s English exams that they failed in May or June! The kids are "forced" by their parents to do this because a lot of them have to take take "recuperaciones" in Sept, all that word means is they retake their English exams! I can send you the names of the academias if you want, anyway, good luck.

[Meg4]

I tend to agree with Moore--summer definitely isn't the best time to look for work in Spain. Of course there are academies that offer classes over the summer, but the problem is that there are also a lot that don't. So, come the end of June there are hundreds of teachers here who suddenly find themselves without work, and there are usually more teachers than available classes. Also, the academies that do have summer work will generally first offer these classes to teachers who have been working for them during the school year which is why it can be harder for someone who has just arrived in Spain to find work. It will also depend on your legal status--I'm not sure what grendude's nationality is. It's possible to find some work, but I wouldn't count on having a lot of hours over the summer.

[CharlesTESOL]

If you are 30 or under and willing to teach children there are opportunities to teach children English in summer camps. Most of these are residential camps, so room and board provided. It might even be possible to save a little money -- probably nothing like you could save in Asia, though. A few camps may accept teachers up to 35.