Job Discussion Forums

[Faulk-like]

I am a TEFL certifed American with 3 years ESL experience. I am going to Madrid in the fall and was wondering if anyone could share some advice about the best month to go. I had assumed that the middle of August would be the safest; in order to get a job by the time most people returned from their summer vacations by the beginning of September. I have spoken with a few Spainards who tell me this is too early because schools/students don't get into the full swing of things until the end of September. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Faulk-like]

Excuse me, "Spaniard".

[Meg4]

Most classes don't really start up until October; although you can find some in September. Here most academies do hiring at the last minute because they never really know for sure how many classes they'll have and how many teachers they'll need. Even if you go for interviews in September it's not unusual for the schools to want to hire you but say "right now we don't have any classes to offer you--we have to wait to confirm with the students", so you usually end up starting classes in October. I think if you come in September you should be fine. This will give you some time to find a place to live, get used to the city, and start looking for work.