Job Discussion Forums

pesciolina · Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 5

Hello everyone. I am a non-native teacher of EFL and have been working in Asia for the last 5 years. I am planning to leave the current position here to explore and experience Europe next.
It was initially difficult to get a teaching job here in Asia (China to be more specific) since I am non-native and have an Asian-face. Yet, after building a good reputation, things went pretty smooth.
I am determined to leave, and probably I should just do it, but honestly I am a bit nervous...... Crying or Very sad

Can anyone give me some idea how I would be treated there? Would I be refused jobs because of my naionality (or looks)? Are Spanish schools more open minded about it as long as you can demonstrate your ability to teach well? I am aware of EU/non-EU status---would I have a chance to survive?? Any comments will be greatly appreciated.

More info: I spent 18 years in Japan, but in a bilingual environment. Then lived in the states for 12 years. I have two degrees from US univ, and total of 7 years of experience teaching EFL and Intercultural Communication.

Thank you very very much!

Moore · Joined: 25 Aug 2004 Posts: 730 Location: Madrid

It has to be said that there is a certain low-level prejudice in student in mediterranean countries: people want to learn English and expect to see an English / US -looking face. I had a good many colleagues from my native England whose families are of Indian extraction who have had problems like this despite them being better-spoken than me.
Remember that Spain is new to immigration: they were the emmigrants just twenty years ago, so don�t expect too much of a warm welcome, but they�re by no means hostile either; that said, I think Madrid could be a bit more accepting to you, rather than the provinces, also there�s more work here anyway.
I think you may well have more problems on the work visa front, as there is a crackdown on illegal workers here at the moment. Your best bet is to go for private teaching - if you�re good then you�ll be recommended by word of mouth and should pick up enough hours. Remember not to come until September though as the long summer holidays are looming here.

pesciolina · Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 5

Moor, thank you so very much for your reply.
I really appreciate your opinion (and probably the fact) about the prejudice and visa issues. I also learned a lot from your posts in other threads.

It seems like the chance of getting legal jobs is much smaller than I imagined----maybe I was too hopeful I understand there are lots of qualified teachers from UK or other English speaking countries in Spain, and I may not be able to compete with them. Yet, I am not comfortable with the idea of working illegally. I have to find some ways to increase my marketability.....

Moor, do you (or other teachers in Spain, plz) think going to TEFL shools in Spain like EBC or CELTA to be certified worths a try? Or the schools still prefers native, Caucasian teachers over non-native experienced Asians? If so, I may have to consider another place....but ahhhh I'd love to go to Spain! Maybe I have to teach Japanese or Chinese there??? Sad

Thank you again, Moor! And I would be so happy if any other teachers can share their opinions about non-native, non-Caucasian teachers in Spain (or suggestions for my situation).
Thank you thank you thank you.....

foss · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 55

I worked for an academy which had a "natives only" policy and another which only accepted those with CELTA qualifications.

TEFL training centres accept non-natives with a sufficient level of English. Why don't you call them? As a potential client rather than job-seeker, you'll be given more time and attention.

pesciolina · Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 5

foss, thank you very much for your advice.
I think I'll ask some schools about their programs----CELTA is a good idea if I want to continue working in this field, I believe.
Have you met any non-native/ non-EU teachers with qualification working legally in spain? I'm curious...
I have read some posts in other threads about the current conditions for non-EUs....
it seems that people like me will have a very difficult time... Sad

sigh

Moore · Joined: 25 Aug 2004 Posts: 730 Location: Madrid

What non-native nationality are you?

pesciolina · Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 5

Hello Moore.
I am Japanese.

Moore · Joined: 25 Aug 2004 Posts: 730 Location: Madrid

Have you thought about teaching Japanese? Maybe there�s a small specialised market here (I have no idea if there is though). How is your Spanish? Translating from Spanish into Japanese perhaps?

pesciolina · Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 5

Hi Moor. Thank you for your advice.
I really appreciate it Smile

I'll look around to see if there are some institutions that teach Japanese too
(and look for some ways to learn how to teach JP---never done it before).
I've read many posts on other boards here regarding non-native and non-European EFL teachers..... and oh I feel sooooo embarrased now that I was so ignorant yet hopeful.
I think I'll take CELTA course if I am able to get in, it may not make any difference since I'm still "non-native"
and there are tons of qualified teachers out there hunting for jobs----but I'll learn more about TEFL and that's definately good for me. I love teaching, and love teaching EFL!
Moor, thank you again! If and when I make it to Spain, by one way or another, I'll let you know Wink