Job Discussion Forums

[Cyan]

Hi All

I've been browsing the jobs in Spain and most of them state that having a working knowledge of Spanish is an advantage.

Why exactly is this an advantage?

If I don't know any Spanish will this be a problem in getting a job?

Cheers all

[MAP Magazine]

Hey Cyan,

While speaking the native language is always an advantage, it is not always necessary to be successful. I guess it depends on what type of job are you looking for?

I know many English teachers, online businessmen, and other people here in Madrid who do not speak Spanish.

I do think it is TERRIBLE that some of them have spent years in Spain, and yet don't speak the language. I don't know why, but all of them are British. All the Americans I know speak Spanish or are studying it intensively. Maybe it's because the States are so far away, they start to forget their English

Later gator,

Phil

[CMB]

Also, lots of times the admin. staff at schools have pretty limited English and it's a big help to them to be able to contact you about schedule changes, etc. in Spanish. Plus, with kids classes you can chat with the parents, etc. I think it gives you a big advantage to at least speak conversational Spanish, or make an effort to learn once you're here.

[Cyan]

Thanksfor the posts guys - especially CMB - I see now about the admin. staff. Ofcourse once I get to Spain I will definitely be determined to learn the language but its expensive if you want to learn outside of Spain.

Cheers again!

[MAP Magazine]

Cyan,

What kind of job are you looking for? English teaching or something else? I know people who work at pubs that also do not speak Spanish. There are also many marketing jobs open for native Speakers that do not require a knowledge of Spanish. Here is one that I just found (I will translate it at the end):