Job Discussion Forums

[CMB]

I just wanted to add my two cents to the debate about non-E.U. citizens teaching in Spain. My experience is mainly in Barcelona, but from what I understand the situation is similar in other cities. I work for a TEFL certificate course and these are some of the typical questions I get from people thinking about moving here:

Can North Americans find work in Spain?
Yes. There is a lot of teaching work in Barcelona, particularly for graduates of reputable certificate courses who are willing to work with children and willing to travel to businesses to teach on-site. This work is paid under the table for North Americans without papers. This is common here in Spain. I have never known of a North American who had legal problems with the authorities working in this way. Basically, the employer assumes the risk of hiring someone without their papers in order. The only scare I've ever known someone to have was an American who was teaching in Spain, went on vacation, then, on his flight back to Spain, was questioned at a layover in London for only having a one-way ticket from the U.S. to Spain. I understand that authorities in the U.K. are much more vigilent than those in Spain and I've never heard of anyone having a problem in Spanish airports.

Are North Americans treated differently than Europeans or people with legal contracts?
Yes. They are not eligible for vacation pay or retirement pay. Some schools pay North Americans slightly less than they do those with legal contracts. All teachers, and especially those without papers, should try to make sure that the companies they work for have a good reputation in terms of paying teachers for all the hours they work and on time.

Can North Americans make enough to live on in Spain?
Generally, yes. Salaries in Spain are low for almost everyone, Spaniards included, but most people can make enough to support themselves if they are willing to make an effort looking for work and teaching early mornings, lunchtimes, and evenings. The pay is not wonderful, but most of us don't start teaching English to get rich!

Do you need a teaching certificate to work as a teacher in Spain?
I think that you do. As I mentioned, I work for a certificate course here in Barcelona so maybe I'm biased, but I have found that most employers require at least a 4-week certificate.

This has been my experience living in Barcelona for the past 5 years. I realize that other people may have had very different experiences, but I've read a lot of negativity about teaching in Spain on the board, and I just wanted to give my opinion.
Melissa Cokely
S.I.T. TESOL Course, Barcelona
www.spaintesol.com
[email protected]

[spiral78]

kudos for the balanced, realistic info!