Job Discussion Forums

Philleasfogg · Joined: 24 Jul 2006 Posts: 11 Location: near Manchester, UK

Hi,

I'm planning on doing a CELTA in Feb 07 completing in June 07 (18 week part-time course). I'm seriously considering coming to Spain in Aug/Sep 07 (I gather it's hard to find work during Jul/Aug). I have no degree or previous experience, will just have the CELTA. I plan to stay for a year before returning to the U.K. to do a 3 year degree in Applied Linguistics. The year in Spain will, I hope, serve as a chance to gain experience and also decide if EFL is the career for me.

OK that's my background, now the questions,

Do I stand a chance in hell of getting a job with my qualifications (or lack of as the case happens to be)

Would I be able to find enough work to make ends meet Question

and finally...

Where would be a good town/city to start for a total newbie Question

I would really appreciate the opinions of all you TEFL veterans out in cyber land,

Thanks in advance

Phil Cool

craftynick · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 65 Location: Sunny Barca

sorry i have no answers for you but a few similar questions. I have just finished my advanced TEFL diploma & after doing my 4 week teaching part in Barcelona i really fancy going back there to teach. However i wont be able to get back out there until 31/8/2006 and am wondering if anyone knows if this is going to be too late to look for work. In other words does anyone know when most spanish schools recruit.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Jyulee · Joined: 01 May 2005 Posts: 81

I can only speak for Madrid - I have lived here for a year and a half.

Philleasfogg · Joined: 24 Jul 2006 Posts: 11 Location: near Manchester, UK

Thank you for the advice, very helpful Very Happy

hidefs · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 7

it seems to be too easy then to come and teach in Madrid...would you say the same for a 21 years old italian with TEFL qualification and some teaching experience in China?( NO DEGREE!!!)

I have already got some replies about this matter in the forum but I wonder if it would be too risky for me to come there in september as I am considering to do?

do you know anyone doing it?

Jyulee · Joined: 01 May 2005 Posts: 81

I don't know any Italians teaching English here - so I don't know how it would be for you here!

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

I knew two Italians who worked there, both of whom were graduates. Your lack of a degree will be more of an impediment than being a non-native English speaker.

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

I knew an Italian lad who worked here for the last couple of years: he seemed to do fine, but of course always had a disadvantage compared to native speakers. His European nationality helped a bit though. I'd probably lie about the lack of degree.

capricious · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 24

Hi Philleasfogg,

I was in Spain about 8 years ago, teaching in a small town called Segovia. Personally, I think it's a beautiful place and ideal for a new tefler. It's small but lively. The historical richness and beauty of the city is overwhelming (Segovia is at an altitude of about 1800m). The people are extremely friendly. And almost everything is within walking distance, so you won't have the hassle of commuting to work. Plus, it's only an hour away from Madrid.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to say anything about the pay since in my time salaries were paid in Pesetas. Accommodation wasn't provided by the school I worked for but they helped me a great deal in finding a place to stay. My salary then was sufficient to pay for rent, utility bills and a hell of a good time! I would certainly consider it as an option. Good luck!