Job Discussion Forums

gypsywoman · Joined: 19 Aug 2006 Posts: 63 Location: bangkok

Hi
Both my kids have left home and I'm thinking of going into Spain, Portugal or Italy to teach english for a while. I haven't been there before, but have read most of the info that you all write, which is great.
My question though, is that I'm 40 years old and wondering what it would be like socially there for a single woman my age. I'm a pretty young at heart person, I guess through working with so many young people all the time. Perhaps there is someone out there around my age who might know where I'm coming from and shed some light! Which area would be best etc. Spain Vs Italy.
Cheers

MO39 · Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2006 4:28 pm Post subject:

I've been thinking about the same thing, but I am even more "mature" than you, having just turned 61. I'm planning to move to Madrid next January. I have lived in Spain before (Barcelona from 1974-75) and have spent several extended vacations there since then, so I have some idea of what life is like there. But moving there on the brink of retirement will be another thing entirely!

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I'm curious how a North American can plan to 'move' to Spain. Have you got a passport from an EU country? Will you be able to make arrangements to live/work legally?
Not trying to be negative, or rain on any parades, but the exceptions are so rare that I'm honestly curious how you plan to work this out.

gypsywoman · Joined: 19 Aug 2006 Posts: 63 Location: bangkok

Hi,
Im not north american, I have a EU passport. I'm scottish born, but live in Australia and Bangkok.
Cheers

CMB · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 46 Location: Barcelona

In my experience, "older" (meaning 35+ and up) people do quite well here - here being Barcelona. Employers are thrilled to have more mature teachers to send to their business classes, and a lot of Americans who have had years of work experience in the U.S. find the more relaxed attitude here in Spain refreshing. I think the main thing to consider for someone a bit older planning on making this kind of move is lifestyle. Generally, teaching here means having classes scattered throughout the day and throughout the city, which can mean a lot of time running around and not for a lot of pay. The teaching market here is healthy - there's a lot of work available - but not very stable (short term contracts, varying holiday pay, etc.). In terms of social life, there's a lot going on. When my parents came to visit (they're in their early 60's) they were so excited about all of the bars and nightclubs with an older crowd where they could have a drink and go dancing and not feel out of place!
Also, just a note to the older Americans who are retired and thinking of coming - if you have fixed retirement pay that's above a certain minimum (I think it's around $15,000 a year, but check with the Spanish consulate...) you can apply for a retirement visa to legally live in Spain and get social security and free healthcare. I don't think it legally allows you to work, but it would be great to come with all of your bases covered!

Deicide · Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 3:21 pm Post subject:

gypsywoman · Joined: 19 Aug 2006 Posts: 63 Location: bangkok

Thanks CMB for the info, its nice to hear I can have a nightlife and go dancing. I find the nightlife here in Perth so boring, as most places are just for teens and there is very little for people even over 35years. Sad but true!
Im looking for the cultural change, new atmosphere etc, gets your creative side going again and the challenge of new places is always a good thing (wakes you up haha)
Thanks again and good luck you too
Smile

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

I did my TEFL course in Barcelona & the oldest women on it was 55 (also very young at heart) and she had a ball!! i think it really does have soemthing for all ages. So much so that im heading over in 2 weeks again hopefully to find work and im 31. I do have friends that live there but i very rarely actually see them when im over - Barcelona is just that sort of place Laughing

I hope this has been of some help to you.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Sorry for the irrelevant caution! I was actually responding to MO39 (see first responder to OP), who is based in the U.S. - but of course might also have EU member citizenship!

MO39 · Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 2:52 am Post subject:

spiral 78,

thanks for your concern. I don't have EU citizenship but am going to take my chances anyway. I know that I'll be working illegally for awhile but am hoping that eventually I'll find a school that will sponsor me for working papers. In fact, I've been in touch with one that does just that for their non-EU teachers. I will be coming over with a pretty hefty nest-egg, and starting next summer I'll have some additional income from taking early retirement in the States.

Marsha

jr1965 · Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Posts: 175

Hello GypsyWoman,

I�m an American woman in my 30s who moved to Madrid with my (Spanish) husband a couple of years ago. In general, I find my social life in some ways better here than it was back in the States. On the one hand, all of my close friends are back home, so I can�t just ring up a friend and suggest going out for a drink, movie, etc. On the other hand, I find that here in Madrid when I go out, there�s a nice mix of people of all ages. You can be in a bar, cafe, or listening to music in some small club, for example, and it�s likely that there will be people anywhere from 20 on up. I love this part about the lifestyle here. People of all ages go out to enjoy themselves and to socialize a bit.

Good luck to you!

gypsywoman · Joined: 19 Aug 2006 Posts: 63 Location: bangkok

HI all,
Thanks to you all for your posts, it is great to hear such positive comments and advice. I just feel that I have been going through the motions, day to day for the past few years and want to shake things up a bit. How is it on the dating scene? I've read a few posts saying that Spanish men don't date non spanish women, hell that can't be right surely? haha. Melanie got Antonio after all! lol.
Just the change in culture will be awesome, as I said, I'm a bit over Asia for a while. Need to be somewhere with good wine, food and not worry about my butt getting a little big!
thanks again.

Cheers

Deicide · Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 11:39 am Post subject: Re: mature woman in spain?

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

gypsywoman · Joined: 19 Aug 2006 Posts: 63 Location: bangkok

Thanks Craftynick, I think the above fella is just a grumble bum haha. and certainly likes to make premature judgements of people.

I've lived in many different countries and speak a few languages, although very basic Spanish, I'm learning it at the moment. Its quite fun to learn, not as hard as Thai, at least you can read it! haha.
Most places I have been, the locals are always very supportive when they know you are trying to learn not only their language, but also get to know their country.
Are you in Ireland at the moment? I love Northern Ireland, the people are so much fun.
Thanks again for your advice.
Cheers