Job Discussion Forums

[CriminallyInane]

Is there anybody out there that has worked for for Linguarama in Madrid or Barcelona or knows anyone that has? I ask as I've seen the slating that Berlitz had and Linguarama has only been mentioned in passing on a couple of the other boards.

I had my doubts about dealing with a chain but was interested in getting into Business English after a year of teaching teens and adults. The interview with said company went well and all seemed okish until the bombshell of hours and pay - 30 hrs p/w (not including prep or travel) for �1200-1250 p/m gross to be paid in UK account. Is it fair to say this is not something I should pursue, or are there as yet unseen advantages ie career prospects, potential increase in pay etc etc.

Appreciate the help.

CI

[AllOne]

That seems to be Linguarama's standard pay pack - no matter where you work, though one would hope they pay more for London and that swish language hotel they run at Cheney Court!

They also offer classes in the language of negotiation, but they are not negotiable on their teaching salaries!

I was told I was the type of teacher they wanted - was told this several times - and offered the base 1250 plus a 600 Euro settling in allowance. 1.5 hours of Spanish lessons a week for three months, and when I tried to negotiate, they got nervous and rescinded the offer! That surprised me. I mean they didn't even say: "That's the best we can do, take it or leave it." They said they were nervous that they could not give me what I wanted, and rescinded the original offer!!! Bizarre. And they are still advertising for teachers....I find this kind of hiring behaviour bizarre.

They are now owned by Markus Evans. Have you looked at their website? They offer anti-terrorism training! Big business.

Linguarama turns a lot of cash each year. Not much of it goes into the teacher's pocket. I sure would like to know what those military types running Markus Evans anti-terrorism workshops are getting paid.

I'm also starting to think I should buy shares in a language chain. If I can get them. I suspect, in the long run, it would make me more money than teaching - and be way easier.

Language teaching is big business, why else would there be so many cowboy academies? Why else would these huge international chains exist?

Teachers need to insist on better deals and all the illegals need to go home so those of us who are legal can get a decent deal.

[CriminallyInane]

Not just me then - as I suspected a McTefl outfit. I would never apply to a chain for a job again and am slightly at a loss as to why teachers accept these jobs. Just for the record, I did speak to them to see if it was negotiable and you can guess the reply, so I said no thanks. I�m now working at a very supportive school with great resources and great teachers and am very happy in Madrid.

[AllOne]

Yes, well when I interviewed in the local branch - after interviewing in London - the first question the DOS asked me, after she batted her eavily- mascared and heavily-lined eyelids at me - was: "Did (the HR guy) take you for a drink, then?"

Hmm....that was the FIRST question from the DOS.

Immediately foillowing that interview I went to the local cosmetic counter and dropped 20 odd euro on lipstick, eyeliner and mascara - figuring it might get me a job faster than my teaching ability.

har har har

tell me, how is Madrid? I am in Barcelona and not really liking it or the situation. I thought I would prefer it because of the sea, but as it turns out, I don't really like the sea and the artificial beaches and the over- priced accomodation and the low wages, and 20 or more illegal Americans turning up to do every job I apply for and willing to work for less money and lousy conditions.