Job Discussion Forums

[Looking for my place]

What are chances of being able to go to Spain and find a teaching job if I do not have a European passport. I have lots of experience, a BA, T.E.S.L certificate, Masters, and soon my B. ED.

[Kaisersoze]

I dont know much, but from what Ive read on the Spain forum your chances are pretty good, especially in Madrid, as there seems to be a lot of people without a EU passport. Trying to work in a country like Holland would be a different story. However, Im not sure if that means people without a EU passport work there illegaly and always have the chance of being deported. Might want to do a search. Having all the papers might also get you a better contract is also something Ive read.

I havent been there yet so this is just what Ive gatherd from here and the internet in general.

[spiral78]

It's extremely rare in countries like Spain and Italy and France for North Americans (Aussies and Kiwis too) to be able to get legal working papers. There are many, many people working illegally. There are risks, but many people choose to take them.

[Looking for my place]

I am currently at the end of a looooong year spent completing my B.Ed and just wanted to bring up this topic again. Most decent schools in Spain seem uninterested in me because I dont have a E.U passport. What are my chances of moving there and getting a decent job with a respected company.

[spiral78]

It is very difficult to impossible for private language schools or corporations to swing legal papers for non-EU member citizens.
Some people consider working illegally to be decent and respectable - I'm not speaking rudely here - many people honestly feel that this is fine, because there is such demand for teachers in Spain and so many people do it. This can work for a year or so, but it's not for long-termers or professionals.

With your BEd, your best bet might be to investigate positions in international schools. In case you're not familiar, these are schools for children K-12 of both expats and locals, with most classes in English. You need a certification to teach a core subject like math or science. Obviously, there aren't tons of such positions, but you could get lucky - it would be worth the search.

[Looking for my place]

Yes, I have looked into the international schools but competition is tight and I since I wasn't able to make the job fairs I think I missed my opportunity. I was wondering if it is possible to obtain a work permit after I arrive?

[spiral78]

Not with a private language school - they can't logically make the legal argument that there are no EU member citizens who can do the job.
Alternatively, you might try to find some international company to hire you internally. The kicker with this is that the company has to be able/willing to pay you through a bank outside of the EU....and, again, you're competing with EU member citizen teachers with strong quals, and without the legal hassles.

Honestly, your best bet might be to go, spend a year trying to find some legal route. You'll need local contacts (and, most likely, language skills).

It is truly so rare to find legal positions for non-EU citizens that it's impossible to suggest any real routes on this forum, where we have to speak in generalities. It isn't entirely impossible, but you need to swing some very specific situation -

[vashdown2]

Dear Looking for your place....



It is NOT too late to attend int'l job fairs. There is one in London in May (Search Assocaites) and one in June in Maryland.

I have heard they tend to be a bit desperate by this time, so easier to land a job. Intl schools will beat being paid "en negro" at a lanaguage insitute.

[teachme27]

What if you have family there could they sponsor you. For example I believe I have cousins there.

[spiral78]

The Generally-Speaking Info

Cousins are very unlikely to qualify, particularly if they happen to be cousins you've never met...you say you 'believe' you have cousins there....
And you won't earn enough to pay off debt back home from any country in Europe.

[craftynick]

just so others know the way to apply for your NIE (if you are EU) is changing (well in Barca anyway)

Instead of having to complete a form, bring 2 photos & queue for ages at the police station at Barcelonetta & recieve your number in 40-50 days, form the 28th March all you have to do now is take your pasport to some office in your area & you get your NIE there & then

happy days

[CMB]

It's VERY rare for schools in Spain to hire someone from overseas sight-unseen whether you have papers or not. It does happen at job fairs, etc., but the majority of hiring is done in person so the fact that you haven't gotten much interest is more due to the way things are done here rather than your employability. If you're really sure you want to come you should get in touch again with the schools you contacted once you arrive to let them know that you actually are IN Spain and available for an interview. Schools get tons and tons of CV's from people who send them off on a whim and many places don't even bother replying to people who aren't already living in the area.

P.S. - for craftynick: Are you sure? I went today to go renew my NIE and was sent to the evil office with huge line on Argentaria so I decided to save it for another day...

[craftynick]

[jonniboy]

[CMB]

The NIE number itself doesn't expire- it's your ID card that expires, either in 1, 3, or 5 years depending on your visa status. It's basically like getting a driver's license renewed if you are a member of the E.U. or a permanent resident- just some boring admin. stuff.