Job Discussion Forums

[fiffdimension]

Hi,

I'm a New Zealander nearing the end of my first full year teaching in South Korea, and planning to come to Europe for the first time in late July. I'm interested in doing a CELTA course and working in either Seville or Lisbon (but also open to any other good options). I'm keen to learn Spanish and/or Portuguese, with a view to working in South America further down the line.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of those places? Working conditions, climate, lifestyle, visa difficulty, culture, friendliness, cost of living etc?

Priorities are somewhere with a good live music scene, access to the outdoors, and where it's possible to save some money... on the other hand pollution is a big turnoff (it's yellow dust season here in Korea).

Thanks, Dave

[spiral78]

I can't offer much here, but since you've got no other responses -

You are not likely to be able to get work visas for either Spain or Portugal. I suggest you check on the Embassy websites to see what kind of laws currently cover New Zealanders in particular. However, the laws against hiring non-EU member citizens in general are pretty much insurmountable, barring coming on a work/study program sponsored by a university.

Spain is a usual target for illegal teachers. IF you're ok with the risks, you can blend into the crowd there. This can work ok for a year or so, barring any bad luck, but it's not for the long-term, obviously.

Teaching throughout the south of Europe tends to pay at subsistence level. You can live all right, particularly if you don't mind flat-sharing, but forget savings or paying off any outside debt you may have.

[fiffdimension]

Thanks for the reply - should have clarified, I have a British passport. And I've paid off my student debts here in Korea.

I'm interested in both Spain and Portugal, and indeed Europe in general, so any more information on comparative advantages/disadvantages would be great.

I'm mostly interested in cultural experiences, particularly live music (I enjoy both flamenco and fado, and everything else including hiphop, metal, jazz, classical, folk, techno, avant-garde, world musics... but not mainstream pop or covers bands), access to outdoor activities (especially conservation work), and somewhere with a friendly atmosphere. I don't need a high income but don't want to be losing money either.

[spiral78]

Hmmm, you should be able to make enough to get by in either city, I should think. Since you've no outside debt and the legal access

Now, I'll bow out, not being very much familiar with either city. Hope someone with more current info on the teaching scene in either/both will come up!

[fiffdimension]

Still hoping for some more replies here... my older sister tells me that Portuguese food is bland compared to Spanish food. That's a detail worth considering - does anyone agree/disagree with her?

What about Seville vs Barcelona? Or Lisbon vs Oporto?

[DMcK]

Don't know much about the work situation in either city but, having spent a couple of weeks in Lisbon this summer, I'd recommend the place for sure.
Everything about Lisbon is cool. There's plenty of all the things you are looking for and you would definitely have a good time.
There's also lots of historic sites in and around Lisbon. Nearby Sintra is simply breathtaking. Climb to the top of the hill to get to the Moorish castle for some spectacular views and you can visit another couple of castles and palaces on your way.
The people, especially, are brilliant. It would take a very special effort to find trouble in Lisbon; everyone is so laid back and friendly. On top of all that, you've probably got the best local beer in Europe to enjoy. Cases of Superbok come cheap in Lisbon and you can also enjoy one of the tastiest red wines for 5 Euro per 5 litres.

Didn't spend too much time in Oporto but didn't get the same vibe there as in Lisbon. The people didn't seem as welcoming as in Lisbon but maybe I was just hungover.

Want to add my tuppence worth on Barcelona too. I'm sure there are many good people in Barcelona but I had a few experiences there that left me with a sour taste. I had dealings with a number of arrogant Catalans as well as chasing some guy out of a park who was spying on my girlfriend sunbathing from a bush. There were kids in this park and lets just say he wasn't just looking! So, I'd find it difficult to give Barcelona any credit at all but I know lots of people who love the place.

[jonniboy]

It's a toss up but I'd probably go for Seville - better food, better nightlife and if you're going to South America, Spanish would give you more choice than Portuguese. People in Barsa can be a bit abrasive but it does have other advantages like a beach and better local and international flight connections.