Job Discussion Forums

[Sunshine Bob]

I've worked in the south of Spain for 3 years but am determined to leave as the teaching market here is, in my opinion, saturated. Pay is now, unquestionably, bad (maybe Madrid and Barcelona are exceptions; I have no experience), inflation way outstipping pay rises and every client (I teach "in company") is capitalising on the glut of teachers to insist on the horrendous split shift classes. So, it is standard to start at 07:30 or 08:00 for a couple of hours. Then nothing until say another hour at lunch time. Then nothing until the evening shift which can well finish at 22:00.

I'm late 40s, on my second career and really do enjoy TEFL teaching. Our kids have left home so my wife and I are fancy free as it were. There must be places out there which offer a reasonable wage for, say, a 25 hour teaching week and where one can,generally, feel more appreciated.

I'm hoping some kind soul has a well reasoned suggestion as to which country we should consider to achieve;
1. A good level of pay by international standards.
2. A 12 month fixed contract with good conditions.
3. A sensible working pattern - unlike my example above.

[Glenski]

What do you consider 25 hours a week? Can we assume you mean classroom contact time?

What exactly are your qualifications?

Do you want mainstream school classes or something else?

[Sunshine Bob]

Yes...actual face to face teaching time.

I expect another 10 hours of prep and admin.

That is, I am looking for a "normal" working week, preferably with weekends off. (A normal weekend will do; the Spanish one effectively starts on a Friday!)

[Sunshine Bob]

Sorry - posted before I'd finished.

Qualifications; UK Bachelor's level degree (banking)
CELTA
3 years experience teaching bus and gen English to adults

Speak Spanish to good level but South America pay is real low - shame.

[Mike_2007]

Hi Bob,

I think anywhere interesting or appealing (in terms of somewhere to live) is going to be on the verge or already past the point of saturation. Anywhere else is probably more problematic to live in and/or has low wages.

I've overcome this problem by a) working in Romania where the market is still developing and b) working for myself. As a result I have a great programme, never starting before 9am (generally I start at 10am) and never finishing after 6.30pm (and most days I'm done much earlier). No split shifts and no weekends.

The low overheads and lack of 'middle men' mean that I can keep my fees extremely competitive whilst still bringing in enough money to live well and save considerably.

Of course there is also no paid accommodation, no paid holidays and no free medical cover, but the higher salary and freedom to work when, where and how I won't more than compensate for this (in my opinion - some people prefer the safety of working on a fixed salary).

What I'm trying to say is that you could also consider HOW you work, not just where, and maybe more options will open up to you.

All the best,
Mike

[Sunshine Bob]

Good words of advice Mike. Thank you.

Here in Spain it's not that different as in practice as most TEFL teachers are "semi-autonomo" or, strange as it sounds, part self-employed. This is a very clever arrangement for employers as it means that if a class cancels it's up to the teacher to either re-arrange or lose the cash. And boy do they cancel and - promise as they might - see how many students actually keep their Friday lesson appointment!

Naturally, the academies shy away like mad from offering anything remotely guaranteeing a certain income level. So if a contract runs off or cancels, big hole in your pocket. Hence nearly every teacher I know here hedges their bets by working for at least 2, often 3 academias.

I think the best thing about where you are is the fact you are clearly in demand so can dictate your hours. That's just not possible here. The clients can simply tell you when they want classes in the absolute certainty that there are half a dozen other schools who will do their very best to oblige if you say no.

Long may you have Romania to yourself!

[smedini]

Hi Sunshine Bob;

Is Europe your only consideration, or are you open to just about anywhere?

Smedini

[MELEE]

You could probably get a job at a Mexican university that would pay a very nice living wage--but if you want to convert the pesos into pounds, you're out of luck.

But if you are looking for a place with a soul...
And steady job, where you teach 15-20 hours a week, but do have to work 40 (given an office in which to do your prep, marking, hold tutorials, etc.) Monday to Friday to very respectful working class youth. Live comfortably with a decent but not amazing benefits package.
...PM me. I can send you on some information.

[naturegirl321]