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Bradfrd12
Joined: 26 May 2008
Posts: 25
Location: Valencia Spain
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 Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 9:45 am Post subject: Teaching in Valencia - A summary (updated) |
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Teaching in Valencia - A Summary by Bradford Goerss (27/05/2008)
I have been teaching in Valencia since September 2001. I currently run my own language academy (opened in September 2005) and therefore have the corresponding experience as teacher trainer, DoS, administrator, human resources manager, accountant, and salesman as well. I am American and came over without a work visa. I met my now-wife here and we have 2 daughters and bought a nice flat.
I feel I am in a position to put to rest many of the doubts and questions that people have about moving to, working in, and living in Valencia. After having read a number of the posts here and especially the slightly dated but mostly accurate "Summary in Madrid by Alex Case" I give you my summary:
The Weather
Valencia is on the Mediterranean and therefore is also very hot in the summer, which lasts from April/May through October, and although not as cold as Madrid in the winters the INfamously humid air will make you sweat sitting in the shade in summer and allow the cold to hit your bones in the winter. If sunny skies are what you're looking for then this is the place to be. It doesn't rain but maybe a total of 30 days in the year and that is only in Spring and Autumn. The rest of the year are sunny skies!
The City
Beaches abound in Valencia and although the Malvarossa (the city beach) doesn't have the best reputation there are several within a short bus or taxi ride that offer cleaner beaches, less tourists, and all the beach football, volleyball and swimming you can handle. In the winter many Valencians head for the snow in nearby Teruel or Ademuz or go to the hundreds of discos and pubs that populate 4 neighborhoods throughout the city. Valencia is on the cutting edge of tourism and creating the perfect 21st century European experience. A renovated port, F1 racing, new soccer stadium, world-class opera, largest aquarium in Europe, and more mixed with the old town center atmosphere with cathedral make for a truly interesting city.
The People
The people are Mediterranean and therefore reflect a beach culture absent in Madrid. Quite comparable to Miami or Los Angeles when it comes to fashion, nightlife, and entertainment.
On the whole Valencians' work ethic is similar to what Alex describes of the Madrile�os. People working in badly paid positions only looking to get some cash for the weekends where they gladly stay out till 7 in the morning dancing the night away at the beach in summer or in El Carmen (city center) in the winter.
Valencia has been dubbed Spain's largest pueblo due to the fact that the city is quite compact and although it is the 3rd largest city in Spain the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Madrid or Barcelona just isn't here. If you're looking for a multinational atmosphere you're better off elsewhere. If you're looking for a Spanish Mediterranean lifestyle this is your city.
The Job
It is true that kids classes dominate the job market and if you want to make good money here you should get used to that idea. That doesn't mean you can't get adult groups or companies but be prepared for split shifts! It is not uncommon to be in morning or lunchtime classes in a primary school or company and then in an academy in the evening. But this is par for the course I believe anywhere in Spain. There is certainly no shortage of positions available if you are flexible with timetables and age groups.
Pay is average. You should be earning at least 11�/hour and most schools will pay 12.50� or more to qualified/experienced teachers. This will provide you with a decent monthly wage if you put in at least 15-20 hours teaching a week. This should provide you with money for rent in a shared apartment, bills, food, and weekend fun. You're certainly not going to find the two-year contract, airfare and housing included offers that may exist in other parts of the world but it's not a bad deal either. Now that the Euro is very strong Americans will find the first few months difficult living off their savings but once you start earning Euros you will see the difference immediately. You may even be able to put away a few euros depending on your lifestyle.
The Students
I must admit that even though it is 6 years old Alex's description of the students in Madrid is spot on for Valencian students today so I am going to quote him here:
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Spanish teenagers are what you would expect you�d get by putting those two words together. Like all European teenagers, they are not in the slightest bit interested in learning, and being Spanish they are just that bit louder than the average. They are also spoilt stupid at home, which means at least you will not be teaching Marilyn Manson fans who are going to take a shotgun to you- but also means you may as well tell their parents they are angels and geniuses or suffer the consequences. Again like all teenagers, the girls are 1000 times easier to teach than the boys, and luckily when you get to adult classes it�s 75% female and even they seem to have grown up and changed personality from one day to the next.
The adults still like playing games and chatting and seem to forget homework- but what would you prefer that or stressed up Austrians who want to see an improvement of at least 2.52% every lesson? In Spain you can try out all those wacky games you saw in some Humanistic book and couldn�t try anywhere else. Even in adult classes, the girls are notably more hardworking than the boys. The big mystery of the classes is that they love speaking, but the Spanish sense of the ridiculous means they just cannot take themselves seriously talking to another Spanish person in English. Thinking about it, it does seem a bit silly- but the Spanish can�t stop thinking about it, even at very high levels. Hence the need to make jokes and asides in Spanish, and to directly translate expressions even when they know they doesn�t exist. It keeps them happy, and you can get them to translate to you afterwards. In the street, people�s unwillingness to speak English means you will pick up Spanish very quickly- which is good, no?
You might expect Business classes to be more serious- but no. Most companies give English classes because they have to give a certain amount of training to their staff, and English comes cheap. So- get out Communication Games again and make sure you and they have a good time but also feel like they�ve learnt something. And don�t get disheartened when numbers are down by 50% after a couple of months- is this what you would want to be doing in your lunch time?
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I will add one thing. Teaching children although not for the timid can be the most rewarding and entertaining experience in ESL teaching. They actually learn what you teach them, have no shame and participate in all the games, and are a good way to just let loose and not be frustrated by an adult's passivity.
Being American
You need to be very proactive because you are on the rung below the lowest rung here. There really is little initiative on the part of academies to hire Americans when you really have a deluge of English, Irish, Welsh, and Scottish teachers coming over. You need to pound the pavement and go round to academies with CV in hand ready to show them why it's worth taking the risk to hire you. That being said, I know many Americans that have been hired over the past 7 years (myself included) and have yet to see or hear of any academy getting inspected. The gov't has bigger fish to fry.
You will need to deal with health insurance on your own as well as asking some key questions in any interview to find out what kind of potential boss you may have. But I have to believe that's the same anywhere in Europe.
If you're only concern is being caught and being deported, forget about it. It's a non-issue. You'd have just as much chance at winning the lottery. Let me add to that. If you go out of your way to make trouble or call attention to yourself then you are just asking for trouble. Be sensible and there won't be any problems.
Qualifications/Experience
It's always better to come with something rather than nothing. So yes, get a certificate. It can be CELTA, TEFL, Trinity or anything. Even better if you have a teaching degree from University in Primary or Secondary education. Also, get experience! Volunteer at your University, go to Literacy Volunteers of America and do their course, again anything. Finally, if you insist on teaching only adults and companies you need to master your grammar. I cannot stress this enough. I have seen many applicants come to me that cannot tell me the difference in present perfect and the past perfect much less their uses or what a modal verb is. You need to know this if you are going to teach it, don't you?
Hope this was helpful and if you are ever in the Valencia area just send me a PM or e-mail ([email protected]) and we'll meet up for a beer! Salud!! |
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workingnomad
Joined: 26 Sep 2005
Posts: 106
Location: SE Asia
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| Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 3:23 pm Post subject: |
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Thats great information on Valencia and thanks for that. I am planning on moving there soon and quite pleased to hear the international scene is small because I think in some ways it makes it easier to meet people, both locals and Expats.
Your comments about being American are interesting. Personally I have no issue with illegal workers chancing their arm in Europe. I feel lucky to be an EU pp holder and I also appreciate how attractive Europe is to North Americans so good luck to anyone seeking work in a foreign country!
However I think someone should mention that while the risks are apparently tiny, if you do get caught you risk being deported or having a black mark against your name which could harm any future applications for work permits for the whole of the EU, not just Spain.
I think saying stuff like being caught is a non issue might be slightly misleading. You obviously know a lot about the scene, I am not denying that, but it is probably only Spanish immigration that knows what really goes on and what the numbers might be.
Trust me I do not have a problem with immigration or have a 'nicking our jobs conservative attitude' - this attitude prevails in the UK which is part of the reason I don't like living there anymore. People moaning about too many Polish people etc etc really pisses me off as they would no doubt do the same anyway!
I just think people should know the risks of working under the table, whether its an American in Spain or a Brit in Australia, so they can make a decision that is right for them..
The advice you give to people without papers is probably very realistic, e.g. being on the bottom run etc |
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Bradfrd12
Joined: 26 May 2008
Posts: 25
Location: Valencia Spain
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| Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 3:57 pm Post subject: |
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What I am trying to convey I suppose is that I have read over and over again in various threads on this forum about how it is impossible to get a work visa (true) and if you get caught you will be doomed (true) and that you are risking your right to travel in Europe (also true) but I have not seen anyone really address the issue that is really at hand, which is:
- Americans are reading this forum to get an idea of what it's like to come over and work in Europe. I am giving them what it's like not what the worst case scenario is. I believe that has been drilled enough.
Let me just say in my own defense that I did write in my summary that it is not impossible to be caught. It is just very very unlikely. Again, if you are out causing trouble and get picked up you are going to be in trouble but that holds true just as much if you are within the 90 days or not. Bottom line....don't be flagrant about what you're doing or get arrested while in Europe. If you have a doubt about any certain procedure or whatever... ask someone before you do it.
I appreciate the feedback and hope that I can only clarify my position more. If anyone has any doubts or disagreements with me, please let me know. I only wish I had this invaluable resource when I was thinking of making the jump. |
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workingnomad
Joined: 26 Sep 2005
Posts: 106
Location: SE Asia
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| Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 4:17 pm Post subject: |
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You did say its possible to get caught in fairness.
I was just trying to add, in a rather long winded way (I am avoiding doing my own work today!) that if you do get caught the repercussions are not confined to Spain but stretch across the rest of the EU too, which would be a nightmare for most non EU folk!
Forgot to ask about the city beach. Big pull for me to be honest and looks great in the guide books! So can you say why it doesn't have the best reputation. Is it the crowds? |
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Bradfrd12
Joined: 26 May 2008
Posts: 25
Location: Valencia Spain
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| Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 5:01 pm Post subject: |
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About the beach.
Well, Malvarossa has undergone some significant changes in the past few years. It has certainly improved but as anyone knows it only takes a few seconds to earn a bad reputation and a few years to gain it back.
There are crowds for sure because it is the city beach. The city buses and tramvia go there and therefore so does everyone without a car. Not to mention it is the closest. Being adjacent to the port hasn't helped. Often people complain about dirty water (not good for swimming) and therefore dirty sand. However, as I mentioned in the original post, the port has improved dramatically in the last 2 years and therefore so has Malvarrosa.
It is a nice beach and certainly a lot of people enjoy it but I would have to say that it is not the best. And that is coming from a general opinion not my own as I am not much of a beach person. Gimme the mountains anyday. |
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workingnomad
Joined: 26 Sep 2005
Posts: 106
Location: SE Asia
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| Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 6:35 pm Post subject: |
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While I have your attention may I ask about the mountains around Valencia as I am a mountain person as well 
I have seen there are a couple of regional parks around Valencia, but are there any network of paths to hike? |
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jonniboy
Joined: 18 Jun 2006
Posts: 751
Location: Panama City, Panama
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| Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 8:24 pm Post subject: |
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| workingnomad wrote: |
| Forgot to ask about the city beach. Big pull for me to be honest and looks great in the guide books! So can you say why it doesn't have the best reputation. Is it the crowds? |
To add to what the O.P. said, Malvarosa owes its reputation to the pre-Americas cup situation where it was known as a shady place to be at night times with muggings, drugs and the whole she-bang. I was once robbed there (the only occasion when this ever happened to me in Spain.) The redevelopment of the whole area which began in 2005 seems to have improved matters a bit or strictly speaking has pushed them further down the seafront to the Natzaret district.
Outside of the peak summer months, crowds aren't really much of a problem there but proximity to the port as stated, does result in dirtier water and most locals who had their own transport headed down the coast to El Saler or up the coast to another beach in a place called Pobla de Farnals. |
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Bradfrd12
Joined: 26 May 2008
Posts: 25
Location: Valencia Spain
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| Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 9:03 pm Post subject: |
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Jonniboy hit the nail on the head about the beach.
As for the mountains and hiking trails....there are quite a few. Although you need a car or a friend with a car to get there.
About half an hour or 45 minutes out of the city and you can find rock climbing, hiking, bushwaking, etc....
I've done it a few times but not nearly as much as I would like due to too many responsibilities in the city.....but then again I guess that's typical excuse. |
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El_Che
Joined: 13 Feb 2007
Posts: 34
Location: Spain
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| Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 8:39 am Post subject: |
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just a couple of points to add to Bradfrd12's excellent summary:
i've been teaching in Valencia for 2 years, and have managed to avoid teaching kids with ease. companies are crying out for english teachers, and you don't have to look too hard to find them.
| Bradfrd12 wrote: |
| Pay is average. You should be earning at least 11�/hour and most schools will pay 12.50� or more to qualified/experienced teachers. |
unless you've deducted the taxes, i'd say those rates are very low. the minimum you should expect is 15 euros ph. 18-20 is closer to the norm in my experience, and depending on your clients, you should be looking at between 20-30 euros for private classes. |
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workingnomad
Joined: 26 Sep 2005
Posts: 106
Location: SE Asia
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| Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 8:47 am Post subject: |
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| Thanks El Che. For me anyway thats two lots of good news! |
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Bradfrd12
Joined: 26 May 2008
Posts: 25
Location: Valencia Spain
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| Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 9:42 am Post subject: |
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I would definitely disagree about the wage issue. Unless you are freelance you are never going to get more than 15 euros an hour. I can tell you that from experience. There is no way that an academy can get the margins necessary from companies by paying the teacher more than 15�/hour.
That being said: In my original post I was referring to first year teachers coming fresh off the boat with little to no experience. Add on top of that the fact that you are working under the table and teaching children.....I maintain my position at 11� - 12.50� / hour.
I will start another thread as well on teachers wages. I had a nice long discussion about this last with a good friend of mine.
Look for it. |
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