Job Discussion Forums

PBG_Mundial · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Japan

Hi there, this is my first post on the board and hope that I'm not repeating too many questions that have already been covered, I'll try to make it as succinct as possible to save any readers time. Anyway, here it goes...

I'm a UK national, married to a Japanese woman. I've been living and working in Japan for the last 7 years. For the last 5 years I've been teaching ESL (private language schools, corporate clients and the occasional Higher Ed Inst.), but have also spent 2 years working as a researcher for a finance recruitment agency. I've worked with many big corporate clients and helped students study for TOEIC, TOEFL and IELTS examinations.

I'm currently studying for a postgraduate qualification in TESOL (MA or PGDip, depending on how far I take it), and plan to do my CELTA with the British Council this year. Also, I speak, read and write Castellano to a high proficiency (my mother is Spanish so I spoke it at home, and I studied the language as a minor component of my undergraduate degree).

I know some of you might be quick to point out that my present lack of formal qualifications would be the main obstacle in finding something decent, but this won't be the case by the time I arrive. Which should be anywhere between 12-18 months time.

I feel that my experience, OJT and self-study have more than made up for an initial lack of CELTA/Trinity CERT. Some of my colleagues who have this certification don't seem to take the job any more seriously than others, and there are times when I honestly don't see how it has made them better teachers. That said, it does not mean I don't acknowledge its huge importance in the European ESL market, or the fact that it is definitely worth having than not.

Can anyone advise me on how easy or difficult it would be to earn a reasonable living in Spain? Japan offers a relatively comfortable life for English Teachers who are resourceful and take their job seriously, I was wondering if my experience would be helpful in Spain.

We are thinking of the Valencia area, possibly further inland too, like Teruel (for a the rural experience). I have family in both areas. I could handle a modest gig at an academia for a year or two, but would be keen to branch out into ESP and private work as soon as possible.

I have no aversion to any specific study group. I'll teach young kids to pensioners, and everything in between.

Looking forward to any responses. Hope to make some contacts on this board!

Thanks.

PS. The missus and I have the visa side of things sussed, so now worries about that.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

The general answer is that it takes some local contacts, language skills, and reputation before you can work your way into decently-paid jobs in any particular area.

I think you can expect to pay some dues: get an entry-level job for a while, and work you way into something more stable.

DMcK · Joined: 12 Jun 2008 Posts: 111 Location: Madrid

PBG_Mundial · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Japan

DMcK · Joined: 12 Jun 2008 Posts: 111 Location: Madrid

alexcase · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 215 Location: Seoul

If I can agree with all the above and summarize in case it's not obvious that two seemingly opposite things can be true:

You won't have any problems getting a job (and you are doing all the right things about getting the right qualifications)

You will have problems making a decent living in the short (and possibly medium) term

Also worth thinking about. If your name sounds at all Spanish, use a much more Anglo sounding version on your CV and with your students

If you're still teaching Business English in Japan and want to do the same in Spain, get classes with as many big companies that will be known in Spain (Toshiba etc) as you can and stick those on your CV. Some agencies in Japan specialize in those kinds of companies.

TEFLtastic blog- www.tefl.net/alexcase

PBG_Mundial · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Japan

DMcK · Joined: 12 Jun 2008 Posts: 111 Location: Madrid

I can't see why you'd have to hide your name. You're a native speaker and that's that. You'll be stating this from the start so it matters not.

There are a number of nationalities giving English lessons here in Spain: (of those I know of) French, Cuban, Spanish and even Scottish are teaching big wigs for corporate clients so don't worry, you'll find work if you arrive at the right time.

I used lingobongo to mass-mail my CV to all the schools and have found work through that. I'd recommend using them just before you arrive and stating when you will be there on a covering letter in your CV.doc.