Job Discussion Forums

[smuglr]

Hi everyone, I'd first like to say what a helpful resource this is. I read a previous post about the poor standard of professional English being taught in Spain, and I have a few further questions.

Does the poor standard mean that, someone with a certificate is in a much better position when searching for jobs?

Does anyone yet know how the recession is affecting jobs teaching professional english?

As a teacher of professional English, how do things like pay, working hours etc compare to a standard english teacher?

Do business english jobs still follow the general sep-jun working year rule?

What are the prospects of teaching Business English outside of Barcelona & Madrid?

Thanks in advance for all your advice,
Dougie

[spiral78]

The vast majority of newbie teachers in Europe in general (and Spain's no exception) do have a basic newbie-level certification. If you have anything less than a CELTA or its generic equivalent, you can't compete well on the job market. No certification puts you seriously at the bottom of the hiring heap.

Most newbie-level positions are teaching for private language schools. An important percentage of their business is teaching professionals business English - most newbies do it as a part of their package, though some may also teach children/young people in addition. It's not a speciality.

Yes, businesspeople generally take English classes Sept/Oct- June. Little work around July and August.

[jonniboy]

[spiral78]

Interesting. My friends in Spain long-term have always worked as much or more in businesses than with children.

I'll be curious what others have to say on that.

[smuglr]

I suppose if business english "is not a speciality" all my personal questions are answered. Experience writing technical reports & academic papers will not offer a great advantage other than perhaps bumping me up the heap a little if teaching business english then.

Thanks for all your advice
Dougie