Job Discussion Forums

[bazzap1976]

Could anybody give me a little help and part with some valuable information?
I have had a look around the forum but the info i require is a little vague or contradictory.
I am looking into moving to Spain next year. I am currently an English teacher in Beijing... and I've had enough quite frankly. I have one years teaching experience in Vietnam and by next year I will have had two years experience in China.
I can easily, and probably will do a TEFL or CELTA course in Spain as I currently only have a TEFL/PELT certificate, which I doubt many of you in here have heard of.
I am a UK citizen from Scotland(non-heavy accent!)

My problem is a lack of a degree.

Is it absolutely necessary to possess one in order to land a good(or even decent) paying job in Spain?

Your help is most appreciated.

[DMcK]

No, not here, but how did you manage to get work in Vietnam?

[bazzap1976]

So no degree is required to work in Spain. That's great news. Thanks.

As for Vietnam, well, the requirement of a degree is just face saving, box ticking nonsense. Nothing is checked and therefore the purchase of a 'degree' from Khao Sahn Road in Bangkok for 15 Euros is a good investment. Either that or photocopy your mate's degree and superimpose your own name onto it!! ha ha! Not that I like to promote fraud but they just don't care in Vietnam.

[dessiato]

More places than not are asking for degrees in my experience, they also ask to see the originals of documents too. Most seem to want at least a TESOL/EFL cert too.

This is certainly the case with reputable schools across Iberia

[Insubordination]

Depends on the school. I know two people without degrees (not my school) who get the same pay as everyone else. Be honest when you apply and you�ll know if the school is worried about it or not.

I had to have a degree for my job.

[DMcK]

sorry i have to completely disagree. here in madrid there is no need for a degree to find decent work. perhaps some companies ask for it but you dont need it. there are companies who also prefer you not to have a celta or the likes.

[spiral78]

It's true that Spain does not require degrees for legal work permission, unlike many Asian countries.

Most newbie teachers have one, so you are at some disadvantage on the job market without it, but assuming that you appear to be professional and reliable, that shouldn't be a huge handicap.

The schools that don't want newbie teachers to be certified are the ones with their own specific methods, like Berlitz. They are ok if you don't mind teaching inside rigid guidelines that won't be transferable to most other schools (or make your CV look better). They usually pay at the lower end of most local scales.

[bazzap1976]

Muchos gracias guys for your kind help. Your replies are duly noted. Appreciated. Now why can't the China forum be more like this one..