Job Discussion Forums

[gjeo]

What if someone takes the course mentioned in the OP (http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/index.cgi?read=19611), tries her luck to get work visa from a legitimate employer within the time limit, and if it does not work, return home?
I am talking about the case of someone from India who has Masters and Research degrees in English + a Bachelors in Education (all degrees from India) + a permanent job which gives leave for higher studies/travel. So, if Spain doesn't offer a legitimate job, the TEFL course can help in some way for further job hunt elsewhere? It may not be as great as the Trinity course, but it's still an international course, with real teaching hours, right?
The course fee seems reasonable for what it offers. Another attraction of the programme is the intensive course in Spanish language it gives for a 30% discount, if it would really help one to be proficient in the language (from elementary/lower intermediate level) and settle down in Spain if everything goes well.
Please do let me know if this does not sound realistic.
Also, I would like to know if one could apply for ESL jobs in Spain directly, with the qualifications mentioned above.

[DMcK]

i would doubt that this course is recognised in many places and wouldn't waste any money on it. you can find decent spanish courses at good prices, eg 75 euro for 20 hours intensive.
there is lots of work in madrid if you come at the right time but dont waste money on one of these courses; you would be as well spending a bit more and doing a truly internationally recognised certificate like celta or trinity.

[spiral78]

Spiral I understand your point of view and agree to an extent. I mean of course it's pretty clear that getting caught workin illegally will leave you shafted but all I am saying is that people do it and have done it for a long time without any problem.

I agree with you that people aren't very likely to get caught teaching illegally. That would take some real bad luck - You'd have to be in the very wrong place at the wrong time, be involved with some shady employer who was investigated for some reason, or have some accident that highlighted your illegal status.

The thing that's changed in 2009 is that it's now illegal to stay longer than 90 days inside the Schengen zone, before you legally have to exit for 90 days. The getting caught part comes at an airport (or even possibly a train station).

I have no objection to people giving it a try - and they may stay lucky and get away with it.

But I think it's important to point out that the risks have increased since January, and if people are going to make a decision to travel abroad knowing that they will be illegal, it's important to have a realistic understanding of the risks in the planning stages.

[DMcK]

A fine opportunity to visit Marakkech then for a cheap holiday every now and again..

[gjeo]

DMck,
Thanks for your response.
(i would doubt that this course is recognised in many places and wouldn't waste any money on it. you can find decent spanish courses at good prices, eg 75 euro for 20 hours intensive.
there is lots of work in madrid if you come at the right time but dont waste money on one of these courses; you would be as well spending a bit more and doing a truly internationally recognised certificate like celta or trinity.)
Are you from Madrid? Shall I take your word for this? Is this course an ill-reputed one?
Do you know if one could get a job approved by the govt. in Spain with the degrees I mentioned?

[spiral78]

A fine opportunity to visit Marakkech then for a cheap holiday every now and again..

Yes - if it's a 90 day holiday That Was Before...
Border runs don't work anymore...90 days in, then 90 days OUT - the old stamp option that worked up until this year is no longer (legally) viable. Save your airfare unless you're going to be away for three months. It won't keep you legal.

gjeo: try - maybe you'll get lucky.

But to be more specific, as your query and qualifications deserve: I work at a uni in the Netherlands, and we have 6 partner unis in Spain. The economy is very tight, and we had 45 CVs in response to a very short ad we ran two weeks ago - many from candidates with MAs in the field +++

Realistically, I think you're a very long shot - but that's not to say you might not get lucky. People sometimes do!

You're right - a legit course won't hurt, for sure. Your other quals are entirely reputable. You'll land on your feet somewhere/sometime - but it's important to be realistic about your chances in Spain/EU.

If we had something to offer in my uni in Netherlands that would work for a non-EU candidate, we would want to talk to you. But as things are, we're deluged by EU member citizens with equal or greater quals to yours-and there's little chance that I'd be able to talk management into jumping through the considerable financial and legal hoops to make an offer in these economic times.

You might find someone in a real bind who will go to the lengths required to get you - but I honestly think it's a long shot this year.

[gjeo]

Thank you spiral 78.
Let me see how things works out. Courses like the Trinity TESOL and CELTA in Spain are more than what I could afford now. I was counting on the Canterbury TEFL's offers - paid practice teaching, Spanish lessons, 15 hour a week job assurance after the course etc. I will try to get a clear picture before I make a decision.
I wanted to pm you, but the adm says that I need at least 25 posts to do that! If you think there would be any opportunity for me in Netherlands, please do let me know.

[spiral78]

gjeo - just now, I'm pretty sure there wouldn't be anything for you in my area of the Netherlands. However, our uni is partnering with some universities in India and we are expecting to have more and more students coming from there in 2009/2010. It's possible that a year from now we could have real need for more well-qualified language teachers from India, who would have specific insights into the linguistic challenges faced by Indian students studying abroad. We have already a couple of such people on staff, but if the student numbers grow...we'll be lookng probably next summer.

[gjeo]

That's glad news
Will your university look for international teaching degrees or Masters+ teaching degrees+PhD from good Indian universities will suffice?

[DMcK]

[gjeo]

Dear DMcK,
That was a very informative answer. I will think over the negative aspects you've mentioned. I will keep the other options open, but if I fail to get anything really good before mid July, I may consider this course as an opportunity for a vacation trip+a teachng degree+a total immersion Spanish course. The good thing is that I can come back and join the job I already have in my country.
And it is good to hear that there are employment opportunities in Spain if I could get a CELTA. It seems I can do CELTA in my country as well, which would help me save my travel expenses.
Will take the time I have to make a good decision. Your response was truly helpful.

[gjeo]

I just found this link
http://www.hylandmadrid.com/en/training/celta.htm
It costs 1450 Euros and guarantee jobs in Hayland for those who get A and B grades. No language classes, and nothing mentioned about the need to be proficient in Spanish to do the course or to teach in Madrid. But I guess it would be difficult to survive there if one knows no Spanish.
Anyway, this should be he option for those who care for international recognition.

[DMcK]

My CELTA cost 700 euros and comes with a nice British Council shine.

I know nothing of the place you've linked but I've heard of people doing a CELTA and having 3 people in their TP group. The minimum is meant to be 4 (i think - maybe 6??). If you go to somewhere like IH or the BC then you'll get the most for your money.

[christine13]

[gjeo]

The link was about a Cambridge course. I am interested in the 700 Euro CELTA - where did you do it, and when? Please do give more details if possible. I tried to get info on the Oxford TESOL courses in Cadiz and Barcelona too - they do cost 1400 Euros and more.