Job Discussion Forums

[sarahg]

I'm planning to apply to one of these programs this fall, as I graduate from college this year and would like to teach abroad (these seem like the best option outside Asia for a new graduate from the US, as I won't have significant savings so I'd like a job and legal stuff lined up before I leave the country). However, I'm having a hard time deciding which country to apply to first. Can anyone give me advice? Here are the factors I'm looking at:

-Cost of living for a student lifestyle (the cost of public transport, cheap restaurants, shared accommodations, etc -- I won't be buying vehicles, raising children, etc). I think the salary in Spain is about 100E lower than France.
-Availability of public transport outside major cities, since I may be placed in the country or suburbs
-Demand for English tutoring and private lessons, so I can supplement my income a bit
-Central location to travel to other countries most conveniently and cheaply, since I plan to do as much weekend travel as I can afford (obviously France)
-I prefer to be near warm weather and beaches where I could surf occasionally, and I do love going out, dancing, partying (Spain)
-Likelihood of being able to use the experience to get a university job (I know some French assistants have gone on to be lecteurs/lectrices, not sure if this possibility exists in Spain)
-Quality and affordability of universities, as I might want to take language courses or stick around for a Master's
-Availability of vegetarian/pescetarian food (I do eat seafood but no other meat)
-Regarding lifestyle, I do love going out and partying but I could live without it

Also, I read on the French Assistants forum that many of them got free housing from their schools. Anyone know if Spanish assistants ever get free housing?

Any insight into which country might give me more of what I'm looking for? I currently speak both languages at the intermediate level, so even though I don't have to apply for a few months, I do want to concentrate my language studying on the country I'll be applying for.

[naturegirl321]

I'd say, apply to both, see if you get accepted, then decide. From what I know from living in Spain, unemployment is high, so less income for private classes, More disposable income in France, probably, but higher prices as well

[Nmarie]

[quebecoisbound]

Competitive? I don't think so. Not at all universities. I taught as a lecteur for two years in Lille. I was hired in June and started in September. All it took was a phone call to the University of Lille 3. I had one "interview" with the director of the lecteur program.

Just keep in mind, you have to be proactive for these positions. Not all universities are "competitive".

[sarahg]