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jonniboy · Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 11:36 pm Post subject:

Maybe just about possible depending on the credit card Wink

though also I should point out that the figures I mentioned my last post above as well as being based on cheaper prices in a smaller city (rent cost me 90 euro a month plus 90 deposit) are based on exchange rates of �1000 = �630 rather than the current �1000 = �900 In total, 2 attempts to set myself up in Spain probably cost me somewhere around �6500 -7000 Crying or Very sad

To be honest given the situation in Spain now, I can't understand why anyone would move there, for me it's like quitting your job as an admin assistant cos that doesn't pay enough in order to chase jobs as a factory worker...

ESL-head · Joined: 08 Nov 2009 Posts: 9

Esteemed colleagues,

Despite the gross simplification of my answer (which I simply put as a summary of most foreigner's opinion in barcelona) the issue of Catalan is very very complicated.

In fact, it is so complicated that you can't really comment on it unless you have lived for a long time deep within Catalan society. Being a teacher for a couple of years doesn't really count. Once you live and work within the community - have your children in Catalan schools - then you can begin to have a feel for it.

You see, Ireland is a great example. There is no country with a greater sense of nationakl identity than Ireland. But they don't force children to go to Irish speaking schools. If you live in the Valencian community they have classes which speak Spanish (during all classes - biology etc... )and classes that speak Valencian.)

In Catalalunya, however, despite the fact that in towns like mine the majority of people speak Spanish, all the children are forced to speak Catalan. Catalunya is full of european immigrants, south american immigrants, internal immigrants, and a hell of a lot of its natives speak Spanish rather than Catalan ... but they are all forced to be educated in Catalan. It's a political agenda without the freedom of choice enshrined in the spanish constitution.

like I said... it's complex...

Have a good weekend.

strictly_nicky · Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Posts: 25

ESL-head · Joined: 08 Nov 2009 Posts: 9

Well, thanks Tricky...

at least someone aknowledges the complexity of it. And I come from Castelldefels -a notoriously international town. Anyway, back to the topic...

I completelly disagree that people who go to Barca will also retrospectively justify their decision. Why? because you only need to retrospectively justify a decision that was a bad one ... like choosing to live in Madrid for example, when you cokld have lived in a coastal loungezone, cultural powerhouse and world-class city.

Guys, I like Madrid... I like Madrille�os... but you can not seriously compare Madrid with Barcelona.

And as far as the bloke goes who was asking about could he do this and that with a 1000 pounds... I think he should know that both Madrid and Barcelona are disguistingly outrageously over-priced, under-paid and you really should go somewhere else unless you've got family here or loads of dough.

E.

mozzar · Joined: 16 May 2009 Posts: 339 Location: France

Pigeon_85 · Joined: 28 Aug 2009 Posts: 23

Well 'ESL-head' you certainly seem like you enjoy talking so please offer up some of your wisdom on how much you think it costs to live for a month or so while looking for work in Madrid as I don't have 'loads of dough' as you put it.

I do have lots of friends who are teachers there who are currently turning down work as they have too much. Wink

Now this maybe unique cases but it is certainly a positive.

Also - a 'featureless dust bowl' please explain as I have not heard any negative comments from other people about Madrid yet except that it can get pretty steaming in the summer?

Gracias!

ESL-head · Joined: 08 Nov 2009 Posts: 9

ha ha amigo, it's true... I do like a bit of a chin-wag, and even though I was going to write to an ex-girlfriend about a curiously erotic dream I just had about her, I will reply to you instead.

rent 400
bills 50
food 200
transport 50 ish
beer (variable depending on appetitie)+ leisure (books, cine etc etc) 200
Assorted who knows what 100

that comes to a 1000

however, bear in mind you might have to wait for two months before you get a full schedule (if you're doing company classes) then christmas will come along and you'll have a lot of cancelled classes and it's never plain sailing.

it all depends how fast you can establish yourself and if you get in with a good, solid school.

Erm... yeah... the featureless dustbowl... it really is a place with no natural beauty whatsoever (nice park, though,)However it is a very nice city. There are also so many beautiful women that it kind of makes up for it. As for the climate... your description is a classic understatement made by people living in Madrid. even in May the temperature can start hitting way over 100 degrees fahrenheit.... during the summer it is often the same temperature as Saudi arabia (check google) ... but it's cold in winter.

By the way...it's definitely true there are more opportunities in Madrid. If you are strapped for cash do not come to Barcelona.

to conclude, erase what I said about spain... you could make a living in Madrid... but it's always subject to the many insecurities of life as a teacher - no permanent contract, summer with little/no work.

catch that plane

Pigeon_85 · Joined: 28 Aug 2009 Posts: 23

Wow thanks for the great reply! Appreciated.

I do understand the insecurites, no permanent contract etc. I have been doing my research and the positives of living and working in Spain, the lifestyle etc seem to outway the negatives.

I'm thinking, well 95% sure I will come in January. If that doesn't work out then maybe Japan? I kinda have my heart set of Spain though so hopefully if I'm committed to that it'll work out.

Where do you teach then?

Ciao.