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SaratheSlytherin · Joined: 21 Jul 2009 Posts: 137 Location: North Carolina

Everyone and their dog knows how difficult (nearly impossible) it is for US citizens to legally find work in Spain... I knew this before day one of my Tefl course (I possess a TESOL Certificate now).

It's really depressing. I did my Tefl course in Spain and fell in love with it... in spite of how difficult it is I have my heart set on going back. I'm feeling badly. I realize how difficult this is but I don't like to give up when I want something.

It sucks so much... most of the people in Spain that I met seemed friendly and kind but I sometimes feel like the government is hostile to us or outright hates us. At any rate their snotty rules are such a drag... but I'm so in love with Spain.

I don't wanna work illegally because of the possible repercussions.

I talked to some other teachers and trainees and I have heard this: I've been told that if a US citizen possesses a student visa, that he/she can teach up to a certain number of hours.

Is this true? What would be involved?

I already have my university degree and speak Spanish on a native level.

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

Essentially, you would have to be studying in Spain - a masters or another degree.

marclar · Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2010 8:08 am Post subject:

Did you ever end up finding out about the study option?

I am an Australian who has recently completed my TESOL certificate and am finding the same problems finding work as a non EU citizen. I too was thinking if I could get over there on a study visa then at least I would be in Spain and could then work out my next move.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Here's some info. And yes, Rolling Eyes

before anyone jumps down my throat, I'm not saying these programmes are easy, or non-competitive, or well-paying or what have you. All I'm saying is that it IS possible for non-EU passport holders to work legally in Spain without marrying a Spaniard.

the Ministry of Education has a Language and Culture Assistant Programme for American, Australian, Austrian, Belgian, British, Canadian, Chinese, Dutch, German, Italian, Irish, Luxembourgian, New Zealander, or Portuguese who have a college degree. The programme last for 8 months from October to May. You can apply between November to March. Fulbright also has teaching assistantships. Franklin Institute's Master in Bilingual and Multicultural Education that allows you to teach in schools and earn a masters degree in the process.

If you're willing to pay for a visa, there are a couple options available to you. CIEE has a Language and Culture Assistantship Programme in Andulucia. There is a placement fee though. English Unlimited has been known to help with visas. Best Programs can help you get visas for teaching English and internships in Spain.