Job Discussion Forums

ManlySpirit · Joined: 05 May 2010 Posts: 10

Hey guys,

I'm wondering if some of you could give me some advice in what to do. I am 20 years old and have obtained my Spanish passport, and will be moving to Spain this August/September. I am fluent in both Spanish and English, and plan to pursuing college over in Spain. Now, I need a form of income, so I settled on the idea of teaching English as a foreign language.

I don't have any college degrees, but I do have my diploma, and some college credits (which are useless over there). As I mentioned, I'm fluent in both English and Spanish, and have had plenty of experience in dealing with foreign languages (I took two years of French in HS, and self taught in Japanese). So while i may have a disadvantage over other English teachers, I do have SOME advantages.

Now, more than anything, I want to know what certificate I should get, and where to get it. Should I get certified here in the US while in the comfort of my own home, or should I do it over in Spain, I've read that some schools abroad have contacts, and will set you up with a job. However, if I've learned anything, it's that if you want something done, you gotta do it yourself. I'm leaning towards the idea of getting certified here, as I can still get a job here should I run out of money. Over in Spain, things may not be so easy due to the crisis and 20% unemployment. However, I'm not afraid to move forward. Also the city I plan on moving to is Madrid, as I've heard that it has the most opportunities (at least more than Barcelona).

As for my plan, currently saving money comes first, once I'm in Europe, it'll be getting a source of income, and settling down. Then I'll prepare for "Selectividad" and move onward to University Education.

Anyways, any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance. Smile

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

You'll definately need a CELTA (or equivalent). I wouldn't really listen to any of the 'TEFL schools can get you jobs' thing - they just send your CV out to a lot of companies and someone will usually respond to offer a few hours. You could do the same yourself, it'll just take a little more work.

Without a degree (and at 20) it'll be a little difficult getting a decent job. More likely it'll be low pay, crap hours and quite far from anywhere. I know one person who has done it though so anything is possible. But they're not earning enough to save for uni. Not sure if you'll be charged foreigner rates either in Europe now you have a Spanish passport - I'm guessing you will as you've never actually lived in Europe (I presume) so university will be really expensive.

As for the languages - it's an added bonus, but nothing that will make up for a lack of degree.

ManlySpirit · Joined: 05 May 2010 Posts: 10

As far as Uni goes, I've done my research and its actually a lot cheaper for me, over there than it would be for me studying here in the US. Not only that, but I can also apply for scholarships over there.

Anyways, onward to the more important subject. CELTA is standardized, unlike the TEFL courses, isn't it? So no matter where i get it, its still worth the same right?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Yes, CELTA is the name brand and will be recognised everywhere.

ManlySpirit · Joined: 05 May 2010 Posts: 10

awesome, thanks for the answers guys

now i want your opinion... what would you recommend? take the course, here in the US, where i would have to fly to miami, and find a way to survive a month, or do it in Spain and wing it?

im kinda leaning torwards, doing it in Miami, but i want other opinins as well.

again, thanks in advance guys.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Doing it in Miami seems a bit useless (though of course the CELTA will be valued) when you could do it in Spain!

There are lots of very good reasons to take a course in the country where you want to start working, if at all possible.

Training in-country offers you a great chance to get your feet wet in the country/culture while you still have a support system � they usually arrange for your housing during the course, airport pickup, and local orientation. Your practice teaching students will really be representative of those you�ll be working with when you start. A training centre in country can give you invaluable contacts and advice regarding reputable local employers.