Job Discussion Forums

[JeffKenna]

Hi or Hola�

I don�t really want to bore you with my current situation, but I will anyway. Briefly at least. I�m currently working in an elementary public school in South Korea, but my contract will end in a couple of months. I�ll return home, see my friends/family etc and HOPEFULLY be successful in getting a PGCE place starting in Sep 2011.

Anyway, I�m planning on staying home (England by the way) until after Christmas/New Year. Possibly work on my Spanish in this time too! So ideally I could work between January-August 2011 in Spain. My two main questions are �

1) Is a CELTA absolutely necessary for working in Spain? As I�ll be doing my PGCE, I don�t really want to shell out over a grand on a course that MAY only be useful for a few months. I also understand that you�re going to be a lot more lucrative to employers with that on your CV.

2) Most importantly, I suppose, can I get a job for 6 months? I�ve read on here (admittedly, only a small amount) that it�s best to look for a job while you�re in the country. Generally speaking, what sort of positions are offered? Privates or in school jobs? Are there contracts offered for 6 months? I�m prepared to be schooled on this, I have absolutely no idea if my idea is doable. Just be brutally honest here

Essentially, what do you think my plan of action should be? 6 months teaching in Spain from Jan-Jun/Aug 2011. I don�t particularly have to make money, just the experience of working in Spain would be great.

Appreciate any responses!

[Insubordination]

I taught in Spain from Jan-June '09 on a six-month contract. I got the job about a week before I had to start. The guy before me did not come back/was not asked back after Christmas. Your plan is possible.

Spanish employers prefer people with a CELTA but just apply anyway because they really do consider other things. I know of teachers who didn't have a degree but had a CELTA/Korean experience or had a PCGE but no CELTA. Your experience with elementary-aged kids will be valued as it's a big market. Also, if you're young, that helps.

I would email/visit schools/check online starting in in Nov.

[JeffKenna]

Cheers, I appreciate your response. I'm 23, so very young. Possibly too young!

You said I should start applying in November, but I doubt I could be in Spain during this time. I guess this will effect my chances of getting a job.... pretty drastically? Although I'll definitely send out letters/e-mail to schools in Nov.

Thanks!

[SirKirby]

You definitely give yourself a much better chance of a job if you are here.

For a January start, you'd want to be here between about Dec 13 and 22. Failing that, after Jan 10. Between those dates, there'll be nothing much doing as schools will be closed.