Job Discussion Forums

Traveller84 · Joined: 17 Apr 2008 Posts: 15

Hi there,

I'm looking to see if anyone has worked as a Spanish English Assistant (I know the US and Australia have this program) and was able to live comfortably and maybe even save a bit of money? I know it depends a lot on which part of Spain, but I'd love to hear about your experiences.

I believe the current salary is 700 Euros a month for 12 hours of classes, so I'm also wondering if anyone was able to do some private classes on the side? I have a BA and a CELTA certificate.

Cheers,

Lachlan

jonniboy · Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2009 8:01 pm Post subject:

Never done it. Live off, probably yes. You'd be on the ground and could top up with privates but there's competition for that and it's often a lot of hassle, cancellations etc. "Saving money" and "Spain" don't go in the same sentence!

hollyhirst · Joined: 19 Sep 2009 Posts: 11

Actually I�d give a lot more positive view of the situation. I live in Extremadura and have been a language assistant for the last 2 years. The salary is more than enough to live off in a place like this (i.e. not a big city). Also, in places like this it can be really easy to get extra work. I have to turn away about half the people who come to me for lessons and I earn enough through an afternoon job in a private academy (that I got while I was living here) and private lessons to not have to touch the money I get from my assistanceship. My standard of living is good. I have my own flat and have enough money to travel and treat myself regulary to things such as the cinema and meals out.
If you want to live in Madrid, Barcelona or some of the richer provinces you'll have more problems but if you�re willing to live in slightly more out of the way places and less desired regions of Spain (less desired by applicants) you'll get on very well.

Pauleddy · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 295 Location: The Big Mango

Extremadura is very beautiful in places, and also very hot in summer.

Traditionally it was one of the "backward" areas of Spain, and even now it is a big dusty place with fewer people than other parts. I like it because the people are old-fashioned/polite and because there arent the clubs and bars scenes of trendy cities.

I am sure that there would be jobs there, because only a tiny fraction of teachers head there.

Eddy

hollyhirst · Joined: 19 Sep 2009 Posts: 11

Yeah, I should have mentioned about the summer. I always bail out in summer. It gets pretty intense!

Malou · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 5

Helpful advice, thanks! Extremadura seems really nice, I might look into it...

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I think the level of payment for Language Assistants throughout Europe is set at a level just below subsitence. I was one once - many years ago, but not in Spain. It is how I started learning this craft of ESL-ing.

If I were starting over again I would make a different career choice. Bus driver ?

sarahg · Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Posts: 47 Location: San Diego, CA

hollyhirst · Joined: 19 Sep 2009 Posts: 11

Sorry I didn't get back WAY before this, I didn't realise there was another message.

I'm not sure if the situation is more risky for Americans but as an Englishwoman it was easy and totally uncomplicated for me to get an extra job (and totally legal!). All the assistants that I know give extra classes and earn a nice bit extra every week.

Insubordination · Joined: 07 Nov 2007 Posts: 394 Location: Sydney

Kind of OT but if you are anywhere near Extremadura in Spain (say on the way to Seville), then you have to visit Merida. What an outstanding and unexpected treat!

hollyhirst · Joined: 19 Sep 2009 Posts: 11

Personally, I prefer Caceres!

Mrguay84 · Joined: 03 Dec 2009 Posts: 125

Hola, just wondering. Are these British Council jobs? Or is there some other scheme?

hollyhirst · Joined: 19 Sep 2009 Posts: 11

Mine is a British council job but there are other schemes from other countries

Mrguay84 · Joined: 03 Dec 2009 Posts: 125

hollyhirst · Joined: 19 Sep 2009 Posts: 11

As I say, the 700 on it's own is doable and there are plenty of opportunities (generally) to earn a bit more cash. And if you're not averse to living in smaller towns or more of the beaten track than Madrid, Barcelona and the rest of the major tourist cities...then rent can be pretty cheap (I don't think anyone could say that 100 euros a month for a room in a nice shared flat is really that much of a rip off!)
As far as I know, the only scheme for English people is the British council but I think we all get payed the same anyway because it's all organised through the Spanish ministerio or the Juntas and, it seems to me, assistants from all different countries are earning the same.