Job Discussion Forums

[hermosarosi]

Hello everyone,

Who can give me the insiders advice for teaching in Spain? I want to know every detail...where to go, how to look for jobs, where to look for apartments...what cities are better for work?....

I have my M.A. in TESOL, a year of experience working at the community college level. I believe I am highly qualified, and can possibly teach at a college or language academy there.

Please offer some insight.

Thanks,

Rosanna

[mozzar]

While your qualfications are good, the biggest hurdle you will face is finding some to employ you as an American (I'm guessing from your location). They want people with EU work permits. Also, do you have some Spanish language ability?

Here's a brief bit of info though, more can be found in other threads:

- Madrid is the biggest city and has the most jobs.
- Jobs are normally found on site.
- There's a thread just below this one about apartments.

Good luck!

[spiral78]

I am a North American citizen with an MA TESL/TEFL from a reputable British university and 12+ years of experience in the field (along with other minor quals and publications and stuff).

I teach at a uni in Western Europe (not Spain) on an exceptional work permit.

However, the requirements are very stringent: the university must be able to successfully argue that no EU candidate could match your quals for the position.

In my case, I have specialist quals that apply to this particular position. Further, I had earlier-established contacts at the uni and have local contacts and language skills.

With all the highly-qualified Brits running about Spain - it's highly unlikely that you'll find the backing to get an exceptional visa.

[Pauleddy]

There are many posts about this.

Since the rules changed some years ago, US citizens cannot work in Spain. Brits and other EU people can do. Canadians--I guess the same as USA.

There are odd or occasional posts about US people who have found 'black' work as nannies etc. but the situation is not promising.

I am one of many highly--qualified Brits with a uni background, but the sort of job I want is rare in Spain.

If you are caught working in Spain (as non-EU), you can be permanently expelled with a large red stamp in the passport.

Eddy

[Moore]

There is still plenty of work in Madrid for non-paper holders: only thing is that most of it is pretty low grade. Someone as well qualified as yourself would be much better off working in the Middle East or Asia and just going on long holidays in Spain.

There are loads of Americans, Canadian, Ozzies etc. are working here and they do just fine, but it's more "good time, not a long time" level jobs and cash. They generally teach private classes where a good qualification makes little difference, but a bit of Spanish, clean cut looks and willingness to work with kids does.




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[hermosarosi]

Thank you everyone for your assistance. I'm actually fluent in Spanish since my parents are Argentinean and I used to live there when I was little so Spanish is not a problem for me.

I feel too qualified for Mickey mouse jobs yet underqualified for others. I'm in a tough bind but I'd love to get a couple of years in of experience abroad. However I will not do any black market work or anything that is under the table so I guess I'm in a pickle.

Spain is extremely interesting to me and I wouldn't want to go anywhere else...I know Asia has a huge demand for English instructors but it is not my geographical area of preference.