Job Discussion Forums

[zrazzle2]

Right,

Not necessarily asking for advice but feel free to tell me if there are any flaws or offer advice anyway!

More just saying hello...

Did a CELTA (Grade B) in 2007...worked for about six months in the evenings with the intention of moving to Spain to teach. Girlfriend derailed that...now the girlfriend is gone and I find myself a few more years down the track in a job I hate with no ties.

So, since Jan I have gained voluntary experience assisting a techer at Croydon Adult Learning and Training, in their Esol classes. I've also been doing private Esol tuition through Top Tutors.

Plan is to save 3K (living at home at the moment) by end of Sep. Then first few days of October to head to Barcelona, specifically Cerdanyola where I have a friend who has been looking into acommodation and stuff.

I am going to see if I can get a job in Cerdanolya but also look at schools in Barcelona itself as the commute is only 10 mins, and there is Bicing

Actually I lied there are some questions:

1) will first few days of October be too late? I really can't save the safety money needed before end of Sep...

2) I'm 29 years old and I personally don't think that is too late...i'm right aren't I?!

3) I'm choosing to ignore the fact that it's been a few years since I did the CELTA...at least I have a TINY bit of experience since then?

So that is the plan, hello to you all, i'll keep you posted if you are interested.

Would be good to hear from other people who are planning on making the leap.

Cheers!

Martyn

[Perilla]

I'm not an expert on working/teaching in Spain - but as I'm hoping to retire there asap I take a keen interest in the forum. Anyway, you're certainly not too old! I did my CELTA at 34 (with no teaching experience before that) and headed for Asia the following year. But, judging by what others have posted here, if you arrive in October you might have missed the boat - most schools seem to recruit in Sept.

Maybe, given that you have a contact over there and a certain amount of savvy, you can forego the 3K safety net (say 2K?) and get there a bit earlier for the jobfest.

[zrazzle2]

Cheers Perilla!

Hmm...yeah that is my concern too...maybe I can make it say two weeks earlier to see if that'd make a difference...if only I hadn't have been so spend happy this Summer!

[Moore]

Hello, I wouldn't worry too much about arriving the first few days of October: September is best, but companies are confirming their training courses later and later these days, so there are still plenty of jobs going in early October: just don't leave it TOO long.

Your age is fine: not too young as to lack respect from older students, but not too old as to be out of touch: most of my students average 30 years old, so 29 is great.

A CELTA is a solid qualification, and that plus a bit of experience will put you ahead of a great deal of the field.

If you really want to maximise your chances though, Madrid has more work and less competition for jobs: doesn't have a beach, but has a lot of other things going for it - don't rule it out!



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[zrazzle2]

Hi Moore,

Thanks so much for the encouragement!

I think I will aim for the last week in September, so I can still get a semi-full last pay from my job, but also have the satisfcation of handing my notice in before my yearly appraisal!

I have been to Madrid and loved it but the fact I know a couple of people in Barna (plus am a regular attendee of Primavera Sound) gives it the slight edge. Apparently apartments in Cerdonyola are around 200-250 a month so I am going to make it my base rather than Barna itself.

Thanks again! Keep the thoughts coming!

[zrazzle2]

Ok, so it's all kicking off today...

I sent a few CVs to some schools in Cerdanyola as a way of testing the water and one of them just got back to me asking me for an interview. Not sure if this will be by phone or if I am going to be boosting my carbon footprint even more...

But, they use the 'Rapidway' system...anyone know anything about this?

Martyn

[spiral78]

But, they use the 'Rapidway' system...anyone know anything about this?

Sorry - I can't be helpful; I'm simply curious.

I suspect a Berlitz-style audiolinguistic/drooling dog thing - I've googled Rapidway and get nothing. I'd be really curious how the school describes this - do keep us posted if you get more info!

[zrazzle2]

morning Spiral!

They want to interview me around the 8th September, so I have changed my plans, adjusted my budget, and am going to go around that time instead.

Good to have an interview lined up and if that doesn't work out i'll be there for, hopefully, the hiring time. This means I can hand in my notice in just over a week...

I have asked for more info on the rapid system, so shall let you guys know when I find out more. I know berlitz type methods aren't too popular, but there must be SOME good experiences? Is it at least good as just a starting point, or does working with this sort of system somehow tarnish you for getting other jobs later down the line?

Cheers!

Martyn

[spiral78]

If it turns out to Berlitz or Callan-style, it just doesn't boost your CV much for other schools later on in terms of useful experience.

The fixed-approach schools can be pretty good employers - some people really like Berlitz in some locations as they're treated well and find the teaching relatively easy.

If this school turns out to be a fixed-approach school, but everything else looks good, it can be a decent entry into the area. To offset the negative of learning/practicing only one approach, you can keep your CELTA skills honed on private students, and put that experience (hopefully along with a letter of recommendation or two from private students) on your CV as well, when you are ready to move on.

Good luck!

[zrazzle2]

thanks for the tips Spiral!

Just booked my flight...

I guess this slight scary feeling is normal!!!