Job Discussion Forums

[AndUrPointIs]

Hey guys,

I was hoping to get some advice on what might appear to be an obvious solution. Still, I feel like I'm at a crossroads, and would appreciate the help in making a final decision.

This year I will be taking a Celta course. I am considering taking the course in either Prague or Barcelona. Prague is in the running because of the course fee as well as the cheaper cost of living. However, Barcelona is being considered because of the early August date in which the course is being offered. As I understand it, hiring season begins in late August to early October, which means I will be done with my course in Barcelona just in time to hopefully find a job.

Now, my question is, is it wiser to take my chances during an off season and take the course in Prague(Sept 2nd- 29th) while saving some cash or should I choose Barcelona and shell out more money for what might be a greater chance at finding work once the class is over?

[naturegirl321]

Institutes tend to hire pretty much year round, with the exception of holidays and vacation times, so you should be able to find a job or two when you graduate. Keep in mind that no matter if you're in Barcelona or Prague or wherever, since you're just starting your career, it will be a little more difficult. The good thing is that your course provider should also be able to help you out. Go where you think is best for you.

[spiral78]

In fact, Prague is a pretty tight job market and it's not always possible to find work year round. If you'll read some of the posts on the Czech Rep forum, you'll see lots of evidence from a range of posters to corroborate this.

If you take the later course in Prague, you will find yourself (as you are aware) just past the hiring peak. You might be able to offset this (assuming you want to work in the CR) by lining up interviews in advance of your completing the course. It is true that some contracts don't start until the end of September, and I'd imagine that you would still have a chance to get something, though it's easier a month earlier.

Your nationality also makes a considerable difference here. The Czech Republic does still issue work permits to non-EU member citizens, but it requires quite a lot of paperwork for your potential employer. They do it, but if there is a UK candidate with similar quals, they will likely be preferred.

The difficulties of getting a work visa as a newbie in Spain have been discussed at great length and in many strange (illegal) directions on the Spain board. Enjoy!

If you are from the UK, both venues become a bit easier, but the timing issues still apply. If you're in need of a relatively immediate job, you might be safer in Barca, with the earlier course. There will likely be more openings available in early Sept as opposed to later.

On the issue of the help that course providers give: they can get you in contact with reputable schools in the area, but unless you are taking a course from a company that runs a large school and hires its own grads, they can't 'get' you a job. Of course you'll have to contact employers and go through interviews, demo lessons, contract negotiations (hopefully) and all that stuff on your own, as usual. Again, you can find more about 'job guarantees' by searching the Czech and Spain boards.

[AndUrPointIs]

Naturegirl and Spiral, thank you both so much for all the info. Very helpful! I will check out the Spain and Czech posts.

Thanks alot!