Job Discussion Forums

[DosEquisX]

All I seem to hear about from people is working in Madrid and Barcelona. However, I'm interested in the possibility of working outside of the big two cities in Spain.

From what I see, it appears that the salary change in the ESL market between cities in Spain isn't really that large if there is one at all. On the other hand, the cost of living between the cities is quite large according to some simple research. While I don't get into teaching to get rich (who does?), I'd like to live in a smaller city where my money can go further even if I have to sacrifice a first-world life (I'm teaching in China at the moment).

What cities would be a good fit if I wanted to teach in a smaller city?

[Perilla]

[DosEquisX]

Not too fond of rainy, cold weather. The inside of my nose would freeze up in Wuhan during the winter.

I'm not particularly demanding regarding language and expats. I mean if everybody could speak English, then I wouldn't be able to get a job there. I have a basic knowledge in Spanish. With some intensive classes, I won't have to be that picky.

Not sure what the crime rate is throughout Spain. Naturally, I would prefer avoiding the more dangerous cities in the country. I don't want to walk around worried that I'll get knifed.

Since I don't have a car, good public transport needs to be readily available.

I've lived in China for the last 3 years. As far as I know, Spain is a first-world country. So long as I don't live in some rural, middle of nowhere area, then there's not much issue there.

[Perilla]

[DosEquisX]

Thanks for the advice. Valencia, Seville, and Malaga all seem like promising places. What is the market for adult education in those cities?

[imisssaitama]

Try Zaragoza. Pretty small, pretty nice, not much expat competition and tons of jobs for native speakers. And very dry!

[DosEquisX]

Thanks for the tip imisssaitama

I was looking at Alicante as a possible destination for teaching. Anybody on the ground there?

[DosEquisX]

Here are some more detailed factors that I have considered:

1. Not Madrid or Barcelona. They are simply too big for me to handle.
2. Learning Spanish - I do not want to live in a region where I will be speaking a regional language. I want to learn and use Spanish. So I guess that would knock out Catalonia, Galicia, Valencian Community, and Basque Country.
3. Relaxed, laid-back pace - I have a hard time handling the hustle and bustle of large cities. I need to live in a slow-paced environment.
4. Limited Foreigners - I want to experience life in Spain rather than traveling through Spain. I don't want to get stuck in a large circle of expat friends. Not to offend foreigners, but my best friends have always been natives.
5. Not Rainy - I think that knocks out the northern part of Spain
6. Job Market - I want to get a job
7. Good Public Transport - I won't own a car in Spain when I first get there.
8. Affordable - I'd prefer to avoid costly cities

[jonniboy]

[DosEquisX]

[SirKirby]

It seems to me that people are making the mistake of saying "I want to go THERE!" when in fact it's probably better to be thinking "There's a JOB there!". You need to be flexible geographically, especially if you don't have a lot of experience.

You're cutting you chances of finding work if you say "I want to go to (say) Valladolid because their accent is easier to understand than in (say) Jerez".

If you're being offered a job in (say) Murcia, take it!

[DosEquisX]

As far as I know, you'll only be offered the job if you're already in the city which is why selecting the right city is important.

There are jobs available in every major (and even not so major) city so long as you are willing to put your nose to the grindstone and keep interviewing. Since you can only interview in one city at a time, it would be smart to be selective with where you want to work.

[jonniboy]

[Perilla]

[DosEquisX]

What kind of pay should I expect in a city such as Malaga or Valencia? I would imagine that the pay would be much lower than Madrid or Barcelona.