Job Discussion Forums

CAZ13 · Joined: 14 Mar 2005 Posts: 8

I am a Canadian citizen hoping to go to Spain to take the Canterbury English course next fall, but I have heard many different things about work visas in Europe and don't know what to believe. Also, I have heard many different things about the Canterbury English course on here, and also don't know what to believe for that. Is it worth my while to take that course, or should I just take a regular course from home. The other course I was considering was Oxford Seminars, it also seems pretty good. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 5:18 pm Post subject:

Don�t know anything about Canterbury, but the visa situation is (or was 3 years ago) rather difficult in Spain. If you have, or can wrangle, an EU passport, no problem. If you can't, or don't, it gets harder.

As a member of the EU, Spain practices preferential hiring for EU citizens. Hence, most of the teachers I knew there were British. A highly qualified North American who lines up a job before going can usually get work papers, but if you just show up and look for work, then it�s virtually impossible to get a legal visa.
Of course, Spain is not the most law abiding of European countries, and there are many people there who are working illegally- I've done it, but you can imagine some of the problems it creates.

regards,
Justin

CAZ13 · Joined: 14 Mar 2005 Posts: 8

Thanks Justin, for your reply so quickly!
I just have one more question, I dont think it will be possible for me to get an EU since both I and my parents were born in Canada, Grandparents from Germany, but when I do try to get a visa, do I do it before I go, or do I have to wait until I get there? And if I do end up taking this course, it is 1 month long, for that would I just need to get a travel Visa?
Thanks!
C