Job Discussion Forums

ihaveitchyfeet · Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 8 Location: Los Angeles

Anyone heard about S.I.T.'s Langage (that's without the U) TESOL program in Barcelona? I know that SIT is a school based in Vermont (actually looked at their US degree programs), but have never heard anything about this program to get certified and teach in Barcelona.

While I'm at it, I've only read about teaching in Madrid so any feedback on teaching in Barcelona is appreciated. I've heard that they speak Catalan, which makes it tougher to learn "mainstream" Spanish. But does it differ the way a Southern dialect sounds versus a Californian speaking? What kind of difference are we talking here?

Location-wise, I would much prefer Barcelona (closer to the ocean and to France, where I have friends).

Words from the wise, please!

Meg4 · Joined: 26 Oct 2004 Posts: 31 Location: Madrid

I can't give you much info about teaching in Barcelona except to say that I've heard it's more difficult to find work there than in Madrid, for example. It seems there are a lot of people who want to live in Barcelona and not enough work for everyone (especially if you're non EU).
Hopefully, someone else can give you some specific information. You also ask about Catalan:

leighbjames · Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Posts: 1

I took the SIT Langage TESOL course in September and had a great experience with the program. It was a small class with three trainers and I felt that I got a lot of good attention. We also taught starting teh second week which for me was very useful to get the hands on experience while still taking the class. SIT is reputable and is accreditted which is very important for the TESOL teaching world. The Barcelona program just started in August but SIT in general has been around for years. It�s definitely legit. The course is also given at a language school which gives you better chances for finding work.

I know someone else responded to the language issue and she�s right on. Catalan is the main language but everyone speaks spanish too. It�s also easy to get around with english. If you want to learn spanish it is likely that you have to seek it out because it�s so easy to speak english most of the time.

As for Barcelona as a city - it is fantastic to live in. Also it hasn�t been hard for me or my friends to find work quickly. I finsihed my TESOL course on a Friday and was working on Monday. That�s one of the biggest plusses about the course, the carreer advisor there is very dedicated to his job and really wants to help you find work. Without him it would have been tough to be working so soon.

Good luck!

timmyjames1976 · Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 148

Do you have the website or any contact info for S.I.T. by any chance?

Granada Girl · Joined: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 40 Location: Guizhou, China

Barcelona is absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I lived in Granada for 1.5 years, Madrid 1yr. and Barna for 2 yrs! I recently left Barna to go to Asia for a few years but I totally plan on moving back!!!! It just gives me such an incredible feeling!!!!!
As for Catalan, the Generalitat offers free classes for immigrants, legal or not. They're pretty decent but you gotta sign up ASAP b/c the spaces fill quickly. I also had a private Catalan tutor. We exchanged English classes for Catalan classes. She was an actual Catalan teacher rather than just a native. I wanted to learn it just so I could understand everyone, for the most part. Also, the Catalans absolutely love it if you make an effort.
Man, I could go on and on about Barna, or just Spain in general!!!!

I didn't have too much trouble finding work but I did have some experience under my belt. One place to definitly try is Astex, S.A., near plz. Francesc Macia. They hired me illegally. DO NOT GO TO VAUGHAN SYSTEMS!!!! they pay incredibly well but they'll screw you over in a heartbeat!

good luck!