Job Discussion Forums

[vallillo1983]

Hey all you in Spain, i have just graduated from uni here in UK with a degree in Italian and TESOL, i am considering coming to Spain, i have a question;...... as i can see most contracts are for 9 months, i can see this is the norm over europe, i wanted to ask as i hear that most schools dont offer permenant contracts untill after atleast 2 years!! is this true? also with a Spanish contract will you get pension contributions, sick pay and all the rest!! Cheers guys for your help!

Luigi

[Moore]

As long as you�re being paid "white" (as in not under the table) the all your pensions, sick pay, etc. will be paid anyway, whether you have a part-time or full-time contract. It�s very rare to get an all-year contract as a teacher (you may get one as head of studies). The only school I know here that does offer year-round contracts is the Wall Street Institute, who have a less-than-good reputation here (and apparently anywhere else in the world for that matter!)
Don�t forget though, it is not standard in every country in Europe to give you a nine-month contact - me and most of my mates were on full-time year-round contracts in Paris, so it is do-able. If you feel you need a steady income (eg student loan repayments) then head off to Asia, Spain is really not a very well-paid country to teach in.

[Russell Hadd]

Unfortunately at the same time as the 1992 free movement legislation came in the Spanish government introduced the 9 month contract. I remember we were all out on strike supporting those that were getting the 9 month contracts, but they were too scared that they'd not get new contracts, so actually turned up for work. Morale seemed to take a dip following that episode and things were never the same after.