Job Discussion Forums

[gmjones]

Hi,

Am hoping that I am about to be offered a teaching job in Pamplona...wondered if anyone had any travelling/teaching exprience there and could tell me anything about the prices of accomodation (shared or own flat), travel, the area in general, and if anyone knows about average teachers salaries for that part of Spain in particular. I already have 3 months experience in Madrid so its help about that part of Spain especially that I'd be grateful for. Thanks!

[Hector_Lector]

You�ve just got to take the bull by the horns...

[lozwich]

Bring warm clothes! Pamplona can get really cold during the winter, although I don't think it snowed this year, unlike other parts of Spain. Parts of Navarra are mountainous and green, while others are flat and dry. I've visited there a few times (have friends from there), and have always enjoyed myself, to the point where I have even considered going to live there myself!

But, I also agree with Sr Lector... Seize the day and all that..

Lozwich.

[gmjones]

Thanks, I appreciate your advice. I'm a pretty good day-seizer, but need some more practical advice about linving in Pamplona/thereabouts. I am particularly interested to know what teachers in the area earn (EFL) and how far the money goes with rent/bills/etc...Also I heard that the northerners in Spain aren't the friendliest in the world...I can't believe this because all the Spaniards Ive met have been lovely, but would like to know if there's any truth in it...

Thanks for anyone who can help!

[lozwich]

You could earn from about 850 to 1000 euros a month. You should get the equivalent of national health, but if you get the job, as your employer about these things. Also, why not ask for the email addresses of some current or previous employees? They will give you their impressions based on their direct experience with the school you are going to.

As for your question about making friends, just like anywhere else, if you make an effort to make friends, you will make friends. Whether or not people are friendly or nice or worth spending time with is entirely subjective, and no-one can advise you on how you will fare in this regard. I have made some great friends here in the Basque Country, whereas lots of my colleagues have been here for years and have no Spanish or Basque friends at all.

I know you are looking for a little reassurance, and that moving to a new place is difficult, but really all you can do is trust your instinct and give it a try. If you don't like it, no-one is forcing you to stay. If you live in the UK, you could get an Easy-Jet flight to Bilbao, hop over to Pamplona on the bus (about an hour I think) and have a look. That might give you a little taste of what you could expect living here.

Good luck!
Lozwich.