Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

First, I want to thank everyone for the PMs and advice taht I've gotten. I'm trying to get together as much info as I can by reading through old posts and PMing people.

Basically, my husband and I realise that we have to leave Peru, and South America, because of the money situation here. We would like to go some place where we can save money, but are also concerned about the quality of life.

Since we're both used to working two jobs and keeping busy, I can't imagine what my husband would do if he had to stay at home all day. He's Peruvian and speaks Spanish, and has basic English. He's a DBA, a Database Administrator with knowledge of CISCO, JAVA and Oracle.

From what I've gathered, it would be hard for him to get a job in the ME. Others have said that there might be possibilities in Korea, Taiwan, or Japan that he could teach Spanish.

Any other possibilities out there for either teaching Spanish or working with his career, computers? He's also had a notion of setting up a restuarant. How feasible is this? Is it difficult to get permission to open one?

[scot47]

Spain would be an obvious choice - better for him anyway. The problem is that jobs for YOU in Spain would be problematic. EFL is not a great payer in Spain and preference is often given to citizens of countries in the EU.

What about the USofA ?

[naturegirl321]

I think Spain might be difficult for both of us, at least regarding the visa. Most EU countries would be hard to get into.

[scot47]

I cannot see that it will be easy to find a place where you can both work and save money. That is the harsh reality !

USA ?

[naturegirl321]

[grahamb]

You think it'll be difficult getting into Spain, but have you actually made enquiries at the Spanish consulate? There are hundreds of thousands of Latin Americans living in Spain. If your husband's qualifications are accepted there he shouldn't have much difficulty getting a visa.
http://www.imdiversity.com/villages/hispanic/world_international/pns_immigration_shift_1204.asp

[naturegirl321]

[medusa]

Hi Naturegirl,

I know you've ruled out most of EU but as an American, you are elligible for the Assistanship programme in France for schools and Unis. Very few hours and good pay, leaving you time to take on private students to boost your income too. As for your husband, he'd get a spouses visa surely. Not sure about work prospects for him though (or declared ones in any case) but computer specialists are always in need especially for multilingual people.
Just a thought. Good luck with the search.

[spiral78]

medusa, aren't those assistantships essentially temporary? Like one year? Is it possible to extend them indefinitely? I'm thinking not, but would be interested to know if I'm mistaken.

[naturegirl321]

[medusa]

Hello,

Yes Spiral, most of the places are only a one year deal - that is at least how they are marketed; however many US nationals I know here in the South West of France have been able to renew their contract for up to three years with the same school. By that time they've learnt enough about the structure of it all to contact the local education authority and gain places directly or even better through the Universities who pay more. Unlike other Uni jobs, here in the SW, unless you are part of an exchange assistant scheme with a US or UK Uni, they advertise their jobs locally and most go through word of mouth. Getting here on an assistantship is the best way for Americans to do it legally. After that, you have to make your own luck!!!

I think this is the right website for US places in France www.ambafrance-us.org
If anyone has a better link please add.

As I said, it's probably not the best solution but I'm using my friends experiences as examples. Also, for a Spanish speaking husband, you're not far from the border either!!

[naturegirl321]

I got this off the website. I won't be able to do the primary or secondary teaching. But maybe the uni positions would be possible. THough it seems like it's through Fulbright.