Job Discussion Forums

[robashby1]

Hi all
Just wondering what the teaching situation is like in Valencia. I'm a CELTA qualified teacher with a couple of years' experience and an English Language BA, and I'm currently weighing up my Spanish options... I hope to arrive around late August/September - am I right in thinking that this is probably the best time to be looking for work in Spain? I'm currently split between Madrid and Valencia. I'm aware that Madrid probably has more work going, for higher pay, but on the flip side the cost of living etc is equally high. How does this compare with Valencia?
I'd be really grateful to hear any experiences from people who have lived/are living in Valencia, so feel free to pm me or reply on here.
Thanks
Rob

[El_Che]

you'll have no problem finding a teaching post.

there are plenty of schools, and the demand for english teachers outstrips the supply. you can expect to earn in the region of 15-30 euros per hour.

whist accommodation prices have risen in valencia, they are still reasonable compared to madrid. considering that valencia is the third largest city in spain it's very compact. if you live on the edge of the city you are still only a 20 minute bus ride from the centre. the quality of life is very good, and there is a real buzz about the place. of course, another plus is that it's on the coast and has great weather and beaches!

[jonniboy]

You'll walk it, no problem. The only issue which will affect you is whether you have an EU passport or not. If you don't then finding a legal job will be difficult, but you'll still have enough work.

Advantages of Valencia versus Madrid are cheaper living costs and the fact that it's a more Spanish city. Both of those have changed a bit since I taught there (2003-2005). Then I paid 90 euro a month for a room and a flat was obtainable for 300. It's more likely to be 150 euro and 450 euro now. The foreign population has noticeably increased as well. 1.5% foreign born in year 2000, 13% in 2007! Bit of a leap, but part of that is due to the fact that the economy has really picked up which means better cash for teachers.

Other advantages which haven't changed are the beaches, the warm climate and a compact city as El Che says. When I was in Vlc third week in January it was 22 degrees, although summers can get a bit too much.

ElChe, nevermind buses, walking is a real option. I walked most days from Xirivella, the satellite town in the West, to work near Plaza Canovas. It took me an hour and 10 minutes. From there to my friends flat in Alboraya (a satellite town to the north) was an hour's walk and a really pleasant stroll given the constant good weather.

The solitary downside for me compared to Riga was that the teaching market in Vlc seemed to be dominated by kiddie groups which are a labour of love at the best of times.

[robashby1]

Thanks for the replies.
I'm from UK, so the passport shouldn't be an issue. Am I right in thinking that August/September is the best time to be hunting for jobs, or does it not really matter?
I'm also considering a Summer course in Spain beforehand. From what I've read, pay seems to be around 1000 euro/month, accommo thrown in. I'd be interested to hear people's experiences with any Summer courses in Spain.
Thanks again
Rob

[jonniboy]

August is dead, better arrive early September as most courses don't kick off until last week in September or October. It's very rare for them to offer a job to someone based abroad so don't bust a gut sending applications before you go.

[Mike_2007]

Hello,

A few Valencia-related questions for the experts:

How's the market in Valencia for in-company teaching, either through a training company or on a freelance basis?

What sort of hourly rates are business people prepared to pay for an experienced, qualified native speaker?

How much of a pain in the proverbial is setting yourself up as a freelancer/self-employed person?

How much to rent a studio flat/one-bedroomed flat, semi-central location, reasonably handy for public transport?

Thanks in advance for any replies to any of these questions.

Regards,
Mike

[Pauleddy]

I lived and worked there 8 years ago, but my ex- is still there.

I obtained corporate by working for an academy. I used to teach out at Mercadona HQ (Spain's biggest supermarket, like Tesco). The money even then was about 15e an hour. Now you could get 30. BUT, IMHO Spain is never very good for pay. You would be very lucky to get 50 an hour. Many Spaniards in normal jobs (I know a few) take home about 900-1000e a month after tax, secretaries and the like. I think supermarket workers take home about 700e a month.

I think that Vlc is quite good for corporate. I knew several people who did private stuff for banks, but you have to get 'accepted'. You probably need to spk Spanish, enough to get by. If you place an ad, it shd be in spanish. If you ask to see a bank manager, he will be happier if you can speak a bit of spanish. The spanish are quite nationalistic and proud. Speaking Spanish 'shows willing'. If you dont know any, it's not hard to pick up a bit.

I was paying about 250//300e 8 years ago, in a not very nice area, 2 beds, not bad I guess. I am sure that it's all way up now. I would say about 500e for decent, 600 for a nicer block. Of course, there are some lovely places in the centre, but you could pay 2000e. Like most main spanish cities, there is a lot of block living. Most people live in flats, and sometimes the blocks seem a bit endless! There are not many single houses in Vlc city.

The underground is very modern and the buses efficient. The whole city is rather compact but has character. it is still one of my favourite cities.

PE