Job Discussion Forums

Boneless50 · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 2

Hi everyone,

I'm new here, but I've already read many of the threads and I have found them very helpful. You all seem like a knowledgeable bunch.

I'm from America and I am hoping to move to Spain soon to try and obtain a job teaching. I'm really not concerned about making a lot of money or getting a contract job, I would just like to move over for a few months to enjoy the culture and attempt to further my Spanish education.

I was hoping that some of you would have some tips. I plan on taking a certification course in Spain, but since I'm not really too concerned about finding long term work, is it necessary?

I also understand that I will probably be working illegally. I understand that this is common, but exactly how risky is it?

Thank you to anyone and everyone that has any words of advice!

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I think the on-site course would be worth it in your case. Without recognized certification OR legal working papers, you're really at the bottom of the barrel - you don't want to ensure that only the dodgiest possible schools are going to be interested in hiring you!

The risks vary. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can be enough to bring catastrophe - how likely you peraonally are to encounter bad luck is the question. Nobody will be able to answer this question for you realistically.

You say you've read through the threads, so you'll already have some idea of the possible KINDS of risks.

Boneless50 · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 2

Spiral, thanks for the reply.

I agree that taking a course would probably be the best idea. I only plan to stay for a few months, but I don't have the money to do it without working somewhere.

Ha ha, that is not good news, as I am somewhat of an unlucky person. I have been reading threads, but could you enlighten me a little on what kinds of risks I will face? How much does the Spanish government look down upon short term illegal workers?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Well, you can legally be in the Schengen zone (including Spain and other western/central European countries) for 90 days. So, the first three months you can breathe fairly easily...

After that, you will have no legal protection against things like non-payment by an employer or problems with a housing situation. If you had a catastrophic accident, you would receive medical care, but you'd get a huge bill afterwards - even if you had some travel insurance, it's unlikely to pay if they find that you incurred costs as an illegal.

If you happened to be unlucky enough to be involved in some event involving police action (road accident, street brawl, etc) you could be caught as an illegal and deported, I suppose.

They're not going to be hunting for you. Just if you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time somehow.

mdk · Joined: 09 Jun 2007 Posts: 425

If you want to learn about Spain and pick up some of the language, teaching for 3 months is a poor choice.

I am currently 51 km. from Santiago de Compostela having spent the last 3 months walking the via de la plata and then the Camino Frances from Sahagun. I have had oodles of Spanish culture and language learning. I am currently learning all about chubascos for instance.

You can goodle about the caminos. Do yourself and your students a favor and do that instead.

sheikh radlinrol · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 1222 Location: Spain

Enjoy Santiago when you get there, MDK. The ''caldo gallego'' is excellent.

mdk · Joined: 09 Jun 2007 Posts: 425

I stopped at a place in Rente where they were serving food out of a sort of farm house and cafe sort of place. It was a light drizzle but I sat out under the tree at a stone table where it was dry and sat eating Caldo Gallego with fresh bread. It was very good too - even though I am not a big vegetablee eater

I never thought I would like a Fabada Asturiana either because I�m not that much of a bean freak, but I had a bowl of it back before Astorga and I was surprised how good it tasted.

Still, I am a bacalao and mejillones man tried and true.

By the way they are doing road work just before you get to the airport at the end of the Camino that last day. It�s hard to keep that pilgrim spirit around bulldozers.....but up until then, what a great time!

Some of you guys ought to seriously consider looking for work in Gallicia.