Job Discussion Forums

[Takahiwai]

It's an innocent question based on simple curiosity. Why do so many U.S. EFL teachers have Spain in mind?It can't all be to do with Ernest Hemingway, can it? You must know that Hemingway's Spain died a death a long time ago. I'm genuinely interested, if anyone cares to reply.

[hughesie]

Spain is a nice country but it is a place where you will work your arse off if you aren't legal. It wasn't any different for my South American relatives who came over as illegals but luckily for them - South Americans are afforded amnesties on a regular basis and get legalised.

The British are the same, they have a 'sun and sangria' view of living in Spain but the reality is different and leaves many an immigrant despondent. You dream of paradise and you get a reality.

You'll get employed but if you are illegal you will work for very little reward and no protection. If you are going to go and live and work in Spain - bring lots of money!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPge3jnKk2g

[mdk]

As a California native, this state and a good part of the rest of the US used to be part of Spain. That has an inevitable residual effect on the culture. Perhaps not as much as a bunch of Normans invading the place, but it's still there especially in the sun belt. I'm willing to bet you won't see many people of Swedish and German descent in North Dakota with much interest in Spain.

Many of us have a working knowledge of Spanish and just generally feel more at home in the Spanish mileu. Granted Mexico - with which we are more familiar - is certainly different from most of Spain - but then most parts of Spain are different from the other parts.

Also, whatever else you may want to say about it, Spain is a more welcoming place than the rest of Europe. France is pretty much a non-starter unless you have good French. A short stay in England pretty much cures the Anglophiles and there isn't that much of a demand in Germany, I think.

And finally, where else can you get that food? And one last thought ... once you get out of the major cities there is almost no crime. What's not to like?

[kronos]

The food and the weather are great here, yeah, but the real reason so many Americans are here is because this is the easiest country in Europe to work and live illegally! Well, it least it has been... that may soon be changing...

The working conditions for English teachers are not very good in Spain, and illegal Americans are further penalized by the fact that they can't claim unemployment over the summer (the legals can). But people like me stuck it out here because there were never any worries about being out of work or being sent home by the authorities.

But, as I said above, this could all change soon. The government is cracking down on illegals... Time will tell.

[Moore]

Madrid has a lot going for it for an American wanting to come to Europe:

- a very healthy demand for TEFL teachers (in Madrid anyway)
- a high turnover of teachers (possibly due to lack of summer work?)
- it's one of the only places in Europe that a non-EU teacher can find cash work
- Spanish is a very useful language to learn
- it's a great place to live: weather, people, food, nightlife

...I don't know about a crackdown on illegals, there are occasional rumours, but I've never actually directly met anyone who has been affected.

The market is definitely cooling off here with the dramatic economic slowdown that's just starting to have an effect on businesses here, so perhaps schools may get a bit more demanding when filling fewer business classes, but for now, here in Madrid, the market is still pretty robust.

_________________________________________________________________________
...Jobs and language exchanges in Madrid, Barcelona and Berlin... www.lingobongo.com

...send your c.v. around ALL the schools in Madrid, Barcelona or Berlin in one hit with our c.v. sending service... www.lingobongo.com

[mdk]

I'll start worrying about a crackdown on illegal Americans working after they round up those guys in Lavapies who sell the stuff on tablecloths on the sidewalk. The ones with a lookout who scoop everything up and vanish when somebody gives the signal.

Otherwise, if you keep your nose clean, I think you're probably OK.

[workingnomad]

Interesting point about the Spanish empire in West USA. Although it was a very long time ago I think there could be a link there.

In the same way Aussies, Kiwis end up in the UK perhaps.

I think the climate and excitement is also a big draw.

Spain is the second most popular tourist destination in the World as well after France so that probably has something to do with it.

-----------------------------
Working from anywhere

[Takahiwai]

Thanks for the honest responses. I'm glad I didn't get flamed for asking the question

[workingnomad]

I would have thought the high demand for English teachers compared to other Euro nations, such as France, Germany etc must have something to do with it as well.

[mishmumkin]

Far from Hemingway, but when I lived in Spain (pre-Euro) money went a good ways. I was able to work out a great schedule between my two employers that allowed me a 3 day weekend every weekend. I had studied Spanish, so a great deal of my experience was making new friends, developing my language skills...that was my primary reason for going back there.

A lot of my colleagues were packpackers and former peace corp seeking an easy job and some money in the pocket that would afford them great weekends out around Madrid and Barcelona. Some of them had spent time in other countries around Europe-most working under the table regardless of their nationality. At the time, one could afford a 3 course menu del dia for around $5 usd. Unlimited travel on city buses and trains ran about $30/month. I rented a 2 bedroom flat outside of Madrid that I didn't share for about $400/month. LIfe was pretty simple. Good food was easy to afford. And the Spanish can be very warm and hospitable. So...it's not all roses, but I guess it depends on what you go there for.

[Nmarie]

[workingnomad]

From what I have read the opportunity of getting tefl work in Spain is way easier compared to France because of the high demand.

The other thing with France is that I believe they are not bothered about native English teachers and in many cases prefer their own.

[Nmarie]

[kronos]

I agree with mdk -- I think it will be a while until the government starts worrying about illegal English teachers in Spain (as long as everyone behaves themselves ). They've got much bigger problems to worry about at the moment.

Spain is way behind other European countries when it comes to English skills (in general), and if there were enough legal teachers to cover the demand for classes, the academies wouldn't all be so willing to hire illegal teachers.

But I do worry more about flying in and out of Madrid now and wonder how/if the general focus on illegal immigration in Spain will affect everyone in the end. Plus, I live in a predominantly immigrant neighborhood, and the police have started doing random ID/working paper checks on the streets and near the Metro.

[jonniboy]