Job Discussion Forums

[dawnbuckley]

Hi,

Has anyone heard of Open English Academy in a town called Sant Feliu de Gu�xols, Girona?

I was offered a job there but I`m a bit suspicious because they seem to advertise alot which can`t be great, can it? Also, everyone starting there in September is going to be new.

It will be my first time teaching in Spain, would I be better off going to a expat friendly city?

Thanks,

Dawn

[jonniboy]

If you want to learn Spanish then Girona and vicinity is the very last place you should be looking at going to as those are Catalan speaking places.

[billy23]

I have taught in this school and would not recommend it as a school for someone who is new to the job as I was, after experiencing Open English it has put me off tefl all together!
What they advertise and what the job consists of is two seperate things, you will be expected to teach unreasonable hours, sometimes 4pm til 10pm without a break, that includes not been able to have a quick drink or toilet break, you are also not allowed to be ill, there is NO overtime as advertised you are expected to work extra hours for no extra money and in all the years the school has been running they have only ever given the advertised bonus to 2 people, the school has been open about 15 years!
They offer help with accommodation, which they actually delivered, but any help you need after that, you are on your own, and they will probably scam you out of your deposit at the end of the year.
The school is run by a couple, who are rude and only out to make as much money as possible and one of them will pretend that they don't speak English, in truth he is fluent in English and will listen in on your private converstations.
This company should be reported to the authorities

On the plus side the town and local people are all lovely and you will have a great social life

[tesswestern]

Hello,
I worked for Open English for two years and had a really good time. I got the bonus but I said I hadn't because I didn't want any bad feelings. The town's a bit boring sometimes but when you've met a few people it's OK. Hope this helps.

[JanieNee]

Hi,
I also worked there a few years ago and it was the best school I've worked in - and I've worked in a few since then!! They helped us with everything - teaching and outside - I learnt loads and the flats were brilliant, big and spotlessly clean.

I'd recommend it as a good place to start 'cos everyone's really friendly and helpful and the town's great - it's right on the beach!
Have fun!