Job Discussion Forums

[mightyfrea]

Hi all,
I am just wondering what the long term prospects are for English teachers in Spain. Is there a salary ceiling? Do people move on because they get burned out or do they find work in related fields? I have heard a few people mention moving up into university positions, is this in English?
I am planning on making the jump into teaching English this fall in San Sebastian, Bilbao, or Santander. Should prepare myself to only expect a basic livable wage (hopefully) for the next two or more years out?

By the way, Im making beans in the states, so I don't have high financial expectations, but I am curious as to the long term prospects. I am from the US and have two university degrees, and several years teaching experience, albeit, in a different subject. I just acquired an EU passport through lineage, so the European job market is a new beast to me.
Thanks for any info.
Cheers,
Laura

[pr455]

Laura,

These questions have been answered before throughout the Spain forum. Spend some time reading and you will find all of the information that you need.

Suerte,

Shawn

[mightyfrea]

I am really sorry my posts have inconvenienced you Shawn. Maybe you are familiar with this forum and industry, so these questions seem repetitive to you. It is not to everyone though. I have been reading lots of posts about salaries and personal situations, but not all 10,000. Perhaps you would like to share your expertise or point me in the right direction.
Cheers,
Laura

[spiral78]

I can't say much about Spain specifically, but I can speak to the general European job market at the beyond-newbie level.

Firstly, to get into a 'better' job than entry/start-up level takes some time and commitment to an area. In terms of English language teaching, the few 'better' jobs around usually take local connections, reputation and language skills to land. There is also a 'luck' factor. The second-third step jobs usually tend to be either working directly for a corporation or getting into an international school or university. Such openings are generally fairly rare and are usually/often filled by people with contacts.

The economy in Spain is something you might want to read up on as well -


Also, do keep in mind that most Spanish families have multiple incomes -that's how they get ahead (when they do). Recommended to marry a local, if possible, to maximise ones economic potential .

Overall, with some commitment and the right qualifications and etc, plus luck, it's possible to get into jobs that are sort of middle-class, but by no means does everyone achieve this, unfortunately.

[pr455]

[AGoodStory]

[mightyfrea]

I didn't mean any offense to Shawn or whomever, I am simply trying to get some information.
Like I said, there is a lot to digest on here, and if someone asks a question that has been asked before or offers some information that has already been discussed, its likely because they didn't realize it. Certainly I am not the first. Of course I am reading though the other posts, but this is all new to me. Im sorry if I came across with an attitude, but I felt a little defensive. Perhaps I misunderstood your intent.

Spiral, thanks for your response.

I hope everyone has a great day and can relax now.

Best,
Laura

[AGoodStory]

[Moore]

To have the best chance at getting a related job with a bit more stability, your chances would probably be a lot higher in Madrid or Barcelona. A good many of my mates who arrived here at the same time as me in Madrid 9 years ago and started off teaching are now working in more or less related fields such as I.T., multinationals, translation, universities, their own businesses or simply their own "round" of well paid private classes.

That said, I'm sure it is also possible in smaller cities, but there is just more going on in Madrid and Barcelona commerce-wise.




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