Job Discussion Forums

[cjathomp]

Hi Everyone!

I'm writing with some questions in the hopes that someone can spread some light ... on anything really.

I taught in Spain last year as part of the Language Assistant program. With that I was able to obtain a Student Visa. Since I left I'm trying to find out a way to get back to Spain (legally) to work as an ESL teacher. I'm Canadian and from what I've read it's next to impossible to obtain a visa sponsored by a school with so many EU citizens available to fill jobs.

So here's my onslaught of questions:

1) I'm extremely interested in taking the CELTA course with the Young Learner added certificate from International House Sevilla. Has anyone taken it? Recommend it? Or others? They say they can help you find a job afterwards (although they don't guarantee it) so I'm also wondering if anyone has any info about this before I contact them.

When I applied for my Spanish student visa I was required to submit my letter from the government stating that I had the placement for eight months, my monthly stipend, etc.

2) If I were to apply for a visa could I use my enrollment in the CELTA course as proof of my 'student' status (as in, does anyone know how long you are required to show proof of student status in order to obtain a Spanish student visa?) In theory if this is possible then I could obtain a visa and then stay in the country for a year working on a student visa ... (seeing as how the course is only one month long I doubt this will would work)

3) Then there's also the Canterbury program where you are able to work in Madrid after you receive your TEFL cert but I believe the CELTA is more recognizable or perhaps more prestigious than this ... ?

One more - promise it's the last!
4) To anyone out there who works in ESL in Spain and is NOT an EU citizen can you shed some light on how you obtained your job or work permit? (Or the requirements for obtaining a work visa without a job? If that's even possible?)

My goal ultimately is to live and work in Spain which, as of right now, seems again, next to impossible. I suppose I'm just not ready to accept this so am trying to figure out anyway that I can accomplish this.

Okay I'm finished. I swear. THANKS!