Job Discussion Forums

impsythealmighty · Joined: 01 Nov 2009 Posts: 5

So I'm a soon-to-be graduate from the US applying to jobs all over the world and hoping to teach pretty much anywhere. I saw an ad for a job in Mallorca, Spain, and since obviously that sounds fantastic, I applied:
MOD EDIT
I sent in my resume, cover letter, a photo, and a photo of my passport (with my passport number taken out).

I got a response back from Michael Jeremy saying I was in the running for the job, then he wrote back again to say that I'd made it through the first round of cuts. The school is called Svenka Skolan. They're offering 500 euros per week after taxes, a two bedroom apartment, plane tickets, and to pay for all my visa stuff. I don't know anything about getting a work visa in Spain as an American, because honestly I figured I'd never hear back from this guy and I've been looking into positions in China/South Korea/Japan a lot more, since I figured I could actually get one of those. I'd like to think I'm a great candidate because I'm very outgoing and I know I'd be a great teacher, but I'm not certified as a teacher and don't have my TEFL certification either. So I feel like a nice position like this would go to someone much more qualified, even though they are trying to fill ten positions apparently.

I feel like an idiot even asking about this, because it sounds fantastic - TOO fantastic. It looks like the chain of schools is for real, and I couldn't find anything negative about the school in Mallorca, of course I couldn't find anything positive either. But 500 euros a week is not that much, and they have yet to ask me for money, so maybe it's not a scam? Probably just wishful thinking on my part, cause, come on, beautiful Spain! I'm hoping the experts here can help me out. Thanks all. Smile

SirKirby · Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 261 Location: Barcelona, Spain

Right -- way too good!

The name is a give-away: no language school in Spain would be called Svenka Skolan !!!!

impsythealmighty · Joined: 01 Nov 2009 Posts: 5

SirKirby · Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 261 Location: Barcelona, Spain

Yes, I noticed that too, afterwards, when I looked at the ad. I'm still very suspicious!

See also http://www.svenskaskolanmallorca.com/

The email in the ad also makes me suspicious. Are they hijacking a legitimate school -- something which the scammers are known to do?

See this previous thread, also for (another) school in Mallorca:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=62857

The fact that they appear willing to employ a non-EU citizen also makes me think this must be a scam.

ludhilltoysoldier · Joined: 01 Feb 2009 Posts: 31 Location: UAE

I would be suspicious. That package is way too good for Spain...and I'm sure there are enough qualified experienced Europeans who don't need a visa.

mozzar · Joined: 16 May 2009 Posts: 339 Location: France

Yeah, I think the essential rule of thumb is; if you have no quals and are American then they're not going to be able to get you a visa.

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

So I feel like a nice position like this would go to someone much more qualified, even though they are trying to fill ten positions apparently.

If they were trying to fill 1,000 positions, there would still be enough people with BA+EU citizenship+CELTA to fill them.

impy, you're clearly a realist. It's a definite scam.

Good luck in future - your post indicates that you ARE a good candidate....but Spain's unlikely to be a legal first destination for you, I'm afraid.

norwalkesl · Joined: 22 Oct 2009 Posts: 366 Location: Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-China

I would apply and be aware of any attempt to get money from you.

Sometimes being overly suspicious is bad.

I do not see any downside to you at this point - sure, the offer is beyond fantastic in every regard, but where is your downside at this juncture?

What do you stand to lose? Unless you left something out, there appears to be no downside at this moment and they stand to gain nothing.

Who knows, for all we know there is a Swedish Government subsidy of this outfit and the have inside contacts and big bucks.

It might be for real, and you lose nothing by continuing at this point.

Get the number in Mallorca and Skype them yourself to determine if this is an ID scam or legit.

akmoler · Joined: 14 Jun 2009 Posts: 8

I was offered a January post with this school. I have been having the same reservations; however, I am leaning to believe they are legitimate.

They have put me in contact with someone to assist with a visa who has been processing authorization papers and the like. I have not been hit up for any sort of payment, my authorization papers should be arriving at my house within a week or so. I�ll keep updating the situation as it progresses.

mozzar · Joined: 16 May 2009 Posts: 339 Location: France

Are they specifically looking for Americans?

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

I'll be very interested to hear if this pans out.

Pauleddy · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 295 Location: The Big Mango

This sounds like the Swedish School in Fuengirola (Malaga).

If it is, it's not a language school. It's a high school for expats' kids or scandis.

Some of these scams STEAL a known school so that you can look at it on google and feel happy...then send money to an "agent" or 3rd party.

Sure, this place has English but also science, maths etc. What have u been asked to teach?

Ed

akmoler · Joined: 14 Jun 2009 Posts: 8

The contract forwarded to me was strictly for an ESL job. Viewing their website, they do not have any native speakers currently employed. Taking it with a grain of salt, but so far so good.

strictly_nicky · Joined: 14 Apr 2009 Posts: 25

akmoler · Joined: 14 Jun 2009 Posts: 8

/em shrugs

Can't speak of the OP, but I'm CELTA cert'd, education major and four years exp with children; however, I have no teaching experience.