Job Discussion Forums

[MrAJFarmer]

I was planning to obtain my CELTA qualification in Spain this summer but I see that I could obtain it in the UK for approximately $400 (that should be 400 pounds but there�s no pound sign on this Spanish keyboard) less which is obviously very attractive to me.

I had thought that obtaining CELTA from one of the major language schools in Madrid would be an advantage in that the school might be able to assist me in finding work after the course. Is this the case? Or will being a native speaker with a first degree and CELTA qualified be enough to allow me to find work if I arrive in Madrid in September?

The school in Spain that I was thinking of attending say on their website that they at least offer an interview to all successful CELTA candidates so I wonder whether it�s worth paying the extra to obtain the CELTA in Madrid. Realisitically I think I might be able to save closer to 600 pounds by doing the CELTA in the UK.

Appreciate any advice.

[Moore]

The main advantages of doing it in Madrid would be getting an instant group of friends and contacts in the city in your course group, and also using that month to get your bearings in the city and make a start on the language. Also your trainer will be able to give you more specific advice on teaching in Spain. That said, 600 pounds would buy you an intensive one month Spanish course.




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...send your c.v. around ALL the schools in Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Paris, Milan, Rome, Lisbon, Porto and Buenos Aires... www.lingobongo.com/cvsender/

[spiral78]

Are you sure it's a CELTA that is only 400 pounds - or is it a different newbie-level course shorter than 120 hours on-site including supervised teaching practice with real students?

Not all courses are created equal, and if it's a generic TESOL/TESL/TEFL course that is shorter than a proper CELTA, it won't help you much in Spain.

[MrAJFarmer]

Thanks for the replies.

The course in the UK is definitely a CELTA. It's 400 pounds less than the course in Spain, not 400 pounds in total (I wish!).

Further to above I already speak basic Spanish (although I will want to take further courses when I'm in Spain) and I already know a few people in Madrid and am familiar(ish) with the city as I've been here for the last month.

Are the "main advantages" to doing the CELTA in Madrid really the social network and settling in rather than finding a job? Finding a job is my main concern.

[Moore]

In terms of gettting a job, do be aware that there is almost no work here over July and August, and that courses only really get going in mid to late September, even if the course in Madrid promises you an interview. I don't want to sound negative, but it is extremely unlikely you'd get much work before then. On the plus side, there is still plenty of work here between September and June, especially if you have working papers.


_________________________________________________________________________
...Jobs and language exchanges in Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Paris, Milan, Rome, Lisbon, Porto and Buenos Aires... www.lingobongo.com

...send your c.v. around ALL the schools in Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Paris, Milan, Rome, Lisbon, Porto and Buenos Aires... www.lingobongo.com/cvsender/

[SirKirby]

I agree that the big advantage of taking CELTA in Spain (or in any other country you want to be in) is that it puts you on the spot for making contacts and being close to any job opportunities -- and more or less instantly available for interview.

To actually get a job, you are far better off being in the country itself.