Job Discussion Forums

[bluebonnet]

I've been reading some past posts about CIEE in Spain and I know I'm sort of beating a dead horse by posting about it here, but I want to make sure i've got things straight so I thought I'd bring up the point again.

Normally we all know that for Americans it's very difficult to get work visas in Spain. A friend recommended I look into CIEE since they can get you set up with a public school in andalusia that helps with getting the work visa for the school year term. Unfortunately there is the substantial upfront fee, the fact that you should have a pretty functional knowledge of spanish before entering the program, and the fact that you probably are making less than what you could elsewhere in Spain, but if you can manage this i'm pretty sure you would be working legally.

So I'd like to know if anyone out there has any experience working through the CIEE program, what they think of it, or what they have heard from others in it.

http://www.ciee.org/teach/spain/index.html

[spiral78]

Interesting. I haven't seen this one before.

It does look legit on all its surfaces. I would be curious how many teachers they say they can place in Spain for any given school year. I'm also interested in what kind of 'visa advise' they are talking about.

I can't say that this looks 100% like a scam, but I'm still slightly dubious.

Can you possibly contact them to ask specific questions regarding 'how many teachers' and 'what exactly is the visa advice?' The answers would be interesting.

Maybe others know something about this specific program?

[bluebonnet]

spiral78,

Regarding the visa advice info i didn't get specifics about the process, but their teach abroad team ([email protected]) told me the school in conjunction with the junta de andalusia will provide the paperwork in order for you to get a work visa so that you can work there legally. I know this is simplified second hand info, but it's the best i can give you right now about it.

As far as the number of candidates, they told me that at this point they don't have a specific set number every year, but that they are looking for qualified participants who meet the requirements and have a flexible attitude (i imagine this could refer to working in a school where most of your fellow colleagues hardly speak english). They mentioned that the program is competitive in the sense that they want strong candidates who will be a good fit in the schools and will reflect well on the program. The application process takes awhile too, applications are available at the end of the year and the selection process appears to take several months. All the candidates that are selected begin teaching around October of every new school year.

I'll keep you posted if I hear anything new. I heard about CIEE through a new roommate who knows somebody teaching in this program. I'll see what else i can find, but it might take awhile for the info to get back to me.

[spiral78]

Thanks. I will be interested if this is a real thing (not for myself - I'm quite content with what I've got, but it would be useful to know if it's something we can recommend to others sometimes). It does sound good, in some respects.

[hedger22]

Hola!
I am coming to the end of my CIEE experience in Seville, Spain and I must say it has been a wonderful experience!

CIEE is a very expensive way to get over to Spain; however, for a first timer I think this program is the way to go. For the most part they help you organize all your paperwork, set you up with a school, and provide dummy-proof directions of what to do and where to go while in Spain.

When I first applied I had expectations of being placed in a lush area near the mediterranean, blah blah blah. CIEE asks you for your preferences of where you want to live but i wouldnt get my hopes up. I am currently working in a small mining village 25km from the city center. While this wasn�t exactly appealing at first I have come to love the place and people here.

CIEE pays 700� a month. This is very little in Spain and you will experience difficulties. I would recommend sharing an apartment or renting a room somewhere. Picking up extra classes are a must as you will only work 12 hours a week. I work 12 hours a week and give 8 hours of private classes a week which brings my earnings to just over 1000� a month.

There are many people I know here that are disappointed with their experience. People getting paid late; teachers that are not interested in billingual cooperation within the classroom, etc...

I came over to Spain with 2000� in my pocket. Note, that you will arrive here in September and not recieve a paycheck until November. Most places you rent require the first months rent and a deposit up front. You will have to set up a bank account to pay rent, water, etc..

I would love to help you answer specific questions so feel free to drop me a note.

[hedger22]

Visa advice- holding your hand through the visa process, which at times can be dubious. The program provides you with step by step application instructions in Spanish and English and provides you with all the legal working documentation you need.

This is not a working visa, but rather it is a student visa.

[spiral78]

Very useful and interesting info.

It IS clearly a real route in on a legal basis, but it sounds quite limited and as though you'll need to count on spending a bit more than you make overall, if you calculate in start-up costs.....is that accurate?

[hedger22]

I suppose it all depends on how you choose to live...but I am constantly calling home..

It is a great experience, but at a cost. The 700 a month could get you by, but without luxury, travel, etc...

Things in Spain can be pricey..

[spiral78]

It's not just Spain - 700/month is low for Europe anywhere. Most newbie teachers in Prague, for example, are netting just a bit more than this (800 approx) and it's a subsistence living.

I was also calculating start-up costs: flight over, security deposit for a flat - what else?

Will you break even at the end of the year?

[mozzar]

I couldn't survive on �700 unless the accommodation was free. I don't even lead a party all night life but that money would have me living on rice and lentals.

[Fresa Sorpresa]

CIEE is definitely a 100% legal way to teach in Spain. I know a few people that did the program so I can say with confidence if you go that route you'll get a placement (in Andalucia), and a legal student visa, etc.

It is really really overpriced though and in my opinion, a rip off. They basically charge you their fee, and then simply provide an orientation in Seville. They also pay for a few nights in a hostel when you get to your town and are looking for an apartment.

[Fresa Sorpresa]

[FoundWaldo]

My girlfriend took this program and had a great time. A little pricey, but definitely worth the hassle-free visa process.