Job Discussion Forums

[Ms.t]

Hello all! I'm interested in going to Spain and have been researching online and am having difficulty figuring out which websites are scams! I've come across geovisions where they do a host family program-but am honestly interested in any teaching related job that would get me there! Mostly looking to live there for the experience for 5-8 months!

I have my b.ed and have been teaching full time for two years, part time for the past 6. If I could get any help at all on how to go about finding a legitimate work opportunity, I would really appreciate it!

[spiral78]

The first question will be what your nationality is. If you are not from the UK, chances that you can get a legal work permit for Spain are near-nil, regardless of quals. The reason is that most EU countries have an EU-only hiring policy (this is national, not school-by-school or city-by-city) and there are tonnes of British teachers who want the jobs that are around in Spain, Italy, France, etc.

If you are from the UK, legalities are no problem at all.

The next step is to consider that jobs in Europe are rarely found from abroad (even if you're from the UK). Again, as it's a market fairly flooded with qualified teachers, there is little incentive for a reputable school to hire anyone sight-unseen. This obviously implies significant start-up costs, as you are facing getting to the country and supporting yourself until you land a job/contract and get your first paycheck.

This will be why you haven't found much on websites (except scams - I suggest you read through some of the other threads on this forum for more info about rampant scams claiming to be able to get work visas for non-EU teachers).

So far as your stated time limit - contracts are normally Sept - June. You might find something shorter term if you get lucky and can replace somenoe who didn't return after Christmas, for example (again assuming that you can legally work in Spain).

If you are non-EU, you might usefully google the Schengen zone. This is a group of European countries which now essentially limit non-EU citizens to 90 days in, and then 90 days out of the zone as a whole.

This has eliminated the ever-popular border run option that North Americans and Aussies used in the past to stay legally in Spain and other countries as under-the-table teachers.

I realise that if you are not from the UK all this sounds very discouraging and negative. Apologies for that - the thing is that contemplating a move abroad is a big step for anyone, and having realistic expectations of what is possible in a new country is VERY important. When you're in a foreign country, a little bad luck can have serious consequences and it's important to really know what you are facing.

[jonniboy]

[Ms.t]

Thank you so much for the info!

Unfortunately I am not from the UK, I'm from Canada! I'm not really looking to even make any sort of income down there, that's why the host family route seemed best, BUT, I've heard so much about being aware of companies that scam you that I'm unsure of figuring out which ones are legitimate! They all ask for money, so I'm not too sure!

I'm willingly to volunteer also, but once again, have not had any luck in finding any organizations!

[spiral78]

jonniboy - yes, sorry, and thanks for clarifying what I meant.

Ms. t, even volunteering is a problem in terms of a visa. As a Canadian, you can really only stay in the Schengen zone for 90 days and then you have to leave for 90 days. Getting you a visa to stay longer is a significant hassle for any employer, whether it's a school or a family - and you've got lots of competition from teachers from the UK who don't need a visa at all.

Basically, any company that says it can get you a visa to stay longer than 90 days is highly likely to be a scam, whether it's for volunteer work or paid.

Google Schengen zone for more info - you need this!