Job Discussion Forums

[Scobie]

Hi,

I understand that recruiting in Spanish schools/academies is largely done in September/August. I don't think I'll be ready by this time - are there any other months when there are further recruiting drives?

I'm talking mainly about Madrid.

With a CELTA, no experience, and a bit of savings, is it still possible to find a first time position in the capital?

Cheers!

[Moore]

August is not actually that good, as many schools are shut and almost all classes come to a halt. September is the peak time, but October is also good, and then there's another peak in January when a lot of companies training courses run from January to December and also sometimes teachers who go home for Chrismtas never come back again for one reason or another. To be honest though, jobs come up pretty much all the time here, so apart from summer, as long as you've got the cash to see you through until you build up a full schedule, you be fine


_________________________________________________________________________
...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/

[Scobie]

Thanks for your reply Moore,

For the January 'peak', when would be a good time to be in Madrid to start contacting the schools?

As for savings, I would hope to be bringing about �3000 from the UK. Does this seem a sensible amount?

[Moore]

Basically you have to be on the ground if at all possible, as schools here rarely hire anyone not on the ground, with a local mobile phone number. Don't forget that in Spain Christmas runs from the 25th, to the 6th, Epiphany (or "Reyes"- Three Kings), so basically many schools are closed over those two weeks and classes are not generally taught.

In terms of your cash question, 3000 pounds is an ideal amount of cash to get started.



_________________________________________________________________________
...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/

[Scobie]

So, on the ground after the 6th then.

I have a slightly more subjective question. These forums seem to forecast a lot of doom and gloom about prospects in Spain -working conditions, saturated market etc. With the right preparation, and on the understanding that luxury living is off the agenda, can a new starter still have a good time in Madrid?

In my case, I don't mean partying every night. Just a comfortable schedule and time/euros to enjoy living in the city.

Also: I'm sure that new starters can't afford to be too picky in their first job(s). How far does the first year's experience get you? Can you expect to push for better and more rewarding jobs next time round? I'm talking about working conditions as much as pay.

Cheers for your advice.