Job Discussion Forums

sarthor · Joined: 30 Aug 2010 Posts: 4

Hi there. I am new to this forum but I have found many helpful resources through here!

So, I have many questions...My boyfriend is looking to attend the University of Barcelona in Fall 2011 or Spring 2012. I have always wanted to take some TEFL courses in Barcelona and hopefully find a job. We are currently living in the US. I have been looking into TEFL Cambridge or IH. Is one better than the other? Especially in the regards for job assistance?

Also, for living obviously, I plan to live with my boyfriend. How unrealistic is it finding apartments close to the University of Barcelona as well as Cambridge or IH? How hard is it to find a teaching job right now? Are my plans completely out of reach? Visas? Would it be better if I just attended a University to get a student visa first? If so, how would I get income to live?

Basically, I am looking for information on moving to Barcelona looking to teach English. Any information would be amazing! Thanks so much!

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

You're Americans? You will need to be students to get a work visa. It's basically impossible to get a visa as a non-EU member citizen English teacher.

As a student enrolled in university, you can ask the uni to help you with the process of getting a work permit.

sarthor · Joined: 30 Aug 2010 Posts: 4

Thank you, do you have any suggestions on schools?

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

I can't answer that (how long is a piece of string...?). What do you want to study and can you do it in Spanish or will you have to find a programme that's taught in English? Answering those two questions can help you to narrow down your options to apply for a student position.

sarthor · Joined: 30 Aug 2010 Posts: 4

I know its a loaded question! In general I would like to take TEFL courses. Do you know much about either IH or Cambridge?

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

Studying for a TEFL course won't let you stay in Spain for longer than the standard three months though. Am I right in thinking, you won't be attending university, only your boyfriend? Do you have an EU passport? If not, you'll legally be allowed to stay in Spain for three months, regardless of whether you have a job or not.

With regards IH, they're a well known, reputable company. But consider if it's worth spending �1500 on a one month course for a country you won't be allowed to work in.

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

When you say "TEFL Cambridge", are you in fact referring to the Lewis School?

If so, in fact there's not a lot of difference between it and IH, as basically you're doing the same course, ie Cambridge CELTA, which is externally assessed by Cambridge ESOL.

Several people I know have had the problem with Lewis that the course they wanted to do got cancelled last minute, not normally a problem at IH, where you shouldn't apply last minute as their courses always fill. Another possible advantage of IH is that it's better known internationally, if you then want to move on from Spain. But the course itself is essentially the same.

I'd say it probably is worth spending 1500 euros on the course PROVIDED that you want to stay in English teaching afterwards. You're definitely at a disadvantage if you don't have an EU passport and not having a recognised teaching qualification will definitely make it harder to find work (though private classes are still an option).

Either way, without an EU passport, you're going to be working illegally (which plenty of people do!)

sarthor · Joined: 30 Aug 2010 Posts: 4

Thanks, you are very helpful. I also haven't ruled out the idea of attending the University of Barcelona. So in order to stay in spain legally would the best route be going to the University? Then later taking a TEFL course? If I attend the Univ. how hard would it be to find a job to support rent? Sorry if I have too many questions!

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

The only way for you to stay in Spain legally would be to enroll as a university student.

Google schengen zone. You have 90 days in the zone (most of Western and Central Europe, Spain obviously included) and then you have to leave for 90 days. A simple border crossing no longer works.

Penalties for being caught overstaying include deportation and a ban on entering the EU for as long as 10 years. I know people who have been deported and had a 1-year ban, and one guy with a 5-year ban.

This is a new law as of January 2009. In the past people just crossed a border, got a stamp in their passports, and re-started the 90 days. It doesn't work any more.