Job Discussion Forums

[JRJohn]

I have a TESOL cert, and have taught in several countries and taught in summer schools too. I came to Madrid years ago. I only ever earned �200 per month at best! But I was there for the cultural experience really, and I had a great time, and made tons of friends. Recently, I read a website that pleasantly surprised me, saying you will earn �900-�1200 per month, and, and saying schools now prefer to pay into an account and give a "nomina." Oh really? Is this true, inside or outside Madrid? I think not!
I was offered a TEFL position in Madrid in 2005 with permanent contract! I moved into a flat the school had found, and it was GREAT. I asked the schoolabout the contract. No contract. They lied about holidays in August, too. I at least got full time hours, and did rather well for a time, economically. But then after a month, I lost the job, because the director was constantly asking students if they wanted to change teachers.So I found a better teaching job outside Spain.
But I still have madrileno friends. I stayed in that flat again. Crazily, I want to live in Madrid, or Spain, again! Am I crazy? I have savings. I still have contacts in Madrid, and a degree in Spanish. What is possible for me? I have seriously considered non-teaching jobs too, as I am an EU citizen.

[mozzar]

Only �200 per month? Are you serious? Over �1000 is easily doable with a fulltime job.They give you a bank account and a contract from September - June. You're paid for the hours of work. Crappy bossesexist everywhere.

[Takahiwai]

What is possible for you? As always, anything! If you have your heart set on Madrid in particular, it would pay to do some research before you sign on with any school. With a bottomless pool of English-speakers to choose from, academies can afford to treat teachers less than well, and many of them do just that. There are plenty of decent academies there too though.
If you choose to work outside Madrid or one of the other large cities, your money will go further and you may find you enjoy the experience more. Madrid is always going to be there for visits, and who needs the hassle of spending half the day on the Metro travelling from class to class, as many Madrid-based teachers seem to do?
I spent seven years in Spain, working in 3 schools in 3 different small cities, and I always had a contract, a nomina and a finiquito.
Hope you have better luck with a more honourable employer if you do decide to go back!