Job Discussion Forums

[tjc2120]

Hola!
I've been reading through all of the posts on this forum and I can't tell you how helpful everyone has been - so first, gracias!!!

One thing I couldn't figure out was how long a typical term is for an English class and/or when the breaks are.

I'm currently in the states but hoping to go through CELTA training this summer and arrive in Madrid in September to start looking for a job.

Could anyone please tell me if there is a winter/Christmas break with most jobs and when that might be? (For example, is there a break Dec 23-Jan 6 or something like that?) I know it will probably depend on the specific position but I'm looking for an idea so that I can hopefully plan to return home for Christmas....I'm assuming my family might want to see me over the holidays (or maybe not, haha!)

Thanks!
Tina

[rafaella]

There are three terms: Set/Oct to Dec, Jan to Easter and Easter to late/end of June.

Schools usually close for around two weeks from 24th December (or just before) until 7th January, depending on the days on which the public holidays fall. The 6th January is a holiday in Spain. There is usually a break of about one week at Easter. I wouldn't advise booking flight tickets until you have confirmed dates, though!

There is just one problem - you mentioned that you are in America at the moment so I'm assuming you're American. Unless you have an EU passport, it is very difficult for an American to work legally in Spain. If you don't have an EU passport, I would advise you to do a search on here and read the previous posts which refer to this situation.

[tjc2120]

Hi rafaella,

Thanks for your response - it's definitely helpful. I'm assuming although there are 3 terms you are typically in a contract for a year? (I'd hate to have to look every few months for a new job.)

Yeah, I'm not sure what to do about tix since a one-way is just as expensive as roundtrip (if not more). Unless I find a good deal roundtrip and can later change the dates for a fee. Hmmnnn....advice?

I've been trying to research as much as I can and these forums have definitely been a lifesaver!! Luckily, I do have dual EU citizenship and I also went to the Spanish embassy here to triple-check that I wouldn't need anything to work. Finding a job is another story...

Thanks again!
Tina

[rafaella]

Yes, in the normal course of events you'd get hired for the full school year (Sept/Oct until June).

Regarding the flight ticket, could you get one with a return date for the end of the school year, i.e. summer 2012? I imagine you'd want to go back for a visit then anyway so it wouldn't be wasted. You could hold off on getting a ticket to go back at Christmas until you have precise dates for the school holidays.

[tjc2120]

I'm not sure...when I look online at tickets it typically won't let you book anything for more than 11 months in advance and I need to book my ticket to Europe soon because I need to get there to meet family at the end of June. I'll keep looking - thanks!!

[spiral78]

Call the airline directly. With most, it is possible to book longer time periods.

Also, keep in mind that you can usually change the return dates for a small fee - it's not set in stone!!

[tjc2120]

Thanks! I'll try that.