Job Discussion Forums

[petebez]

Hello all

My girlfriend and I have both recently completed a full time CELTA course. We would both greatly like to teach abroad, most specifically in Spain, although we would consider other options in continental Europe. I was therefore hoping to find out some information on applying for jobs together. I have seen many positions where more than one teacher is required. If we are both to apply, is it acceptable to be asked to be considered together? Or would this look a bit unprofessional? I have a feeling that our best option may be to head to a major city, such as Madrid, and both try to find work though, albeit not necessarily with the same school. Any opinions will be gratefully received.

Thanks
Peter

[spiral78]

Your idea about heading to Madrid is the scenario most likely to be successful. Jobs are rarely found from abroad in the European region, and going there is usually the best idea.

As for applying at the same school, some schools find teaching couples to be a benefit (two birds with one stone, less liklihood of early leaving due to isolation from social networks, etc) and some find it risky (maybe they'll both leave early for some reason).

I don't think it appears unprofessional to apply at the same schools, and if you don't get jobs at the exact same school, it's also not really a problem. I wouldn't make working at the same school a criteria for accepting a job.

[petebez]

Hi Spiral

Thanks for the reply. I definitely wouldn't make working at the same school a criteria for accepting a position, I think as long as we end up teaching in the same city or town, that would be fine for both of us.

Regarding what you say about jobs rarely being found from abroad in the European region, would you therefore say that going to schools in Spain with CVs would be a more effective approach than applying for jobs online?

Thanks
Peter

[spiral78]

It doesn't hurt to apply online, but don't feel bad if you don't get anything in advance. As I wrote before, it's not that common at the newbie level in Europe in general to find a job before arriving in a city.

So, yes, choose a city and come on over. Think of timing - most schools are firmly closed in August, and may be partially closed in July. The very end of August is not the worst time to arrive for September contracts. If you don't mind being unemployed through the summer, June may also work for interviews, for a September start.