Job Discussion Forums

[willpeach85]

Hi to all at Daves ESL (and the Spain forum particularly),

I've been lurking here since graduating University (BA English and American History) way back in 08' researching my future experience teaching in Vietnam.

I'm looking to gain the invaluable insight of the community on a new goal.

The goal: to speak Spanish at a high level before September 2012 - competence in reading, listening and speaking (good enough to work and give a presentation in the language)

Right now I'm living in London, working as a site editor and doing a bit of teaching on the side but looking to move to a Spanish-speaking country for immersion purposes and to work towards my goal.

My requirements:
- to live in a Spanish speaking country with good opportunity for immersion (meaning not many expats or English speakers) and try to live with a host family or shared apartment with native speakers
- to earn enough to sustain myself and my studies (while working 20-25 hours a week TEFLing)
- possibly enrolling at an institute or university alongside work (said institution should be flexible in times/dates as well as being able to fit into said budget) HOWEVER IMMERSION MIGHT MAKE THIS REDUNDANT
- future opportunities outside of the TEFL world to work in the target language

My credentials:
- 2-3 years experience in TEFL (more than a year in Vietnam, a year here in London and some time in Russia and the US)
- CELTA certified and a degree holder (University of Sussex)
- Intermediate level of Spanish currently
- UK born (native speaker)

I'm looking to start this quest in early-September with around 3K starting funds. I have a specific interest in South American culture and history but am concerned whether working conditions there will fit my requirements. Spain is an option (and possible cheaper for me to get set up) but Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Ecuador are edging it in terms of interest.

I'm aware of obvious pros and cons like visas so was more interested in your teaching and language learning experiences in Spain.

Thoughts? Where best fits this quest based on all your experiences?

Thanks,

Will

[willpeach85]

BUMP

[DMcK]

My immediate reaction is to say get yourself to somewhere in Spain that is not one of the main cities. Go to somewhere like C�ceres in Extremedura where things are dirt cheap and you'll find enough work to sustain you while being fully immersed in the language. Not too many expats there or too many people who speak English well. I know a few teachers from there and none of them are natives so you'd probably (being a tad presumptuous) be sought after.

They have a great party life there too if that floats yer boat.