Job Discussion Forums

[ddraper70]

I would very much like to teach english in Spain, Barcelona would be great but Valencia seems like a nice alternative. However, here is the low down. I have a BA and an MA, but not in english and I don't have any teaching experience (unless you count teaching a couple of english classes in the DR as experience).
I would say that I have an intermediate level grasp of the language and I really want to become fluent, which one of the main reasons that I'd like to teach there.
I currently work in the book publishing industry and I have many contacts in Spain because of my work and they've all encourged me to make the move. However, I don't think that they understand how difficult it would be to find a steady gig for an inexperienced american such as myself.

I read many posts on this forum that pretty much say the chances of someone like me finding teaching job are slim and none, probably closer to none.

Does anyone know what my first steps should be if any to get the ball rolling or would I be better off trying somewhere in South America

[Isla Guapa]

[spiral78]

It's not about experience or qualifications: it's all about your passport.

Because schools can hire the many UK teachers around with no legal hassles whatsoever, there is very very little chance that anyone will jump through the considerable legal hoops to hire an American.

There are some fields other than teaching English that are more welcoming - because there are fewer people around qualified to do the job. Isla Guapa is correct that your friends in the publishing business might stand a chance getting you in some job in the publishing field, but it's extremely unlikely that you can find anything legal as a language teacher.

Yes, it would be far easier to go for South America, where US passport holders can get legal work permits.

[pr455]

Try the website for English Language Assistants here in Spain. This program has opened the door for many people to come here in Spain and work on a student visa. The positions are in Spain and you can choose your region, but not your school.

http://www.educacion.gob.es/eeuu/convocatorias-programas/convocatorias-eeuu/auxiliares-conversacion-eeuu.html

Check it out and apply. Remember, it is much easier to turn a student visa into a work visa than starting from zero because with a student visa, you are already in the system. This is a general rule of thumb.

Suerte,

Shawn

[ddraper70]

Wow, I didn't expect to receive a response to my posting so quickly!

You guys are extremely helpful and I thank you for the information and advice. I will take a look at the website that you suggested pr455, I wouldn't mind being a EL assistant if that will allow me an opportunity to work in Spain. I have to get in where I can fit in!

Isla Guapa and spiral78 as you both suggested South America may be my best bet so I'll focus my efforts primarily on this region.

(Now I just have to have to deal with the anxiety of parting with all my stuff if an opportunity presents itself, car, furniture, etc.!!)

Thanks a bunch!

[spiral78]

[Isla Guapa]

[ddraper70]

Isla Guapa, That's true


spiral78, You're right. That's what I keep telling myself, it's a lot work trying to acquire things. I've got to get out of the Matrix!

[ajnabiyya]

Definitely look into the language assistant program run by the Spanish Ministry of Education. It pays 1000 euros per month in Madrid for 16 working hours per week and 700 euros per month for 12 working hours per week everywhere else, but giving private lessons on the side is so common that even the official representatives of the Ministry of Education encourage it. I'm currently a language assistant in Madrid and I love my life. Also, don't let the getting-rid-of-stuff thing hold you back. My husband and I had to get rid of a ton of stuff (car, furniture, many thousands of books, all kinds of random crap) when we made the move to Spain this summer after eight years living in California, and I have no regrets except maybe that we didn't do it sooner! (Okay, I miss the books, but not enough to wish myself back in California.) The only tricky thing about moving to Spain as an American is that you can only do the Ministry's language assistant program for two years in the same city or region. You can do it for longer if you're willing to switch regions, or else you can switch to one of the language assistant programs for the charter or religious schools (though these tend not to pay as well). It was easier for me to make the leap to move here because I can count on getting a work permit through my Spanish husband, but I've run into other language assistants who have been living here for several years, going from one language assistant program to the next, and they seem to be doing fine. Good luck!

[pr455]

ajnabiyya,

Great post! I am one of the language assistants who jumped from program to program and I am doing just fine. This is my 5th year as a language assistant and I will be 41 next year. I am happy with my job. I don't have that much work to do and I am there to help. That means that I can do other jobs as well on the side and make extra money.

Suerte,

Shawn

[daniel_hayes]

Are these positions only available for US/Canadian citizens? I'm British, but would be interested in being a language assistant.

[Grimace420]

I can't speak for other areas, but in Madrid they're desperate for people as more and more schools implement the program each year at higher levels. You could probably even fill someone's spot during the year (now) if you emailed the people in charge of the language assistants' programs asking them if they had any vacancies.

[ajnabiyya]

[daniel_hayes]

Thanks for that ajn! I found the British Council link, and it asks for qualifications in Spanish, that I don't have ; (

I have a degree and Celta, but my Spanish is very basic. Any ideas?