Teaching English in Spain

[HighExposure]

Hi all,

I am currently living in Barcelona and am teaching English, and thought I'd share my experiences with you all. First, I was a bit uneasy making the physical move to Spain because I had only a one-way ticket into Spain and four massive suitcases (what can I say, I'm a girl). To my surprise, I wasn't questioned much by the attendants at the flight desk (as it appears that they also aren't too familiar with Spanish policies on immigration). They did not ask me to purchase a return ticket out of Spain -- as I know has been the case for other people -- but just asked to see my credit card instead and everything was a-OKAY!

Second. I started first at a hostel (one that I've been to and trust, obviously, and can recommend to you should you follow similar procedures) and slowly found an apartment / job. I've been living here for six weeks now and am quite comfortable. I work at a private language school and with both children and adults. The pay is OK, but is nothing compared to the pay you could get working at a public school -- for which I have also interviewed but when they discovered I was American they immediately lost interest. Americans can work in Spain but don't expect any thing fancy. In fact, I work with three or four other Americans. We all work under the table, even the Irish and English who can legally demand the school provide them with contracts and benefits.

But there are difficulties here. For instance, because I am American I can't open a normal checking account. Rather, I am forced to open a "Tourist" account (at least with la Caixa) and that's a fiver every month. Moreover, I started with Vodafone which has turned out to be a poor choice because they too have a new policy that requires all contract members be holders of EU passport (topping up is so expensive I'm spending 10 a week). But I can take my friend's passport and still get myself a contract it's just a hassle. Always a hassle!

As I'm sure most are already aware - Anuncios Gratis, Anuncios Clasificados | LoQUo.com has been heaven for me. I found both my apartment, job, volunteering opps, Spanish-English groups, and so on through this site.

Finally, I guess the social aspect -- I think it's easy meeting people in Barcelona. People are friendly and eager to make new friends (and of course practice their English). I moved here knowing absolutely not a single person. And I have tons of friends now

Sooo finally, finally, finally. If anyone has any questions about anything please send me a PM - if you reply I might not be able to read and respond. I'd like to help as much as possible. Also, I know quite a bit about working permits and visas so if you have any Qs in that area, please ask. I have done a fair amount of research prior to my move as I did not want to work illegally but it's actually easier this way (for short term, that is).

Ok! Hope this helps!!! Besos!!!

[jojo]

Originally Posted by HighExposure

Hi all,

I am currently living in Barcelona and am teaching English, and thought I'd share my experiences with you all. First, I was a bit uneasy making the physical move to Spain because I had only a one-way ticket into Spain and four massive suitcases (what can I say, I'm a girl). To my surprise, I wasn't questioned much by the attendants at the flight desk (as it appears that they also aren't too familiar with Spanish policies on immigration). They did not ask me to purchase a return ticket out of Spain -- as I know has been the case for other people -- but just asked to see my credit card instead and everything was a-OKAY!

Second. I started first at a hostel (one that I've been to and trust, obviously, and can recommend to you should you follow similar procedures) and slowly found an apartment / job. I've been living here for six weeks now and am quite comfortable. I work at a private language school and with both children and adults. The pay is OK, but is nothing compared to the pay you could get working at a public school -- for which I have also interviewed but when they discovered I was American they immediately lost interest. Americans can work in Spain but don't expect any thing fancy. In fact, I work with three or four other Americans. We all work under the table, even the Irish and English who can legally demand the school provide them with contracts and benefits.

But there are difficulties here. For instance, because I am American I can't open a normal checking account. Rather, I am forced to open a "Tourist" account (at least with la Caixa) and that's a fiver every month. Moreover, I started with Vodafone which has turned out to be a poor choice because they too have a new policy that requires all contract members be holders of EU passport (topping up is so expensive I'm spending 10 a week). But I can take my friend's passport and still get myself a contract it's just a hassle. Always a hassle!

As I'm sure most are already aware - Anuncios Gratis, Anuncios Clasificados | LoQUo.com has been heaven for me. I found both my apartment, job, volunteering opps, Spanish-English groups, and so on through this site.

Finally, I guess the social aspect -- I think it's easy meeting people in Barcelona. People are friendly and eager to make new friends (and of course practice their English). I moved here knowing absolutely not a single person. And I have tons of friends now

Sooo finally, finally, finally. If anyone has any questions about anything please send me a PM - if you reply I might not be able to read and respond. I'd like to help as much as possible. Also, I know quite a bit about working permits and visas so if you have any Qs in that area, please ask. I have done a fair amount of research prior to my move as I did not want to work illegally but it's actually easier this way (for short term, that is).

Ok! Hope this helps!!! Besos!!!

Well thanks for the info - its always interesting to hear stories once people arrive and "happy endings" at that!! Altho I guess as a public forum we cannot condone the illegal nature of you being here!

I know you've asked for people to PM you for any advise and yes, to a point thats fine, but I'd much prefer people to ask and talk on the forum, then I stand a chance of learning things too as do other visitors. That said, again the forum cant reccommend that you openly advise on illegal entry into Spain.. I'm sure you understand LOL

Jo xxxx



Jo xxx

[Pesky Wesky]

Originally Posted by HighExposure

Hi all,

I am currently living in Barcelona and am teaching English, and thought I'd share my experiences with you all. As I'm sure most are already aware - Anuncios Gratis, Anuncios Clasificados | LoQUo.com has been heaven for me. I found both my apartment, job, volunteering opps, Spanish-English groups, and so on through this site.


Sooo finally, finally, finally. If anyone has any questions about anything please send me a PM - if you reply I might not be able to read and respond. I'd like to help as much as possible. Also, I know quite a bit about working permits and visas so if you have any Qs in that area, please ask. I have done a fair amount of research prior to my move as I did not want to work illegally but it's actually easier this way (for short term, that is).

Ok! Hope this helps!!! Besos!!!

Many thanks for your input HighExposure!!

Your story is interesting because it's not the run of the mill story for this forum ie working without papers and being American, although I suppose there are plenty of "you" out there!! There was an American on here a few days ago asking about visas....

As you say, this might be the best way for the short term, but usually if people stay around they end up getting their papers sooner or later.

Thanks for the link to LoQuo, it's not been given before and it's true it does have quite a few teaching jobs on it.

Anyway, enjoy your time in Barcelona!

[Pesky Wesky]

Originally Posted by Caroline01

Hi Im Caroline,
And Ideally Im looking for work with children, babies, anything remotely related as Im an NNEB in Nursery nursing, National BTEC in child care, NVQ3 in play work, TEFL in teaching english as a foreign language, but I dont have a degree, and Im looking for work before I go. I have a great deal of experience in holiday company work but most of them are closing now due to their end of seasons. I have signed up with a nanny agency but ideally want a more social team work role. I dont know a great deal of Spanish, I 28 and eager to try anything. Any help or advice would be really acppreicated. Caroline01

I think the best sites for TEFL jobs are the ones that are given earlier on in the thread tefl.com, madridteacher.com, Richard harrison etc. Also local press, freebie newspapers sometimes, and English Language bookshops or Irish pubs often have notice boards

[Pesky Wesky]

Originally Posted by jojo

... She was saying that Most spanish children pick an awful lot of the english language up from pop music and UK/USA films before and during any formal education. In fact she uses those mediums to help teach the language. In her opinion, thats why the Spanish tend to be better at English than we are at Spanish!!??

Jo xxx

Yes, I think most teachers use films and songs in their classes when they can, especially with younger students, although I usually do a song about once a month with in my company classes and as far as the students are concerned we could do one every day!!
There are pitfalls though - there's a lot of "wierd" English in songs, and stuff that just make sense, but just sounds good. From I ain't got nothing for my baby to Snap on you wet boots, And now eat all you mushrooms !! This doesn't seem to happen in Spanish lang. songs

Especially for Jo, even though this is the "teaching English" thread, here are some links to some songs in Spanish with subtitles, so you can practice your language skills!

You Tube

You Tube

[jojo]

Originally Posted by Pesky Wesky

Yes, I think most teachers use films and songs in their classes when they can, especially with younger students, although I usually do a song about once a month with in my company classes and as far as the students are concerned we could do one every day!!
There are pitfalls though - there's a lot of "wierd" English in songs, and stuff that just make sense, but just sounds good. From I ain't got nothing for my baby to Snap on you wet boots, And now eat all you mushrooms !! This doesn't seem to happen in Spanish lang. songs

Especially for Jo, even though this is the "teaching English" thread, here are some links to some songs in Spanish with subtitles, so you can practice your language skills!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e00ax...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkzVZiiv9PI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pac2rLRsVXk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEf-iuPmIww

Well I dunno about learning spanish but those had me dancing around my sitting room with my broom, so they helped with the sweeping lol!!!

Jo xxx

[Pesky Wesky]

Are things looking up on the job front??
Yesterday I started the day with an impromptu meeting and an offer of 6 hours of classes instead of 3 in the company and also possible intensive weekend courses . Got home and had two phone calls about classes and an email. Today an email about a translation and another email about a fulltime job!! Don't worry, I can only do the first lot of classes, but interesting after months of hearing nothing when the norm is to have phone calls or mails every week if not every day.