Am I ready to take the plunge?

[Cambylobacter]

Hello all,

I've been considering a return to Spain, and after doing a google search, found these forums.

I'm 31 years old, and after a large scale redundancy, have a little time to plan my future. One thing I am considering is going back to work in Spain, and I'm hoping if I let you guys know my situation, maybe you can tell me if it's a viable plan:

Background:
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Lived in Reus and Salou in Catalunya for 10 months in 1997. Loved the lifestyle and people greatly. At the time I learnt some conversational Spanish, and picked it up quite quickly. The problem of course now is, after 7 years back in the UK, I have doubtless forgotten a lot. Regardless, I would be keen to work hard to pick up the language if I return.

Spent the past four years as an employment trainer. I've taught people mainly the skills required to get back into employment in the UK. In as such, I am used to standing up in front of a class, using lesson plans and constructing reviews and individual training plans. I have also led on contracts for the Department of Work and Pensions which included me writing my own teaching materials.

The company I worked for did, amongst other things, Numeracy and Literacy, and ESOL (English for Speakers of other Languages). I have had secondments working with people with no or little English skills, but no formal training.

Whilst in Catalunya, I briefly (maybe 20 hours total) helped out in a local language school as they had no native English Speakers there, but I left for work in Catering which gave me enough hours to live over there longer.


AIM
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I am not looking to go abroad for a working holiday: I would be very keen to resettle and establish a career abroad.

Ideally, I would look to find somewhere that I can teach English and at the same time receive formalised accredited training, and in the long run earn enough to establish a real career. I do have equity on my house so short term capital should be fine if needed.

My initial thoughts were to Spain as I've spent a protracted period there before. I would consider other countries if feasible though.



So:
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Is it a feasible aim, or not? I have a proven vocational background in training, and experience of supporting and guiding people with little spoken English. What I feel I may lack, is formalised training and a qualification to match.

I have seen advertising on the net for studying TEFL in Barcelona which I would consider if I needed to.

What do you think then guys? Am I ready to get out there and seek a career abroad, or is the workplace saturated with people who have the qualifications that I lack?

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[Mikahl]

Roll the dice! What do you have to lose? If you have spoken Spanish before then you should pick it back up again in no time. If you're really worried about it, then I would suggest taking some sort Spanish course before you go. Unless you're a wallflower you will probably be in constant communication with Spaniards. Every conversation will raise your level even higher. I would imagine that because you have worked in the ESL field before that you would have a better CV than many people. If you were to take a course then you would have some sort of certificate, further improving your odds. The fact that you're an EU citizen is probably one of the biggest advantages you have. Most of us on this forum are Americans, and most have found it difficult to find legal employment because of this fact.

Mike

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[Expat_teacher]

Hiya Cambylobacter!

Well, I would say you would be a prime candidate for hire by many teaching institutions here. You have what a lot of places are looking for these days:

-professional work experience
-training/presentation skills
-ESL experience
-older (more mature/stable) teacher (not fresh out of college... recent grad)... sorry to those members who are. Not an insult, it's just that I am seeing more places looking for people who have been around the block already.
-EU citizen

You say you want formal accredited training. There are all sorts of 4 week \"TEFL\" courses out there. Some are better than others. Since you are from the UK, I would suggest that you consider a Trinity or CELTA course. As I understand they are also recognized in the UK. I don't think they are recognized in the States though. Honestly, I don't know how accredited they really are...although the word on the street seems to be that they are the more serious programs. However, if you are really serious about English teaching and like the experience that you have had so far, why don't you just go for a degree in the field rather than get a certificate that has questionable merit?

The fact is, your qualifications would probably more than likely put you on the top of any hiring institution's list, with or without the additional training. Those are my thoughts.  :blink:  

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[Cambylobacter]

Wow! thank you for the replies!

Im going to have to go and get myself a cup of tea and come back and soak this in.

*pops downstairs to put the kettle on*

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[Cambylobacter]

Right, well! Thank you for a very positive and encouraging response.

I will say, this is a very important decision for me. I don't want to go to Spain for a protracted holiday, nor for the experience per se. I really am committed to building a solid future career, and would relish the opportunity to do it in Spain. I found the people, lifestyle and culture inspiring and wonderful, though I hope that isn't nostalgia speaking.

I do however have quite a firm pathway to consider if I \"jump\" to Spain. I would have to sell my house here in the UK, and after paying off the credit card bills, car etcetra, would probably have somewhere between $5-$10,000 left over.

Now, ideally, I'd have an idea of where I could work before I take the plunge, so I guess my first move would be to contact some language schools in Spain and speak to them about my situation: see if there are any long-term opportunities I can attract.

I first went to Spain when I was 24, and at the time, still living at home, I felt somewhat in the comfort zone knowing the worst that could happen is I'd just return to England. I suppose now at 31 years old, I can't help but worry about leaving the safe conveyor belt of \"school, work, family, retire\" etc. But, I know I don't want to miss an opportunity, or wonder when I am 41 or 51 or 61 whether I should have had a go.

So, I'll read up on the net about teaching in Spain, and try and locate some companies in major Spanish Cities for information.

Thanks again for the encouraging replies guys!

Camby.

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[Mikahl]

Stop thinking about it and just do it!!!   Why would you want to live anywhere else but spain. Just think of all the rain you'll get to miss  

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[zorrasabia]

Hi, Cambylobacter  
I'd say 'go fo it!', too!  

I had the chance, way back in my 20's, with a job offer in San Sebastian! I developed cold feet, due to listening to friends and family at home!  I thought I'd go some other time, so stayed at home, in England  - for the next thirty years!!!  Once you get into a proper career, with all the financial and emotional responsibilities, it's so much harder!

I'm now planning to come to Spain in the Autumn, to live and work! Just think - if I'd come when I first planned, I'd have been in Spain, with travel elsewhere, alongside, for those thirty years!  I've had a great life, so far, but Spain was always my dream!
Don't wait! If it doesn't work, what have you lost? But, of course, it will work, because you have so much going for you! You can make your own luck!

I'd recommend the Celta course at I.H. Barcelona! It's externally moderated, on behalf of Cambridge University, as well as by I.H. itself; the staff team is fantastic and so is the location, in the centre of the city! It'll be the hardest work you've ever done, but would be well worth it, to be up to date with modern teaching techniques and resources!  It's recognised internationally, too! If you get a good grade, you could then apply for jobs at other I.H. schools in future, around the world, as well as in Spain!
My only other advice would be to organise your own accommodation! You'll need some sleep at night if you plan to pass the course  and Bcn. is incredibly noisy! Choose a cooler month, for studying, if possible and make sure you've some air conditioning, if you want to maximise your chances of completing your assignments! It's definitely hell in August, trying to do the Celta in Barcelona,  without these  little 'luxuries!' LOL!
Don't stay in Gracia, during the week -long fiesta! Partying 24 hours a day is not condusive to studying either!  Otherwise, you'll love it!
Best of luck!  
Zorrasabia.

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[Cambylobacter]

thank you for that encouraging reply!

I've been looking on the net for courses, accommodation, work, and all that info you'd expect. I'll investigate the place in Barcelona you mentioned - I can still remember now in 1997, walking down Las Ramblas, seeing La Sagrad Familia and Le Mare Magnum. ahhhh

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