Brainstorming/Help: Non-EU Citizen Moving to Madrid (I Already Know the Basics)

[kentigar]

Hello!

I'm trying to brainstorm ideas to find a LEGAL way to live and work in Madrid, Spain.  I've lived there four times and taught English as well as occupied a Director of Studies program in Madrid for a total of two years, so I know how this stuff works.  As to the papers issue, I have heard the following answers already as solution to the sticky problem Americans have in trying to work legally there.  We must do one of the following:

1) Marry an EU citizen
2) Study at one of the universities there
3) Get hired as a cleaning lady (yes, apparently you can get someone to sponsor you as their chica de limpieza if they're earning 2000 euros or more per month)

I need to know what else people have heard.  I had two successful interviews in April with ESL companies in Madrid who were all set to hire me, but in the past week both have caved in, telling me that the process has (suddenly) become too difficult and complicated.  I'm an ESL professional who has had three years experience teaching but who has also worked as a Director of Studies in two different companies, a Materials Developer, and as a Teacher Trainer.  It seems to make no difference how much experience I've had or how skilled I am (I'm also highly proficient in Spanish). 

Any thoughts from anyone who's gone about this in a way other than what I've heard?

Thanks!
Katie

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[RebeccaG]

Hello Katie!

Welcome to our forum. Hopefully you will able to get some ideas from the members here.

It sure sounds like you have been around the issue quite a bit. My only other suggestion to you is to look into an investor's visa. I think you would need to demonstrate a certain amount of money in the bank and be willing to start a business here. A visit/phone call to your local Spanish consulate ought to be able to help you out in that area.

What business could you start? Well, given your proficiency in Spanish/experience in Spain as well as your teaching background you could do quite a few things. Start (yet another) English academy, open a consultancy, open a private daycare...just a few ideas that come to mind.

I don't know if you really like teaching or if you did it to make ends meet while here, so you might have some other ideas as well.

As you find out more information, I encourage you to continue to post the information here so that it can be helpful to others in similar situations.

Take care and look forward to seeing you around here!

-Rebecca

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[SEB]

Hola,

This is my first time posting...I am very interested in learning about teaching English in Spain. I am going to Spain this July, and plan to stay for an indefinite period of time (a few months to a year, or possibly longer)...

I have my EU citizenship (dual both American and Spanish) and I just graduated with my BA in Spanish. I'm looking for any work that will provide me with a liveable wage. I am not certified in TESOL, but I do have experience teaching Spanish to children and tutoring Spanish.

I will be in Huelva for July, and in Sevilla by September. I'm looking to move on my own and make enough for the cost of living and some fun =)
Where can I begin to find work in Sevilla? or possibly another major city where it's plausible to live inexpensively?
Any help for someone who is just starting out?

Sara

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[SRedw]

I'm an ESL professional who has had three years experience teaching but who has also worked as a Director of Studies in two different companies, a Materials Developer, and as a Teacher Trainer.  It seems to make no difference how much experience I've had or how skilled I am (I'm also highly proficient in Spanish).

Katie,

This is so true.  I suggest that if you haven't thought about it before, to apply for the North American Languaage Program and that way, you will be here legally and you can work on a student visa.  Many doors can open up for you this way.

Just a thought.

Suerte,

Shawn

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