Finding the best training solution

[FG21]

So I'm trying to find the best way to go about teaching English in Spain for a few months as a "break" from the day to day grind here in the US that has been killing me slowly for the past few years. The more I search for answers, the more lost I become.

Here's a little background information...I'm a 27 year old male who has never taught before, I have a bachelors degree in English and I currently work as an editor/writer for a small newspaper. I'm not sure what I want for the rest of my life and I figure having an adventure couldn't hurt. The only problem is, as much as I really want an adventure...I need to have some sort of an idea of what I'm getting myself into.

I'm thinking that going through a certification program is my best bet because I don't have any experience...but which one? I'd like to have a job secured before I get to Spain...but can I even guarantee that? Should I be looking for a company that takes care of housing? Can I get benefits? Do I need a Visa?

These are all things that I'm trying to figure out. Any help would be great!

Thanks,
Frank Giasone

[RebeccaG]

Hi Frank, welcome to the café.

I am sure you will find the answers to many of your questions if you searched around on the forum a bit. Your situation is similar to so many others that come to the Café.

In a nutshell, some answers....

-While nothing is impossible, it is highly unlikely that you will have any job secured before coming to Spain. Unless, of course, you come here on a scouting mission first, line up interviews, score jobs then return to the States before the fall season kicks in.

-As an American, you can be in Spain legally for 3 months on a tourist visa which is not legal to work with. I don't advocate doing anything illegal or anything you aren't comfortable with. However, there are many Americans in your same situation here and working under the table. It's not the most secure way of working.

-If you decided to go with a certification program, a few of the programs here in Madrid, if not all, will help you find housing and/or negotiate rental agreements for you.


Hope some of those responses help. I highly encourage you to sit back with a nice cup of coffee and spend a few hours searching this forum and reading the articles posted on our main page. Many of the questions you ask have been addressed time and again.

Good luck!
-Rebecca

[rob in madrid]

I would add that unfortunetly coming over for a few months to teach English is what gives the ESL world here a bad reputation, I mention that only because it takes 3 to 4 years to become a really solid teacher. Secondly the cost of liviing is very high and salaries are pityfully low (20€ an hour sounds like a lot till you realize that you may only teach 10-12 hours a week) and it's tough to live on a teachers salary at the best of times.

This doesn't mean you can't come over, only that you'll need some savings to tide you over. If your looking to come over for a short break than I suggust saving up enough money to last you and then offering out your services on an intercambio basis, that is you willing to trade Spanish for English and maybe pick up a few privates here and there.

regardless good luck.