what to do when you´ve run out of options?

[fionah]

I know 2 weeks is a short time, but I seem to have exhausted the list of schools in Valencia (about 30). I´ve had a slightly interested \"maybe\" from 2, and an uninterested \"just leave your curriculum and we´ll get if something comes up\" from the others. I´ve also put up notices offering private lessons, but so far, nada.

I have a TEFL cert and some training experience (although computer applications, not teaching English). I´m an EU citizen. But maybe I was being unrealistic. Maybe I arrived at a bad time. Maybe I just don´t have what it takes. I don´t know right now.

I don´t mean to sound like I´m moaning. The weather is fine and the coffee is good and I´m making friends. But I just want to know what to do next.  

I have enough money to keep me here for at least 3 months w/out work, so should I just accept the extended holiday and return to Ireland when the days are a bit brighter? Maybe I should try another city or town (although I was rather lookign forward to Las Fallas)? Or does anyone else have suggestions?

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[mlwalton]

Hey Fionah,

I would just say, keep at it...it could take you up to six months to find work.  And hopefully you prepared for this reality and saved up enough cash to last you....

Plus keep in mind the time of year....I'm not sure that schools are hiring at the moment....

You may also want to try to post flyers at bus stops and the like for private lessons...you'll probably not want to post a flyer near a school that you're actively seeking employment from.

Other than that, there isn't much more advise to offer, really, just keep at it.

Hope this helps....

Salud!

Michelle  

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[Angmaj]

Hi Fiona!  I just reponded to your email!  I know you feel disheartened and frustrated, but don´t!  This is Spain, the land of relaxation and good coffee!
Michelle is so right, the time is odd because the ¨fall semester¨or whatever you call it, is just ending right now.  All students have exams through February.  Then they start all over.  I wrote in the email that a school may call you in the morning and ask you to fill in for a teacher who has called out.  In which case, have some lessons ready to ¨knock ´em dead,¨in other words to impress them.  If they see how prepared you are, and how willing you are, they might offer you something to start.  Also, most schools have either open matriculas (which means that anyone intersted can walk in at anytime and join a class) or they have 2 ¨registrations¨ one in Sept and another in February.  Therefore, after exams, when students (and PARENTS) see that they´ve failed ENGLISH, they go running to the academías.  And directors are forced to form new groups to meet the demand, which means they need to hire a new teacher to give that group class.  ¿Me explico?

Anyway I´m sure you and I will meet up soon here... this city is big, but not that big!  Keep your head up, things have a way of working out. ¨Todo se solucionarᨠThat´s what all my Spanish friends told me when I was searching... and believe me I sent out SOOOOOO many resumes. And it does.. so keep the faith and we´ll chat soon, vale?

un beset,
Andrea

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[cadykat]

HEY girls-
I'm going to be in the same boat soon, I will be going to Barcelona in June and takeing the TEFL class then looking for a job in Valencia for September- I'm hopeing for some good luck, maybe you gals can be helpful guides. Let's keep in touch so that we can all meet up at some point- and Fiona sweety don't give up, it will happen.. Hey Andrea I emailed you but I'm not sure if you got it- it bascially said what I just wrote about me coming to Valencia and looking for some advice... how is your visa problem working out, are you there legally or illegally?
Las Fallas is incredible but one bit of advice- bring something to cover yourself with as the wind catches the firey ashes of the final falla in plaza de ayumiento- I got burned the last time I went!!
Cold and frozen in MN
katy
ciao

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[Johnnyboy]

Fiona I noticed your ads round town right enough! I was in exactly the same position last year. I arrived in April having told everyone that I was off to Spain to start a new life and had to go home to Ireland skint in July with my tail between my legs. However I don´t think that the first time was a waste because I made enough contacts to make a successful return at the end of September. Basically yes I do think that you´ve come at the wrong time if you´re looking to teach English as most of the schools recruit around late August/early September. There are very few vacancies after those dates. If nothing has come up then consider going home , if only to save enough dosh to return at a better time!

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[cadykat]

Hey all-
well its set, I'm on my way June 18th. I will be staying in Valencia for about 10 days then heading to Barcelona to get my TEFL and plan to come back in August to find a piso and look for a job to start the school year out. My biggest hope is that I find a job!!!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed because if I can't find one I'm S.O.L. so if any of you have any openings in your area come sept send them my way!!! I keep in touch with Andrea but if there is anybody else out there that would like to meet up for a little vino y pasando el tiempo bien conmigo, escribeme una carta vale!!! otherwise good luck to all and see you at the beach!!
AMUNT VALENCIA!!!!
katy
cadykat@hotmail.com

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[mlwalton]

Bueno Suerte Katy![/color]

Be sure to keep us posted of your adventures eh?

Salud!

Michelle  

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[mlwalton]

Hola Fionah,

I was just wondering how you were doing?  Hopefully, you're still hanging in there and things have picked up for you?  Drop us a line, eh?

Cheers

Michelle  

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