Working in Spain

I've gotten mixed messages about the abudance of jobs for "teaching english abroad". First it was "COME ON EVERYONE: - then it was "Americans are last - EU residents get first pick".

Someone with experience in teaching know about this? Also, do I need CAMBRIDGE RSA or CELTA? Also (for female respondants - is it true there is female/age discrimination for over 40? (I'm 44 and wonder if this is true!)

Many thanks, Jenny

[ 04-26-2001: Message edited by: MadridMan ]

Hi Jenny...

Just wanted to comment on your post. I taught over in Spain awhile ago (3.5 years ago to be exact) and I'm also American.

The truth is, Spanish Academies and Institutes, but most private schools DO prefer EU nationals because of their legal capacity to work in Spain. But any American determined to teach English in Spain will know that the demand for English native speakers in Spain is SO HIGH that many schools/academies are willing to hire us(under the table) regardless of our illegal work status.

Go with caution, but know that it's a very popular road and that MANY Americans, Canadians and Australians have all worked fairly successfully without any working papers.

Hopefully soon, and this is a RUMOR, there might be an alternate route for us North Americans to work for a time in Spain with legal working papers (sort of like what Council Travel does for France, England et al.)

Until then, your desire to work in Spain must be seen as more of an adventure than a sure thing. Bring back up funds and lots of resources to help you gain employment (local newspapers, classifieds, etc.)

Your most important resource is the people you meet...other Americans in Madrid struggling, looking for work just like you can help out a lot!

For immediate resources try the following: http://madrid.edreams.com http://www.MadridMan.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/spain-english
and COMING SOON... http://www.ExpatriateCafe.com

And as for age discrimination in Spain, yes, I too have heard about this but cannot verify it. A positive attitude might combat that stereotype right off the bat!

Good Luck!

Tracy

Jenny, we're VERY fortunate to have THE one-and-only Tracy Moral here on this board (thanks Tracy!). She is THE foremost authority on dog grooming. DOH! OH NO! WHAT?? I mean, she's THE authority on Working In Spain for those outside the EU (European Union). Just teasing, Tracy. hehehe.. :p Thanks for your extremely valuable (as usual!) information.

Saludos, MadridMan

Hi Tracy-

Any more news on the RUMOR of an 'alternate' route for North Americans to work in Spain?!

Thanks!

Denise

as a note on the rsa/cambrdige thing. no it is not necessary to have. i actually got the certification but never once have i been asked for any certifictaions and found tons of work. i don´t think it´s necessary at all. i kind of think i wasted my money and time on it cause i can get work anywhere without it. but i guess it´s all a personal choice and some people feel better if theyhave some certificate.