Welcome to Barcelona Teaching Information If you are reading this it's because you are already in Barcelona, or on your way to this great city. I will also suppose that you are already or hoping to become an English teacher. English Teaching It's easy to find teaching work here. Yep, that's just what you wanted to hear, wasn't it? You are lucky because Barcelona is full of language academies, some good, some bad, but hey, there are loads of them. Ok, Ok, impatience is setting in, HOW do I find work teaching English? TELL Me !! I,m stuck in a dead-end 9-5 job in my horrible country, and I want out. I've heard the stories about the sunny med, good wines, good food, and part time hours and I want THAT !! |
How do I find work ? Ok, first you need to look at my 10 step guide, this is only a basic list but will help you out a lot. Why?, because it's common sense that's why. Do I Need A TEFL Certificate ? I am going to get into trouble here, but not always no. WHAT?! some of the teachers who are reading this are saying. But hey, it's true. As I said before, there are heaps of language schools here, as well as thousands of teachers (or non-teachers) looking for work. This means lots of competition, low wages, and schools taking on anyone who is native, looks smart, and can read. Obviously some schools have higher standards than others, but not many, standards don't come cheap. Having said that I would recommend doing a TEFL. course.. |
When does term begin? Most schools hire teachers before the August Summer holiday ready for classes to begin in September or October.Term usually finishes at the end of June, so be prepared to start hiking and get those CV's out in June. If you're lucky, you may even get a call to do a July intensive course for four weeks. Hours And Pay Most schools will try to give their teachers between 10 and 25 hours a week, it all depends on the school. I have NEVER had less than 20 hours. The pay will range between 9 - 17 euros per hour. Although you will get a temporary contract, not all these hours will be declared to the tax man (schools get stung for tax and try to avoid paying it when they can). |
Private Classes ? Hmm, bit of a sticky subject that one. The answer is yes and no, it all depends on your contacts, personality, and being in the right place at the right time. It really is a case of "It's not WHAT you know, It's WHO you know". All of my private classes have been a slow build up of recommendations over the last few years, so not really something to rely on if you need steady income quickly. To Conclude You get low pay, Dodgy contracts, No job security whatsoever, Some horrible students and sometimes horrible bosses, but hey, you might just get lucky. And what an adventure, what a great city, and you get to meet lots of fun people and learn Spanish for FREE !! GOOD LUCK !! : ) |