Working in spain
Hi there,
I was thinking about spending a few months in Spain to immerse myself in the Spanish language. I was hoping to find a job that pays in accomodation and food so that I can concentrate on learning the language by practising everyday.
Has anyone any experience of this? Also, what would be a good area of spain to do this in? As I hear the accents and tempo varies quite a lot thought Spain! Someone told me recently that people from Sevilla speak very fast and would probably not be the best place to go.
Any input here would be great! One last thing if anyone knows- how much do you think you could learn in 3 full months of submersion. I understand its dependent on how much your speaking, but with a basic understanding of the language and total practise for 3 months - what would be your guess?
3 Answers
I am not from Spain but have lived in Europe and visit family in Spain often. Spain's unemployment rate is very high nowadays (close to 20% I think), so you would want to consider that before heading out.
One thing you can do to earn a living while studying Spanish is teaching English. While it may be conflicting with your goal of learning Spanish, there is always bound to be work for a good English teacher. Big and small cities alike have a need for private English teachers. You may want to try lining up a job with a language school.
Check out this link
As far as how much you can learn in 3 months only depends on your current knowledge of Spanish, disposition, dedication, willingness to approach Spaniards for conversation and friendship, etc. I do not think there's anything written in stone, especially since we all learn differently.
I hope this helps!
I guess this depends very much on the job you want to do - If you're a student or have plenty of time spare, then try a summer placement on a farm or hotel where you can mix with many people of a similar age and go with the flow and pick up the language.
If you are in full time employment maybe your employer could fund you a placement with a sister company? You will still learn as much and be paid at the same time !
I work in the UK with regular visits to Madrid and Sevilla (I'm going to Madrid tomorrow!!) and I find the pace of speech fast no matter where you are. There are certainly different accents too. I wouldn't let this put you off - to me it's all Spanish and you just have to listen and try your best - most people are very forgiving should you get it wrong and are really pleased that you're giving it a go!
Alex
Hi there, thanks for the responses!
Yeah I know the Spanish economy is as bad as the English one right now but Im not hoping to earn barely any money! As long as I have a roof over my head and some food in my belly, I would be greatful for the opportunity to just practise my Spanish!
I never have had much thought about teaching English in Spain. Dont you need certain qualifications for that? Of course I speak English as a first language but dont you need to be able to speak Spanish at a reasonable level to be able to communicate with your students?! After all, I couldnt learn Spanish solely from a Spanish speaker who has limited knowledge of the English language!
With regards to employment abroad, Im having real problems using my degree to find a job in my own country! I would like to take some time out and become bi-lingual to help extend my country search for employment.
Maybe I can find a family who will put me up for a few months while I provide them with some cheap labour!
