American emigrating to Spain: Where do I start?

Question

Two things actually - I want to emigrate to Spain and teach, but not English, I'm certified for pre-K through 3rd grade. Do I go through the Spanish consulate to find a nursery school or primary grade position? Also, I know I need to have certain official documents translated into Spanish, where do I go to do that?

And what are the most informative Expats websites?

Thanks for any and all help.

Answer 1

I would recommend that you go to the Spanish Consulate, but, as someone else pointed out, the bureaucracy will definitely drive you crazy. You can't imagine how many forms and documents you will have to fill out. From my experience, I can tell you that it will be difficult to remain legally in Spain for more than  3 months without a proper contract, and it won't be easy...

Would you consider some bilingual school? That would provide an environment in which you don't necessarily have to teach English but you will use your English skills and knowledge (I don't know many bilingual schools, but you could try colegio Brains, King's College, etc) to check the requirements to join them. You can not get a position in a public school right now, because to access them, you will need to pass a series of exams called "oposiciones" so you could teach in either a private school or a mix between private and public -it's called a "colegio concertado". Try to contact them first, see what they offer you and then, once you get an offer, go to the consulate -or even better, check now the requirements, see if you can meet them, then go and check the openings.

As for the translation of the documents, you'll probably need that, and it won't do you any harm to get them now. Once you get here, it'll be much difficult to obtain them.  

Hope it helps

Answer 2

Marry a Spaniard. Apart from that, check out www.madridman.com This website is the most informative websites on spain that I have encountered. There is even a very active message board with plenty of people that have done what you want to do and are willing to help you and answer your questions. Tell 'em Mencey sent you.

Answer 3

You will need to contact the Spanish Embassy or consulate to find out if you can come to Spain. Being a teacher will be beneficial, but remember, if someone from Spain wanted to work in America they probably would be turned down and the same may be the case in Spain. If you were European then you would have an automatic right to work in Spain. If you need to have documents translated into Spanish you will need to contact a notary.

It's not as easy as having certain documents translated into Spanish. If you can't speak or understand the language you will be at a massive disadvantage straight away. The beaurocracy in Spain will drive you mad. It's much worse than you will encounter in the States.

As I said, contact the Spanish embassy to gain more knowledge on how you proceed. If you get a positive response then you can come on here and ask how to go forward.