Living In Spain..... Not Sure On Time Span...?

Question

Im 20 years old from London. Its a dream of mine to work and live in Spain. Ive been to Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia and the Canary Islands. However im thinking that looking for somewhere to rent and work in a big city like this is not really ideal. So i just wanted to get an idea from people on suitable places in Spain that would be interested in hiring an English speaking person?? Im very happy to just make enough money to get by comfortably, i have experience in bar and restaurant work so this kinda work would be fine for me.

(im well into Spanish classes and i wouldn't make the move until i can speak it - more than likely will be next summer that i go).

Basically my plan would be to have enough money to survive for a couple of months whilst i hunt rapidly for a job....... and if i still have no luck... well then ill just have to move back to England, save up and have another crack at it in a couple years time.

Any advice is much appreciated!!

muchas gracias!!

Answer 1

I moved to Madrid in August and got the first job I applied for as an english teacher and started classes in September.  That is the best time to look for work as a teacher.  If you have a TEFL qualification, more doors will be open to you but it is not completely necessary.  I have just moved to Valencia and had my first job interview today in hospitality.  You can find work here.  I don't speak very good spanish either.

Answer 2

It's not going to be easy under the current economic climate. Unemployment is rising, the economy is failing and the inflation rate is rising fast. I live in Spain. I have friends who are desperate for work, but the money supply is falling. That is mainly due to the Brits out here. There has been about a 15% drop in the exchange rate and anything you decide to bring as capital is going to lose money straightaway.

You have a great idea of what you want to do. Now is not the time. Wait 5 years and see what transpires. You have youth on your side. Work hard and plan a future, it will pay dividends in the long run.

Answer 3

Hi what a great thing to do. I did this myself I was just outside Fuengirola a small village on the coast called Los Boliches, I had a great time made many new friends and worked a couple of bars (No problems getting work) Also you would be able to give English Lessons to the local Spanish Children. It's a very area because its not far from Malaga or Benalmadina , I would recommend it, Good luck x

Answer 4

Hello,

I am a foreigner living in spain for 4 years already, and i assure you that if you are an english native speaker you can easily find a job in spain, it is better to live in cities, more companies that need english ( translations, secretary job, etc,), the spanish dont speak english so much, so if you are native speaker you can find a job easily here.

You can work as  translator, secretary or something else, to be payed for english,  I would forget about working in a bar, they pay a little money. Living 4 years here I think i have enough criteria to say there need english speaking people here, but  you chances will increase significantly if you speak spanish ( disired level- to be able to undersand people and tell something about you, intermediate level)

You have to remember two things:

1. Make sure you have rather good command of spanish ( because you wont be able to find a job with just english, you should speak spanish also), it is better to come with some knowledge of the language, even if you dont have a good command, here in the spanish speaking environment you will learn easy, that is what happened to me, i have improved it a lot in 4 years :)))

2. The apartments are rather expensive here ( i dont know the situation in London, i have never lived there), but here the mortgage is a real problem. I think you are already aware of it, sounds you have been to many places here. Examples: in Madrid, a studio can cost from 600 Eur, a shared flat around 300 Eur.

And enjoy Spain when you come!!! It is really a beautiful country with good climate, big cultural diversity and nice people! .... ahhh  and a good food also!!!!!!

Answer 5

Sorry but I have to totally disagree with the previous poster, they do not know what they are talking about.

I have lived in Spain 17 years and now there are so many Brits here (some like me speak fluent Spanish) there are not enough good jobs to go around. You would be unlikely to get an office job as cosmo said as usually thy will ask for Spanish qualifications that you obviously will not have. Forgive me but being able to say a few sentences in Spanish will not get you a good job, even in shops they ask for fluent Spanish and then other languages are a bonus. I am talking about the Spanish sector here, not Brit places of employment as they obviously will be less of a problem.

When I came here to Spain I did not speak Spanish, have 2000 pounds with me and it took me 3 months to get a job so my money covered me. But these days it is alot different and alot harder, believe me. When I came here my thoughts were like yours: the worst thing that could happen is that I would have to return to the UK.............I'm still here though!!

I do wish you all the luck in the world, but do not want you to think it is easy, how many Brits do you think are here already and seeking work like you???? Loads.

But you are very sensible, you have said you'll give it a try and if it doesn't work out you can return. At least you will have tried and that is all you can do. Perhaps it may be a better idea to try and get a live in job as a nanny for a Spanish family therefore getting experience of the way of life. Why not buy the Lady magazine, as they have vacancies abroad for nannies etc.

Good luck to you, go for it you will at least have happy memories and you would have realised some of your dreams which is very important.

Answer 6

Rose is right...take her advice . Things are difficult here at the moment and it's not easy now like it used to be.