Hi guys!
I'm finally back on Chalkboard, after a few days in which I haven't had time to connect.
Well, so last week I went to Madrid for my interview, as enthusiastic as I could be... Apart from a very bad start (plane awfully late, broken glasses) I arrived 'safely' at the interview. And I wasn't much impressed, actually! I don't know if this is normal in other countries (because in Italy it isn't) but prospective teachers (if the interview goes well) are expected to attend a two-week training at their own expenses. The training is also unpaid (you have to teach in the afternoon, to 'apply' the method you've learned in the morning) and only at the end of it you know if the school has decided to keep you or not.
This doesn't sound too exciting for me (apart from the fact that as of now I couldn't afford to stay two weeks, unpaid, in Madrid - possibly in a hotel...). Other than that, the contract is partly freelance, partly not and you get holidays at the end of each course, which could also mean you don't have a free day for three months in a row... Another not too exciting thing, considering I have a family here in Italy!!
I've also had to send them a 300-word paragraph, basically on why they should hire me...I don't know, maybe I was expecting too much, but I got the feeling there was something else that I wasn't being told...
Some of you who have read my previous posts know which school I'm talking about, so any feedback on it would be welcome! I've also just applied for the other school that was founded by a former partner of this one, and it does look a bit more 'serious' to me! They offer a better pay, the contract is totally as freelancer (and you're not expected to commit exclusively with them for one year, unlike the other school) and their training involves 2 days for experienced teacher, in which they simply explain the method, show the materials, etc.
Well, we'll see. I'd really love to go teaching in Madrid (I love the city), but right now I'm not really sure about this school in particular...
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@romina Lol …I’ve half applied there twice! The reasons I haven’t submitted my application is that I’m not sure about the dates or which region to choose. The dates are the biggest stumbling block because of my work commitments. I read two blogs here, both very positive. One of our members is also going…sometime in May but forgotten where…
@ Monique: I hope you're luckier than me here, then!! :) But I guess, if you're a mothertongue, things are much easier... :P And about the link you posted...That's exactly the 'other' school I've just applied to!! :P
And here’s me trying to teach English in Italy :) I can’t get enough of the Italian scenery!
But yes I can understand …a change is as good as a holiday. Have you tried http://www.morethanenglish.com/anglos/index.asp
@ honor: Yeah, that did sound a bit suspect! I'm sure they're a very respectable school, but still... I sent my CV to that other school and I hope to be contacted soon! Trouble is, they usually hire only native speakers, so I hope they won't throw away my CV immediately and at least take a look at it...
@ Monique: I did already know that the training wasn't automatically going to grant me a position there, because they say it even in their website (although the success percentage of 35% is mentioned nowhere and they only tell you in person). I did decide to go anyway, also because I didn't know that it wasn't even paid and they don't provide for accommodation during those two weeks either!! I already teach English, Spanish and Italian in Italy, which is certainly easier for me, having my family, friends, partner and life here! Trouble is, there isn't enough work and I also need a change of scenery, so that's why Spain!!
Oh no what a disappointment. Yes I agree a bit ‘naughty’ of the company, they should have told you that upfront. At least you could then have made an informed choice whether to attend for an interview or not. Why don’t you teach English in Italy?
That all sounds a bit suspect really - having to shell out for a training week when there's no guaranteed job at the end - you might want to go for their partner school, as it sounds a bit more reputable.
Maybe ask to speak to current teachers at this school to get their take on things.
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