When I gradauted from high school and was preapring to study journalism at the University of Iowa, my mom told me the same thing (just no eloped cousins in this part of the story). Spain escaped my lips faster than I could let her words fully process in my head. It was settled – I would go to the land of toros, tapas and sunshine to study Spanish and the art of the siesta.
I chose Valladolid as my destination of choice – a former capital once inhabited by Cervantes and Columbus. While I was there, I learned enough Spanish and enough about the siesta to want to go back. As my mom embraced me a few weeks later at O’Hare Airport, I simply announced, “I am moving back to Europe.”
And there it was. I found a job teaching English in Sevilla and haven’t looked back since. Three years, three jobs and what is apparently a marriage later, I’m finding olive oil to be an appropriate substitute for butter, that teaching is my thing, and that Spain might just be my final destination.
I’d love to hear from you about anything Spain related – teaching, settling in, traveling. Send me an email at sunshineandsiestas@gmail.com
Hi Cat, what program did you go through to teach abroad? and other random questions like how much are you getting paid per month and is it enough?? I’m trying to decide what I want to do next fall, and teaching in spain is definitely on my list- you can email me at beauhollow@hotmail.com
Thanks!
I just realized that was a stupid question “is it enough?” well, it probably is seeing as you’ve been there for years…I think I mean more along the lines of insurance, rent, traveling, yada yada..I don’t want to be asking my parents for grocery money haha
Hey Corey, and anyone else, I did three years in Sevilla with the Auxiliares Norteamericanos program (http://www.educacion.gob.es/sgci/usa/es/programas/auxiliares_us/aux_us.shtml). This consisted of working in a local and public high school for 12 hours a week, assisting English teachers plan and implement bilingual curriculum. Yes, the pay seems like next to nothing, but you have to realize that the cost of living, even in a city like Seville, it far lower than in the US. I paid 240 euros a month for rent and utilities, about 100 for groceries, 25 for transportation, etc. I also made up to 500 euros a month just for tutoring, which is both legal and widespread in Spain.
For anything else, email me! catherinegaa@gmail.com. Thanks for reading!
Hi Catherine,
I tried that link you provided, but it says “404 error, page not found — all in Spanish)
My name is Colin. I’m an American and speak fairly proficient spanish (little rusty). I am interested in Teaching English in Spain, but I hear for an American it’s nearly impossible. And to get a visa, you need a job… and to get a job, you need a visa. So it’s frustrating. I read your blog online, and was curious if you could offer any information.
I have a masters in Education, 16 months teaching experience in South Korea (ESL), and am a licensed teacher in the state of Washington in the USA.
I would really appreciate any help or advice.
Thanks so much,
Colin Culbreth
Masters in Education
cculbret@gmail.com
Congratulations! And keep up the blogs!
http://ourhouseinquercy.blogspot.com/2012/02/feel-love-passing-on-liebster.html
I’m enjoying your blog. I made the same choice you did 28 years ago, and my Sevillana friends from that period are still among my closest, most intimate friends. It was a life changing experience. Now, I go back periodically to Seville to live with Spanish gypsy friends I made along the way. I’m a writer. My debut novel is scheduled for release in October, 2012. It’s set in Seville. (www.scentofsorrow.wordpress.com) Happy blogging. I’ll be tuning in.
Likewise! Let me know when it’s out – I’m going to be promoting a few freidns’s books, and would love to read yours, too! Thanks for stopping by, S!
I hope to have advanced reading copies available in June. I’ll send you an arc. Do you read ebooks?
I do! Thought I would hate them, but now can’t live without my Kindle! Feria starts tonight…missing it?
Absolutely missing it. La feria is where I learNed to appreciate fino! and I agree about the kindle. Loving it! I ‘ll send you a copy as soon as I have the arcs. Enjoy La Feria. I’ll have a cup of La Gitana to remember.
Just tagged you in a “getting to know you” blogging series, should you want to participate. I hope you’re having a wonderful time at feria, can’t wait to read posts about it! Ciao guapa!
http://iheartmondegreens.com/2012/04/28/getting-to-know-you/
Just read yours! Thanks for the tag, and look for it after Feria, chiki!
Hello there!
My name is Malte Zeeck, and I am with InterNations.org. I really enjoyed reading your fantastic blog! I think expats in Spain and around the world could really gain some great insights [and have a few good laughs] on this page. The quality of the blog in general is very convincing, which is why I would love to feature you and your writing on the Recommended Blog on Spain section on InterNations.org
Not only do we feature and link to your blog prominently; we also would like to hear from you directly in our questionnaire! We have also designed a link badge for your blog.
If you are interested, please feel free to contact me via email: maltezeeck@internations.org
Best,
Malte Zeeck
Love, love, love your blog and everything spain! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Jules! Please email me uf you ever need Spain related advice!