*My boyfriend and I have never been outside of the United States of America. But, by the time this comes up, we would have had an extended holiday in Spain.*

I realized that unless one has tens of thousands of dollars saved up (in-fact, in seems like a 100,000 USD wouldn’t get you very far) and unless one wins the lottery, there is a very slim chance of one making it in Spain. Jobs are tight all over the world, not just in America, and the economy is just getting worse and worse by the day with no hope of led-up (at least from the American Perspective). But, many parts of this site tend to paint a good picture of getting a Job in Spain. But, in the forums, all over the forums, many people are struggling to get jobs. Here in America I, currently am having trouble.

Now, I guess this is a multi-purpose question.

I am only 20 years old and my boyfriend is 21. By the time we get into a position to move overseas we will most likely be 26-27 and have a BS or BA under our belt and be fluent in Spanish. Now, at this point, he and I have two options: To move to Spain or to move to the UK. I am looking to be a secondary school Science teacher and he is looking at either medical assisting or a Business Management degree.

My first part (For Spaniards or Expats to Spain): Realistically, how easy is it for an American (not a UK citizen or any other citizen of the EU) to get a job in Spain in the field of education (a Science teacher in a secondary school, I CANNOT teach anyone younger than 16)? AND how easy is it for an American, to get a job in Spain PERIOD (In any field)?

My second part (For British or Expats to the UK): Realistically, how easy is it for an American to get a job in the UK in the field of education (a Science teacher in a secondary school, I CANNOT teach anyone younger than 16)? AND how easy is it for an American, to get a job in the UK PERIOD (In any field)?

My third part (for both Spaniards and British and expats to either): Would it be easier to try and move and get a job in The UK and ‘get our foot in the EU door’? Or would it be easier to try and move and get a job in Spain?

And, finally my last part (for both Spaniards and British and expats to either): I was looking at Spain because they grant equal rights to same-sex couples, the weather is nice, the culture seems laid back (from what I’ve read). I am looking for a place where he and I can do our work and relax. From what I read, Spain is that place. Also, I like how close it is to other countries in Europe. It satisfies climate, location, and lifestyle (from what I’ve read). Would this be an accurate accounting of Spanish life? How does the UK compare with what I am looking for? I no longer with to live in the United States for a number of reasons outside of the political mess (war, same-sex rights/equality, ‘profit profit profit’, fast-paced lifestyle that defines America). I do not like the trend I am seeing in America. There are many political theorists that postulate that America is heading towards either another Civil War or complete collapse (on a social level, not necessarily on a fiscal level) and it scares me at times because I can see where they are coming from. Especially as of late with the recent elections and ‘drive-by’ legislation. I wish to live and retire in another country, one that satisfies some of what I desire.

If you have gotten this far, thank you very much for reading and anything and I mean ANYTHING will be very helpful! Most people have an abundance of stories to share, but a depressing shortage of ears to tell them to.

AscottW - 06 July 2009 11:43 AM

My first part (For Spaniards or Expats to Spain): Realistically, how easy is it for an American (not a UK citizen or any other citizen of the EU) to get a job in Spain in the field of education (a Science teacher in a secondary school, I CANNOT teach anyone younger than 16)? AND how easy is it for an American, to get a job in Spain PERIOD (In any field)?

To teach in state schools you need to have past Opposiciones, this means you need to pass a govt exam, being eligable for the exam is very hard for a foreigner, if not impossible, then if you take the exam only the top mark people from around Spain are picked to fill the amount of jobs, if no places to fill you go onto a waiting list.

The list for jobs is long depending on regions, you don`t have a choice on the place, if they offer Malaga city and you live in Barcelona, then you move or your Oposiciones place is lost forever.

So many people choose private schools to teach, there are thousands of foreigners trying.

Your best option that many successful immigrants choose is IT from home or a business, there are many web developing and internet gambling companies in Spain that employ foreigners as there sites are english speaking.

So if you get chance do something in IT for your degree.

My second part (For British or Expats to the UK): Realistically, how easy is it for an American to get a job in the UK in the field of education (a Science teacher in a secondary school, I CANNOT teach anyone younger than 16)? AND how easy is it for an American, to get a job in the UK PERIOD (In any field)?

More chance than in Spain and better pay and conditions, there are Americans in UK schools, you`ll need to enrol on the various teacher training programs.

Currently the UK is searching for teachers and are makin the qualification criteria lower as there is a shortage of teachers and there starting to require life skills as much as education, there is a program that pays for you to study.

My third part (for both Spaniards and British and expats to either): Would it be easier to try and move and get a job in The UK and ‘get our foot in the EU door’? Or would it be easier to try and move and get a job in Spain?

Put it this way.

The UK like foreigners, the Spanish don`t.

Many will argue that, but I `ve worked in Spain for Spanish employers, they won`t tell it to your face, Spaniards tend to go behind your back.

And, finally my last part (for both Spaniards and British and expats to either): I was looking at Spain because they grant equal rights to same-sex couples, the weather is nice, the culture seems laid back (from what I’ve read). I am looking for a place where he and I can do our work and relax. From what I read, Spain is that place. Also, I like how close it is to other countries in Europe. It satisfies climate, location, and lifestyle (from what I’ve read). Would this be an accurate accounting of Spanish life? How does the UK compare with what I am looking for? I no longer with to live in the United States for a number of reasons outside of the political mess (war, same-sex rights/equality, ‘profit profit profit’, fast-paced lifestyle that defines America). I do not like the trend I am seeing in America. There are many political theorists that postulate that America is heading towards either another Civil War or complete collapse (on a social level, not necessarily on a fiscal level) and it scares me at times because I can see where they are coming from. Especially as of late with the recent elections and ‘drive-by’ legislation. I wish to live and retire in another country, one that satisfies some of what I desire.

As an Expat in Spain workin its not very relaxing, your stressed all the time.

The weekends make up for it though.

Most Expat site are OAP`s in retirement and don`t speak the lingo.

Watch Comando Actulidad its a Spanish programme on TVE1, the series is on youtube, its reporters goin around Spain investigating Spain.

Its real spaniards being interviewed on everyday issues in Spain that don`t reach expat sites.

Watch episodes here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7LU3tKXkLg&feature=channel

If you have gotten this far, thank you very much for reading and anything and I mean ANYTHING will be very helpful! Most people have an abundance of stories to share, but a depressing shortage of ears to tell them to.

No probs.