Greetings, expats.  I’ve been lurking around the forum for a short while now, but I think it’s time for a formal introduction:  I’m 23, female, a writer living in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I’m making the move to Barcelona at the beginning of August.  I’ve signed up for the Oxford TEFL (http://oxfordtefl.com/) program to get certified as an English teacher, and I’m crossing my fingers for the best in terms of employment after the course is over.  Anyway, I’ll be browsing the site for info about visas, et cetera, but I’m sure I’ll have questions along the way.  I’m hoping to make a few friends before I move to BCN and learn a bit about the culture so that I’m not completely clueless when I get there. 

Looking forward to joining in on more board conversations and contributing whenever I can!

Hi there,

I used to live in BCN (recently moved to Andalucia) and its a great place to live.  My sister has been in BCN for over 6 years and is also a writer and teaches English!!  So she maybe able to help you a little further if you want.  If you want I can give you her email address and you can contact her directly.  Obviously I?ll need to let her you know you are beforehand so just let me know!!

Bye for now.

Alicia

Hello,

Don’t worry. August is probably the best time to get Oxford TEFL certification in order to get a teaching job in September when most school hire new teacher.

That was what I did there years ago and immediately found a job after the course ended. I have to say they were rather helpful in this sense at Oxford where I also did my TEFL.

I have now settle down in Barcelona, a wonderful city to live in, and consider my TEFL course and that first teaching job as the right step towards all I have accomplished by now.

I wish you the best of luck!!!!

Hi,

I am also an American moving to Barcelona in August to teach English.  I have spent a ton of time in Barcelona over the years, but this is the first time I am moving there with a real job and a work visa so I am really excited.  I would love to answer any questions you may have or just be a new friend in Barcelona when you arrive.  We can go get a coffee and I can show you around the city!  Feel free to PM me anytime.

Bienvenidos a la ciudad mas bella del mundo,
Laura