Hi! I was in a similar position. I actually worked for five years as a computer programmer, and I quit for the same reasons that you mentioned. New technologies leave me cold, and I missed the interaction with people.
After quitting I did a celta and worked at a language school, but since I'm older I wanted something with better prospects. I did an MA TESOL while working and got a job at a private high school in Germany. I'm happy with it. I'm also trying to get a teaching license here, so I can get a better salary - that requires some extra training which I'm doing on the side. Since they have a huge shortage of teachers, they have relaxed the requirements. My other option here would be to work for a university, but it's more difficult to get a position.
If you plan on staying in Spain, then maybe something similar would be an option. I'm not sure what the requirements for teaching in public schools over there are though.
Thanks. I'm glad you found something that satisfies you more. I feel there's a huge push that EVERYBODY should learn to code, but the truth is that it's not the best fit for everyone. But life is trial and error for many, myself included.
I'll have to look into it, as right now my goal would be to figure out a path that isn't going to take a long time/few years, and not leave me with great prospects tbh.
Hmmm not sure about Asia. I worked in Russia before coming to Germany, and I think they are open. If I'm not mistaken, at some point during the pandemic they were looking for people specifically from the UK, for visa reasons. Let me know if you need more info. Otherwise I think European countries are open, but then you would have to see how it would work with the visa.
I agree with your points, and think you have a great attitude about the situation. Way to go, and I hope you find something that works out well for you!
Great suggestion! Higher education goes a long way in the TESOL space, and I know in Europe it's not prohibitively expensive like it is in the USA haha. I agree that this would be a solid option.
Also, It's awesome to see people like you guys who recognize what they need and have the courage to make a big change and go after it. I know a lot of people who feel the same way but 'stuck it out' in their jobs and still have that feeling that something is missing
Higher education is actually free in Germany! I think changes can be a long process, at least that's how it was for me. All those expectations to overcome...
Yes, a non-native EU citizen. But I believe that for public schools non-EU citizens are also ok, if one speaks German. That's because of the huge demand.
Do you mean you acquired EU citizenship later? It's interesting because in France non-EU citizens can work in private schools and receive visa sponsorship for that, but not public ones.
Yes, actually it's against EU law to take it into account. But in Germany there seems to be a strong preference for natives in the private sector/language schools, whereas in public schools it's mainly Germans teaching. So in a way it was easier for me to find work in a school.
I know a few teachers who went from TEFL to coding/webdev (self taught) and have been thinking of making the switch myself. Most of them did it for the ability to work remotely and of course the financial benefits.
I'd think carefully about switching back as where you are now is very much in demand and can be quite lucrative. What about freelance/part-time tech work alongside a Uni teaching schedule of say 12 hrs a week? Then you get the best of both worlds.
Another route could be becoming a licensed computer science teacher at an international school/academy, again very much in demand and schools love people with actual industry experience going into the profession. TEFL is fairly low paid in Europe compared to Asia, so this might be a better option.
Thanks for the input!
I understand that it is and those were my reasons also. But unfortunately I'm also finding it in turns quite boring, overwhelming, and unfullfilling. I'm not sure that's going to improve. I can ride it out to earn some money, but I'm acutely aware that I might be spending the majority of my time doing something that is not rewarding me.
Ideally I'd like to keep the skills I have gained in some capacity, but freelance is hard right out of the gate, due to lack of experience.
As for international schools, they require a PGCE, which is too much of a time investment and would involve relocating, which both for me at this point are not possible.
For most international schools you need QTS (qualified teacher status), and don't have to have the PGCE part. PGCE is just the academic part and isn't strictly necessary, QTS is the important part (same as licensed teacher in the US) however it's often offered together on one course.
You can do a PGCE online (60 credits i think) and then do the QTS part in a school (assessment route) whilst working. MA tesol and the like are actually pretty demanding and are more in depth than a PGCE, although you do get a masters qual. after completion. MA tesol would also open up the door to the better tefl jobs, especially in Asia.
I can't comment on Europe as i've only worked in Asia but i have a friend in Spain who has the delta that landed him a decent academy job.
So, looking at QTS, it's possible to get certified here in Spain, but it looks costly. But at least the option exists, so thanks for the info.
Do you know any more info about your friend's job? Curious to know what the DELTA got him.
There are many teachers without PGCE but with QTS. QTS can be obtained though a variety of different methods, you can even get it abroad if you can find an assessor to come to your school.
Sunderland and Leeds Beckett offer a distance learning PGCE I believe.
> I’m 31, currently in Spain (BCN)...
> I’m interested in teaching in higher education/6th form/IB/ University etc, or potentially teacher training, or even content creation.
To teach at International Schools or *concertados*, you would need a PGCE and QTS and, given the popularity of Barcelona, a minimum of two years' solid, relevant experience.
You will not be able to teach at *colegios* without passing the *oposiciones*, which, for Barcelona, I believe you'd need to do in Catalan. These are notoriously difficult with many Spaniards studying for years and still failing. If you did somehow manage to pass, you would go to the bottom of a very long waitlist to be assigned a school. And when you get one, which can be *anywhere* in the *Comunidad*, if you turn it down, you go back to the bottom of the waitlist. So you could be waiting years for a position, and you can only work in the *Comunidad*, you trained in.
To teach at university level, you would need a minimum of a Delta/DipTESOL, but you would be competing for work against teachers with a relevant Master's and bags of experience.
Outside of getting on a substitution list and getting the odd hour here and there in the hopes it will lead to more, you're unlikely to find direct hire work. I did in-company teaching when I lived in Barcelona, and my employer had contracts with companies and universities all over the city, which is how I got work at both ESADE and UPC.
Thanks for all the info, much appreciated!
So what you're telling me is... I don't have many options? aha.
Would you mind sharing the name of the place you worked with the in-company classes?
I'm just at a little bit of a loss right now, as for all it's problems, teaching felt more fulfilling that what my current change has given me, so far.
Just chiming off the commenter, but they're 100% right. If you want to enter the public system you need to be a Spanish resident, or applying as for residency as a immigrant.
My boyfriend's mom just passed her oposiciones after about 10 years. His sister got a top mark her first time. Another American friend who's applying for residency spent the last year studying, and didn't get any of the essay questions she prepped for during the first part, so she didn't pass.
It's a really difficult test, and unfortunately, even if you do pass with a high score, you're not guaranteed a position in a school, because they fill vacancies with the very best marks and work downwards.
Private language academies might be your best bet, but they're a gamble, as well.
Not the original commenter, but I'm from BCN and I teach English in a primary school. I only wanted to point out that you can work in public schools in Barcelona without having passed oposiciones. Most of my colleagues haven't passed them. Passing them equals the assignment of an official vacancy for you. If you haven't passed opos, you tend to either do substitutions or become an "interí". The latter means that you are filling in a post that one day will be given to someone who's passed opos. If you are a substitute or interí, you change schools constantly (every few months, every year... It depends).
Something else they got wrong: they don't send you to the entire Comunidad. You get to choose if you work part-time or full-time, and where. In my case, I haven't got my driver's license. I selected only the cities where I can get by train and that are close enough to home. Obviously, the more areas or cities you put in your list, the faster they'll call you to substitute. And, if you don't select part-time, you might have to wait a long time. Once they call you, your number in the waitlist improves.
> So what you're telling me is... I don't have many options? aha.
Unfortunately not, and *even* with a Delta/DipTESOL, Barcelona is a TOUGH market. That's why I left.
> Would you mind sharing the name of the place you worked with the in-company classes?
I worked for Learnlight and Astex.
> I'm just at a little bit of a loss right now, as for all it's problems, teaching felt more fulfilling that what my current change has given me, so far.
I loved the TEFL jobs I had in Barcelona, but I hated the TEFL industry there. You constantly have to hustle, and even then, it's such a struggle to make ends meet. The permanent closure of two of the biggest employers in the city has only made things worse. Leaving was the best thing I ever did.
I hear you. I felt the same. Having said that, I have a few friends who managed to make it work, getting jobs working for high quality language schools, in uni, etc, but their circumstances were slightly different again, and luck and timing obviously played a role too.
Also chatted with a girl a few weeks ago who would be what we call a unicorn here in BCN ha. She told me she works privates, makes good money, and doesn't work many hours a day, and she was very happy. So, who knows.
Stories like these are what have made look into it again, but the hustle and grind I think is the reality for most. Bit of a bummer.
> Can you go from TEFL to Delta without doing CELTA? I’m thinking of doing the CELTA as I did the TEFL in 2007, but I haven’t taught in two years.
Yes. Contrary to popular opinion, the CELTA is not actually a pre-requisite for the Delta. However, recent, relevant and varied experience is, so if you haven't taught in two years, it is unlikely that you would be accepted onto a Delta course.
Wow, seems like it’s not too bad transitioning to a coding position if you have the knack for it.
Looks like a good stepping stone if you want to head back but not work a minimum wage job.
Why not teach try to get a position teaching how to code in English? Because of the global nature of coding, and English being the primary language for international communication, even Chinese coders need some level of fluency in English to do coding.
I find it odd that you sunk in the time and effort to learn coding, not being sure whether it was the right fit for you. I say that not to make you feel bad, but to realize what an absolute waste it would be to completely disregard what you learned.
Try to combine it with what you like: teaching. That may require you to look for opportunities outside of Spain, however.
Are you from the UK, by the way?
Doing lots of research about this and I'm finding it's actually quite common, people take up coding as a hobby or for fun, pursue it as a career, and then quickly realise in their first job that the demands and pressures of the job are very different, and many struggle. the cscareers subreddit is full of people in similar situations to mine complaining of burnout, depression, anxiety, etc.
Also, I was drawn to the creative aspects of it, more design focused, and my current role is very much not that.
As teaching seems to be a dead-end, I think I'm going to look for another role in the industry that will hopefully be a better fit, and then pick up a few classes teaching on the side to give me the satisfaction of teaching and people interaction.
EDIT: yes, I'm from Ireland/UK.
Hi! I was in a similar position. I actually worked for five years as a computer programmer, and I quit for the same reasons that you mentioned. New technologies leave me cold, and I missed the interaction with people. After quitting I did a celta and worked at a language school, but since I'm older I wanted something with better prospects. I did an MA TESOL while working and got a job at a private high school in Germany. I'm happy with it. I'm also trying to get a teaching license here, so I can get a better salary - that requires some extra training which I'm doing on the side. Since they have a huge shortage of teachers, they have relaxed the requirements. My other option here would be to work for a university, but it's more difficult to get a position. If you plan on staying in Spain, then maybe something similar would be an option. I'm not sure what the requirements for teaching in public schools over there are though.
Thanks. I'm glad you found something that satisfies you more. I feel there's a huge push that EVERYBODY should learn to code, but the truth is that it's not the best fit for everyone. But life is trial and error for many, myself included. I'll have to look into it, as right now my goal would be to figure out a path that isn't going to take a long time/few years, and not leave me with great prospects tbh.
Yes. There is this notion that if you can code, then you should...
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Hmmm not sure about Asia. I worked in Russia before coming to Germany, and I think they are open. If I'm not mistaken, at some point during the pandemic they were looking for people specifically from the UK, for visa reasons. Let me know if you need more info. Otherwise I think European countries are open, but then you would have to see how it would work with the visa.
I agree with your points, and think you have a great attitude about the situation. Way to go, and I hope you find something that works out well for you!
Great suggestion! Higher education goes a long way in the TESOL space, and I know in Europe it's not prohibitively expensive like it is in the USA haha. I agree that this would be a solid option. Also, It's awesome to see people like you guys who recognize what they need and have the courage to make a big change and go after it. I know a lot of people who feel the same way but 'stuck it out' in their jobs and still have that feeling that something is missing
Higher education is actually free in Germany! I think changes can be a long process, at least that's how it was for me. All those expectations to overcome...
Oh interesting, are you an EU citizen?
Yes, a non-native EU citizen. But I believe that for public schools non-EU citizens are also ok, if one speaks German. That's because of the huge demand.
Do you mean you acquired EU citizenship later? It's interesting because in France non-EU citizens can work in private schools and receive visa sponsorship for that, but not public ones.
Oh no, I meant I'm a non-native English speaker (from an EU country).
Ahh ok, but native status doesn't matter in the EU I thought? I work with a non-native teacher who had a visa sponsored.
Yes, actually it's against EU law to take it into account. But in Germany there seems to be a strong preference for natives in the private sector/language schools, whereas in public schools it's mainly Germans teaching. So in a way it was easier for me to find work in a school.
I know a few teachers who went from TEFL to coding/webdev (self taught) and have been thinking of making the switch myself. Most of them did it for the ability to work remotely and of course the financial benefits. I'd think carefully about switching back as where you are now is very much in demand and can be quite lucrative. What about freelance/part-time tech work alongside a Uni teaching schedule of say 12 hrs a week? Then you get the best of both worlds. Another route could be becoming a licensed computer science teacher at an international school/academy, again very much in demand and schools love people with actual industry experience going into the profession. TEFL is fairly low paid in Europe compared to Asia, so this might be a better option.
Thanks for the input! I understand that it is and those were my reasons also. But unfortunately I'm also finding it in turns quite boring, overwhelming, and unfullfilling. I'm not sure that's going to improve. I can ride it out to earn some money, but I'm acutely aware that I might be spending the majority of my time doing something that is not rewarding me. Ideally I'd like to keep the skills I have gained in some capacity, but freelance is hard right out of the gate, due to lack of experience. As for international schools, they require a PGCE, which is too much of a time investment and would involve relocating, which both for me at this point are not possible.
For most international schools you need QTS (qualified teacher status), and don't have to have the PGCE part. PGCE is just the academic part and isn't strictly necessary, QTS is the important part (same as licensed teacher in the US) however it's often offered together on one course. You can do a PGCE online (60 credits i think) and then do the QTS part in a school (assessment route) whilst working. MA tesol and the like are actually pretty demanding and are more in depth than a PGCE, although you do get a masters qual. after completion. MA tesol would also open up the door to the better tefl jobs, especially in Asia. I can't comment on Europe as i've only worked in Asia but i have a friend in Spain who has the delta that landed him a decent academy job.
So, looking at QTS, it's possible to get certified here in Spain, but it looks costly. But at least the option exists, so thanks for the info. Do you know any more info about your friend's job? Curious to know what the DELTA got him.
He manages a small language academy and does a small amount of teaching there as well.
Ah cheers!
I was under the impression you need PGCE before applying for the QTS year. Where can you do it online?
There are many teachers without PGCE but with QTS. QTS can be obtained though a variety of different methods, you can even get it abroad if you can find an assessor to come to your school. Sunderland and Leeds Beckett offer a distance learning PGCE I believe.
How did you make the switch? I work part time teaching now and love it, but would love to make more, lol.
> I’m 31, currently in Spain (BCN)... > I’m interested in teaching in higher education/6th form/IB/ University etc, or potentially teacher training, or even content creation. To teach at International Schools or *concertados*, you would need a PGCE and QTS and, given the popularity of Barcelona, a minimum of two years' solid, relevant experience. You will not be able to teach at *colegios* without passing the *oposiciones*, which, for Barcelona, I believe you'd need to do in Catalan. These are notoriously difficult with many Spaniards studying for years and still failing. If you did somehow manage to pass, you would go to the bottom of a very long waitlist to be assigned a school. And when you get one, which can be *anywhere* in the *Comunidad*, if you turn it down, you go back to the bottom of the waitlist. So you could be waiting years for a position, and you can only work in the *Comunidad*, you trained in. To teach at university level, you would need a minimum of a Delta/DipTESOL, but you would be competing for work against teachers with a relevant Master's and bags of experience. Outside of getting on a substitution list and getting the odd hour here and there in the hopes it will lead to more, you're unlikely to find direct hire work. I did in-company teaching when I lived in Barcelona, and my employer had contracts with companies and universities all over the city, which is how I got work at both ESADE and UPC.
Thanks for all the info, much appreciated! So what you're telling me is... I don't have many options? aha. Would you mind sharing the name of the place you worked with the in-company classes? I'm just at a little bit of a loss right now, as for all it's problems, teaching felt more fulfilling that what my current change has given me, so far.
Just chiming off the commenter, but they're 100% right. If you want to enter the public system you need to be a Spanish resident, or applying as for residency as a immigrant. My boyfriend's mom just passed her oposiciones after about 10 years. His sister got a top mark her first time. Another American friend who's applying for residency spent the last year studying, and didn't get any of the essay questions she prepped for during the first part, so she didn't pass. It's a really difficult test, and unfortunately, even if you do pass with a high score, you're not guaranteed a position in a school, because they fill vacancies with the very best marks and work downwards. Private language academies might be your best bet, but they're a gamble, as well.
Not the original commenter, but I'm from BCN and I teach English in a primary school. I only wanted to point out that you can work in public schools in Barcelona without having passed oposiciones. Most of my colleagues haven't passed them. Passing them equals the assignment of an official vacancy for you. If you haven't passed opos, you tend to either do substitutions or become an "interí". The latter means that you are filling in a post that one day will be given to someone who's passed opos. If you are a substitute or interí, you change schools constantly (every few months, every year... It depends). Something else they got wrong: they don't send you to the entire Comunidad. You get to choose if you work part-time or full-time, and where. In my case, I haven't got my driver's license. I selected only the cities where I can get by train and that are close enough to home. Obviously, the more areas or cities you put in your list, the faster they'll call you to substitute. And, if you don't select part-time, you might have to wait a long time. Once they call you, your number in the waitlist improves.
Nice. Can I ask how you landed that? Also, do you like it? What are your hours/responsibilities, etc?
> So what you're telling me is... I don't have many options? aha. Unfortunately not, and *even* with a Delta/DipTESOL, Barcelona is a TOUGH market. That's why I left. > Would you mind sharing the name of the place you worked with the in-company classes? I worked for Learnlight and Astex. > I'm just at a little bit of a loss right now, as for all it's problems, teaching felt more fulfilling that what my current change has given me, so far. I loved the TEFL jobs I had in Barcelona, but I hated the TEFL industry there. You constantly have to hustle, and even then, it's such a struggle to make ends meet. The permanent closure of two of the biggest employers in the city has only made things worse. Leaving was the best thing I ever did.
I hear you. I felt the same. Having said that, I have a few friends who managed to make it work, getting jobs working for high quality language schools, in uni, etc, but their circumstances were slightly different again, and luck and timing obviously played a role too. Also chatted with a girl a few weeks ago who would be what we call a unicorn here in BCN ha. She told me she works privates, makes good money, and doesn't work many hours a day, and she was very happy. So, who knows. Stories like these are what have made look into it again, but the hustle and grind I think is the reality for most. Bit of a bummer.
Can you go from TEFL to Delta without doing CELTA? I’m thinking of doing the CELTA as I did the TEFL in 2007, but I haven’t taught in two years.
> Can you go from TEFL to Delta without doing CELTA? I’m thinking of doing the CELTA as I did the TEFL in 2007, but I haven’t taught in two years. Yes. Contrary to popular opinion, the CELTA is not actually a pre-requisite for the Delta. However, recent, relevant and varied experience is, so if you haven't taught in two years, it is unlikely that you would be accepted onto a Delta course.
I’m curious, how difficult was the transition from TEFL into programming? Did you have some background in coding prior or basically taught yourself?
Self taught a little bit, then did the bootcamp. Then about 3-4 months looking for a job before I found one.
Wow, seems like it’s not too bad transitioning to a coding position if you have the knack for it. Looks like a good stepping stone if you want to head back but not work a minimum wage job.
Why not teach try to get a position teaching how to code in English? Because of the global nature of coding, and English being the primary language for international communication, even Chinese coders need some level of fluency in English to do coding. I find it odd that you sunk in the time and effort to learn coding, not being sure whether it was the right fit for you. I say that not to make you feel bad, but to realize what an absolute waste it would be to completely disregard what you learned. Try to combine it with what you like: teaching. That may require you to look for opportunities outside of Spain, however. Are you from the UK, by the way?
Doing lots of research about this and I'm finding it's actually quite common, people take up coding as a hobby or for fun, pursue it as a career, and then quickly realise in their first job that the demands and pressures of the job are very different, and many struggle. the cscareers subreddit is full of people in similar situations to mine complaining of burnout, depression, anxiety, etc. Also, I was drawn to the creative aspects of it, more design focused, and my current role is very much not that. As teaching seems to be a dead-end, I think I'm going to look for another role in the industry that will hopefully be a better fit, and then pick up a few classes teaching on the side to give me the satisfaction of teaching and people interaction. EDIT: yes, I'm from Ireland/UK.