rockybgc

Hi everyone, so I'm going to University in September, but before then I want to study Spanish language in Spain before I go. I'm looking at going next month, April.
I already speak Spanish, just not fluently, I think 5/6 months in Spain will get me there because I'm an advanced speaker of the language.

But here's my problem, the amount of money I have saved, is enough for 5 months worth of tuition, rent and food.
What I don't have is enough money for is a social life, eating out, going to the cinema etc. I don't want to be in Spain and have to decline an invite to go out anywhere, especially considering this is Spain where people go out often and to bars etc.

Do you think I should take the risk and pray I can find a part time job? I know the unemployment is very high. I'm looking at either Madrid or Málaga. I know the former has a lower employment rate than the latter.
I don't have teaching qualifications so I can't teach English on the side but if I'm being honest I would teach for free, like a language exchange or whatever.

If so, does anyone know where I could find part time jobs? Waitering? Café work?Is there a Spain equivalent of Directgov Jobs like we have here in the UK? Any advice?

Do I go or do I stay?!

angiescarr

Here's an idea. Why don't you ask if anyone wants an odd job person/nanny/housesitter in Spain for the summer. Does it have to be Madrid and do you need tuition? I think the easiest way to learn Spanish is total immersion. For the grammar why not get an audiocourse and put it on headphones. Play it wherever you go.
If you need a qualification I'd save all your tuition fees up for a short intensive course at the end of your trip. That way you won't be wasting money on the basics you can just 'pick up'.
Good luck!
PS Another idea. Go work in a Lush shop... They're all over the place

Rosemary

As Concierge for the Spanish section of BE I would like to say hello and welcome.

BE is a very large expat website, so if you have problems finding your way around we have concierges who will try to direct you. The moderators for the Spanish forums are Mitzyboy and Fred James, moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderador who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge of the issues of living in Spain. At the top of the page you will find a quirkily named thread called Free Beer which is full of important and useful information. Hope you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

I noticed that you are looking at Germany too and suspect that you might find work there easier.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

Lynn R

Have you tried this site:-

http://www.workaway.info/

You could work in Spain as a volunteer for part of the time, and have all your accommodation costs and meals provided (plus be in a total immersion situation), thus giving you more money to spend for the remaining part of your stay. They have some opportunities to work in small hotels on there.

steviedeluxe

If you go to Madrid bear in mind that summer is their off-peak season, and indeed many places close for August.
I'm not sure as to your chances - you do see plenty of adverts on lamp posts for cleaners, nannys, gardeners etc but they are generally from Latin americans and east Europeans. As a Brit you may not be taken seriously.
But here are a couple of places that you may care to advertise - if you have a particular skill you can teach, you may be lucky.
http://www.waybe.es/
http://www.cronoshare.com/
And, if you're heading for Madrid, this publication may be one to study http://www.inmadrid.com/ - but look in the print issue for adverts (you can select it on screen), the web classified section doesn't look to be updated.http://issuu.com/inmadrid

steviedeluxe

Also keep looking on Twitter - search for "Madrid job". Most that come up will be full-time in marketing, IT or journalism, but you only have to get lucky once. For instance this was tweeted on 25 Feb - again, an aupair/nanny may be not your thing, but always worth checking
http://www.sumavisos.es/item=j1zvm8-...-spain-madrid#

rockybgc

I already know the basics. I can hold a conversation in Spanish, no problem. But I want to be fluent, as in discussing world events and politics. I'm not gonna get that unless I'm in a class.

rockybgc

I've actually looked at that site before, but don't they want full time work? Immersion is my plan, as well as studying an intensive course. I only need part time work.

Lynn R

I would imagine they do want full time work, but my suggestion was that if you have 5 months to spend in Spain in total, you could work on a voluntary basis for 1 or 2 months (in a wholly or mainly Spanish speaking environment), your accommodation and meals would cost you nothing for that time, and you could then use the money you've saved on rent and food for those months as "walking around" money for the remaining 3 or 4 months leaving you free to pursue your intensive course and socialise in your spare time.

Elle1971

Just wanted to thank you for that link. Nipper is off travelling around Europe soon (well... this is his latest big idea anyway). That website could be good for him, alongside Couchsurfers.

Cheers love!

Elle xx

angiescarr

your choice. I discuss world events, politics and I'll even have a go at religion Watching the telly is very good for all that. Try TVE1 24 horas. you'll be surprised what you learn by the 3rd time round the same news stories over breakfast!

Pocaloca

I know quite a few people who have done Workaway. The deal is up to 5 hours work a day in exchange for board and lodging. Sometimes it's just looking after their pets! You don't have to stay in one place the whole time.

Lynn R

There are a few things on that site I wouldn't mind doing myself, but I don't suppose they're looking for old biddies!

Elle1971

Ha ha ha! Counts me out too. But might host a job or two myself in the future. Dogwalking and washing up anyone?

Elle xx

Pablo the sailor

Not sure of your age?? the good news is you are arriving as the season is getting under way, the best way to get a job is to actualy get out & look for one, as an English speaker you certainly could be of use to beachbars, you would be suprised with a smile and a positive attitude how far you can go just by calling in ¨cold¨ & asking if staff are needed; good luck!