ESL Jobs Forum

[Minky11]

Hi All,
I'm new to this and hope I can get some opinions/thoughts. I consider myself as an Australian Born Chinese "ABC", having been in Australia since I was able to speak. I fell in love with Spain and hope to find teaching jobs there. I know the whole visa issue, that will be a matter of luck or maybe I'll be looking to get a student visa.

That issue aside, what are your thoughts on an Asian teaching English in Spain? Do you think employers/students will discriminate thinking "Ella es de China" (I'm not even from China...)? I know a eurasian girl teaching without a problem (but she looks caucasian anyways).. but never met a pure asian teaching english.

My experience in Spain had been mixed, but most spaniards have been quite friendly and tried to speak to me in English. I seem to get more discrimination from the Chinese!!!

Thanks for your thoughts!!

Cheers.

[soloyo]

Hi,
I'm an ABC (American-born who studied in Spain for one year. So while I'm unfamiliar with work environments, I can share some experiences as a student, foreigner, visitor...

Studying in Andalucia, I actually found the Chinese more friendly and curious than many Spaniards. They are, after all, minorities, and deal with similar racial stereotypes... There is a kindred bond in being 'chino en espana.' Fortunately (for us), asians aren't as denigrated as 'los moros' or 'los africanos primitivos.' Nevertheless, I'd go no more than a few days without hearing "chinita" or noticing some stares. But if you're prepared for it, you'll realize it's relatively benign coming from a) hormonal young dudes, or b) harmless Spaniards who are just accustomed to addressing people by their race.

Coming from a 'western' country -your dress, your gait- they might think you're a Japanese tourist. Though once a man stopped me in the street and asked me if i "conocia alguien que trabaja en casa?" - a housekeeper. I imagine though, with more and more Chinese immigrants, Spaniards are accustomed, particularly in cities. (I was there in 2005) There are instances of racism, but in retrospect, they weren't so horrible that they soured the year. It was a challenging, but rewarding, year in many respects.

Most Spaniards are either curious or what can be interpreted (maybe offensively) as ignorant... but it's Europe, where nation-state borders delineate both political as well as cultural-linguistic boundaries.

Take it all with a grain of salt; don't let being la china hold you back or make you too self-conscious -- Spaniards are generally more 'closed' socially and not that easy to befriend, but I found a few gems (who studied abroad, which might explain their compassion); be polite assertive and friendly - and you'll find redeeming interactions (a few memories of carino from abuelitas stand out... they can be crotchety too, which you'll find humor in ; )

Let me know if you have any other questions!

P.S. Success story: A Korean-American acquaintance fell in love with Spain and returned to teach ESL

[bud.630]

An ABC teaching English in Spain That sounds very funny ...

I think you should not be afraid of it and just go ahead. As a teacher you can achieve a lot with sympathy and competence. The kids will respect you (nearly) anywhere in the world as long as they see that you're a good teacher. I've been to Spain several times and can assure you that the great majority of the people are not racist or over-conservative there.