The International Schools Review Forum

Hello,

Can anyone give some personal insight into the schools in Spain, such as Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia?

For example...
Student diversity?
Effectiveness of admin?
Teacher support?
IB opportunities in the high school?
Salary vs. cost of living?

Much appreciation!

Generally, schools in Spain tend to be poorly organised and poorly structured. Salaries allow you to get by but if there's only one of you, you will normally need to share a flat in Madrid. Most schools to my knowledge offer 12 month contracts in Madrid although I hear that in Valencia, they only tend to give 10 month deals which means signing on for unemployment benefit over the summer.Student diversity: depends on the school - many NABSS schools tend to have a very high proportion of Spanish first language students. Little teacher support and normally offered on an informal basis. The IB school in Madrid has a good reputation. Having the right expectations helps and having said that there are many people who are very happy here. Hope this helps.