The difference between “ser” and “estar” is easy (or “está” easy?)
Struggling with ser and estar? Learn when and why to use each verb and how to avoid common mistakes with this practical Spanish grammar guide
For most of us who have lived here in Madrid a while, we know that finding a job isn’t always easy. When I moved to Spain in 2014 the unemployment rate was a staggering 25% but fast forward 5 years and that number has nearly been cut in half to around 14% today. In order to combat the high costs of labor, many companies have resorted 6 month temporary contracts. If you aren’t one of the lucky ones that already has a job when they arrive, this can make it tough for an expat looking to establish a new life or break-in to a new career.
Salaries are much lower around half of what you would make in the US or a two thirds in the UK on average so you will need to keep an open mind because despite the lower salary, you can lead a very comfortable life with a range of benefits that come from full-time employment.
Be proactive with your job search. Relying on job sites and LinkedIn won’t get you very far and make it very hard to stand out from the crowd. Focus more on local ads and be willing to go in-person to visit potential companies you are interested in. Even if they don’t have positions posted you would be surprised by the opportunities that arise from a face to face meeting.
Learn Spanish if you want a full-time job! English speakers are able to find jobs reliant on tourism in the big cities and coastal hotspots but you won’t find a lot of full-time opportunities without it. Not only does it show that you are committed to your position long-term, but the majority of co-workers and day to day interactions are going to be made much easier if you can communicate. There are also ample opportunities for bilingual speakers in customer service, hospitality, sales and other customer facing positions here in Spain.
Struggling with ser and estar? Learn when and why to use each verb and how to avoid common mistakes with this practical Spanish grammar guide
Si os habéis pasado por el Instagram de Jaleo Madrid, os habréis dado cuenta de que nos encantan los animales. Esta semana estamos hablando de los diferentes sonidos de los animales o de algunas expresiones específicas, por ejemplo, las relacionadas con los pulpos. Si quieres continuar mejorando tu español y si te gustan los animales tanto como a nosotros, lee este post sobre cinco expresiones idiomáticas en español relacionadas con los animales. Seguro que te interesan. No ser moco de pavo: La parte que cuelga del pico de los pavos se llama “moco”. Sí, se dice igual que la cosa asquerosa que tenemos en la nariz cuando estamos resfriados. Por eso, ya que estamos ante algo desagradable, cuando decimos que algo “no es moco de pavo” estamos diciendo que es
Parece mentira, pero ya ha llegado de nuevo el 23 de abril, el Día del Libro. En este blog ya os hemos hablado muchas veces de lecturas necesarias tanto para estudiantes, como para profesores. Hoy volvemos a aprovechar este día para repasar algunas acciones que nos ayudarán cuando usamos un libro de lectura para mejorar nuestro aprendizaje de idiomas. Por supuesto, ni son obligatorias, ni son las únicas. Siempre estamos hablando desde nuestra experiencia como estudiantes de idiomas, de nuestros conocimientos como profes y desde lo que nos han contado nuestros estudiantes. Subrayar lo que entiendes: Sí, sí. Como lo lees. A veces pensamos que la opción de subrayar lo que no entendemos y buscarlo en el diccionario es la única… Aunque encontrarse con una página llena de palabras subrayadas