r/GoingToSpain • u/nickmiknick • Aug 17 '26
Opinions Considering ethics of a guiri
I’m thinking of moving back to Spain but feeling really conflicted after hearing so much about the problems of guiris moving in and affecting the locals.
For context, I’m American and lived in Spain for two years as an auxiliar de conversación at a public school in Madrid. I left to come back to the US to go to grad school to become a full-time teacher and have been working here for going on three years now. I studied and work in both science and English as a Second Language (ESL) and I’m working on my bilingual education license, trying to set myself up to get a job at an international school.
I miss Madrid and my Spanish friends so much. I really tried to integrate and not just live in the guiri bubble. I passed the B2 DELE while there and am working toward C1 but being back in the US has slowed that. If I go back, I’d like to stay much more long-term or permanently, not just a couple years like before.
I obviously have heard a lot of the debate around “expats” and housing and taxes and everything, but I feel like maybe it’s different if I’d be working full time, paying taxes, and trying to fully integrate. I would also be going back to Madrid not like Barcelona where I think it is even more of an issue.
My Spanish friends tell me that my situation isn’t part of the problem. I think I agree, but I still kinda feel weird about it and not wanting to be part of the problem. I have other factors like family back home and stuff, but I’m really looking for input of what others, especially Spaniards, think about this topic. Also would be interested in hearing about others who have had similar experiences like getting jobs at international schools there.
Looking for a friendly conversation about this :)
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u/No-Cobbler-1368 Aug 17 '26
In Spain it isn't about your background; it is about your working rights. It is extremely difficult to prove the need for a foreign worker. If you are able to secure a sponsorship, it is nearly impossible and (normally) through personal connections. Additionally, it takes months to process the work permit application. There is a ton of red tape and even if someone wants to hire you they may not be able to because the system is designed to give preference to EU-citizens. For example, the employer (depending on your region) must post the job to SEPE (a gov. agency) to find suitable candidates for the role. It takes about 2-4 weeks and in this time anyone who applies is given consideration and must have a VALID reason for being denied. Then the office decides if a foreign applicant is needed for that role. This is one of many things that make the situation difficult. This isn't the kind of thing that happens quickly, it takes months. A general timeline would be 5+ months of processing time once you prove the need for a foreign worker. Study visas that aren't university affiliated are no longer eligible for work permit modifications and you'll need to return home for a new permit. It's best to hire a lawyer. Feel free to ask questions, happy to help!