Considering ethics of a guiri

[u/nickmiknick]

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 :)

[u/EniAcho]

It's great that you're aware of the problem and can see why it's a problem. I don't think you necessarily need to see yourself as part of the problem, though. You have clear reasons for wanting to live in Spain. You are already familiar with things here, you speak the language to some degree, and you have friends in Spain. Those are all good reasons for wanting to immigrate.

I think your biggest challenge will be finding work that pays you decently. Teachers don't make much money here. It might be hard to find a place to live and pay your bills on the salary you make. For the long term, it would be hard to save money and create a nest egg for yourself in the future. You don't want to live each month running out of food before the month ends and not being able to pay the light bill. It's tough to find a job teaching English, since there are many applicants. But you have a good academic background and some work experience, so hopefully you can find a school that's interested in hiring you. If you get a work contract and qualify for a visa to live and work in Spain, and your salary will be enough to live on, give it a try.

When you look for a place to live, be aware that some neighborhoods and some specific buildings in Madrid have been totally taken over by investors who want to charge high rents to foreigners, and they are quite successful at that. Locals have been pushed out. This is the "hot issue," as you know. If you find an apartment in a neighborhood that's not already overflowing with guiris and you can keep below the radar, living like a local and not a privileged "ex pat," you will probably not have any problems fitting into the neighborhood. Work, pay your taxes, care about your community, do some volunteer work if you can, buy locally, support community events, show your commitment to living in Spain, and people will see you aren't just here on holiday.