This week, I caught up with Lisa McAlpine, a Scottish primary school teacher currently in her second year of teaching in Dubai. With six years of experience under her belt, Lisa has an impressive teaching journey that’s taken her from Scotland to the sun-soaked island of Mallorca, where she spent three years before relocating to Dubai. Lisa opens up about her teaching experiences abroad, the unique charm of life in Mallorca, and the valuable lessons she’s gathered along the way.
Firstly, can you introduce yourself and provide some background about your teaching experience?
I’m 27 years old and originally from just outside Glasgow, Scotland. I studied Primary
Education with Scottish Studies at The University of Edinburgh and returned home to
complete my probation year.
Facing a shortage of teaching jobs in Scotland, I decided to explore opportunities abroad
and moved to Mallorca, where I taught for three years. After a fulfilling experience there, I
wanted a change, so I did some research and eventually moved to Dubai, where I’m now in
my second year of teaching.
During my time in Mallorca, I taught Year 5 and Year 6. I gained valuable experience in
middle management, serving as Head of Maths and leading the Eco Committee.
Additionally, I collaborated with the Head of PSHE to design and resource the PSHE
curriculum for Years 3-6. Now in my sixth year of teaching, I’m currently teaching Year 4 in Dubai, looking forward to continuing my professional growth in this vibrant and dynamic city.
What inspired you to teach in Mallorca, and how did you come across this opportunity?
My older cousin was a teacher at an international school in Mallorca, and having visited the
island on numerous family holidays, I felt it would be the perfect place for me. I explored
various job opportunities on TES, focusing mainly on positions in Spain, and contacted
schools directly to inquire about openings.
What steps did you take to secure a teaching position in Mallorca?
I interviewed via Zoom, as I was in Scotland, and it was during the dreaded covid times. I
had one interview with the Head of Primary and the Deputy Head of Primary before having
confirmation that I had secured the job. I was then contacted by HR to arrange everything!
I was lucky enough to move before Brexit, so the process was relatively straightforward. The
school took care of all the arrangements and even accompanied me to my appointments.
I’ve heard that securing a visa takes a bit longer now, but, your school should provide
support throughout the process.
Can you describe your first impressions of Mallorca when you arrived?
I felt like I was on holiday when I first arrived! It was August, and the heat was intense. I
quickly learned that the people of Mallorca's mindset is "mañana, mañana"– tomorrow, tomorrow! Things here definitely don’t happen in a hurry!
What is the typical school day like for a teacher in Mallorca?
School ran from 9am to 4pm. Throughout the week, students had classes in Spanish,
languages, music, and sports. Native Spanish speakers also had Catalan, while non-native
speakers received additional Spanish lessons during this time.
I typically ran one afterschool club each week and tutored 3-4 times a week after school. At
my school, we were paid for afterschool clubs, although the school took a percentage of the
fee.
How do the classroom sizes and resources in Mallorca compare to your experiences elsewhere?
Since my school was originally a family home, the classroom sizes were quite varied. Over
time, extensions had been added as the school expanded.
To ensure everything was ready for the new school year, resources were ordered well in
advance to guarantee timely delivery.
What kind of curriculum do schools in Mallorca follow, and how does it differ from the curriculum in Glasgow?
The British Curriculum. I taught the Scottish Curriculum previously, but they aren’t too
dissimilar!
What is the cost of living like in Mallorca compared to Scotland?
Mallorca is quite an expensive place, and the salary is not compatible with the cost of living.
Can you describe your housing situation and the types of accommodations typically available to teachers?
There is no accommodation available, or allowance given. Although the school did suggest
some apartments, I found my own. They were not cheap!! I lived in the centre of Palma.
What can you do for leisure and entertainment day to day in Mallorca?
Beach, beach, beach! Mallorca is so beautiful. I would highly recommend exploring the
island. My favourite place to visit is Soller, you can get the tram from Palma.
How does the salary and benefits package for teachers in Mallorca compare to other places you’ve worked?
Unfortunately, the salary and benefits package are not great, and it is a huge drawback to
working there.
Have you found opportunities to network with other expat teachers or local educators?
My school was full of teachers with a wide range of experiences, and I learned a lot from
them!
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced while living and teaching in Mallorca?
The language barrier was a challenge for me. I’ve never been great at picking up new
languages, and it was tough in Mallorca, where people speak Spanish, Catalan, and
Mallorquin. I could manage in restaurants, shops, and everyday situations, but going to the
doctor was a real struggle! Even my Duolingo skills couldn’t help me there!
What have been the most rewarding aspects of your teaching experience in Mallorca?
I’m still in touch with many of the parents and students I taught while I was there. I’ve built
strong relationships with them and enjoy hearing about what they’re up to!
Twice a year, each class would put on a show– one at Christmas and another at the end of
the year. While they were incredibly stressful to organise, I have fond memories of those
performances and of watching the kids have so much fun!
What advice would you give to someone considering teaching in Mallorca?
Make sure you're financially prepared so you're not living paycheck to paycheck while
waiting for your salary. Keep in mind that you'll need to pay a deposit for renting an
apartment, so make sure you have those funds ready as well. Immerse yourself in the local
culture and language – get involved and make the most of the experience!
What essential items should teachers bring with them when moving to Mallorca?
Believe it or not, you’ll actually need a winter coat and a pair of thick tights! The
temperatures can drop quite a bit during the winter months!
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience that we haven’t covered?
I loved my time in Mallorca. While there were certainly some challenges, it pushed me out of
my comfort zone and helped me grow and thrive.
Where can readers find out more information about teaching in Mallorca that you would recommend?
I am happy to have a chat with anyone who is interested in teaching in Mallorca as there isn’t a huge amount of information about teaching there!
Kommentit