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Externship in Spain???

post #1 of 5
5/23/06 at 8:26pm
Thread Starter 
Hello Chefs (and soon to be Chefs) -
I am beginning to look into the possability of doing my 3 month culinary school "externship" in Spain. I do not speak Spanish, which is a downfall, however I do have my EU passport which makes me easy to employ. I would love to find a chef that speaks English as their first language.
My goal is to learn as much as possible during my experience, and I would like to work with someone who likes to teach, as much (or almost as much) as they like to cook....
I know I might be asking a lot, but I thought I'd throw some thoughts out there to see if anyone has suggestions as to how I should proceed. Thank you all in advance! (PS - I can work on a volunteer basis.)
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post #2 of 5
5/26/06 at 4:54pm
It's been many years (almost 20 to be exact) since I lived in Spain. However, you might try looking to Marbella or Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol or perhaps even Palma de Mallorca for restaurants.

Many of the businesses in that area are either owned or operated by expat British folks.

G'luck,
Ciao,
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post #3 of 5
5/26/06 at 6:55pm
Working in Spain would be great, the Spainards are only second to the Japanese to consume the most seafood per capita.

However....I don't see why you don't want to learn Spanish, which after English and Chinese is probably one of the widest spoken languages in the world. Surely, if you want to become a professional Chef in America, you must have some basic knowledge of Spanish.

Even if you are fortunate enough to find an english speaking Spanish Chef, the rest of the brigade probably won't be speaking english with you. This tends to make things very difficult for you as, you will have to rely on the rest of the brigade rather than the Chef to instruct, show, and inform you. If you choose not to bother learning the language while working there I can almost guarantee that you will not have a pleasant time, and have a negative or indifferant attitude towards the people, their culture, and their cusine.

So if you want to work in Spain, even if it is for only 3 months, then you better learn their language.
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post #4 of 5
5/27/06 at 4:12am
SFFoodie, another thought: Gibraltar. While being a UK colony, it's attached to Spain. So if travel in Spain was your objective... There are numerous English speaking papers and magazines in and around the Costa del Sol. I'd start looking there.

Foodpump, while I agree with your philosophy and reasoning about learning the language of another culture, I know the areas I suggested are littered with British owners and workers. (I lived in Spain for four years and the UK for five.) Anyway... yes, knowing the language is a great thing; needed? doubtful.

Ciao,
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post #5 of 5
5/27/06 at 10:36am
Just get in there and you will be very suprised how easy things are to pick up. Besides, alot of the younger generation already speaks english. you shouldn't worry...

As for locale, I agree with everyone above, I'ld might add ibizia or mennorca(next to mallorca) or even thought it is a little more "americanized", Rota.
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