Murcia safety for 22 y/o woman teaching English
 

Hi All, My 22 y/o daughter just graduated from college and was accepted to teach English through a Spanish gov't program, in Murcia. Her father and I are concerned with all that is happening in the Spanish economy. Her comittment would be from 10/1/10 through 5/31/11. I'd love to hear thoughts from anyone living in the region of Murcia and/or who has intimate knowledge of the the region. Many thanks.

Other friends of ours are teaching , not in Murcia, but in another rural area. It seems the smaller towns are the recipients of these teachers. Murcia, in general, is a lovely area, but do you know the town yet? Finding accommodation can be a challenge. With our failing economy I think it will bring rental prices down, if anything.

I would not fear for her personal safety. However, she needs to be streetwise.. as we DO have all the range of delinquents here as you do there.

I have an English speaking friend in Torrevieja, which is not too far away. I am three hours north of her in Valencia.

The nearest American consulate is in Valencia.

I am just trying to give you a feeling of confidence that there will be people to help in case she needs something.

This can be a wonderful experience. My friends' adult son has enjoyed his stay tremendously.

Does your daughter speak Spanish?

Thank you Lincasanova......this was helpful. My daughter doesn't know the town yet, but as soon as she finds out I will post it. Yes, she speaks Spanish, and did one semester junior year in Sevilla. More later. Gracias.

She should be fine and get a lot out of this extended experience! If I can help with anything don't hesitate to ask.

lincasanova.......would appreciate your knowledge on San Javier Murcia. My daughter was assigned to teach high school English there and frankly, I can't find much about it on the Internet. Wondering its size, industry, safety, and location relative to a city....train access? living conditions? Anything you can pass along would be appriciated. Thanks. I will also put out a general post.

oh I can see you have a similar question here:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ion-needed.cfm
Hopefully you read this or the other.

MORABEN.
San Javier is a fine town. It is located about 17 miles from Murcia city and is the location of Murcia airport. The main industry is agriculture and the main crops are melons, artichokes, lemons and oranges. These crops can be seen everywhere. It is as safe as most places. The population of San Javier and the surrounding towns almosts doubles in the summer months as it is a very popular holiday destination with the Spanish. There are some lovely beaches all around the area and the weather is good almost all of the year. This winter was as bad as it has been for many years but the temperature was still between 15 to 20 degrees. As i write this it is 28 degrees.
I am not sure what you mean by living conditons. It has all the facilities that any other town has. Be aware that in this area of Spain, regardless of what i have read from some posters on these forums not many locals speak English. The council in Murcia have just announced that from next year 25 of its 53 schools will be teaching English as a second language, so maybe that is why a lot of young English speakers are being taken on.
If i can answer any particular questions i would be very happy to do so. At the moment i am living about 6 miles out of San Javier so knows the area well

Just to add to my post above. Regarding your concern re safety. The fact that San Javier has only got a part time court which only sits 3 days a week should tell you that tha crime rate is not that high

For more than forty years, San Javier celebrates one of the most important Theater, music and dance festivals of the Murcia region, and since 1998 the town hosts what has turned out to be a prestigious jazz festival (Chris Isaak opens this years festival).
http://jazz.sanjavier.es/en/index.htm

San Javier also holds festivals dedicated to both soul music and national folklore. If your daughter likes golf, she has come to the right place. Lots of golf courses in the region, this is almost in the center of town: http://www.rodagolfcourse.com/

San Javier hosts a Spanish Air Force base. The area is also very popular for pre-season training for Northern European soccer teams because of the great climate. As most of this coastal area, San Javier is known for excellent fish and seafood. The seafood rice dish "Caldero" is the signature plate of the town. San Javier also boast fabolous fruits and vegetables from local fields.

If you come visting, she might invite you to this luxcurious SPA center: http://www.thalasia.com/?lang=EN
http://www.youtube.com/user/cuidatey...ar?gl=ES&hl=es

Some general info about the town:
http://www.viva-murcia.com/san_javier_p149.php
http://jazz.sanjavier.es/en/sanjavier.htm

The town council's home-page:
http://www.sanjavier.es/