Spain Vs Italy: Which Is Best For TEFL Teachers?

Dreaming of teaching English somewhere with incredible food, breathtaking scenery, and weekend adventures just a train ride away? Italy and Spain have all that — and then some.

Kate has been lucky enough to experience both, hopping from Milan to Barcelona, with a few charming stops in between. 

Read more: Teach English in Europe

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 I am 52 years old. When I was 27, I decided it was time to leave Scotland and go on a small adventure, so I became an English teacher. Little did I know I would still be doing it 25 years later! 

I completed an English teaching qualification, followed by an advanced certificate. My career started in a language academy in Milan. To be honest, it was the first offer that caught my eye, but it turned out to be a great choice!

Read more: Teach English in Italy

I spent six wonderful years in Italy working in language academies, teaching General English to adults and kids in Milan, Naples and Catania. 

In the last year, I was promoted to Director of Studies, which led to an opportunity to move to Barcelona to take another position as a Director of Studies. 

When I had my son, I decided it was time to change direction and have more flexibility, so I became a freelance Business English trainer. 

Read more: 7 Tips For Teaching Business English Like A Professional

These days, I teach corporate clients online and work as a language consultant for national and international companies.

Which country has more teaching jobs for English teachers – Spain or Italy?

The teaching market is quite similar in Italy and Spain. 

Language academies have a long-standing tradition, and you’ll find work in most towns and cities, from small family-run academies to big international chains.

Some specialise in kids’ classes or Business English, while others offer a mix of courses for all ages and levels. 

You could also find work in a primary school, high school or university. Those contracts are normally arranged through the education department or a language academy. 

Read more: What Is An Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) In Spain?

In Spain, you might need to speak the local language, especially if you want to work in public schools and universities. However, language academies and many after-school programmes don’t have that requirement. 

In Milan, my first job was for a well-known international franchise. It was chaotic, but lots of fun! I spent most of my days running around Milan to different companies. 

Back then, Google Maps was non-existent, so it was quite a challenge! But I loved not being restricted to the office and changing locations often. 

I was lucky enough to spend some time working with Vogue Italy and some design companies, which was a totally new world for me. This is when I discovered just how interesting teaching English could be!

In Barcelona, I spent hours wandering, gazing at the buildings and planning lessons on a terrace watching the world go by. But if you like a slower pace, an academy may be a better choice!

Read more: Teach English in Spain

Work expectations in Spain vs Italy

If you work in a private academy in Italy or Spain, the standard contracts run from September to June and are 20-25 hours. Timetables are normally divided between morning sessions, lunch times and evenings.

In big cities, you may have the chance to teach in-company as well as in an academy, which is fun but can mean a lot of running around. 

If you’re working with Young Learners, you might work 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, five days a week. 

Many teachers in bigger cities have private students or take a second job to supplement their income, since 25 hours a week can be a bit tight financially.

Read more: Teach English in Italy: Salaries

Challenges of teaching in Spain and Italy

Competition

Italy and Spain are hugely popular destinations for English teaching, so there’s a lot of competition, but also a lot of opportunities. You just need to find your groove and work out what suits you best. 

💡Tip: Starting in an academy is a good idea, as you’ll quickly become part of a team of adventurers who’ll share all the best tips! 

Freelancing 

There’s the possibility of registering as a freelancer and looking for your own clients directly. This can be an extremely good strategy if you either have a lot of experience or have a niche.  

Summer holidays

The long summer holidays can be a challenge in both countries, but only if you don’t have savings! (Big hint: save money, or find a summer job in another country for the summer!) 

Read more: How Much Can You Save Teaching In Spain?

Many companies follow the school calendar and pause training until September, so realistically, you might not see your full schedule until October. 

That’s where summer camps can be a lifesaver — they let you explore more of the country while earning a little extra.

Accommodation 

Accommodation is another challenge you’ll face in both countries, as the markets in Milan, Rome, Barcelona, and Madrid have all rocketed. A smaller city like Catania is a good idea, as you’ll have all the perks of a big city without the expense. 

Read more: How To Find Affordable Housing As A TEFL Teacher In Spain

Bureaucracy 

Some people would say that bureaucracy is a problem in Spain, but I’ve found things run really smoothly as everything has been digitised. If you have to visit any public administration offices, the staff are always kind and helpful.

In Italy, all the schools I worked with dealt with paperwork, etc., and helped with organising accounts — so if you need help, ask! 

Read more: 3 Ways To Work & Live In Italy As A Foreigner

Cost of living for TEFL teachers in Spain vs Italy

The cost of living is quite similar in Italy and Spain. 

Rents are high in big cities in both countries. 

You can rent a room in cities like Milan or Madrid for around €500 to €600 ($575 – $700).  In smaller Spanish cities like Seville or Naples, you can find a room for less. 

Utility costs have been fluctuating over the past few years, but expect to pay about 150 euros a month in Spain and about 200 euros in Italy for an average-sized apartment. 

Public transport is reasonably priced.

The cost of food is comparable. You are spoilt for choice in both locations, where delicious local food won’t break the bank. 

💡Tip: Look for lunch menus for the best deals. 

However, if you want to splash some cash, Spain has over 292 Michelin-starred restaurants, and Italy has an incredible 393. A search will reveal lunch menus in one-star Michelin restaurants for about 50 euros across Spain. For example, Xerta in Barcelona has a seasonal lunch menu for 55 euros. 

If you love cooking, head to any market in any city to find seasonal and fresh products. Groceries are reasonably priced and only expect to pay more if you are buying imported products.

Nightlife can get super pricey if you hit the mega clubs in the big cities and on the islands, but you’ll find all kinds of things to do for all budgets in mainland cities. 

Barcelona is a wonderful city to live in if you like live music. 

There are many concerts and events throughout the year, like Sónar — for those who like electronic music — and Primavera Sound.

Read more: What Is The Cost Of Living In Spain? We Asked Our TEFL Teachers

Teaching schedules in Spain and Italy

Day-to-day life in an academy is fun, but teaching English in companies is hectic! A mixture of both is good if you‘re lucky enough to get the chance. 

A typical teaching day in Barcelona might look like this: 

8:00 AM -9:30 AM: teach at Company A

Break: coffee and breakfast 

11.00 AM –  12:30 PM: teach at Company B

5:00 PM – 9:00 PM: teach at an academy 

In Naples, my timetable was 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, then 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, divided into 1.5-hour sessions. This was a wonderful timetable because I had so much time to explore all of the city.

It’s quite difficult to get all your hours blocked, unless you’re working for the Education Department. 

Read more: 9 Reasons Why Teaching in Spain Feels Like A Dream Job

Which country offers the better lifestyle for expats?

We are lucky as teachers that making friends is often easier as we have a ready-built community in language academies. 

There are also lots of opportunities in both Italy and Spain to do language exchanges. Meetup and Eventbrite are really popular in all of the big cities, with groups meeting for all kinds of activities. 

The expat scene has regular networking events and opportunities to meet new people. 

Learning the local language is a must if you really want to become part of your new community, but I’ve found you’re always welcome if you’re open and friendly.

Read more: How to Learn the Local Language

I was blessed during my time in Italy — the hospitality I received from students was incredible: invited to dinners, taken to cultural events, and even given access to a holiday home on the Amalfi Coast! 

In Barcelona, my family and I were “adopted” by a beautiful family, giving my son his own Catalan family. These are not only my experiences — my colleagues could share similar stories.  

The hospitality and kindness in the south of Europe is REAL! 

Spain vs Italy culture compared

I think that even if you live in Spain or Italy for the rest of your life, you’ll always find something new to do. 

Fun

There are MANY museums and galleries to visit. On the first Sunday of every month, entry to most museums is free, and special events are held throughout the year.

In both countries, there are numerous local and religious festivals, which typically involve fireworks, music, and late nights.

I won’t comment on who has the best football team, except to say you can get good prices for tickets to watch smaller teams.

Spanish versus Italian food

If I say Spanish or Italian food is better, I’m definitely going to get complaints, so I’m going to say it’s a tie! 

In Italy, I did gain three kilos, but I challenge anyone to resist a fresh slice of pizza for breakfast!

In Spain, there’s nothing better than a cold beer and patatas bravas in the evening, watching the sun go down. 

Weekend getaways

Both Italy and Spain offer quick escapes, each with its own distinctive vibe.

In Italy, you can hop on a train from Rome and travel to Florence, Tuscany, or the Amalfi Coast within hours. 

In Spain, weekend getaways offer variety. You could head to sunny Valencia, go hiking in the Pyrenees, or de-stress in the Balearic Islands as a beach bum for a weekend. 

All it takes is a train or budget flight to switch up your scenery.

Read more: Italy Introduces Digital Nomad Visa

Who should teach in Spain & Italy?

Should you teach English in Spain? Or should you teach English in Italy?

I think you should base this on what you want to do in your free time and your budget. 

For example, if you love fashion and opera, or a quick trip to Switzerland, Milan is the city for you.

If you love the sea and skiing, Barcelona is a fantastic base. 

And if you want a slower-paced life that feels a bit more traditional and a bit less expensive, go south in either country. 

Why should TEFL teachers choose Italy or Spain?

Both countries have so much to offer, and the demand for English learning isn’t showing any signs of letting up. 

I’ve spent 25 years teaching English in Italy and Spain and loved every moment. Yes, there have been challenges along the way, but that’s all part of the adventure. 

Moving to Spain as a TEFL teacher or moving to Italy as a TEFL teacher: whichever country you choose, you’re in for a lot of fun!

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Ready to map out your Mediterranean teaching journey? 

Before you jet off, take a look at these helpful answers to the questions future TEFL teachers commonly ask about moving to Italy or Spain.

What are the teaching salaries in Italy and Spain?

Salaries for English teachers are fairly comparable in both countries. 

According to Payscale, as of 2025, the average hourly ESL teacher salary is €14 ($16) an hour in Italy and €15 ($17) an hour in Spain.

Read more: How Much Can You Save Teaching In Spain?

Keep in mind that your actual earnings will depend on factors like your qualifications, experience, the type of institution you work for, and the city you’re based in. 

Teachers in larger cities or those with specialisations like Business English often earn more. And as Kate mentioned, many teachers also supplement their income with private students or a second job.

Can a non-native English speaker find a teaching job in Italy and Spain?

The quick answer is YES. 

In Europe, it’s illegal to advertise for native speakers only, so job postings must be open to all qualified candidates.

That said, discrimination does still exist in some corners of the industry. Some schools and academies may favour native speakers, even if they can’t state it outright. But this is becoming less and less of a problem.

Having an EU passport can be a bigger factor than your native language. Schools often prefer candidates who already have the right to work in Europe, as it saves them the hassle of visa sponsorship. 

If you’re a non-native speaker with EU citizenship, you may actually have an advantage over native speakers who need a work visa.

Here’s what you need to open doors in the ESL industry in Italy and Spain:

• A solid TEFL qualification
• Strong English proficiency
• Relevant teaching or tutoring experience

The reality is that many schools are more interested in your teaching ability and professionalism than where you were born.

Read more: The Advantages Of Being A Non-Native English Teacher

What visa options are available for non-EU citizens?

If you’re not an EU citizen, you’ll need a visa to teach in Italy or Spain. The process can require some patience.

In Spain, popular options include:

• The student visa (which allows limited work hours)
• The auxiliares de conversación programme (a government-run scheme that places language assistants in public schools) 
• The digital nomad visa for freelancers and remote workers, which requires a minimum annual income of €33,000.

In Italy, popular options include:

• The work visa route (if you secure a job offer from an employer willing to act as your sponsor) 
• The digital nomad visa for freelancers and remote workers, which requires a minimum annual income of €28,000.

Some language academies in both locations may also sponsor work visas, though this is less common.

Visa requirements and income thresholds are subject to change, so keep an eye on the latest regulations before solidifying your plans.

Read more: The Digital Nomad Visa: A Ticket To Your Best Life