Teach English in Barcelona

There are many great reasons to start teaching English in Barcelona, Spain! Here are just a few:

• Cultural immersion: Barcelona is a city steeped in history, art, and culture. From the Gothic Quarter to the Modernist architecture of Antoni Gaudí, there’s something new to discover around every corner.
• High demand for English teachers: There are many language schools, private schools, and businesses that need qualified English teachers to help their students improve their language skills.
• Competitive pay and benefits: While the cost of living in Barcelona can be high, English teachers can earn competitive salaries and benefits. Some schools may offer benefits like health insurance, paid vacation time, and bonuses.

Browse: The best TEFL jobs in Spain

To qualify to teach English in Barcelona, there are a few requirements you’ll need to meet:

• Fluency in English: As an English teacher you’ll need to be fluent in English. While Spanish language skills are not required, knowing some basic Spanish can be helpful for navigating day-to-day life in Barcelona.
• TEFL certification: Many English teaching jobs in Barcelona require a TEFL qualification. This certification covers teaching techniques, classroom management, and language acquisition theory. Having a TEFL certification makes you a more competitive candidate for English teaching jobs in Barcelona.
• Visa requirements: If you’re not a citizen of the European Union or the European Economic Area, you’ll need to obtain a work visa to teach English in Barcelona. The specific visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, the length of your stay, and the type of work you’ll be doing.
• Basic start-up costs: Before you begin teaching in Barcelona, you’ll need to save up for some basic start-up costs, such as housing, transportation – and Spanish tortilla! Some English teaching jobs may provide housing or other benefits that can help offset these costs.

Before you begin packing your bags, you should be aware of how much money you’re going to need to get going.  Aside from your TEFL certification, flights and visa costs, it is recommended you have one month’s worth of living expenses with you. Most TEFL teaching positions in Barcelona will only pay you after your first full month. 

TEFL certification: A recognised TEFL course can cost between $100 and $500, depending on the length and level of the course and the course provider. 

Document fees: Any costs involved with apostilling and legalising your certificates and documents. 

Flight ticket: Variable. Some positions may offer support with the cost of your flight. 

Visa application: A work visa in Barcelona will cost between €60-€160 ($66 – $176).

Living expenses: Accommodation may also sometimes be provided your employer. If it isn’t, you will need to pay one month’s rent up front and a deposit. The average cost of rent for one month outside the centre of Barcelona is €860 ($950). 

If you meet these requirements, then you’re all set to teach English in Spain! ¡Vamos!

Here are some of the most common types of English teaching jobs in Barcelona:

• Language schools: These schools offer courses in English to students of all ages and levels, from young learners to adults. Many language schools require a TEFL certification and some teaching experience.
• Private tutoring: Private tutoring cis a great option for English teachers who prefer more flexible schedules and one-on-one teaching. Private tutors typically work with individual students or small groups and can set their own rates and schedules.
• International schools: International schools in Barcelona offer classes in English to students from around the world. These schools may require a teaching certification and several years of teaching experience.
• Business English: Many businesses in Barcelona require their employees to have strong English language skills. Business English teachers work with professionals to improve their language skills for work-related purposes.
• Summer camps: English language summer camps are a popular option for English teachers looking for short-term work. These camps typically run for a few weeks over the summer and offer intensive English language instruction and cultural activities for children and teens. Recommended for energetic teachers!

No matter what type of English teaching job you choose, Barcelona offers a wealth of opportunities to gain experience, improve your language skills, and immerse yourself in Spanish culture.

If you’re interested in teaching English in Barcelona, here’s what you need to do: 

1. Get a TEFL certification: Most English teaching jobs in Barcelona require a TEFL certification. Having this certification makes you a more competitive candidate and gives you the skills you need to be an effective teacher.
2. Research and apply: Look for job postings online or in local newspapers and job boards. Our TEFL jobs board can be a great resource for finding and applying for teaching positions abroad.
3. Apply for a visa: Your employer will be able to help you with these processes.
4. Pack your bags.
5. Kiss your mom goodbye!

It’s important to be persistent and flexible in your job search, as competition to teach in Barcelona can be high. With patience and dedication, however, you can find a fulfilling and rewarding job teaching English in this vibrant city.

Teaching English online to Spanish students is a great option for English teachers who want to work remotely and connect with students worldwide. 

Here are some steps to get started:

• Choose an online platform: There are many online platforms that connect English teachers with students around the world. Find a platform that aligns with your teaching style and experience.
• Create a profile: Create a profile that showcases your teaching experience and qualifications. Highlight any teaching experience, be it teaching, au pairing or soccer coaching.
• Set your schedule: Many online platforms allow you to set your own hours, so you can work around other commitments or time zone differences.

Teaching English online to Spanish students is a rewarding way to connect with learners from different cultures and help them achieve their language goals. 

Italki is an online marketplace that allows Spanish speakers to book lessons with TEFL teachers. Teachers set their own lesson plans, set up their own schedules and their own rates. Rates range from $12 – $80 (€11 – €72) an hour, with Italki taking a 15% commission fee.

With more than 100,000 active users, Preply is one of the best online platforms for teaching English to Spanish students. Preply is unique in the fact that teachers can reach out to students and vice versa. Teachers can write their own lesson plans or use pre-made plans, as well as set their own fees, with Preply taking a 18%-33% commission. 

Cambly is the perfect online teaching platform for Spanish speakers who are looking for a more flexible approach to learning English. Most of the lessons will be informal and conversational, suiting teachers without prior experience. No experience or qualifications are necessary to begin teaching on Cambly, so long as you are a native English speaker. 

And of course make sure to regularly check our TEFL jobs board for all the latest listings from Spain!

The average teacher salary in Barcelona varies depending on several factors such as the type of school, qualifications, experience, and the number of hours worked. However, the average monthly salary for an English teacher in Barcelona is around €1,200 – €1,500 ($1,300 – $1,700), with private language schools generally paying slightly less than public schools or international schools.

Now you know how much you can make in Spain’s second city, you might be wondering just how affordable it is to actually live in Barcelona.

The cost of living in Barcelona depends on your lifestyle and the neighbourhood you live in. Luckily, Barcelona is considered relatively affordable compared to other major European cities. Here is a breakdown of some common expenses:

Accommodation 

• One-bedroom apartment in city centre: €800 – €1,200 ($900 – $1,300)
• One-bedroom apartment outside city centre: €860 ($948)

Utilities

• Gas, electricity, water, garbage disposal: €165 ($182) a month 

Food and groceries

• Monthly shop: €150 – €200 ($165 – $220) 
• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €12 – €18 ($13 – $20)

Transport

• Monthly pass: €40 ($45) 
• Single bus or subway trip: €2.40 ($2.65)

Internet 

• Unlimited: €37 ($40) a month

Entertainment

• Cinema, gym, clubbing: €103 ($113) a month 

Overall, the cost of living in Barcelona is relatively affordable compared to other major European cities, but it’s important to budget wisely and plan your expenses accordingly. Whether you save your euros or not depends on how much sangria you want to enjoy!

Living and teaching English in Barcelona is a truly unique and rewarding experience, for a number of reasons:

• Culture: Barcelona has a rich cultural heritage with a blend of Spanish, Catalan, and Mediterranean influences. You can expect a bit of a culture shock when you first arrive. The city is known for its art, architecture, and vibrant street life. As an English teacher, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in this culture and explore all that the city has to offer.
• Lifestyle: Barcelona has a laid-back, Mediterranean lifestyle with a strong emphasis on socialising, eating, and spending time outdoors. As a teacher, you can enjoy a good work-life balance with many opportunities for outdoor activities, cultural events, and socialising with locals and other expats.
• Weather: In the winter months (December to February), Spain can be quite mild in some regions, with temperatures averaging around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50 – 59 degrees Fahrenheit). If you’re in Spain for the summer, it is generally very hot and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius (77 – 95 degrees Fahrenheit) in most areas.

Overall, getting paid to teach abroad in Barcelona is a rewarding and enriching experience. With a unique culture, great lifestyle, and plenty of job opportunities, it’s no wonder that so many people choose to make Barcelona their home.