Teach English in Spain

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How to Begin Teaching in Spain

Vibrant Cultural Landscape

Tapas, paella and exquisite grilled sea food.

Spain is an interesting cultural mix of European and Arabic heritage, as well as its own indigenous populations, namely the Catalan and Basque regions with their own distinctive languages. Spain has a vibrant cultural landscape. Some famous Spaniards include Picasso and Gaudi. Gaudi’s original and modernistic architecture can be found throughout the city of Barcelona. Renting a bike and uncovering its treasures is a wonderful way to explore this city. Musically, Spain is famous for Flamenco and Spanish guitar. This reveals the passionate soul that belongs to Spain. It also has a unique cuisine that visitors can experience. This includes tapas, paella and exquisite grilled sea food in local markets. Spain also has its own impressive array of wines. The Spaniards not only enjoy life but live it with gusto, perhaps at times risking it through past-times such as bull-fighting.

The most notable things to see and do across the country include visiting the Guggenheim Museum in modern Bilbao. In Barcelona, wander the streets of the medieval Bari Gotic neighbourhood, or visit Gaudi’s famous mosaic salamanders. In Madrid, make your way around the city’s famous Museum Triangle, or discover the birthplace of bullfighting. Down in Granada drink beer and eat tapas while taking in the views of the Sierra Nevada. Then walk to cave bars tucked in hills and watch the local flamenco dancers. In Seville, see the largest cathedral in the country, or take a walking tour through winding streets lined with orange trees. Head to the beaches in Alicante, Málaga, and Cádiz, or take a boat trip over to Ibiza and dance until dawn.

Spain is also blessed with nature. It boasts superb beaches, such as in Malaga and Huelva, which attract tourists every year. There are also the stunning peaks of the Pyrenees, where hours can be lost hiking, enjoying their splendour. The Spanish language is also one of the most popular to learn in Europe. Some basic Spanish could help anyone thinking of moving here to live and work.

Teaching Opportunities

The demand for English in Spain is high and there are literally thousands of job opportunities to choose from. This can be confusing at first, particularly if you are a novice teacher with no experience of teaching abroad. There are many jobs in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville as well as smaller places outside of these centres. In the same vein, there is also every kind of learner; from young learners and teens to adults and business professionals. 

Hours can be quite spread out in order to meet the availability of business professionals, with most classes being taught in the afternoons and evenings Monday to Friday. Working hours in Spain can be quite late, with many academies staying open until 9pm Monday-Friday, however, most schools close for a 2-hour break in the middle of the day, allowing teachers time for lunch and a ‘siesta.’ Some teachers may also do some work on a freelance basis as a private tutor to make some extra money. 

Jobs are often advertised on EFL forums, but generally offer no benefits to teachers, such as reimbursed airfare, accommodation or salary bonuses. Therefore, some of the better jobs can be found directly in the country. Whichever option you choose, choosing a job online or looking in the country, you will need to have some savings to see you through the first 4-6 weeks. This will also include rent money. It is advised that teachers begin looking for opportunities in July and early August to secure a job for the start of the year in September. There are also summer camps for those who might like to see if Spain suits them. You need to begin applying in May for these.  Employers in Spain also favour EU nationals, due to the strict immigration laws.

We also have a Spain Internship that is open to anyone who has enrolled on our TEFL courses and meets the requirements listed for the opportunity.

Teaching Requirements

Degree Requirement Typical Contract Length Peak Hiring Seasons Visa Info Typical Students Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency
Not required6 - 12 Months September - October EU Citizenship or work visa Business professionals, children 1,000 – 1,500 EUR (833 - 1,250 GBP) 1,000 – 1,500 EUR (833 - 1,250 GBP)
Not required
6 - 12 Months
September - October
EU Citizenship or work visa
Business professionals, children
1,000 – 1,500 EUR (833 - 1,250 GBP)
1,000 – 1,500 EUR (833 - 1,250 GBP)

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