Teach English in Spain

Teaching English in Spain can be a wonderful opportunity for those who love the Spanish culture and language, and want to experience life in one of Europe’s most vibrant and beautiful countries. 

But there are many more reasons you should consider teaching English in Spain:

• The rich and diverse culture. With a fascinating history, delicious food, and vibrant art and music scenes, Spain has a lot to offer. Living and working in Spain can give you a chance to immerse yourself in this culture and learn more about it first-hand.
  
• You can polish your Spanish speaking skills. Teaching English in Spain can be a great way to improve your Spanish language skills, as the general level of English across Spain is quite low.
• It’s a popular travel destination. With stunning beaches, bustling cities, and beautiful countryside, there is much to love about Spain. 
• Jobs offer competitive salaries and benefits. While the cost of living in Spain can be high, many English teaching positions in Spain offer competitive salaries and benefits, including health insurance, paid holidays, and opportunities for professional development.

There are many different places to teach English in Spain, each with its own unique attractions and opportunities. Here are some of the most popular locations to teach English in Spain:

Madrid

The perfect fast-paced capital

The capital city of Spain, Madrid is a bustling metropolis with a vibrant cultural scene, world-class museums, and lively nightlife. There are many English teaching opportunities in Madrid, including private language schools, international schools, and businesses.

Barcelona

Renowned for unique culture and architecture

Known for its stunning architecture, beaches, and food, Barcelona is a popular TEFL destination for teachers. There are many language schools and international schools in Barcelona, as well as opportunities to teach Business English.

Seville

For the culture vultures

The capital of Andalusia, Seville is known for its traditional Spanish customs. The home of flamenco dancing, bullfighting and authentic southern Spanish culture, Seville is also home to many language schools and international schools.

These are just a few of the many cities and regions in Spain where you can teach English. Each has its own unique attractions and opportunities, so it’s important to research each location to find the one that’s right for you.

Ready to start looking for a teaching job in Spain? Hang on, let’s have a quick look at the requirements and qualifications to teach English in Spain.

Type of visa: work visa, student visa or Working Holiday Visa

If you’re an EU national, congratulations! You don’t need a visa to work in Spain.

Otherwise, to legally work in Spain as a TEFL teacher, you need to obtain a work visa. This requires having a job offer from an employer in Spain and meeting certain qualifications, such as having a university degree or a minimum amount of teaching experience. 

However, there are other visa routes you can also follow. 

If you’re a citizen of Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and South Korea and between the ages of 18 and 35, you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa. This visa allows you to work for up to 12 months.

For example, if you plan to study Spanish in Spain, you can enter the country on a student visa. This is ideal for non-EU citizens and allows you to teach English part time, up to 20 hours per week, while learning the local language.

Degree and teaching experience

Many TEFL jobs in Spain require candidates to have a Bachelor’s degree ( in any field), though this isn’t a legal requirement but rather an employer preference. Some employers may also require a certain amount of previous teaching experience, though this varies depending on the employer and the position. 

TEFL certification

Most employers prefer candidates with TEFL certifications, especially if you are not an EU national, and our Level 5 TEFL course is a great way to help you stand out from other candidates.

Do I need to speak Spanish to teach English inSpain?

Not at all! The basis of teaching English as a foreign language is immersion learning. This means that speaking the first language of your students within the classroom is discouraged. The only language you need to speak to teach English as a foreign language is English.

While many TEFL jobs prefer native English speakers, if English is not your first language you can prove your fluency with a score at Advanced level on a proficiency exam.

The great thing about teaching English in Spain is that it has a variety of teaching opportunities. Each opportunity has its own benefits and requirements. 

There are different types of teaching jobs and teaching programs that you can consider when looking to teach in Spain.

Language assistant programs

• These programs are run by the Spanish government and place native English speakers in primary and secondary schools throughout Spain to help students improve their English language skills. 
• These positions are typically part-time and require a minimum of 12 hours of work a week. 
• They provide a great opportunity to gain teaching experience and immerse yourself in the Spanish education system.
• Some of the most popular language assistant programs in Spain include NALCAP, BEDA, Meddeas, or UCETAM.

Private language academies

• These schools offer English language classes as part of their curriculum and may hire native English speakers as full-time or part-time teachers. 
• These schools usually require teachers to have a teaching certificate, such as a TEFL.

Public, private & semi-private schools

• Public schools are typically run by the government and follow the Spanish education system. These schools include primary and secondary schools. Some of these schools employ foreign English teachers.
• Semi-private schools, also known as concertados, receive subsidies from the government. These schools have the additional funds to employ foreign English teachers.
• Private and international schools may offer different curricula and may have different requirements for their English language teachers. Most of these schools require foreign English teachers since the schools are bilingual.

Summer camps

• Summer camps in Spain often hire native English speakers to lead activities and provide English language lessons to campers. 
• These positions may be seasonal and typically require experience working with children.
• There are different types of summer camps such as: Language Summer Camps, Sports and Adventure Camps, Arts and Culture Camps, and Science and Technology Camps.

Living with a Spanish family

• Some families allow native English speakers to live with them in exchange for private English lessons.
• Being hired as an English au pair usually requires a good amount of child care outside the classroom along with tutoring. 
• The agreement between the host family and native English speakers can differ. Sometimes the family provides accommodation and food in return for the language lessons and sometimes they provide you with a monthly stipend. 
• Most people tend to use a Working Holiday Visa when living with a host family.

1. Determine your eligibility: This typically includes having a Bachelor’s degree, a verified TEFL certification, and the ability to obtain a work or student visa, or an EU passport. Some employers may require teaching experience.
2. Apply for TEFL jobs: Once you’ve identified TEFL job opportunities that you’re interested in, apply by submitting your CV and cover letter.
3. Secure a job offer: When you are offered a TEFL job in Spain, review the terms and conditions of the contract and negotiate any necessary details. Once you’ve agreed to the terms, sign the contract and make arrangements to obtain a work or student visa.

Teach English online to Spanish speakers

Yes, it is possible to teach English online to Spanish speakers. There is a high demand for English teachers in Spain and many Spanish speakers are interested in improving their English language skills. 

You can find online teaching opportunities through various platforms, including online tutoring companies, freelance teaching websites, or by setting up your own online teaching business.

Salary expectations and benefits for teaching English in Spain can vary depending on the type of program or job you have, as well as your level of experience and qualifications. Let’s get down to business and talk about el dinero.

Language assistant programs: 

The North American Language and Culture Assistants program, which is sponsored by the Spanish government, offers a monthly stipend of approximately €700 – €1,000 ($770 – $1,100) a month, depending on the region of Spain you are placed in. This program includes health insurance and a work visa.

Private language academies: 

TEFL teachers working for private language academies in Spain can expect to earn around €1,000 – €2,000 ($1,100 – $2,200) a month, depending on the type and number of classes taught, as well as the location of the academy. Some academies may offer benefits such as health insurance, vacation time, and professional development opportunities.

Public, private and semi-private schools: 

Salaries for TEFL teachers working in public, private, or semi-private schools in Spain can range from €1,000 – €3,000 ($1,100 – $3,300) a month, depending on the level of education and experience required for the job. These positions may come with benefits such as health insurance, vacation time, and professional development opportunities.

Online tutoring: 

TEFL teachers who work as online tutors in Spain can expect to earn around €10 – €24 ($11 – $27) an hour, depending on their level of experience and the platform they use. Online teaching typically does not include benefits such as health insurance or vacation time.

In addition to salary, many TEFL positions in Spain also include benefits such as health insurance, visa assistance, and assistance with finding housing. 

Spain has a national healthcare system called the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS) that provides comprehensive medical care to its citizens and legal residents. As of 2023, healthcare in Spain is free of charge for all citizens and residents who are registered with the social security system.

However, non-residents and visitors may have to pay for medical services, although the cost is typically lower than in many other countries. The cost of healthcare in Spain varies depending on the type of service and the region, but in general, the fees are relatively affordable compared to other developed countries.

It’s important to note that health insurance is recommended for non-residents living in Spain, as it can help cover the cost of medical services and treatments. Some employers also offer private health insurance as part of their benefits package.

It’s important to review the details of each job or program carefully to determine what benefits are included.

How much does tapas cost? Or a taxi to the Sagrada Familia Basilica? 

The cost of living in Spain can vary depending on several factors, such as the city, the type of accommodation you live in, and the lifestyle you lead. In general, Spain is considered an affordable country compared to other European countries, with a lower cost of living.  Let’s take a closer look at the cost of living in Spain.

Accommodation

• 1-bedroom apartment in city centre:  €750 ($800)
• 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre: €500 ($550)

Utilities

• Water, electricity, gas: €130 ($140)

Transport

• Monthly pass: €40 ($43)
• Taxi, per km: €1.10 ($1.20)

Food and groceries

• Monthly shop: €200 ($220)
• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €10 – €20 ($11 – $20)

Internet

• Unlimited: €35 ($38)

The amount of money that you can save as a TEFL teacher in Spain depends on several factors, such as your experience, qualifications, type of job, location, and lifestyle. While teaching English in Spain may not be the highest-paying location, it’s still possible to save a good amount of money.

Plus, what you may miss out on in salary, you more than make up for in the lifestyle!

When teaching English in Spain, it’s important to be aware of cultural norms and etiquette. 

• Greetings. In Spain, it’s common to greet people with a kiss on each cheek. When meeting someone for the first time, a handshake is also appropriate. Address people formally until you are invited to address them informally.
• Punctuality. Spanish culture is generally more relaxed about punctuality, so don’t be surprised if meetings or classes start a bit late. However, it’s still important to be respectful of people’s time and arrive on time for scheduled appointments.
• Students. Spanish students are rarely reserved! Expect boisterous, outgoing students who are not afraid of a good chat – though you may struggle to get them to speak in English!
• Language. Spanish is the official language of Spain, but many people speak English as a second language. It’s important to be respectful of both languages and not assume that everyone speaks English. It can also be helpful to learn some basic Spanish phrases to help with communication.
• Dress code. The dress code for TEFL teachers in Spain can vary depending on the type of job or program, but it tends to be casual than formal. Dressing professionally and conservatively is a safe bet.
• Mealtime etiquette. In Spain, meals are a social event and can last for several hours. Don’t begin eating until someone says, buen apetito!
• Siestas. Many businesses will close around midday for a couple of hours for a siesta. 
• Personal space. In Spanish culture,  physical contact may be more common than in some other cultures – so don’t freak out! The concept of physical space is not a strong one in Spain.

Teaching and living in Spain is a rewarding experience for many people. Spain is known for its beautiful scenery, rich culture, delicious food, and warm climate. The country offers a unique blend of history and modernity and is a popular destination for tourists, expatriates, and TEFL teachers.