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

This isn’t your typical teaching job, so you won’t be involved in classroom management, exam development or grading. 

Lauren explains: 

“You’ll work with students of varying ages, normally somewhere between 6-16 years old. Some people, like myself, work with babies aged one to three years old. 

Your main role is to support the lead teacher by helping students understand English topics, conducting speaking practice in small groups or pairs, and leading fun activities to engage them with native English speakers.

Your main job is to make sure students get plenty of conversational English practice with a fluent speaker.”

A day in the life of an ALT in Spain is a mix of commuting, teaching, planning, and maybe even some tutoring on the side. Whether you’re zipping through the metro in Madrid or carpooling to a small-town school, no two days are exactly the same.

Lauren: “My day starts at 7:30 AM. I get up, make some coffee, and get ready before leaving for school with my host family at 8:30. 

At school, I typically teach four classes a day. I take students in pairs to speaking rooms where we do fun activities like competitions or virtual games. For older students taking the Cambridge exam, I conduct mock exams. I do mock exams for older students preparing for the Cambridge exam.

I work Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 to 4:40, with plenty of breaks for breakfast and lunch, plus free time to relax or take care of personal tasks. After school, I drive home with my host family and spend about an hour with my host siblings either colouring, playing fútbol or their favourite—hide and seek.

In the evenings, I tutor students who need English practice, including a Ukrainian student I volunteer to teach, and take online classes to improve my Spanish.

I eat dinner with my host family and enjoy reading, journaling, planning weekend trips, calling friends and family or bingeing reality shows before bed.”

There are various government and private programmes you can apply to if you’re keen on teaching in Spain, like ConversaSpain, NALCAP, BEDA, Meddeas, or UCETAM. You can also be hired directly by some private academies and schools. 

“There are several ways to become an ALT in Spain, but I personally recommend the program I used: MEDDEAS. It supports you every step of the way, from obtaining a student visa to offering advice and assistance with your living situation. They place you in a school based on your preferences, including the atmosphere and location you’re looking for. While there can be challenges with visa requirements and finding places to live, the experience is worth the grind.” 

Who better to tell us who is suited to the ALT role than Lauren herself!

“I think the primary characteristic you need is adaptability. My personal mindset is to jump into every opportunity and experience head-first, knowing that it may bring stress, anxiety, and fear, but also a learning opportunity.

It can be daunting to move to a foreign country, having to make all new friends, learn a new language and start a new job, but the change is exciting. It’s a feeling I wouldn’t trade for the world. If you’re able to make the most of any situation, persevere and adapt to your environment, the possibilities are endless!”

Teaching in Spain comes with exciting perks but also a few challenges. Here’s a quick look at what to expect.

Pros:

• Easy way to live abroad – A straightforward path to experiencing life in Spain.
• Travel opportunities – Explore Spain and the rest of Europe.
• Improve your Spanish – Full immersion helps you learn faster.
• Classroom experience – A low-pressure way to test out teaching.
• Earn a certificate of completion – This will look great on your resume. 
• Extra income potential – Earn more through private tutoring or language academies.
• Health insurance included – Medical coverage is provided.
• Few working hours – This leaves plenty of downtime for tapas and travels. 

For Lauren: “I couldn’t even list all of the benefits of being a language assistant in Spain, but I will list the one I think is most important- the biggest benefit is the personal growth it will bring for you. 

Being completely out of your comfort zone and successfully moving to a new country is no easy feat on mental and emotional levels, but the sense of pride you will have within yourself afterward is so rewarding. It will give you the confidence to take every opportunity that comes your way in the future and will ensure that you never let fear stop you from experiencing what the world has to offer.” 

Cons:

• No housing support – You’ll need to find and arrange accommodation 
• Banking hassles – Setting up a bank account can be tricky without guidance.
• Residency process – You’re responsible for handling all paperwork and appointments.
• Limited school support – Some schools are helpful, but others may offer little to no assistance.

Language assistants receive a monthly stipend of €800 ($883) to cover food and housing expenses. In some cases, this amount may be higher. For example, the stipend is €1,000 ($1,100) in the Community of Madrid. 

You will need to rely on your own savings for the first three months. This is because stipends are paid in the following month and may be delayed in some cases. 

Being an ALT in Spain comes with a lot of misconceptions. Friends probably imagine you lounging in the sun, sipping sangria, and sightseeing every weekend. Exploration is part of the experience, but the real focus is still teaching!

Lauren: “I think the biggest misconception about being an ALT in any foreign country is that there will be sunshine and rainbows every day. When you’re surrounded by a foreign language, new people, unfamiliar places, and different food, while being away from the things you’re used to, it’s perfectly normal to have both good and bad days.

The situation can be stressful, but an important thing to remember is to always give yourself a break and be grateful that you took the leap and made it. It’s normal to sometimes feel like an outsider, but these feelings pass. The memories you make outweigh any feelings of uneasiness that arise.” 

“I have felt so much more confident and prouder of myself since being in Spain because I have been able to prove to myself that I can accomplish my goals despite circumstances or fear that may arise in the process. I think the biggest plus of this experience, along with many other great tangible benefits, is the positive impact it can have on your mindset moving forward.” 

Spain is full of adventure and tradition. Stunning landscapes couched in history, flamenco, siesta and mouthwatering tapas, what more could you ask for? It’s the perfect place to teach English and immerse yourself in a new culture. 

Sun and surf are waiting. Get TEFL-certified with The TEFL Academy and vamos!