Teach English in Spain
Learn More About TEFL Life in Spain
Tefl Jobs In Spain
Overview
It’s no surprise that Spain is a popular choice for travellers looking to teach English in another country. It’s a country with a lot to offer, including a relaxed pace of life marked by the well-known siesta, a vibrant culture centred on flamenco dancing and other forms of the arts, and delectable food and drinks. So if you want to gain experience in education, teaching English in Spain is a terrific option to do so while also getting to know a new culture and sampling plenty of tapas and sangria.
How to Teach English in Spain
Although it may be difficult for Spaniards under the age of 25 to find a job in their home country, the majority of young people say they would be willing to relocate overseas to find work, and as a result, studying English has become increasingly popular. Over time, this has meant that today’s Spanish youth are better educated than previous generations.
English is required in all public schools beginning in the first year of primary school. The use of native classroom assistants has skyrocketed, opening up a wealth of chances for TEFL instructors in Spain. If you enjoy working with children, there are many opportunities for an English teacher in Spain in kindergartens and private schools that teach English to children as young as three years old.
TEFL Jobs teaching English in Spain
Another factor contributing to Spain’s attractiveness as a TEFL location is how easy it is to find work. Even if they have no prior teaching experience, newbie teachers will find themselves in high demand and offered the chance to teach English in Spain without a degree. Naturally, the more qualified/experienced you are, the greater your chances of landing the top TEFL jobs in Spain.
Keep in mind that the most elite schools have the option of being picky. Due to the popularity of Spain, the market is saturated, and high-paying jobs will face stiff competition. However, there are so many English teaching jobs in Spain, even if you don’t acquire one of these top jobs, you can make enough money to live comfortably and enjoy the lifestyle.
Types of teaching jobs in Spain
Language assistant
The Spanish Ministry of Education runs the North American Language and Culture Assistants in Spain programme, which places Language and Cultural Assistants in public schools across the country, essentially a TEFL Spain initiative, providing a great opportunity for young professionals looking to teach English abroad in Spain.
Native English speakers who assist English teachers in primary and secondary schools are known as Language and Cultural Assistants. The assignments run from the beginning of October until the end of May. The programme will run from October 1 to June 30 in Madrid, which is a great way to escape winter and teach abroad in Spain instead.
Private schools
If you have a TEFL/CELTA certificate, you can find a contract teaching employment in Spain at a private school or language institution. Full-time opportunities with monthly pay, benefits, and vacation time are available. You’ll be the only teacher in your class, but this is a great way for experienced teachers to teach English abroad in Spain.
You have a better chance of getting one of these positions if you are already in Spain and can interview in person. It may seem daunting to move without a job in place, but there are so many jobs teaching English abroad in Spain you are sure to find something perfect.
Private tutoring
Private English tutors are in high demand among Spanish families. This is a fantastic alternative for people who want a culturally immersive experience but don’t have much teaching experience. In-home private classes are the most typical option for private tutoring. You live with a host family and give private English lessons to the children and adults several times a week.
You’ll get to know your students and become a member of the family. This will allow you to have a closer look at Spain’s culture and people while also earning essential English teaching experience.
Popular teaching destinations in Spain
Teaching positions can be found all around the country, in cities, suburbs, and rural locations. If you apply for a Language and Cultural Assistant post, the Ministry of Education will place you in a school, you don’t pick where you teach. However, if you’re seeking a career at a private school or as a tutor, you’ll have many possibilities.
The cities of Madrid, the capital in the centre of Spain, and Barcelona, the coastal metropolis on the Mediterranean in the Catalonia region of Spain, are the two most prevalent teaching locations. Other popular locations for teaching English abroad in Spain include Valencia and Seville, which are excellent choices if you’re searching for a cosmopolitan setting.
How to find TEFL jobs: Spain
The ease of finding work is determined by the position you seek. If you’re applying for a Language and Cultural Assistant position, the application procedure is competitive but straightforward. If you are accepted, the Ministry of Education will place you in a school, so you won’t have to worry about finding a place to go.
If you’re looking for a job at a private school or as a tutor, the application process may be a little more difficult because you’ll need to conduct independent research to determine which region you’re interested in and what work opportunities are available.
When to apply for TEFL jobs in Spain
The government-run Language and Cultural Assistant teach English in Spain programs accept applications beginning in August/September and close in early April. Acceptance into the programme is announced in April, and you’ll receive your location assignment then. There are two main peak hiring seasons for private school jobs: mid-September to early October and January.
Visa & Sponsorship
One of the key advantages of the assistant programme is that it allows US citizens to teach English in Spain while on a long-term student visa. However, because obtaining a visa might take months, it is critical to begin the process as soon as you accept your offer to teach abroad in Spain.
A work visa is required for a teaching position at a private institution. Most colleges will be able to sponsor you for a work visa, but you should double-check before accepting a position.
Work culture in Spain
The work-life balance is one of the best aspects of teaching in Spain. In Spain, it is typical for schools to take a two-hour lunch break during which the students can play outside. Teachers will spend this time eating lunch leisurely and reviewing lesson plans.
You won’t be working full time as an assistant, so you’ll have plenty of time to experience the nation outside the classroom. Even if you work full-time, there is an emphasis on work-life balance in Spain; they prioritise spending time with family, eating unhurried, freshly cooked meals, and being outside.
Living
If you teach English in Spain as a new teacher with little experience to compete for higher-paying positions, wages may seem low. Teachers tend to be drawn to this lively country for reasons other than money. Spain is a lively, energetic country with a fascinating culture, delectable cuisine, and a laid-back way of life that TEFL teachers adore. Even on lower salaries, you can live well and take advantage of all that Spain offers. There’s so much employment out there that you’re unlikely to run out of classes to teach – and the need for EFL teachers is only increasing. Many teachers who work as language assistants or in schools supplement their income by tutoring on the side.
Teaching English online in Spain can also be a terrific way to supplement your income at convenient times. Cities such as Madrid and Barcelona will have greater living costs than the rest of the country, but your income will reflect this. You’ll find that your money goes further if you live like a local (avoiding imported food and goods, tourist destinations, and so on). To save money, most teachers share housing with other teachers or ex-pats. Employers in Spain are unlikely to provide housing as part of your contract (unless it’s a summer school), but they may be able to assist you.
LIVING COSTS
You probably won’t get rich if you teach English in Spain, especially if you’re a newbie teacher without the experience to go for the highest paying jobs. However, money isn’t what attracts teachers to this vibrant country. Spain is a fun, bustling country with a fascinating culture, delicious cuisine and relaxed lifestyle that TEFL teachers love. Even on lower wages, you can earn enough to enjoy a good quality of life and experience what Spain has to offer. There’s so much work available that it’s unlikely you’ll ever be stuck for classes to teach – and the demand for EFL teachers just keeps growing. Many teachers working in schools and as language assistants subsidise their income by tutoring on the side, which can give your income a big boost. Teaching TEFL online can also be a great way to make extra money at times that suit you. The cost of living in cities such as Madrid and Barcelona will be higher than elsewhere in the country, but your salary will be reflective of this. By living like a local (avoiding imported food and goods, tourist areas, etc) you’ll find that your money stretches further. Most teachers share accommodation with other teachers or expats to cut down on costs. It’s uncommon for employers in Spain to offer accommodation as part of your contract (unless it’s a summer school) but they may be able to offer assistance.
Cost of living prices taken from Numbeo is the world’s largest up to date quality of life global database.
- Accommodation: £674 – £1,132 / $843 – $1,416
- Utilities: £99 / $124
- Health insurance: State healthcare is good in Spain and comesout of your social security payments. 90% of locals use theNational Health System but you can sign up for private healthcaretoo. Cost of typical visit to GP: £53 / $66
- Monthly transport pass: £39 / $49
- Basic dinner out for two: £26 / $33
- Cappuccino in expat area: £2.12 / $2.66
- A beer in a pub: £3.48 / $4.36
- 1 litre of milk: £0.72 / $0.90
- 2 litres of Coca-Cola: £1.37 / $1.72
Tefl Jobs In Spain: KEY POINTS
AVERAGE SALARY
€900-€1,300
EDUCATION NEEDED
No degree required
TEFL CERTIFICATE NEEDED
130 hours+
MAIN JOB TYPES
Public & private schools
KEY FACTS
- Popular locations for TEFL jobs: Madrid, Grenada, Zaragoza, Seville, Barcelona, Malaga, Majorca
- Average salary for EFL teachers: The basic monthly salary for full-time positions is likely to be in the region of €1,200 – €1,500 (£1,053 – £1,317 / $1,300 – $1,623). Some positions which are less than full-time or in locations with lower salaries might offer contracts from €700 to €1,000 (£614 – £878 / $758 – $1,083), and others go as high as €1,800 (£1,580 / $1,950) per month. Paid by the hour, you’re likely to make €15 to €20 (£13.16 – £17.55 / $16.24 – $21.67), though hourly rates of under €15 aren’t uncommon. For private classes, €25 up to about €50 (£22 – £44 / $27 – $54) is realistic for the most sought-after teachers.
- TEFL qualification requirements: For shorter contracts (2 weeks – 3 months) working in summer camps, a 20- or 30-hour classroom course would be sufficient. If you’re looking at a long-term role, we would recommend a TEFL course of at least 120 hours.
- Prerequisite university degree: Not required, although some employers may express a preference for one.
- Term times: The Spanish School year begins in September until late December. The second term starts in early January until early April. The final term begins in late April, running to mid-June.
- Currency: Euro
- Language: Spanish
- Teaching programmes: The Meddeas programme, NALCA Program, Language Schools, Exam Preparation, Private Lessons, Young Learners
- Previous teaching experience: This is not essential, and there are plenty of opportunities for first-time teachers in Spain.
If you’ve taught in locations where the children are quiet, shy, and reserved, such as Japan, you might enjoy the opportunity to teach some fun-loving, chatty, loud Spanish children. Every type of learner, however, has its ups and downs, and many teachers find Spanish pupils to be a struggle. When it comes to younger students, the best suggestion is to be a little harsher than usual when you first meet them (and for the first few weeks of classes), as they will walk all over you if you are too friendly initially.
Facts about Teach English in Spain: The complete Guide for TEFL Teachers | Reviewed May 2022
LANGUAGE
Spanish
POPULATION
47 million
TEFL TEACHERS DEMAND
High
CURRENCY
Euro
CAPITAL
Madrid
OUR SPAIN TEFL RATING
4/5 stars
Tefl Jobs In Spain: FAQS
Can I teach in Spain without a degree?
There are several ways to teach English in Spain, some of which require a degree and others which do not, but all of which require native English fluency. While most programmes require a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree, some just require you to be enrolled in a university, such as those offered by CIEE. Volunteer programmes can also be used to teach English in Spain without a higher education certificate.
Is Spain safe?
Spain is an extremely safe place to visit. However, pickpockets are a problem in Spain, as they are throughout Europe. It’s critical not to carry your passport with you and keep an eye on your phone at all times!
Where in Spain can I teach?
The Auxiliares de Conversacion programme can position you in practically any of Spain’s autonomous communities, from huge cities like Madrid and Barcelona to smaller “pueblos.” You can choose your location if you want to work as a language assistant, tutor, or instructor in a private school. Seville, Granada, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, and Bilbao are among the most popular cities in Spain to teach English.
Is it expensive to live in Spain?
While larger cities such as Madrid and Barcelona can be pricey, Spain’s cost of living is lower than that of most European countries. In a city centre like Madrid, a room in a shared apartment might cost between €250 and €600 euros ($270 and $650 USD).
How much can I make as a TEFL teacher in Spain?
In general, you can make €700 per month as a Language and Culture Assistant in public schools in Spain (€1000+ in Madrid). If you work full time, you can make between €15 and €20 per hour teaching in private academies and language schools, which equates to about €1,500 to €2,000 per month. You can earn up to €20 per hour if you tutor privately teaching English in Spain.
Teacher Story
“I chose to live in Spain because I’ve been studying Spanish for years. I wanted to immerse myself into the Spanish culture fully. It was time to learn how the Spanish people live from the locals, rather than just from a classroom. As the saying goes: when in Rome, live how the Romans do. I think I took the saying a bit literally and ended up having a bit too much fun while living there.
I also looked up the cost of living in Spain compared to other areas in Europe and felt it was more suited to me. As a student, I needed to be somewhere where rent and living costs would be within my budget.”
Lily, TEFL Graduate - Teaching in Spain
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