How to Get a Job Teaching English in Spain

You’ve seen English teachers on social media living their best lives in Spain. Think that lifestyle is out of reach? It’s not! You can get a job teaching English in Spain.

Read on to learn about your options and how to join the ranks of happy TEFL teachers traveling the world.

Spain may not be the highest paying teach abroad destination but there are tons of things that money can’t buy.

• High demand for English teachers: Compared to other Western European countries, Spain has a relatively low level of English proficiency. This creates a healthy demand for native speakers to lead classes in grammar and conversation and provide 1-to-1 private lessons.
• Suitable for new teachers: Most of the teaching programs in Spain that grant visas to non-EU citizens are geared toward filling the language and culture assistant position. Although classroom duties vary by school, it’s universally accepted that you’re an assistant, not the main teacher. You’ll always have a full-time local teacher in the classroom with you, making it a great first step into TEFL for beginners.
• Good quality of life: Tired of the rat race? Thankfully, Spain is a country that works only to live. Spaniards focus on close relationships with friends and family and love to enjoy the simple things in life. This work-life balance allows for a fulfilling life outside of the classroom.
• Nice weather: While it would be untrue to say that Spain is always sunny and warm, many parts of the country do enjoy milder winters and blue skies year-round.
• Affordable cost of living: Costs are rising in cities like Madrid and Barcelona but the majority of Spanish towns and cities are affordable on a local salary. You’ll likely be surprised just how far your money can go in the grocery store!
• Plenty of cultural activities: Wherever you live and work in Spain, you probably won’t ever be bored. Spain loves celebrating: holidays, festivals, and Saint’s Days mean plenty of days off work to join in the fun.

A TEFL certificate isn’t always a requirement to teach English in Spain but it will make you a more confident teacher and competitive candidate. If you don’t have any teaching experience, walking into a classroom for the first time can be like being thrown into the deep end of a pool when you can’t swim. TEFL certificates will prepare you for what to expect, what to teach, and how to teach it.

You can get TEFL certified online before you leave or right away once you arrive in Spain. The perks of doing your TEFL training in Spain include making friends (who could be potential future roommates!), getting settled into life abroad before starting work, in-country professional networking, and the opportunity for hands-on teaching practice. Some TEFL programs even guarantee a job after graduation!

Read more: The Top TEFL Courses in Spain

To teach English in Spain, you’ll need the following basic qualifications:

• At least an associate’s degree (bachelor’s degree is preferred)
• Native English speaker or non-native speaker with a minimum C1 level of English
• Ability to pass a background check

Language academies may be more flexible with credentials. For example, teachers without a degree may be hired if they are TEFL-certified and have teaching experience. Teach abroad programs in Spain tend to require at least a 2-year degree while private and international schools generally require teaching degrees and licenses.

Visas can throw a wrench in plans to live and work abroad. Your country of citizenship will determine how easy or difficult the process is.

• If you’re a non-EU citizen: You’ll need to go through a program on a student visa or receive job sponsorship from a school or language academy. The majority of English teachers in Spain are there on a student visa through a program like NALCAP, RVF International, or CIEE. Unless you have a license and are certified to teach other subjects, it’s very difficult to receive job sponsorship through an international school as a TEFL teacher.
• If you’re from an EU country: Hurrah! The free movement of people in the EU means you can move to Spain without the hassle of obtaining a visa. You’ll still need to register as a resident but you have it significantly easier than non-EU citizens!

Once you’re teaching in Spain on a student visa, there are opportunities to convert it to a work permit after a year. So if you want to stay in the country long-term, there are ways to do it!

Because the majority of our readers are non-EU citizens, let’s talk about how to make your dream of teaching abroad in Spain possible. To legally teach in Spain, you’ll need to apply to a program that grants you a visa. Most language assistant programs provide student visas that allow TEFL teachers to work up to 20 hours a week in exchange for a monthly stipend.

The most popular program is the government-run North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP). It is free to apply but once you receive your placement at a school in Spain, the rest is up to you.

Alternatively, teaching programs through providers like RVF International, CIEE, and TEFL Heaven charge a fee but provide more comprehensive support for things like visas, housing, and banking. They also run orientations and connect you to other new teachers.

To get an in-depth overview of these programs and more, check out the 5 Best Programs for Teaching English in Spain!

The great thing about going through a program provider to teach in Spain is that most will support you through the visa process. To obtain a student visa, applicants from the US will need the following:

• Completed visa application
• Notarized and apostilled copy of your degree diploma
• Official letter from your program stating the dates, stipend amount, and proof of health insurance coverage
• Notarized and apostilled copy of your background check
• Letter from a doctor certifying good mental and physical health

You will need to turn these documents in to your nearest Spanish consulate. Once approved, they’ll grant you a visa valid for 90 days. When you arrive in Spain, your program will walk you through the steps to apply for your residence card which will allow you to stay in Spain for the duration of your teaching contract.

Check out these commonly asked questions to get a better idea of the ins and outs of working as a TEFL teacher in Spain.

You don’t need to speak Spanish to teach English in Spain. In fact, use of Spanish in the classroom by English language assistants is discouraged to maintain an immersive environment.

Outside of the classroom though, many TEFL teachers take Spanish classes to acclimate to life abroad. Increased language skills will also help you make Spanish friends!

Most teaching programs in Spain require a minimum of an associate’s degree in any subject. If you’re an EU citizen, you can get hired at a language academy without a degree if you’re TEFL certified.

Salaries for English teachers in Spain can range from $760-$1,500 USD a month. Language assistant programs tend to pay the least compared to full-time positions at academies and private schools.

There’s no better way to get to know a culture than to live in it. Teaching English in Spain will help you grow in ways you never imagined and will give you new insight into a diverse and fascinating country!