Teach English in Spain

A long time favorite destination, to teach English in Spain has been the goal of at least one generation of teachers seeking mild weather, good food and laid back culture.

Formalities

To obtain legal working papers in Spain these days, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and a 120 hour TEFL certificate is usually preferred. EU citizens are preferred as they are less paperwork, but as with almost every country, once you get out away from the major cities, things tend to get more flexible as employers have to look a bit harder for good teachers.  Some non-EU citizens work under the radar while using an internship or educational visa to provide for staying in the country legally.  Student and some other types of visas will allow you to work legally for a set number of hours per week.

Wages and Benefits

Wages for teachers tend to be modest and vary greatly from only 800 euros to as much as 1500-1600 euros per month, depending on the city, school and the teacher’s qualifications.  Check here for the current exchange rate for euros.  People with experience teaching business English can earn even more when contracted out to corporations. Consider a good Business English course before going to help you find the better jobs.

Accommodation, airfare reimbursement and other benefits are rarely provided, though most employers will help their teachers find a decent place to live.

The working week

As enough teachers from the UK are on the scene, employers tend to prefer face-to-face interviews and hire from those. To set up employment from abroad would be difficult.  The typical work week is 25-30 teaching hours a week, often spread out through split shifts and weekends.

Hiring

Peak hiring is in early October and also in early January.  The summer programs for children often hire far in advance.  Contact schools before you arrive to arrange an interview.

Economic Difficulties

The economic problems of the last few years have had an impact on Spain and on the language schools. Non-EU citizens should be cautious about arriving on the scene unless they have reasonable financial resources to move on if their job search is not successful.

 

Teach English in Spain