Everything You Need to Know About Teaching English in Spain

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Guest Post by Stuart of Just Travelling Through

When most people think of Spain, they picture golden beaches and sangria on the Costa del Sol or all night fiestas in bustling cities like Barcelona and Madrid. Then there’s the food – paella, churros, tortilla, gazpacho, pulpo (or octopus, if you want to go there). And these are just a few of the reasons why I started teaching English in Spain!

Spain has so much to offer and having lived there for almost three years I’ve been lucky enough to see a lot of it. I’ve spent much of my time teaching English in Spain as a foreign language, living mainly in the north of the country, not exactly the hot Mediterranean life you might imagine, but still pleasant. My teaching experience has been quite varied. I’ve worked in a high school, an academy and on a residential course. All with their own challenges and highlights. 

So, if you’re interested in teaching abroad in Spain, here’s a guide on what you need to know to get started and what you can expect to find in this surprisingly diverse country.

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, if you click my links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Learn more on my disclosure page. Thank you for your support!

Teaching English in Spain Requirements – What Qualifications Do You Need? 

The majority of English teaching jobs in Spain require only a degree and a TEFL qualification. I completed an online TEFL course before moving to Spain, although there are plenty of jobs that include training as part of the position.

Coming from the UK, I didn’t need a visa to work in Spain. That might change once the final repercussions of Brexit have been sorted out. 

For anyone outside the EU, you have a few options when it comes to a visa to teach English in Spain. There’s a student visa that allows you to work part-time while studying (you can get one to study Spanish), a work visa which requires job sponsorship, or the Cultural Ambassadors Program which recruits Americans and Canadians to assist with English classes in school. 

The work permit can be difficult to obtain, and most Americans seeking to use their TEFL in Spain, opt to apply for the Ambassadors program. Be sure to reach out to your local Spanish embassy or consulate and to do your research before making your move to Spain!

Regardless of where you’re from, one thing everyone will need is a NIE, basically a Foreigners Identification Number. Getting an NIE is a relatively simple process and your employer is the best place to go to help get you set up. The girl who helped me explained there was a small chance I could get my NIE on the first day, but more likely it would be the week after. Or it might be longer. It basically depended on the woman’s mood at the time! This is the annoying part of Spanish life. I love the country but dealing with any kind of bureaucracy can be incredibly frustrating.

Need a cheap TEFL certification? When you sign up for a course with ITTT via my link you save 20% off any of their TEFL certifications!

Moving to Spain – How Much Money Do You Need to Get Started?

Before moving to Spain, you should make sure you’re financially prepared. Compared to other Western European counties, Spain is considered an affordable place to live. That being said, it’s best to head to Spain with a good amount of cash to get you started. Most rented accommodation will likely ask for a month’s deposit in addition to the first month’s payment and, assuming you already have a job, it’s going to be another month before you get paid.

I recommend bringing at least $1,800 – $2,500 when first moving to Spain.

To help get you started on your new life in Spain, I’d recommend a total of $1800, which should see you comfortably able to rent accommodation and enjoy the highlights of Spanish living. If you’re heading to Barcelona or Madrid I’d suggest adding an extra $500+ to that amount. If you don’t already have a job, bring more as backup.

Cost of Rent in Spain: ~€500/month

Thankfully, rent in Spain is relatively cheap, especially for anyone used to living in places like the UK. Madrid and Barcelona, Spain’s two biggest cities, are by far the most expensive to live in. Rent for a shared apartment in the centre of Madrid for example can easily be €500 per month. Compare that to Valencia on the Mediterranean coast or Seville in the south which could be as much as €200-250 per month cheaper. Living in Santander on the north coast I paid €260 a month for a room in a 3-bed apartment with incredible views. There’s no way I could get the same in the UK.

Cost of Living in Spain

Cost of living in Spain is cheaper too. I buy the bulk of my food shopping from the local supermarket and, while being careful, I don’t tend to spend more than €40 per week. Most cities have local markets where you can pick up fresh foods grown and made in Spain for low prices. Having said that, it’s more common to eat out in Spain, and meals at restaurants will run you on average around €10-€20 per person, a cup of coffee about €1.75, and a beer around €3 just to give you an idea of costs.

Glittering Madrid in the evening

English Teaching Jobs in Spain – Where Should You Look for a Job?

The level of English in Spain is generally below average. So good news for you! This means there are plenty of TEFL jobs in Spain for native or native-level English speakers.

Most English teaching jobs in Spain are hired locally/in the country, so your best bet to finding a job is going to Spain with your resume and certifications in hand, and applying in person. Schools will generally hire through an agency, but you can also try approaching them directly, either through their website or going in to talk to the principal.

There are some teach english in Spain programs/opportunities that hire online before you arrive in the country if you prefer securing a job before moving there. But whether you want to work in a school, academy or summer camps, it’s unlikely to take you long to find work. 

Good websites to look for teaching jobs in Spain are:

• Cultural Ambassadors Program – Also known as Auxiliares de Conversación, this program is run by the Spanish Ministry of Education that recruits U.S. and Canadian citizens to work as assistant language teachers in elementary and secondary schools.
• TEFL.org – covers worldwide locations but plenty of jobs listed
• Spainwise – A resource to find TEFL jobs in Spain plus regular job fairs so you can speak to employers directly
• Meddeas – Helps connect English Teachers in Spain with jobs in private schools.
• CIEE – A reputable company that offers TEFL certificates and different ways for prospective teachers to teach in Spain.
• Conserva Spain – A program that assists applicants with the Cultural Ambassador Program application and with moving to Spain.
• iTTT – Has TEFL courses in Spain and job postings throughout the country.
• International TEFL Academy – Recognized as one of the #1 provider of TEFL and job assistance and who also has great tips for finding jobs in Spain.

If you already know where you want to work and are in the country, driving around every academy in town to leave your CV is an effective approach. My friend drove me around Santander visiting around 15 different academies and I soon received offers for an interview. That was with barely four months of experience as a support teacher.

Orange trees in Seville

What’s The Best Teaching Job in Spain?

Teaching at Public Schools in Spain / Auxiliares de Conversacion Program

Working in schools, either primary or high schools, the age groups are already predetermined. So if you have a preference it’s easy to aim for that. In Spain children attend primary school from age 5 to age 12, and then high school between the ages of 12 to 16 with an extra two years for ‘Bachillerato’ before going on to university at age 18. Schools generally open from 8:30am until 2:30pm when the students go home. 

If you’re involved in any after-school workshops or clubs they’ll probably start at around 4pm. The level of English will be very mixed, which can be more of a challenge. Particularly in high schools when some students understand most of what you’re saying whereas others can barely count to ten.

Working as an English language assistant (‘auxiliar’) can be a good start for anyone with no experience. This was my first teaching job and while the pay wasn’t amazing when I started a couple of years ago (around €600 per month) it involved minimal work as the classes were run by the main teachers, I only had to prepare a few small activities each day. Hours are short and you can learn which activities work well from your more experienced colleagues. I gained more experience from running after-school workshops, although preparing the three weekly sessions took most of my time.

A word of caution – some schools can take advantage of your native language level by giving you more work than your contract states. This happened a couple of times to me, although I saw it as extra experience and a way to improve so early in my teaching career. It’s good to be strict early on to ensure you don’t take on too much work for the limited pay.

Salary: €750 – €1,000 ($875 – $1165) per month, the higher amount for those who teach in Madrid

Hours: 15 – 20 per week

Teaching English at Spanish Academies

Academies are more focused and generally have smaller groups (maximum of 8). Depending on the academy and the age of the pupils, each class should be at a similar level. I taught one-to-one classes, group classes, adults, children, teenagers, high levels and absolute beginners. A real mix!

I found academy hours much better than working in a high school as, while both involve around 25 hours per week, the times were easier. I would occasionally work for a few hours in the morning, with the majority of my classes in the afternoon starting at 4pm until 9:30pm. This meant I could stay in bed in the morning and still have time for my siesta in the afternoon. Sleeping is a real highlight of the Spanish lifestyle!

Pay in academies is generally around €1100 per month, which is closer to €1000 after taxes. For the number of hours worked you’ll be left with plenty of time to do your own thing or take extra classes on top.

Salary: €1100 per month ($1,275)

Hours: 25 per week

A breathtaking view of Toledo

Teaching Private Classes in Spain Salary

If you want to earn additional money on the side, or to further your experience, private classes are the way to go. Posting flyers around town, local websites or community pages through sites like Facebook are a good place to advertise yourself. The most effective is word of mouth and you’ll soon have plenty of clients wanting classes. Lessons should be at least €15 per hour, with discounts for extending the time. Maybe offer a freebie initially to get people interested.

Salary: Depends on you, €15-€25 per hour ($17.50-$29) 

Hours: Up to you

Teaching Residential Courses and Camps in Spain

Another option, particularly useful for anyone interested in summer work during their break from university, are camps. These are typically for young children who attend for a week or so, carrying out various interactive activities using English. The bonus of camps is that accommodation and food are usually included, so everything you earn goes straight into your pocket.

For anyone who isn’t so keen on working with kids, I’ve worked on a residential course with university aged students for three consecutive years. UIMP (Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo) runs English immersion courses at many cities throughout Spain where students attend for a week. Classes are very dynamic but the timetable can be a little intense (40 hours+ per week). However, the money is good (€1,800 per month) and once you have your classes prepped there is little else to do as each week has the same topics. This can get a little repetitive after a few weeks.

The course also has the option to work as a conversation partner. This job is another good option for anyone looking for summer work or to develop their experience. Conversation partners, as you might have guessed, chat with students during the daily one-to-ones and organise the evening activities. It pays less (around €600 per month) but there is a lot more free time. Perfect for either picking up private classes or sleeping. However you want to prioritise.

Salary (based on UIMP): €1800 per month ($2,075)

Hours (based on UIMP): 40+ per week

Pros (based on UIMP)

Moving to Spain Tips for English Teachers

Finding a Spanish Bank

To start working you’ll need a Spanish bank account (assuming you want to get paid). The first company I worked with helped me set one up when I arrived, so ask your employer if they have someone who can go with you. Selecting a bank isn’t as easy as you might imagine. For one reason banks charge extra if you withdraw from another bank (typically €1 per withdrawal). This means finding a bank with readily accessible ATMs.

I was set-up with ING and while they are a well-known international company with good rates for foreigners, they have very few banks in city centres. This often means I have to go well out of my way to get money out or pay extra each time.

La Caixa or Sabadell are generally the easiest to access. Check which banks are linked together too as they tend to operate in groups and allow free withdrawals from sister companies. Getting paid could also be delayed depending on your bank. If your employer has the same bank as you then your money could reach your account a day earlier than some of your colleagues.

Where to Find an Apartment in Spain

If you’re going to be working in Spain long term then you’ll need somewhere to live. Accommodation is not usually included with your teaching job, unless working on a camp, but they may have contacts that can help you such as other teachers looking for a roommate. Searching for an apartment can be challenging at times. First you need to know where to look. The best websites I’ve found (each with their own advantages and disadvantages) are:

• Idealista
• Fotocasa
• Milanuncios
• Piso Compartido

Websites generally allow you to filter based on price per month, location, number of rooms, etc. You can also try the Badi app to find a spare room.

Student areas have the cheapest accommodation and contracts will probably be between September to June. There are obviously ways around this, which may or may not cost you your deposit.

Malaga, Spain

Making Friends in Spain

Meeting new people when you move to another country can really help you settle quickly and make a big difference whether you enjoy your time there or not.  Spanish people have a reputation for being more friendly and open in the South, whereas their northern counterparts are said to be more reserved and closed. Not that they are unfriendly, but it can take a while to be accepted into a group of locals. However, once you get that far you’ll have friends for life and be invited for family dinners for that genuine local experience.

Outside of your new work colleagues and flatmates, a good way to meet people is language exchanges, or “intercambios”. These are weekly events open to anyone eager to meet people and practice their language skills. Big cities like Madrid or Barcelona will likely have several locations. Meetup is a good website to search for the nearest event.

City Travel and Public Transportation in Spain

Public transportation in Spain is the best way to get around the cities and you can take your pick from buses, metros, bike rentals and more. Here’s what to know.

Within cities and towns bus fares are pretty cheap, usually around €1.30. Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao all have their own metro system, while Seville, La Coruña, Valencia, Bilbao and others have active tram services.

Many city centres are relatively flat, which is great because you can take advantage of the city bikes to travel at your own pace. Valencia, Seville, Madrid and others all have them, and you can buy a pass for a day, week, month or year (which works out MUCH cheaper if you’re staying long term).

Bicycle stations are dotted around the city for you to pick up and store the bikes. Each has a 30-minute limit before extra charges come into play, so if your journey is a little longer it’s a good idea to stop off halfway and change bikes. Similarly, you’ll see lots of electric scooters around the streets of Spain which require an app to rent.

If that sounds like too much exercise, Madrid has ZITY, an electric car sharing scheme that works in a similar way. The cars open with the app so there’s no exchange of keys and you pay by the kilometre. And for when driving just isn’t a good idea, taxis operate as you’d expect but a cheaper alternative is Cabify, which works exactly like Uber.

Overlooking Granada, and the epic fortress

How to Travel Around Spain

Public transport is relatively cheap in Spain. Bus companies Alsa and Avanza run services to most popular destinations while Renfe covers the trains. Unlike many other countries the trains are not always faster and can be double the price. However, the seats are spacious and comfortable.

Thanks to its central location, getting to and from Madrid is very easy. Away from the capital however things become more challenging. Travelling from Bilbao to La Coruña, two major cities in the north, would take either three separate trains or a 10-hour bus journey. Compare this with Bilbao to Madrid which is generally less than five hours by bus and a little more when using the train. Bla Bla Car is another option when travelling around Spain. The ride sharing app is an easy way to find a cheaper journey, or save money by finding a passenger or two when heading on a weekend excursion.

The busiest airports in Spain are unsurprisingly Madrid’s Barajas Airport or El Prat in Barcelona. Valencia and Bilbao also have a wide range of international destinations. In the south, Seville has more destinations domestically while Malaga is the best option for international flights.

Flights to the Canary Islands take around three hours. For anyone who happens to be a resident in places such as Tenerife or Gran Canaria, there is a massive discount. An extra incentive in case glorious beaches, spectacular volcanic landscapes and living on an island aren’t enough to entice you down there.

Where to Visit in Spain

Spain is such an incredibly diverse country, much more than I realised. Wherever you go you’re likely to have a great time, enjoy beautiful scenery and try amazing food. These are the best from what I’ve seen as I’ve travelled Spain.

North of Spain

The area I’ve spent the majority of my Spanish life. While the weather may not always be as hot, the extra rain makes for some beautiful green scenery. Bilbao is one of the biggest cities and famous for tasty pintxos (the food is so much better in the north!) and Guggenheim Museum. It’s also a good place to base yourself while exploring more of the Basque Country such as San Sebastian (more great food, although more expensive, and beautiful beaches), Getaria or Gaztelugatxe (as seen in Game of Thrones).

The north of Spain is also very popular for surfing, with many beaches along the rocky Atlantic coast. One of my favourite areas is Galicia in the north-west. Santiago de Compostela is the final destination of Spain’s famous Camino de Santiago, while just 30 minutes away is the coastal city of La Coruña. From Vigo in the south of the region you can travel to the Cíes Islands, the location of the best beach in the world.

Central Spain

Most visitors to Spain will spend some time in Madrid and there are so many reasons why. From parties to big events, it’s a lively city all year round. Alternatively, you can spend a day visiting nearby places such as Segovia or medieval Toledo. Being centrally located, Madrid is easy to get to from most major cities and a popular destination for a weekend away. Further west you’ll find more beautiful locations. Leon is a very historic city, as is Salamanca a little further south. Home to the third oldest university in the world and many other attractions.

There’s a lot to love about Madrid!

Mediterranean Spain

Barcelona is even more popular than Spain’s capital (and if you ask its residents they’ll probably tell you they’re not Spanish anyway). The city has a more cosmopolitan feel to it than Madrid, as you might expect in London or Berlin. It’s the biggest city in Spain and needs at least a few days to fully explore. Further down the coast is Valencia, a city with an artistic feel to it and beautiful old buildings. It’s also where paella originated. If you’re in Valencia don’t miss the spectacular Las Fallas festival, which takes place every March.

South of Spain

Popular for its tourist resorts, beaches and history. The south of the country is probably what you imagine when you picture Spain. This is the heartland for bull fights (although thankfully not as much as in the past), Flamenco dancing and siestas. Seville is the largest city and well worth a visit, as are Cordoba and Granada with its world-famous Alhambra palace. Hiking El Caminto del Rey is also a great Spain bucket list item. The summers can be extreme here, which is why people don’t tend to venture out during the heat of the day. Especially in cities like Cordoba and Seville where the temperatures are usually above 40° in summer.

Spanish Islands

I’ve yet to fully explore the islands of Spain and travelled to Mallorca in the Balearic Islands for the first time just last year. The islands are well known as party locations, especially Ibiza, but there’s a lot of natural beauty to enjoy too. It’s the best of both worlds.

Much further south are the Canary Islands, where Tenerife and Gran Canaria act as shared capital cities. Being so far from the mainland the islands can have a different feel to them at times, but it’s more glorious beaches and spectacular landscapes. Tenerife has the highest mountain in Spain and its rocky volcanic scenery is a great place to get out and enjoy.

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, if you click my links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Learn more on my disclosure page. Thank you for your support!

That covers how to teach in Spain! If you have any important insider tips to add, share below!

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