Did you know the following: Spain is the fourth largest country in Europe. It’s home to the fourth-highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Spanish national anthem is purely instrumental, and the shops are closed in the afternoon between 2pm and 5pm?
Another interesting fact about the Kingdom of Spain is that it is a very sought-after destination by teachers of English as a foreign language (TEFL). Its diverse landscape, extending from the Pyrenees mountains to the Strait of Gibraltar and featuring sandy Mediterranean beaches and snow-capped mountains attracts tourists and travellers from far and wide.
In recent years, Spain’s economy has faced challenges, prompting locals to recognize the value of learning English for potential career advancement. Consequently, the demand for English teachers has been on the rise, making it an intriguing option for those considering living and working in Spain.
If you’re contemplating a move abroad as an English teacher, have a look at this Beginners Guide to teaching English in Madrid and across Spain
Work permit
Let’s start with some red tape. For those travelling from non-European countries, securing employment in Spain can pose challenges, as employers typically prioritise hiring EU citizens before considering candidates from farther afield. However, if you are determined to make Madrid your new home, obtaining a student visa offers the opportunity to enter the country and work within specified weekly hours.
- From outside the EU: If you are a proficient English speaker from North America, a viable avenue for securing a teaching role is through the NALCA (North American Language and Culture Assistants) grant program, overseen by the Ministry of Education in Spain. This program not only sponsors your visa but also provides medical insurance and a monthly salary, varying based on location.
Although teaching experience is not mandatory, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is a prerequisite. It’s essential to note that the NALCA program exclusively offers temporary positions, with contracts spanning from October to May, and placement allocation is determined by the program.
Beyond NALCA, alternative programs such as UCETAM and BEDA may offer avenues to find a suitable teaching position.
- From within the EU: For individuals originating from European countries, the job search in Madrid may be comparatively less arduous. A straightforward approach involves applying for teaching positions at numerous language academies in the city, with TEFL certification being a requisite. Exploring available positions through platforms like [provide an example] is a constructive starting point.
Regardless of your country of origin, acquiring a foreigner ID number (NIE) and a resident permit is necessary for legal employment in Spain.
While previous experience and a university degree aren’t mandatory, a 120-hour TEFL qualification from an accredited course provider enhances your prospects. This certification provides the confidence and knowledge needed to embark on your English teaching journey in Spain.
If you possess fluency in Spanish, consider diversifying your teaching options by exploring opportunities to teach subjects like Science and Maths.
What to expect in the Spanish classroom
Life in a Spanish school has a very laid-back atmosphere. Teachers are addressed by their first names, a two-hour lunch break is the norm, and there’s no rigid dress code to adhere to. The cultural norm includes a high level of physical affection, and it’s common to witness students hugging their teachers.
The educational approach in Spain relies heavily on memorization and is oriented toward achieving favourable test results. Classes typically follow a lecture-style format, and classroom discussions, especially in a foreign language, are not commonly embraced by Spanish students. This tendency may be particularly pronounced when the conversation unfolds in a language other than their native tongue.
With persistent effort, understanding, and the introduction of some useful classroom items, educators can gradually guide their students to overcome any initial hesitancy in speaking English in front of their peers. Eventually, students will actively participate and develop a genuine enthusiasm for the language.
Where to teach
There are different options to choose from in terms of employment:
- Academies/Language schools present perhaps the most straightforward path to securing a position as an English teacher in Spain, given the abundance of language schools scattered throughout the country. These institutions offer a diverse range of courses catering to learners of varying proficiency levels and age groups. While they may not provide a full schedule, an option exists to work for multiple schools concurrently, allowing teachers to construct a comprehensive weekly timetable.
- Public schools constitute another avenue for English teaching employment, as mandated by the Ministry of Education in Spain for primary and secondary education. English speakers are actively sought after to serve as language and cultural assistants. While the remuneration may not be high, this role offers the unique advantage of complete immersion in Spanish life. Although a teaching qualification is not obligatory, a recommended proficiency in the Spanish language enhances eligibility.
- Private schools, particularly in primary education, offer teaching positions accompanied by a monthly salary and various perks. However, a teaching qualification is a prerequisite for such roles, and a degree of familiarity with the Spanish language is preferable.
- International schools mirror the structure of public institutions but often have smaller class sizes. While these schools are desirable workplaces, opportunities may be more limited, primarily due to the majority of students already having English as their first language.
- Teaching at universities requires both teaching experience and a bachelor’s degree, offering a notably higher salary and benefits. The surge in Spanish universities offering programs in English has significantly elevated the demand for qualified English teachers in recent years.
- Private tuition is a popular way of earning an additional income, granting TEFL teachers the flexibility to set their hourly rates and tailor lessons to individual needs. Despite its advantages, this avenue poses challenges, including the difficulty of finding students and the time-consuming nature of crafting personalised lesson plans to suit each student’s requirements.
Where to settle
Madrid is the capital and the largest city of Spain. Its metropolitan area is inhabited by over six million residents. Whether day or night, the city offers a plethora of engaging activities, ranging from cultural excursions to sporting events. Additionally, Madrid provides a delightful culinary experience that you won’t forget.
The city, particularly in the historic centre, can be easily explored on foot. However, for daily commutes and getting around, public transportation is an affordable and reliable option. Madrid takes pride in its clean, safe, and efficient network of buses, metros, and railways. If you want to make your money go further, investing in a monthly bus and metro pass is advisable, offering savings in the long run.
TEFL, siesta, and tapas
Spain is a beautiful country to explore; however, its appeal goes beyond the scenery. This country is recognized as one of the top three European countries to move to, with its pleasant climate, friendly atmosphere, and relaxed lifestyle. Furthermore, practical aspects like affordable living costs, a low crime rate, and an excellent health system contribute to Spain’s allure. Rest assured that if you are looking for an exciting place to start a career in TEFL, Spain won’t disappoint you.