The Kingdom of Spain is the fourth largest country in Europe and stretches from the Pyrenees mountains to the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates it from the African continent. Covering such a vast area, Spain is blessed with a varied landscape – from sandy Mediterranean beaches to snow-capped mountains, with hot summers and cold winters.
This country has a lot to offer, but what is it that makes Spain one of the top three European countries to move to? The climate is one of the main factors, along with its friendly atmosphere and relaxed lifestyle, but there are also some practical reasons, such as the affordable cost of living, the low crime rate, and the excellent health system.
Like most countries, Spain’s economy has been affected by recent global events, and the locals are aware that learning English could potentially open doors to better jobs and consequently improve their financial situation. For this reason, the number of people studying English is constantly increasing, and so is the demand for teachers of English as a foreign language (TEFL).
If the idea of experiencing living in Spain as an English teacher seems intriguing, let’s have a look at what can help get you started.
Get a work permit
To work legally in Spain you will need a ‘foreigner ID number’ (NIE) and a resident permit, whether you come from a European country or not.
When it comes to hiring international employees in Spain, priority is given to EU citizens. However, if you come from farther afield, you can enter the country on a student visa, which allows you to work for a limited number of hours a week.
Get TEFL qualified
You are not required to have relevant previous experience, nor do you need a university degree to teach English in Spain, although it would give you an advantage over other candidates.
However, you would be able to teach in Spain with a 120-hour TEFL qualification obtained from an accredited course provider. This course would give you the confidence and knowledge you need to start teaching English in Spain.
Get your ideal job
Spain offers a variety of teaching opportunities, depending on your preference and needs.
Language schools (aka academies) are the first and most popular port of call for newly qualified TEFL teachers in Spain. These schools provide a wide range of courses, from general English to exam preparation classes, to locals of all ages, ranging from children to adult professionals. With hundreds of academies across the country, you can build up your weekly teaching hours by working for more than one employer.
If you wish to work in primary or secondary schools, you would be able to do so as a language and cultural assistant. For this role, a teaching qualification is not necessary, but having some working knowledge of Spanish would be an advantage. The pay in state schools is not high, but working in this environment would allow you to experience life as a true local.
Both private institutions and international schools offer teaching placements in primary and secondary classes. These roles come with higher salaries and attractive perks, but there are fewer jobs opportunities. Understandably, the competition for these positions is stiff.
If you hold at least a bachelor’s degree, you could teach English at university level. The salary for teaching English at university is significantly higher than at any other kind of educational institution. Furthermore, with the increasing number of English-speaking university programmes, the need for English teachers is on the rise.
Is Spain for you?
By now you will hopefully have a better idea of what teaching English in Spain entails. If a life in this exciting country is for you, don’t hesitate and start taking the first steps towards your Spanish adventure.
Sources:
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/spain
https://expatra.com/guides/spain/living-in-spain-expat-guide/
https://www.remitly.com/es/en/landing/donde-quiere-vivir-el-mundo
https://spainlifeexclusive.com/why-do-spaniards-struggle-to-learn-english/
