So, you’ve decided you want to jump ship and swim across the Atlantic to teach English in sunny Spain but you feel a little overwhelmed by it all? Take my hand. I’ll walk you through some of your most burning questions.
Can I teach in Spain? Am I qualified?
Yes and yes (probably).
If you’re a native English speaker with a university degree, you’re hired! Those really are the only requirements.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Most employers ask that you at least know basic Spanish but you don’t need to be fluent. You might rarely need to speak Spanish in the workplace (although the Director of my bilingual elementary school spoke not one word of English, go figure).
What does the job entail?
Most likely your title will be Auxiliar de Conversación which means its your job to help facilitate conversation in English, usually assisting a full-time teacher who may not be fluent, to ensure proper pronunciation and grammar.
How do I get a job?
Many organizations begin the hiring process around November or December before the school year starts. This is the best time to apply if you want to plan ahead. For non-EU folks, you’ll have to apply and secure a position before applying for a visa. This can only be done while in your home country through the closest Spanish consulate.
I taught in Madrid with the Spanish Ministry of Education program and this is the route I’d recommend for most people. The main benefit of this program is that you’re paid well for not much work (1000 Euro per month in Madrid for 16 hours/week and 700 Euro for 12 hours/week elsewhere).
Another option, BEDA provides more support so its great for anyone feeling nervous about the whole “living overseas thing”. They even short-cut you through the process of getting your residency documentation. You’ll be working in Catholic quasi-private schools and they have a variety of hours available at different pay rates. BEDA operates mostly in Madrid with very few placements in other regions.
Do you make enough money to get by?
Yes. Rent in Spain is low and food is cheap. Here’s some average costs in Madrid (outside of Madrid, with the exception of the North, the prices are even lower):
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Rent: 300 Euro/month (bedroom in a shared flat)
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Food & Drinks: 1 Euro for a small beer, 10 Euro for a fixed price 3 course lunch
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Cell Phone Service: 10 Euro/month for data
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Transportation: 30-50 Euro/month (depending on your zone and age)
If you want/need extra cash, its very easy to get under-the-table gigs that pay well. Many people make at least an extra 500 Euro every month giving private lessons or nannying. A couple of great resources to try are Tus Clases Particularesand Lingo Bongo.
Where can I teach?
I taught in Madrid but you can apply (with the Ministry anyway) to be placed all over Spain. Beach life in Mallorca, big city Madrid or tapas in Andalucia. Think about the lifestyle you want and do a little research before you apply. Once you’ve been placed, you have to accept whatever location you’re offered (you can't switch locations afterward)
How can I prepare?
The most important thing to do during the application process is to stay organized. Make sure you allow plenty of time for your visa since it can take up to a month to process. Make checklists of all of the documentation and deadlines to stay on top of because the whole process isn't simple.
Do you have questions about teaching English in Spain or moving to Spain in general? Have you taught in Spain? What advice would you give?
