Spain has long been a popular choice for individuals seeking to relocate to another country. With its pleasant climate, high quality of living, and thriving expat community, it offers a desirable environment for people of all ages. While it has traditionally been a favorite among retirees, an increasing number of young professionals are now being drawn to the country as well.

Teaching English in Spain has become a tried and tested option for many expats. Although it can be competitive, with dedication and perseverance, finding a teaching job in Spain can be a rewarding experience. To help you navigate this career path, we have compiled a comprehensive guide that provides all the information you need to know about teaching English in Spain.

One of the advantages of teaching English in Spain is that a degree is not mandatory. However, having a strong command of the English language is not the only requirement. To be eligible for teaching positions in Spain, there are a few key requirements that need to be met:

• TEFL Certification: Obtaining a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification is highly recommended and can enhance your chances of finding employment in Spain.

• Work Visa: Non-EU citizens will need to secure a work visa to legally teach English in Spain. The process for obtaining a work visa can vary, so it is important to research and understand the requirements specific to your situation.

• Prior Teaching Experience: While not always mandatory, having prior teaching experience can be advantageous when seeking employment in Spain. It demonstrates your ability to effectively communicate and manage a classroom.

When it comes to the locations where you can teach English in Spain, there are numerous options available. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Language Schools: Many private language schools throughout Spain offer English language courses and hire native English speakers as teachers.

• International Schools: These schools follow an English curriculum and often hire qualified teachers to deliver lessons in English.

• Public Schools: The Spanish government hires English teachers through various teaching programs, such as the Auxiliares de Conversación program, which places native English speakers in schools to assist classroom teachers.

• Private Tutoring: Offering private English lessons is a flexible and popular option in Spain, particularly in larger cities where there is high demand for English education.

Overall, teaching English in Spain offers a wide range of opportunities for individuals of differing backgrounds and experiences. By understanding the requirements and available options, you can embark on a rewarding teaching career in this vibrant country.

Language schools in Spain present an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking a stable and secure income. With a multitude of establishments across the country, these schools cater to students from diverse backgrounds and of varying ages. They offer instruction at different proficiency levels, ranging from basic to advanced, and provide flexibility in terms of scheduling.

One advantage of working in language schools is the possibility of teaching at multiple institutions simultaneously, especially considering that most positions do not offer full weekly hours. However, it is worth noting that wages in this field may not be as high as in other teaching jobs.

To explore language school options in Spain, we recommend consulting our directory, which showcases a wide range of establishments. Alternatively, if you hold a teaching English certificate and are seeking better remuneration, you may consider applying for positions at private primary schools in Spain. These roles typically provide a monthly salary, benefits, and paid leave. It is important to be aware that prior teaching experience and a certain level of Spanish proficiency may be prerequisites for many of these positions.

In addition to private schools, international schools in Spain are a popular choice for those interested in teaching English. These institutions are often bilingual, alleviating the necessity of having advanced Spanish language skills. However, it is important to keep in mind that these schools may have specific requirements and preferences when selecting candidates.

Overall, language schools in Spain offer a promising opportunity to build a rewarding career in education, providing stability and the chance to make a positive impact on students' language learning journeys.

Salaries in international schools in Spain are competitive and can be considered quite reasonable. Additionally, these schools often have small class sizes which provide a conducive environment for teaching and learning. The overall atmosphere in these schools is known to be relaxed.

However, it is worth noting that the number of job opportunities for English teachers in international schools may be somewhat limited due to a higher percentage of students already having English as their first language.

If you are interested in exploring international schools in Spain, we recommend checking out our comprehensive directory which provides information on various schools available.

Another avenue for English teachers in Spain is through universities, as they are now offering more Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs in English. Consequently, the demand for qualified English teachers has increased in recent years. This option can provide attractive salaries and benefits for individuals who possess the necessary teaching experience and academic qualifications.

It is also noteworthy that English is now taught from an early age in Spanish schools, and as a result, the Ministry of Education in Spain recruits English speakers to work as language and cultural assistants in both primary and secondary schools. These assistants engage in conversation sessions with students, helping to improve their language skills. It is important to mention that this role does not require a teaching certificate. However, the pay for this position is not particularly high, and some proficiency in Spanish is usually required to effectively communicate with students and colleagues.

In addition, a number of public schools in Spain provide opportunities for individuals from around the world to work as English language assistants, known as Auxiliares de Conversacion. The availability of these positions depends on various factors, including the number of hours worked, the region where one is employed, the type of institution, teaching experience, and the level of English being taught.

While teaching English in Spain may not lead to a substantial fortune, it can certainly provide sufficient income to sustain oneself. Hourly rates for English teaching in Spain typically range from €14 to €30. The number of weekly hours can also vary, with language and cultural assistant positions in public schools usually involving around 12 hours per week, while jobs in private schools can require approximately 25 hours per week. The number of hours for language schools and private tutoring can fluctuate, depending on one's workload.

As a result, monthly salaries can vary widely, ranging from €700 to €2,500, but most commonly fall between €1,200 and €1,800. It is important to consider that the cost of living in Spain is relatively affordable, currently around 16% lower than in the UK, making these salary ranges sufficient for living expenses.

However, it is crucial to remember that financial compensation is not the sole factor to consider. Other costs and benefits need to be weighed as well.

Additionally, it is important to consider the costs of unpaid travel and class preparation, as discussed previously. Although contracted work in teaching English often pays less than an hourly rate, it typically includes benefits such as holidays and Spanish social security payments. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to explore the possibility of receiving free or low-cost training with a teaching position. Some larger institutions offer in-house training programs that allow teachers to enhance their skills.

To find a job teaching English in Spain, the best approach is to search online. There are numerous job websites and online forums where you can find relevant opportunities. If you are already residing in Spain, you can also check local newspapers for job listings, register with a recruitment agency, and utilize local networks. For more detailed information on how to find a job in Spain, we recommend referring to our comprehensive guide. Additionally, you can visit our jobs portal for current job openings. If you are specifically interested in teaching English in Madrid or Barcelona, we provide city-specific information on available positions.

Alternatively, ConversaSpain is a Spanish organization that collaborates with over 300 public schools across different regions in Spain. They offer fulfilling and stimulating opportunities for prospective English teaching assistants.

With ConversaSpain, native English speakers have the fantastic opportunity to teach their mother tongue as language and cultural ambassadors in public schools in Madrid or Murcia through the Auxiliares de Conversacion program. Moreover, there is potential to earn more money and enjoy greater flexibility by offering private English lessons in Spain. Private lessons can range from informal conversations to helping students prepare for important exams.

While having a qualification can be beneficial, it is not always necessary to start teaching English in Spain. However, it can be challenging to find students without a qualification. Fortunately, the internet has made this task much easier. Online platforms such as Verbling provide an avenue for English tutors to connect with potential students and offer lessons remotely.

When teaching English to private students in Spain, it is crucial to tailor the lessons to each student's individual needs. This requires understanding their specific goals and adapting the content to suit their learning style and preferences. On the other hand, if you teach a structured class, you have the advantage of reusing lesson plans, saving time and effort in the long run.

One important factor to consider when offering private English lessons in Spain is commuting. It is common to have to travel to meet students, especially if they are scattered across a large city. This can result in a significant amount of time spent commuting, which should be taken into account when planning your schedule and managing your time effectively. It is worth noting that travel expenses and lesson planning costs are not typically compensated.

Overall, teaching English in Spain, whether in public schools or through private lessons, can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It allows you to share your language and culture while immersing yourself in the rich Spanish culture. The opportunity to connect with students and help them achieve their language goals is truly gratifying.

In the past, many individuals have chosen school work as a safer option due to certain advantages. However, it is worth noting that contracts in most language schools typically only last for nine months. Consequently, during the remaining three months, you may find yourself without a source of income. While the potential earnings from becoming a private English tutor in Spain can be promising, it is important to understand that establishing yourself in this field is not always straightforward.

To assist you in starting your journey as a private English tutor, here are a few helpful tips. Firstly, word of mouth can be a highly effective advertising technique. Begin by informing your friends, housemates, coworkers, and acquaintances that you are offering private English lessons in Spain. Additionally, consider posting a free advertisement on websites like Tus Clases Particulares. If you are based in Barcelona or Madrid, Lingo Bongo is also a suitable platform. Alternatively, you can opt for a more traditional approach by placing ads in local schools, universities, and around your community.

It is important to remember that you have the freedom to set your own rates for your time. However, bear in mind that the higher your charges, the more challenging it may be to attract clients. Take into consideration factors such as your level of experience, the level you will be teaching at, and your own expenses when determining your pricing strategy.

It is advisable to establish an hourly rate that you can adjust according to the type of teaching you will be providing. In major cities like Madrid or Barcelona, you may be able to charge between €20 to €30 per hour, while rates in other areas might be slightly lower. One option to increase your earnings while reducing your hourly rate is to teach a small group of students who are at the same level. However, the feasibility of this approach largely depends on the students you are teaching.

For exam preparation classes, it may be necessary to ask students to invest in a book specifically designed for the exam they are taking and work through it together. When teaching school-aged children, you can structure sessions around assisting them with their homework. Online resources such as worksheets, videos, games, and songs can be found to enhance your teaching materials. Websites like Cambridge English, British Council, BusyTeacher, and Flojoe offer a variety of materials that can be utilized.

It is important to note that cancellations are not uncommon when offering private English lessons in Spain. In some cases, cancellations may occur at the last minute or without any given reason. To avoid potential problems, some private teachers create a contract that requires students to provide at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations. This helps ensure a more stable and reliable teaching schedule.

Some service providers require payment for an entire month in advance and may also reschedule canceled classes. However, it is important to strike a balance between maintaining a structured payment policy and ensuring flexibility so as not to deter potential clients.