Your Spanish Adventure: Introduction to Teaching English in the Land of Flamenco and Paella
If you are interested in teaching English in Spain, read on for information about job hunting, teaching requirements, and more.
Why Spain?
People have various motivations for wanting to teach English in Spain. Some of the common reasons include cultural experience, travel opportunities, Spanish cuisine, and more. Teaching in Spain is a great opportunity for individuals who want to combine their passion for teaching with a love for travel and exploration.
Demand for English teachers
The demand for English in Spain has been consistently high for several years, driven by many factors. First, English is the language of globalization. Then, Spain is a top tourist destination, and English is essential for communication with international visitors. Additionally, The European Union emphasizes multilingualism and language learning, which encourages member countries like Spain to invest in English language education. For all these reasons and more, English teachers will continue to be in high demand in Spain.
Qualifications and Requirements
As you probably guessed, the necessary qualifications to teach English in Spain can vary depending on the kind of job you want.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is generally a basic requirement for teaching English in Spain. While the degree doesn’t necessarily have to be in education or English, having a relevant degree can enhance your qualifications.
TEFL/TESOL/CELTA Certification
Many language academies and schools in Spain require English teachers to have a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), or Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) certification. These certifications provide you with the necessary pedagogical skills to effectively teach English to non-native speakers.
Language Proficiency
While not always a strict requirement, having proficiency in Spanish can be advantageous for navigating daily life and communicating with colleagues and students. In some cases, a basic level of Spanish may be required.
Experience
While some positions may be open to entry-level teachers, having prior teaching experience, especially in a foreign language context, can make you a more competitive candidate. Experience working with various age groups and levels is valuable.
Visa and Work Permit
Non-EU citizens will need to navigate visa and work permit requirements. Some positions may require sponsorship from the employer, while others might require you to secure the appropriate visa independently.
Job Opportunities
Websites to Use
There are several websites where you can search for English teaching jobs in Spain.
Dave’s ESL Cafe: Dave’s ESL Cafe is a well-known platform for English teachers seeking jobs worldwide, including Spain. The job board provides listings from various employers and includes information about job requirements, locations, and application details.
Website: http://www.eslcafe.com/
TEFL.com: TEFL.com is a popular website specifically focused on jobs in teaching English as a foreign language. You can search for job opportunities in Spain based on your preferences and qualifications.
Website: https://www.tefl.com/
TeflSearch: This is another website that specializes in listing TEFL/TESOL job opportunities around the world.
Spainwise: Spainwise is a website that caters to English teachers interested in working in Spain. It offers job listings, information about job fairs, and resources for teaching in Spain.
Go Overseas: Go Overseas provides information on teaching English abroad, including opportunities in Spain. It offers reviews of programs and schools, as well as job listings.
Idealist: Idealist is a platform that lists various types of jobs, including teaching positions, in multiple countries. You can search for English teaching opportunities in Spain.
LinkedIn: While not exclusively focused on English teaching jobs, LinkedIn is a professional networking platform where you can find job listings and connect with potential employers in Spain’s education sector.
Local Language Academies’ Websites
- International House (IH): International House is a global network of language schools, and it has a strong presence in Spain. They offer English courses for various levels and often hire qualified English teachers
- Academia Británica: Academia Británica has multiple locations across Spain and offers English language courses to both children and adults.
- Enforex: Enforex is a language school that offers Spanish courses to international students. They might also have opportunities for English teachers in certain locations.
- Vaughan Systems: Vaughan Systems is a notable institution in the country. They offer immersive language learning experiences and hire native English speakers as language coaches.
- Oxford House: Oxford House is another language academy with various locations in Spain. They offer a range of language courses, including English, and may have teaching positions available.
- Clic IH: Clic IH is a language school with locations in Seville and Cádiz. They offer Spanish and English courses and might have teaching opportunities for English teachers.
- The Language House Spain: The Language House is a language academy located in Madrid. They offer a variety of language courses, including English, and may hire English teachers.
- Baxter Language Center: With locations in Valencia and Castellón, Baxter Language Center offers English and Spanish courses.
Cultural Considerations
It is important to understand Spanish culture and educational norms before teaching in Spain. Likewise, you should adapt teaching methods to suit local customs. This is all crucial in order to build rapport with students and colleagues.
Language Challenges
Familiarize yourself with the common errors Spanish speakers face when learning English. Be sure to brush up on any strategies to address pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary issues
Networking
Networking with other English language teachers in Spain is important if you are looking for a job in the country. It’s also a crucial way to remain connected and stay up to date on teaching methods and resources once hired. There are many ways to network with other ESL teachers in Spain. Here are some suggestions:
Language Teaching Associations in Spain
Joining English language teaching associations can help you connect with educators in your field. In Spain, consider organizations like:
- ACEIA (Asociación de Centros de Enseñanza de Idiomas de Andalucía): Based in Andalusia, this association brings together language educators for professional development and networking.Website: https://www.aceia.es/
- FECEI (Federación Española de Centros de Enseñanza de Idiomas): FECEI represents private language schools in Spain and organizes events and workshops for language teachers.Website: https://www.fecei.org/
LinkedIn is a powerful professional networking platform. Join relevant groups such as “English Teachers in Spain” or “ELT Professionals in Spain” to connect with educators and share insights.
Facebook Groups
Facebook has various groups dedicated to English teachers in Spain. Search for groups like “English Teachers in Spain” or “Teaching English in Spain” to find communities of educators.
Meetup
Check Meetup for English teacher gatherings or language exchange events in your area. These events provide opportunities to meet other teachers and language learners.
Finally, if you want to learn more, take a look at these related posts I wrote.
