Spain

Spain has long been a popular destination for TEFL qualified teachers due to its relaxed lifestyle, excellent climate, beautiful beaches and fascinating culture. You will also find plenty of job opportunities in the country’s big cities, as well as in many smaller towns and beach resorts. There are usually jobs available in all areas of the industry including teaching adults, young learners and business related English.

How to Find a TEFL Job in Spain

Searching for TEFL jobs in Spain is generally much easier from within the country itself as many employers prefer to meet candidates in person before they offer them a job. This situation is beneficial to both parties as the employer gets to see how you are likely to fit into their existing environment and you get to see what the working conditions are like before you have to commit to anything. The most straightforward approach is to simply go to the area where you want to live and work and start job hunting from there. The peak period for recruitment in Spain is around August and September as the beginning of the school year is in October. However, you will generally find jobs available all year round, particularly in the larger cities such as Madrid and Barcelona.

If you are planning to work in Spain but do not possess a TEFL qualification, we highly recommend taking one of our courses there. Our training centres in Spain have close ties with many different language schools and institutes around the country and are able to provide you with all manner of advice and assistance with finding a job that will suit you.

Questions to Ask Employers

If you are offered a teaching position that you are interested in, you should make sure that you are clear on a few important issues before you accept the job or sign a contract. Firstly, you should make sure that you have precise details regarding your pay scale, the amount of hours you will be expected to work, as well as any benefits you are entitled to such as travel expenses, health care or housing support. It is also a good idea to know what equipment and materials you will have access to when planning and carrying out your lessons. Finally, you should also enquire about the need for work permits or visas and whether the employer will help with the organisation and expense of any official paperwork you may require.

Job Expectations in Spain

Immigration and work regulations for foreigners are quite rigid in Spain, particularly for citizens of non-EU countries. However, as long as you are patient and take the time to explore all your options, most teachers with an internationally recognised TEFL qualification should be able to secure a position.

If you want to live and work in Spain it is advisable to learn as much of the language as you can before you arrive. A reasonable standard of Spanish will probably give you an advantage when looking for work and will certainly come in useful in your everyday life.