Spain
Teach English in Barcelona
Open to degree holders and non-degree participants.
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Overview
Spain is one of the most popular teaching destinations in the world. It has amazing natural beauty and cultural richness. There is significant demand for native English speakers there. Demand for English language education comes from both families for their children and also for adults who want to improve their English to improve their job prospects.
Our teach English abroad program in Spain is located in Barcelona, which is one of the most popular destinations in Europe due to its ancient architecture, rich history, and coastal location.
The Teach Spain program is ideal for anyone wanting to have an amazing cultural experience, improve their Spanish language, contribute to the local people, and earn a sustainable income that helps them subsidize their lifestyle in this amazing city.
Fees
- $2,749. Includes your in-country 160-hour TEFL course, and job placement.
- Pay a $350 deposit, a $500 placement fee when you're accepted, and then a final amount of $1,899, 60 days before departure.
Included
- An experienced U.S.-based Cultural Exchange Project Manager who will serve as your coordinator and liaison with our in-country staff in Spain.
- Professional, locally-based staff to orientation, supervision, and guidance throughout your stay.
- Airport pickup (on Sunday prior to program start).
- Comprehensive, internationally accredited TESOL Course along with our one-week cultural orientation.
- Comprehensive job placement service Visa support.
- Extensive post-placement support Documentation guidance.
Not Included
- Medical insurance.
- Flights.
- Cost of Spanish education visa and ongoing education courses.
- Application for teaching authorization.
- Meals.
- Accommodation during orientation. This should cost about 1200 Euros (and you'll need to pay a 400 Euro security deposit which you should get back) for a private room with a desk and ensuite bathroom in a complex with a gym and swimming pool.
- Accommodation once placed. (We will aid you in finding accommodation.)
- Day-to-day transport
- Teachers can expect a salary equivalent to €900 per month to start and then up to €1,800 per month. Teaching hours are 15 hours and up per week.
- Contracts can be from part-time to full-time and from short-term to long-term.
- Full orientation and training will be given to each applicant before they start work.
- You will be teaching in language academies, online, and in private tutoring.
Requirements And Qualifications
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2024 and 2025 Intake DatesThe program requires a minimum commitment length of 10 months.
- August 26, 2024
- November 18, 2024
Your visa is good for you to teach 10 to 12 months.
You will want to give the placement process at least 120 days from the start of your application to receiving the final word of your acceptance.
2025
January 2
February 3
February 24
March 31
April 28
June 2
June 30
July 28
August 25
September 29
October 27
November 17
Holidays In Spain
There are 14 public holidays each year in Spain. These are typically days off for teachers. Schools may provide additional paid leave days but this is not 100% guaranteed, particularly for contracts less than one year. As most placements are part-time, there will likely be no paid public holidays. Participants normally get two weeks off at Christmas, a week at Easter. During the month of August, most schools and many other businesses in Spain close for summer break. Spain’s biggest festive celebration is on 6th January - King’s Day. Classes usually start back from the Christmas break after that time.
A typical working week when teaching English abroad in Spain at an academy would be from 4pm to 10pm Monday to Thursday and 4pm to 8pm on Fridays.
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Age Requirement
Age 22-35 (Applicants should be between the ages of 22 and 35. Applicants outside of this age bracket can be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
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Native English Speakers Only
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Only applicants from US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa are eligible.
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How Does The Program Work So I Can Teach In Spain, Get Paid, And Live There A Year?
Participants from outside of the EU will arrive in Spain on the Education Visa. In order to obtain this visa, participants need to be enrolled in a program provided by our in-country partner. This is a “TEFL Developing Teacher Program” or DTP.
Irish citizens who are part of the EU, or any other EU passport holders, do not need to obtain an education visa. Irish citizens have the right to move to Spain and will need to register as residents there within 90 days in order to stay longer than that period of time.
Developing Teacher Program
After the TEFL course, the students start the DTP, which is an ongoing study program that meets the requirements for an education visa. The DTP is tailored for individuals seeking an affordable opportunity to reside and work legally in Barcelona while enhancing their teaching skills and knowledge. It perfectly complements the TEFL and teaching experience participants will gain during their time in Barcelona.
Flexibility is a key part of the DTP, as it allows participants to study at their convenience. In-person sessions are held every Tuesday from 12:00 - 1:30pm and Friday from 12:30 - 2:00pm, accommodating various schedules. Spanning 7 to 12 months, the course aligns with the duration necessary for eligibility for a long-term student visa in Spain. While regular attendance is encouraged, the structure permits individuals to adjust their participation around their existing work commitments. The course operates continuously, with breaks including a 4-week hiatus in August, a 2-week pause during Christmas, and a 1-week interval at Easter.
A comprehensive syllabus will be sent to the participant ahead of time, detailing the curriculum equivalent to a 20-hour weekly study load. FAQs are also provided to address common inquiries and concerns. Irish or other EU citizens are not limited in terms of the number of hours they can work as they are members of the EU so they have no limitations on work. Moreover, they do not need to pay for the education visa, and are not required to take the DTP.
Work Permissions with Education Visa
The education visa allows participants to work for a maximum of 30 hours per week in a role related to their studies. A local school will hire participants under an internship agreement which states that the teacher is working for the school to gain experience in line with their studies. The internship (convenio) allows them to get a social security number and legally be paid a local wage. Teachers typically work for 15 to 25 hours per week (up to 30) so they will have time to study alongside this.
Please note that Irish citizens are not limited in terms of the number of hours they can work as they are members of the EU, so there are no limitations on work. Moreover, they do not need to pay for the education visa and are not required to take the DTP.
Visa Duration
This visa will be for one year unless the participant opts for a shorter timeframe (10-month minimum) in the country.
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Salary
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Teachers can expect a salary equivalent to €900 per month as a baseline and then up to €1,800 per month. Teaching hours are 15 hours and up per week.
Contracts can be from part-time to full-time, and from short-term to long-term.
Full orientation and training will be given to each applicant before they start work.
$950 to $1,500 is the average salary.
(This range will be reached two months after the TEFL course as teaching hours build up over time) Some teachers report saving between $100 and $200 per month, especially when sharing an apartment.
Housing costs once you start teaching range from $450 to $750 per month.
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TEFL and Language Requirement
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Applicants must take the 120 hr in-country TESOL/TEFL and also participate in the orientation program.
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Other Requirements
Applicants must have a clean criminal background check.
We can facilitate couples and friends traveling together. They need to be open and flexible with both online and in-person placements and open with locations.
Candidates must commit to a minimum of 10 months living and working in Spain.
Applicants can have a Bachelor’s Degree or be a non-degree holder with some good work experience. For the non-degree holders, candidates must have some life and work experience and be presentable. We will need to pre-screen non-degree holders and can only accept very strong non-degree candidates.
Good health.
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Conditions That May Not Be A Good Fit For The Program
- Dyslexia.
- Communicable illnesses (yellow fever, cholera etc.).
- Drug addictions.
- Schizophrenia.
- Bipolar.
- Any condition that may cause you to struggle to get the mandatory insurance for the visa for pre-existing conditions.
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Appearance
Tattoos: Tattoos must be covered at all times and not seen at school. Piercings: Standard ear piercings for females are ok, but all facial piercings must be removed for teaching. Dress: Teachers are asked to dress fairly smartly for teaching.
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Funds Needed To Bring With You
6,000 Euros recommended savings for non- EU citizens
Applicants need to have sufficient funds to pay for the program fees and other associated costs of the program as well as to cover the cost of personal living expenses including entertainment. The teacher hours will build up over time so extra savings may be needed in the first month after the course. These funds include all pre-arrival costs, costs of first month of TEFL course and first month of teaching.
*Special note. For Irish citizens, the startup costs are significantly lower as they are part of the EU.
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Medical
Health Certificate
Applicants must be in good physical and mental health. Teachers must disclose any significant mental or physical health conditions at the point of signup for the program. There is a requirement to obtain a medical certificate to apply for the student visa. The medical check is to show that the participant does not suffer from any disease that could cause serious repercussions for public health pursuant to the 2005 International Health Generally
Insurance
The second health-related requirement when applying for a long-term visa is proof that you have taken out health insurance with an authorised provider in Spain. The difference between the health insurance required for a tourist visa and that required for a long-term stay is that the latter must not be subject to any deductibles or co-payments.
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Teaching Placements
Placement Locations
The majority of our teaching positions are in the Barcelona area and surrounding towns. Teachers on the education visa will have a visa connected to the DTP in Barcelona. Teachers may also work in online positions. Online placements may be anywhere in the world. Teachers may be fully in-person, fully online, or work a combination of both. Whilst we will try to assist teachers with finding placements at their preferred school type teachers should be open to both online and in-person positions. Hourly pay is between 10-18 Euros per hour and monthly pay is between 700 Euros and 1,100 Euros per month.
Placements Types
There are three main types of placements in Spain:
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Local academies
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Online Placements: Teaching remotely for an online school, which may involve teaching students in Spain online, in Asia, or in Central America.
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Private tutoring
How The Placement Process Works
Prior to arrival, Xplore will collect a teacher profile from each participant and begin marketing to schools. Once in the country, orientation week includes a presentation giving a full overview of what to expect with different school types. After that, participants will each have weekly one-on-one meetings with their placement coordinator.
We will reach out to schools on behalf of participants. If online teaching is an option at that time, it will also be offered as an additional or even alternative to in-person teaching. Placements will be largely part-time teaching across more than one school. Interviews may be arranged before, during and following the course.
We can’t guarantee specific placement types and age groups so candidates must remain flexible. After the placements are offered by schools, we help answer any questions and guide participants on travel and housing plans.
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