Many of our students seek professional opportunities for their stay in Spain. If this situation is something you can relate with, this information will be of interest to you. This article explores 6 reasons to Teach English in Spain.
A TEFL certificate enables you to teach English to non-native speakers but what does it stand for and why do you need it? TEFL is an acronym for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, but you’ll likely see TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) used too. Having the right qualification is essential to you finding the best teaching jobs.
You should enrol on a course consisting of at least 120 hours with an accredited provider. Appropriately accredited TEFL providers offer courses that put you in the best position to start teaching, with or without prior teaching experience.
If you’re undecided, there are plenty of countries worth taking into account, but Spain in particular stands out for anyone hoping to begin their TEFL career in Europe. Spain is a beautiful country known for its enviable year-round sunny climates, fabulous food, charismatic people, and rich history. Listing all the reasons why it’s a great place to live is impossible but here’s just a few reasons why we think it’s a great destination to TEFL.
- Home to the biggest TEFL market in Europe
First of all, the TEFL market in Spain is unrivalled in Europe. You won’t find the demand for English teachers quite as high anywhere else across the continent. As an English teacher in Spain you’ll find year-round job opportunities whether that be in state schools, language centres, as a private tutor, or at summer camps. It’s a big element of education over there. Compulsory English classes begin from the age of 6, and university students must gain a First Certificate in it to graduate.
- Low living costs
As well as a growing jobs market, the generally low living costs in Spain make it an attractive option, particularly if you are conscious of saving while working away from home. It’s one of the cheapest places in Europe to live and even though salaries for inexperienced English teachers typically aren’t high, you should make enough to live comfortably if you’re wise with your money. Plus, you could supplement your income by offering private tuition alongside teaching in a school or language centre.
- Vibrant cities and cultures
In Spain, beautifully unique cities are in abundance. You have the capital Madrid, known for its rich, jaw-dropping elegance, palaces, boulevards, opera houses, art museums and more. There’s Barcelona, with vibrant, bustling streets, and the bold and beautiful architecture of Gaudi.
Then you have smaller but just as beautiful (and still fairly big) cities – Valencia with its colourful streets, home to paella and boasting an average of 300 sunny days per year; Seville, the capital of Andalusia, boasting architecture reflective of its very rich history and where flamenco dancing is particularly popular; San Sebastiàn in Basque country, famous for beautiful beaches, pintxos and incredible restaurants.
And that’s just to name a few of Spain’s cities. While each of its cities have a lot to offer, there are many great TEFL opportunities in remote, rural areas where you can enjoy a slower pace of life, scenic countryside, and the fresh air.
- Easy travel to the rest of Europe
Spain is well-linked to its neighbouring nations. Cross-border travel once already in Europe is straight-forward and journey times aren’t typically that long! You’re in a great position to take off for a spontaneous weekend away, where your time doesn’t have to be overwhelmingly spent travelling.
Whether booking a cheap last-minute flight, catching a bus over the border to France, or taking a high-speed train to Portugal, efficient and low cost travel should make exploring the continent both affordable and convenient on your teaching salary.
- Incredible cuisine
Spain is renowned for its incredible food. From regional delicacies to its well-known national dishes, you’ll have no problem finding outstanding local cuisine. Patatas bravas, tortilla, churros, chorizo, jamón Ibérico, Manchego cheese, croquetas, paella, sangría …need we say more?
- Learn Spanish
Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world – who wouldn’t want to learn it while being immersed in it on a daily basis? Learning Spanish will not only allow you to engage with Spanish locals and culture on another level, but it’ll also be a great addition to your CV and enhance your future job prospects!
Once qualified as an EFL teacher, there are few places you can’t go. And with so many options come many decisions but it’s easy to see why Spain makes such a great choice. Everyone has their own list of priorities when choosing to emigrate to another country for work so it’s important that you conduct your research carefully and be aware of the country and employment requirements before you commit to anything.
