Why You Should Consider Teaching English in Spain Now More Than Ever

Can you see yourself getting paid to live as a local in one of the most beautiful and historic countries in Europe? Would you like to learn one of the world’s most widely used languages? Do you appreciate top-quality wine, cheese, and olives, or perhaps world-class art? If you want to truly immerse yourself in a country like Spain, teaching English offers thousands of opportunities for English speakers to live and work in Spain.

Each year, hundreds of language schools throughout Spain employ thousands of English speakers as teachers. Teaching English in Spain won’t make you rich, as most teachers earn between €1200 and €1,500 per month ($1,400 - $3,000 USD) – but it’s typically enough to cover expenses and enjoy a comfortable, if modest, lifestyle. More importantly, it offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to live internationally and experience one of Europe’s most vibrant cultures.

10 reasons why you should teach English in Spain

Whether you’re looking to kickstart your international career, improve your Spanish, or simply experience life abroad, teaching English in Spain is the perfect place to start. Imagine spending your days strolling through sunny plazas, enjoying tapas with friends, and jetting off on European adventures. If you’re still not convinced, here are 10 reasons that may change your mind:

1. Job Market

Spain has one of the largest job markets for teaching English in Europe. If you’re dreaming of living and working in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, becoming an English teacher provides a realistic and viable way to make it happen.

The Spanish government recruits thousands of native English speakers to work as assistant language teachers in state schools. You can also find jobs at private schools, summer camps, and through in-person and online tutoring– the opportunities are endless!

2. Picasso & the Prado

From the Renaissance masterpieces of El Greco and the haunting works of Goya, to the exquisite surrealism of Salvador Dali and the innovative genius of Picasso, Spain is home to an artistic heritage that rivals any other in the world. Many of Spain’s artistic treasures can be found in legendary museums like the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, and the Guggenheim in Bilbao.

3. Learn Spanish

The best way to learn a foreign language is to immerse yourself in it. So, if you want to master the world’s fourth most widely spoken language, living and working in Spain as an English teacher will provide a perfect opportunity to do so! In addition, local language classes and tutors will be plentiful and cheaper than enrolling in some fancy international language program.

4. Beautiful Beaches & Coastlines

Boasting more than 5,000 miles of coastline stretching from the legendary Costa del Sol to the rugged shores of Santoña, Spain enjoys a reputation as home to some of the most beautiful beaches and shorelines in the world. The islands and beaches along Spain’s Mediterranean coast attract millions of visitors each year who flock from all over Europe and the world to enjoy the warm sun, exquisite scenery, and renowned nightlife.

5. Exquisite Architecture

The country’s architectural character is defined by unique landmarks such as the grand medieval towers of Toledo, the magnificent Moorish palaces of Granada and Alhambra, and the whimsical genius of Gaudí. During your time teaching in Spain, you’ll discover some of the most unique and historically important architecture in the world.

6. Tapas, Paella & Sangria, Oh My!

Eating in Spain is not just a daily routine, but a celebration of life itself. The country is like a tapestry of culinary masterpieces. Spanish entrees range from a simple plate of cheese and olives at the neighborhood tapas bar to a scientifically crafted meal in one of the ultra-modern cocina de vanguardia kitchens of acclaimed chefs like Ferran Adrià.

Many of Spain’s famous dishes are regional specialties like paella, gazpacho, and tortillas. Fresh seafood can be found in abundance along coastal regions, and of course, Spain’s cheeses, olives, and jamón (ham) are known as some of the finest in the world.

7. Global Professional Experience

In the globalized economy of the 21st century, employers in nearly all sectors seek out those with international work experience. Higher education is following the trend. Graduate schools, including law schools and MBA programs, increasingly look for applicants with “real-world” experience. Teaching English in a major European country like Spain provides exactly that. In addition, teaching English in Spain will enable you to develop communication, presentation, and group management skills that will serve you well in any field.

8. Fútbol

Spaniards love their sports, from tennis to bullfighting, but fútbol is the undisputed first love of most Spanish sports fans. Though nations like Brazil, Italy, and Germany may hold more World Cups, no nation has been a dominant force in recent years, winning both the latest World Cup and European Championship. For anyone teaching English in Spain, this exciting fútbol culture offers a unique way to connect with locals, enjoy thrilling matches, and experience a key part of Spanish life.

9. Cultural & Regional Diversity

When you think of Spain, you picture iconic landmarks like Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the famous Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas bullfighting ring in Madrid. However, the country offers so much more than the typical tourist sites. From the towering Pyrenees in the north to the vast central plains to the subtropical Mediterranean coast, Spain features diverse landscapes and climates. You’ll discover distinct regional identities, cuisines, dialects, and traditions in areas like Catalonia, Galicia, the Basque Country, Andalusia, and the Canary Islands.

10. Make a Difference

You may see teaching English in Spain primarily as a means to live there and enjoy all that this magnificent country has to offer, but remember that as a teacher, you will make a positive impact on people’s lives. You will help enable them to achieve their goal of learning English and enhance their professional and educational opportunities!

Tips to find the best teaching jobs in Spain

• Decide on a teaching role: From public schools to private academies and online tutoring, each type of position comes with different hours, benefits, and pay scales. Do your research so you know what to expect!
• Consider location carefully: Big cities like Madrid and Barcelona offer plenty of job opportunities and cultural activities, but also higher living costs. Smaller towns may provide a more authentic immersion experience and lower expenses.
• Network with other teachers: Join online forums, social media groups, and alumni networks for firsthand advice on finding jobs.
• Research visa requirements: For non-EU citizens, a student or work visa is needed to teach English in Spain. Make sure you leave plenty of time to gather the required documents, submit your application, and account for processing delays before your planned start date.
• Brush up on your Spanish: While many schools don’t require teachers to know Spanish, having basic Spanish skills will help you adjust to life in Spain and make you a more competitive candidate.

Your adventure in Spain starts here

Teaching English in Spain is more than just a job– it’s an opportunity to grow personally and professionally while exploring a country rich in beauty, culture, and tradition. Whether you’re exploring historic cities, savoring delicious food, or building meaningful connections, your time in Spain will stay with you forever. If you’re ready to take the leap, your Spanish adventure is waiting for you.

This article was contributed by the International TEFL Academy, an organization that provides TEFL certification programs and teaching placements across the globe.