Volunteering is truly enriching. Aside from the warm fuzzy feeling that trails after a philanthropic spurt, volunteering provides people with a myriad of benefits, including the oft-cited sense of satisfaction and purpose.
Which, honestly, aren’t feelings that are difficult to find in Spain!
But giving back doesn’t have to mean staying put! There are plentiful opportunities to give back abroad while gaining invaluable experience, both personal and professional. And what better way to give back than to volunteer for English teaching assistant jobs in Spain?
Let us explain.
Why volunteer to teach English in Spain?
There are so many reasons to consider volunteer English teaching in Spain. For instance, Spain is a breathtaking country with an entrancing culture. It’s one of the rare instances a place is as incredible as advertised.
Pursuing a chance to volunteer in Spain is a great opportunity to learn a language widely spoken in America and abroad while indulging in tapas, seafood, and effervescent nightlife, all interspersed with those siestas you keep hearing about (as Americans, nothing’s more alluring than a societally-sanctioned—and encouraged—midday nap).
Plus, making the decision to volunteer to teach English in Spain will buttress and enhance a CV with impressively disarming transferable experience.
6 opportunities for volunteer English teaching in Spain
1. CIEE: Short-term Volunteer Teaching Program in Spain
- Why? For those hoping to begin teaching English in Spain without a degree, you’re in luck with CIEE. However, you need to have completed at least two years at the university level for your Bachelor’s degree. This program lasts three months, but there is limited availability for a six month option. You’ll be placed in a local public school, so student ages may vary. Volunteers assist with teaching for 12 hours every week and receive two meals a day—plus free accommodation. Their program offers pre-departure assistance, orientation, airport pickup, emergency health insurance, and 24/7 emergency assistance.
- Where? Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha
- Read CIEE reviews
2. Instituto Hemingway: Volunteer Programs in Spain
- Why? This program aims to foster cultural connectivity between Spain and each participant. It doesn’t discriminate, and anyone who is interested in cultivating new cultural experiences is encouraged to apply—a degree isn’t required. Applications are accepted year-round. Volunteers can choose how long they want their program to last (though, for non-EU residents, a visa is required for stays over three months). The program offers a free 2-week Spanish course, accommodation, airport pick up, orientation, social and cultural activities, and a reference letter and certificate of participation upon completion.
- Where? Bilbao
- Read Instituto Hemingway reviews
3. GoEco: Spain – Education and Development in Valencia
- Why? This is a unique and intriguing prospect, and one perfectly suited for those who desire to start teaching English in Spain without a degree—although intermediate to advanced Spanish is required. This program has a minimum stay requirement of three weeks, but that’s no problem; you’re practically guaranteed a fun and fulfilling experience, so you might just want to stay for the maximum three months! Volunteer opportunities include working with young children or young adults in a community center. Volunteers will have the freedom to get creative and plan their own activities for teaching English. Your accommodation will be a private room in a shared apartment or homestay!
- Where? Valencia
- Read GoEco reviews
4. Cultural Homestay International: Teach English to a Host Family in Spain!
- Why? Cultural Homestay International offers a more intimate opportunity. With this program, you’ll be paired with a host family and be entrusted with tutoring them in English 15 hours per week. You arrange your tutoring schedule with your host family. And don’t worry—the purpose is conversational English, so you don’t have to worry about grammar rules or writing. You’re provided a bedroom and meals, and it will give you a great opportunity to improve your Spanish too. Plus, no prior teaching experience is required, so this is a great way to test out your teaching and tutoring capability in case you’re interested in a career teaching English abroad!
- Where? Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville
- Read Cultural Homestay International reviews
5. IVHQ: Volunteer in After School Support in Spain
- Why? IVHQ offers an immersive opportunity, with a focus on supporting volunteers. Perhaps the biggest selling point is their affordability—their volunteer programs in Spain start at $625 for one week. They offer short-term and long-term programs year-round, so you can apply any time. Volunteers work in local community centers to provide support for disadvantaged kids between the ages of 7 and 17. You’ll help out with homework, tutoring, and may even assist in running workshops. Placements take place only in the afternoons, so you’ll have your mornings free to get a coffee and chill in the local plaza before your day of meaningful work begins.
- Where? Madrid
- Read IVHQ reviews
6. Centro MundoLengua: Volunteer Abroad in Spain
- Why? Centro MundoLengua placements are located in Seville, and are suitable for high schoolers. Their volunteer programs are available year-round, and you can fully customize your experience with optional language classes, excursions, and more. If you choose their education placement, you’ll be working with marginalized youth by offering English tutoring, arts and crafts, and casual sportstime. This experience lasts just two weeks during the summer, but it will possibly be the most fulfilling experience of your life yet—and it’s sure to make your college applications pop! Participants will live with a middle-class host family, and get a homemade breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday.
- Where? Seville
- Read Centro MundoLengua reviews
Can’t pick? Compare these programs side-by-side for FREE with MyGoAbroad
English teaching assistant jobs in Spain will transform your resume!
Your resume won’t be the only thing transformed.
Don’t hesitate to volunteer in Spain! There are multitudes of opportunities with varying complexions. Volunteer teaching in Spain will demonstrate a willingness to step out of your comfort zone and adapt to new environments, and it will provide you with an abundance of practical transferrable work experience.
On top of everything else, you’ll emerge with an unforgettable life experience and a whole host of warm-fuzzies from giving back to the world. It’s a great place to start or transition careers while basking in the Spanish sun.
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