As it is one of the most visited countries in the world, Spain has a huge tourism industry that has a continually high demand for English language teachers. There are hundreds of privately run language schools located across the country that hire year-round, as well as government sponsored programs that place teachers into the public school system. The majority of positions can be found in large cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, although opportunities can be found in virtually every city, town, and beach resort in the country.
What are TEFL salaries in Spain?
The amount you can earn will vary considerably depending on your previous classroom experience, level of qualifications, the location you choose, and the type of employer. Salaries start at around ?700 per month, rising to ?1,800 for higher end positions. Teachers who are paid by the hour can expect a rate of around ?18 to ?20. The majority of teaching jobs in Spain do not include extra benefits that are common in many other popular destinations, such as paid airfare and accommodation. While the pay and benefits are less than you will find elsewhere, most teachers should be able to live a comfortable lifestyle during their stay in sunny Spain.
Can I get a job placement as an English language teacher in Spain?
Every year around 2,000 positions are available for Americans and Canadians to work as assistant language teachers within the public school system. The North American Language and Cultural Assistants Program is a government sponsored scheme that offers a great way to experience living and working in a foreign country. Salaries range from ?700 to ?1,000 per month depending on location. As the pay is quite modest by European standards, many teachers choose to top up their income by working as private language tutors in their spare time.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Spain?
Although placement programs are very popular, they only offer a relatively small number of positions each year. For a large percentage of teachers, the country's huge number of private language schools provides the most likely source of employment. Most private language schools prefer to hire from within the country and pay an hourly rate that ranges from ?13 to ?18 per hour. This equates to around ?1,300 to ?1,800 per month for a typical full-time position. Once again, it is common practice for teachers working in language schools to top up their income by taking on private students in their spare time. Working full-time as a private tutor is also common as you are free to set your own hours and are able to charge around ?20 per hour.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Spain?
The cost of living does vary considerably in different parts of the country. In many small towns and rural areas it is possible to live comfortably for as little as ?700 per month, while in Madrid you would need as much as double that figure. In large cities and top tourist destinations rent is generally the biggest expense, so it is common for teachers to share an apartment or rent a room in the home of a local family to reduce their costs. As salaries are not particularly high you are unlikely to be able to save much of your earnings while teaching English in Spain. However, you should still earn enough to live comfortably and to enjoy all the attractions that Spain has to offer.
