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Teaching English in Spain
Teachers' advice > Spain
teaching english in spain
"I left Northern Ireland 12 years ago to come and work in Spain for a nine month
contract, and I'm still here!
I think it's a really great help if you've got at least some knowledge of the
language before coming here. Try not to stick to a group of only English
speakers, that means it's extremely difficult to improve your Spanish and get to
know the locals.
Try to avoid the typical tourist areas which are more expensive and go for
smaller towns. There are a few projects in the pipeline now for bi-lingual
schools because the way English is taught in schools is quite bad, I mean the
education system, therefore so many academies exist for that special help.
Working in Spain can be difficult at the beginning, I've known people who came
here, stayed a few weeks and left, they thought it wasn't worth hanging in
there.
I've now worked for four different institutions. My first job was in a teacher
training college, the typical "language assistant" you've seen in secondary and
grammar schools at home. Then in private academies, where the money was quite
bad, but it's all experience and you'll know not to get taken in again. I must
admit it depends on the academy, the one I work in now pays quite well and it's
run by a lady from England, where we're all "native" speakers - what's most in
demand at the moment.
I began working with young adults and adults and also company classes. I have
some really nice memories from those students, the majority are interested in
learning and do listen, whereas you get the typical company crowd, some take
advantage of the classes, others simply pass their time. I'm now working with
children from 4 years old upwards and I must admit it's the most rewarding age
group - children are little sponges: they repeat and use everything you say, so
be careful! It's hard work because until they are 7+ we don't use textbooks as
such so there's a lot of preparation, but if you've got lots of ideas you should
do well.
I'd just say GO FOR IT! It's a change in routine, climate, eating habits but
that's what we explain to many of our students and what can make it such an
adventure, also it shows you how independent - or not - you can be.
Give it a go and see for yourself. Good luck!"
MVC, 18/04/06
"I've read with interest the experiences of other teachers in Spain, however
this is such a big diverse country that it's not possible to generalise.
I've lived and worked on the north Costa Blanca for almost four years. Having
worked in England both as a general and business English teacher I came to Spain
with the expectation of finding work without too much difficulty. I did
eventually find a few hours working in a language
school but the pay was less than half of what I earned in the UK and the
resources and general working conditions abysmal. Speaking with other teachers
this seemed to be the norm in this part of Spain.
After a few months I decided to go it alone. Registered as a self-employed
teacher and advertised. Four years down the line I have as many students as I
can manage (I even have to turn some away now), a good, steady income and much
more job satisfaction. The downside? Long Spanish holidays and fiestas mean that
there are periods when I don't earn anything, but because I earn more the rest
of the year I can cope with this. Life in Spain is great!
Bueno suerte!"
Jill, 18/04/06
"Coming from the States, it's difficult to accept or adapt to some working
conditions here. For example, most teachers work split shifts, like 8 - 10am
doing company classes, then 2 - 4pm at another company, and rounding off the day
with more classes from 5 - 9pm in the evening. Add in some 3 hours for travel
time per day and you'll soon start wondering what was so great about Spain in
the first place.
If you're fortunate, you land a job with a reputable academy, be offered a
contract with benefits, have some flexibility with schedules so that you're not
teaching or travelling 24/7 and you'd have your own time to do things unrelated
to work. However, you would compromise income potential (which isn't great, but
it's sufficient to get by). It's amazing what a difference 200 Euros per month
can make.
So why do it? Because despite all the drawbacks, it's a change from the routine
trappings of life in the States, and it's a joy to teach people who actually
want to learn and can have fun doing so.
So, if you're proactive, organized, work hard, you can eventually come to reap
some non-monetary rewards. It's not for everyone, but it's an invaluable
learning experience in itself."
Salome, 17/04/06
"If you would like to teach in Spain, it is worth looking at interesting,
cultural cities apart from Barcelona and Madrid. Salaries tend to be more or
less the same, but the cost of renting is much more affordable.
Socially, it takes a while to get started, so be prepared for some lonely months
until you find your feet.
I teach twenty six hours to earn the same kind of money I would have been
earning in England. Wages are getting better in Spain as good language schools
want good quality teachers. However, you may find yourself putting the hours in.
Be prepared to work long hours, but with none of the accompanying stress of
teaching in Britain."
Emma, 27/02/06
¡Hola from Madrid!
"As a friend of mine said once: "being an English teacher is like being a
monkey." If you really think about it, he's right. Not only are we English
teachers trying to make a difference by helping people speak our language, but
we are entertainers for an hour to an hour and a half class; therapists as we
hear about their problems in life; saints for the patience we have for their
pronunciation and correcting the same mistakes we hear over and over;
babysitters for a group of 5 to 10 teenagers in a summer class; fortune tellers
when we can finish their sentences before they can because we know the mistake
they're going to make and, finally, cheerleaders when we see that they're either
making progress or not, and they just need a little encouragement to keep going.
If you really look at it, it's a real bargain for them because it's like
one-stop shopping! So, who could ask for more?
Spain is a great country with a lot to offer anyone, especially work for English
teachers. I've been living in Madrid for 4 1/2 years and have been teaching
English for most of this time. Anyhow, I hope the advice here will help you if
you're thinking about making a move and working in Madrid, or other places in
Spain.
YOU AND YOUR WORK
In comparison to other western European countries, Spain is behind in its
level of English, and it's trying to catch up. They know this and know that
English is extremely important to move ahead in the working world; therefore,
the demand for English teachers is high. Teachers can find work at
academies and/or have private one-to-one classes. The school term generally
begins in October and ends during the last half of June, although, private
classes will start up again in September. The pay, of course, is better from
private classes than from an academy, but you'll find that most teachers work
with both. However, if you plan to stay and work here in the summer, please note
that those private students may not want or need classes in July and August.
With that in mind, start thinking about summer work in April and May. English is
offered at many summer camps for kids, and academies will offer intensive
courses during this time, too (July-September). Working at an academy can be a
blessing or pain. They basically all work in the same way and pay, more or less,
the same. Hourly rates range from 9 to 15 euros. This, of course, depends on the
academy, your experience, when you teach (e.g. nights or weekends) and where you
teach (e.g. business English at a company, which may or may not be in the city
center).
YOU AND THE LANGUAGE
A good knowledge of Spanish will help you understand the mistakes your
students make, which are generally literal translations (e.g. the misuse of
prepositions, sentence structures, etc). If you work at an academy which offers
free Spanish classes for foreigners, take advantage of it. Whether you just want
to brush up on your high school Spanish and learn something other than "una
cerveza, por favor" or start from scratch, it will help you in the long run.
You will be surprised to find how many people don't speak English, or they speak
very little. Although, keep in mind, that a Spaniard will feel really
embarrassed to speak English and will doubt that they said something correctly.
I've even asked my students: "What would you say if someone came up to you on
the street and asked you: do you speak English?" Most responded by saying either
"no, I don't" or "I speak a little." Of course, I said to them that the person
probably just wants directions to the Puerta del Sol rather than discussing the
meaning of life on the corner of Gran Vía!
UFF! Just count down from 10: ten, nine, eight...Now, I feel better.
YOU AND YOUR STUDENTS
You will find that Spanish students are quite friendly and willing to learn,
but they'll want you to perform an overnight miracle. Unfortunately, we can't
wave a magic wand, like Harry Potter, and make them speak English. You will also
find that Spaniards are also shy. This seems the contrary to what you may think
when you see them in any social atmosphere. They will also be the first to put
themselves down when they talk about their level of English with you. You will
hear them say that they have a low level, their English isn't very good, and
they've forgotten what they had already learned...7 years ago. Although, jumping
into the deep end first (i.e. having an intermediate level and wanting to do a
First Certificate class) isn't uncommon to hear about either. Furthermore,
don't expect all of your students to study outside of class, unless, perhaps,
they're preparing for an English certification exam. Many will simply say that
they "don't have the time to study." I think this is a half-truth. I think if
you want to do something, you make time to do it. Although, contrary to popular
myth, Spaniards do work a lot. They work long hours during the day, which
generally begins between 8am and 9am and generally finishes between 6pm and 8pm.
So, if they don't do the homework you assign or review the last lesson and
vocabulary, just accept it. It's really up to them if they want to increase
their level or not.
YOU AND YOUR "HOME SWEET HOME"
Housing is a big issue in Spain. Rents are high, apartments/flats are small
and salaries are low. Don't be surprised to find a 30 sq. meter flat or studio
for over 600 euros a month. Word of mouth is your best-bet for finding a place.
Of course, you can go around the neighborhoods looking for "for rent"/"se
alquila" signs or look in the newspapers. Those newspaper ads can be dodgy too
(i.e. seems good when you read about it, then you see it and think better of
it), or they've rented the place that very same day the ad comes out. If you go
out to live on your own, keep in mind that owners may want a 3 month's deposit
with the contract; so, don't be surprised. Also remember, renters have more
rights than the owners when you have a contract. Even though your contract may
be good for 2 years, it's actually good for 5, and the owner can only raise your
rent each year according to the rate of inflation (IPC). After 5 years, the
owner may raise it to whatever he/she wants to. If you go through an agency,
keep in mind that you'll lay out even more money for a flat.
YOU AND YOUR SCHEDULE
Students generally have class twice a week, and the majority want to have
class after work. So, most of your time in class can be spent between 4pm and
9pm leaving you with chunks of the day free to do...whatever. Keep in mind that
Madrid is growing rapidly, so, be sure you're not travelling all over creation
just to give English classes. Madrid has an extensive transport system, but if
you have to do one class in the suburbs and then come back into the center for
another set of classes, you're going to quickly burn yourself out and drive
yourself crazy from racing from one class to another. Cities do have monthly
passes, which generally go up in price each January. The current rate for a pass
in Madrid is 37.15 euros (zone A).
Overall, Spain is a good place to live and teach. Getting useful advice by
speaking with other English teachers here will help you enjoy your experience
and understand the "Spanish way," which in itself can be mind-boggling,
frustrating and can drive you to drink, however, it can also be fun, exciting
and memorable.
¡Buena suerte!
Andy, 29/11/05
"The language centres in the bigger cities of Spain are more demanding when it
comes to qualifications/experience. They usually request 2 years' experience,
preferably with children, and a university degree... look before you leap!"
John, 05/10/06
"Don't do it! The wages are bad, the Spanish are disorganized. Language Schools
are awful places to work, you do all the work and they get all the money. Spain
is not cheap any more. I can't wait to get home."
Posted by Nige
"The working conditions in language schools in Spain are not very good even for
Spanish people who studied English, this is my problem and to be honest if you
don't teach in a private or public school, the work (teaching world) is quite
limited and normally bad. I'm trying to find a school to finish with this
horrible timetable and find at least a stability in my working hours and my
salary."
Verónica, 14/02/08
"The wages are less than McDonalds!"
Matt, 11/04/08
"Summer camps are hell. You work 16 hours a day and do not get an hourly rate so
you end up getting less than the minimum wage. TEFL teachers should form a union
to stop the explotation of teachers. Please do not take jobs with poor wages. It
makes them low for all of us!"
Shorey, 25/06/08
"Well, I've been in Spain since February and started working for a well known
language school at the beginning of March. Yes, it can be difficult here, but
I've never heard anyone say that teaching is easy. I gave up my job in a factory
where I'd worked for 13 years to become an English teacher and I don't have any
regrets. I'm still struggling with the Spanish language and with the hours and
now the summer is upon us. But it is a rewarding job and if you have passion and
motivation, you can be successful."
Anonymous, 02/07/08
"Yes, I would agree the that the wages are less than McDonalds but you work longer!
Nice country but teachers put up with very poor work conditions because so many teachers
are happy to work for schools that give poor wages just to live in spain."
Michelle, 07/07/08
"25 hours a week contract but you work 40+hours a week." This is so true."
Kyle, 11/07/08
"The growth area is "in company" classes, the so-called "Business English" classes. You can earn a reasonable amount of money,
especially if you work freelance (not so difficult, really.) What I would say is that it takes time to build things up... contacts,
a sensible timetable, knowledge of the market, etc. Don't expect to come out here and be earning enough from day one.
I'd say make sure you have enough to survive for a year to be on the safe side. You can find work quickly through agencies
and academies but that's where you'll tend do get ripped off (lots of hours, not a lot of money.)
I wrote quite a lengthy article just recently on this topic, aimed at people wanting to teach "Business English" which
means you generally need some commercial experience as well as some teaching/training experience. You can find it here
http://www.axlan.com/node/586 - it covers things like earnings potential, how to get started, working hours, etc.
Based on the situation in Madrid, but probably applicable to other centres such as Barcelona, Bilbao and so on."
Andy, 24/07/08
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