Teaching English in Spain

Teachers' advice / Spain

¡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
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
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
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
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."
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
Teaching in Spain has been a great experience. The border of Galicia and Asturias was the chosen location. Very low rents of under 300 a month for a beautiful beachside apartment term time. The friendliest people, although English is not spoken too much. A couple of language schools to choose from in the surrounding areas but not up to much, run as businesses by unqualified staff with not much attention to the students' needs. Privates much better for a basic lifestyle. I found the area expensive for food, clothes, alcohol (apart from wine and cava) everything apart from rent and tobacco, shampoo, cosmetics... extortionate prices. I find the UK much cheaper. Hope to be back to Spain though when I've been back to the UK to top up my income for the summer. I'd recommend it, but have a little money in the bank for a decent standard of living."
Anonymous, 11/05/09
Hola, I have taught English in Spain for many years working in language schools across the country. I found myself working for 8.00 per hour on the Costas and 15.00 per hour in Toledo. A few years ago I decided to work for my self so I set up a language school in Spain. I now earn more than ever. I have written down all my tips and advice about how to set up a school in Spain www.myscuola.co.uk be your own boss."
Claire, 03/06/09

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