Today’s guest blog features Lucy Boyes who is currently teaching English in Spain, and has given us the lowdown on everything you could need to know if you’re considering becoming an English teacher abroad.

The esteemed author herself

Why Spain?

Whilst many seeking Spanish employment are experiencing difficulty due to the economic crisis, English teachers are most definitely in demand. English has always been a required course in Spanish schools, but in recent years the majority of young people in Spain have become aware of the need to have a good English to get the best jobs. Native speakers are particularly desired as teachers, with those from the UK (ideally with a neutral or RP accent) favoured over those from the United States and other anglophone countries.

Do you need a qualification?

The growth of this sector means that there are jobs to be found teaching both children and adults. Qualifications like TESOL or TEFL are favourably regarded by language academies, which tend to be the main source of employment for English teachers in Spain, but are not always necessary – native speakers of English with a mastery of English grammar and/or experience but no formal certification can also find work with relative ease, particularly in Madrid.

What sort of work is there?

During the academic year, language academies are the main source of work; these act as a broker between teachers and students, and provide courses suited to all levels, as well as for specific needs (such as business or medical English). Depending on experience and qualification, it is possible to earn between €13 and €25 per hour, with higher wages usually paid by businessmen in out-of-town offices. Academies, however, are not the sole source of income – it is also possible to provide private one-on-one tuition or private conversation classes. The benefits of working in this way are marginally increased earnings (by omitting the academy’s fee; these classes also work out more cheaply for students), and a greater degree of flexibility in working hours and clients; downsides include lack of a contract, and of the protection that an academy offers. Many teachers undertake both academy and freelance work.

During the summer, there are camps for young people all over Spain, many of which include English classes. Duties in these camps range from a few hours of teaching every morning to the role of monitor, with responsibility for the teaching, activities and welfare of the campers. It is always best to inquire as to the nature of the post in any camp, as they vary wildly. Pay in these camps is not always particularly good, especially for the posts of monitors, which are an almost 24-hour job, and can vary from food and board only to €400-500 for two weeks, but they are an excellent opportunity to travel within Spain, and to meet people from many different backgrounds.

Insider tips

Whilst command of English as mother tongue is a prerequisite for this kind of work, it is not necessarily a qualification in itself. A thorough understanding of grammar, willingness to teach any age or level, and a great deal of patience are also required. For some levels of teaching, a command of Spanish is also desirable, particularly when teaching beginners or less confident learners. It is wise to have a certain amount of savings to draw upon as a rent buffer before moving to Spain, or a signed and legal contract, as hours and salary are not guaranteed, and can vary each week. A contract (or work permit) is required for EU citizens to legally work in Spain, and whilst this is often overlooked (as is a suitable work visa for non-EU citizens), it is definitely in the worker’s favour to insist upon one – many teaching jobs are paid in ‘dinero negro’ (‘black money’), but a contract will satisfy immigration officials, provide health coverage, and after working legally in Spain for six months, any EU citizen is entitled to unemployment benefit.

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