How long will it take me to find a job after the TEFL course?

The short answer is: it depends. But the longer (and more useful) answer is below.

A realistic job timeline after a TEFL course

Many people begin looking for teaching work before they even finish their TEFL course, especially if they are proactive and already in Spain. It’s not unusual for new teachers to start getting interviews or trial classes within a few weeks of graduating.

That said, while some people do find work quickly, it’s more realistic to think in terms of weeks rather than days. For many new teachers, finding their first paid hours takes anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks, and building up a fuller, more stable timetable can take a bit longer.

Several factors influence this timeline:

• the time of year you finish your course
• whether you are already in Spain
• how flexible you are with schedules and locations
• how actively you apply and follow up

What teaching work usually looks like at the beginning

One thing that often surprises new teachers is that full-time contracts are relatively rare at the start. Instead, most teachers build their timetable gradually.

You might begin with:

• a few hours a week at one academy
• another small block of hours at a second school
• private classes to top things up

Over time, these hours often come together to form a solid weekly schedule. This flexible, mix-and-match approach is completely normal in Spain and is how many long-term teachers start out.

While some people manage to secure a near-full timetable fairly quickly, others take a few months to reach that point — especially if they are being selective about the type of work they accept.

How much can new teachers expect to earn?

Pay rates vary depending on the type of work, location, and your experience. As a general guide, new teachers in cities like Barcelona typically earn around €14–€17 per hour when working for language academies.

Private classes often pay more per hour, but they can take time to organise and are not always consistent at the beginning.

Most new teachers don’t arrive expecting to save large amounts of money straight away. Instead, the first few months are often about covering living costs, settling into the city, and gaining experience. As your timetable fills out and your confidence grows, it usually becomes easier to increase your income.

Hiring seasons 

The busiest hiring periods in Spain are:

• September, at the start of the academic year
• January, after the Christmas break

During these times, schools are actively looking for teachers and tend to move faster. Outside of these peaks, jobs still exist, but the process can be slower and more unpredictable.

If you finish your TEFL course just before one of these hiring periods, you’re likely to find work more quickly than someone finishing in late spring or mid-summer.

Visas and paperwork: an important part of the timeline

For non-EU citizens, finding a job is only part of the process. Visas and legal paperwork can significantly affect how soon you can actually start working.

In some cases, you may secure a position but still need to wait before beginning due to TIE (student ID card) processing times. This is completely normal and something to factor into your planning.

Because of this, many non-EU teachers think in terms of a longer overall timeline, from finishing the course to starting paid work. Having savings to cover this period can make the experience much less stressful.

What you can and can’t control

There are parts of the job search you can influence:

• preparing a clear, professional CV
• applying consistently and following up
• being flexible with schedules and locations
• networking with other teachers and schools

And there are parts you can’t:

• seasonal demand
• visa processing times
• school hiring cycles

Understanding the difference helps set realistic expectations and reduces unnecessary stress.

So, how long will it really take?

In September and January, the process looks something like this:

• 1 week to secure initial interviews or trial classes
• 1–4 weeks to build a more stable teaching timetable
• Longer, if visas or timing slow things down

If you are looking for work outside of these months, it is still absolutely realistic but the timeline can double.

If you’re still exploring whether this path is right for you, our TEFL guide and FAQs are a good place to start. And if questions come up along the way, you’re welcome to get in touch and ask: coordination@tefl-iberia.com