How to move to Spain from the USA (with a TEFL course)

Many Americans are still reeling from the results of November 5th’s U.S. presidential election, which saw Donald Trump secure a return to the White House. 

Now, a host of U.S. citizens are looking to live outside the States, with the election result being the straw that broke the camel’s back. While many are heading to the U.K., an increasing number of Americans are looking to move to sunny Spain.

But can a U.S. citizen move to Spain and, if so, what’s the best way to do it? At TEFL Iberia, we have been recollection specialists for years, helping people from the U.S., the U.K. and beyond to move to Spain to teach English as a second language (ESL).

We’ve broken down everything you need to know about how to move to Spain from the USA.

How Americans can move to Spain with a TEFL course

1. Choose a city and TEFL school

When it comes to teaching English in Spain, your best option is to go for one of the big cities. Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia and Seville all have a large English-speaking presence with good employment opportunities for English teachers. They are also home to the best TEFL courses in Spain. Be sure to do your research and only consider fully accredited TEFL schools.

2. Secure a student visa

For American citizens wanting to teach English in Spain, a student visa is a necessity. It can take up to 60 days to secure one and you’ll need to collect and submit a variety of documents.

You’ll find detailed advice on getting a visa to teach in Spain with our step-by-step guide. And keep in mind, at TEFL Iberia, our dedicated Student Visa Programme is designed specifically to make you eligible for a student visa, which allows you to live and work in Spain for up to a year. 

We’ve been helping Americans move to Spain for years and have a 96% success rate when it comes to securing visas for our students.

3. Get a TIE

A TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is essentially your national ID card and residency permit rolled into one little card. Getting hold of a TIE is a crucial step for anyone moving to Spain from the U.S., yet they’re very tricky to secure. Spanish bureaucracy at its worst!

Don’t worry! As an American studying at TEFL Iberia, you’ll be guided by us every step of the way. From booking your appointment to getting hold of your TIE, we’ve got your back!

4. Open a Spanish bank account

When it comes to working and living in Spain, opening a Spanish bank account is essential. Most companies in Spain will only pay a salary into a Spanish bank account and you’ll need one for tax purposes when working in Spain.

While opening a Spanish bank account can be a daunting process, as a student at a TEFL school, you’ll get lots of help. At TEFL Iberia, we’ve built up a great relationship with a bank in Barcelona, with not a fee in sight!

5. Find accommodation

Getting a place to live in Spain is notoriously difficult. Rental prices in Madrid and Barcelona have spiraled in recent years, as has the demand for apartments in Spain. Renting an apartment can be an overwhelming process. If you’re looking to move to Barcelona, our step-by-step accommodation guide is a very valuable resource. 

Keep in mind, if you’re moving from the U.S. to Spain and have signed up for a TEFL course, your TEFL school should offer its own accommodation service – provided it's a quality school. 

6. Pass your course and develop your skills

Once you’ve passed your foundational TEFL qualification, you can take things to the next level with an advanced TEFL course. At TEFL Iberia, we offer a Developing Teacher Course that helps our students enrich their knowledge and gain valuable classroom experience. U.S. citizens moving to Spain can combine this course with the Trinity CertTESOL Course from the start, ensuring eligibility for a long-term student visa.

7. Secure a long-term job teaching English in Spain

Once you’ve passed your TEFL course, you’ll be ready to launch your career as a teacher in Spain. Your TEFL school will be your launchpad, helping to prepare you to land your first job teaching English. 

At TEFL Iberia, we provide post-course preparation and support to our students. A comprehensive service, our career support includes in-depth CV preparation workshops and focused interview preparation sessions. We also give our students access to our exclusive employer database and insider access to the TEFL Iberia jobs board. We’ve got great contact in and around Barcelona, which is why we can say that our graduates take an average of two weeks for our course graduates to find work.