Requirements to teach English in Spain (for US citizens)

Are you a US citizen wanting to teach English in Spain? You’re not alone. Thousands of Americans make the move to cities like Barcelona, Madrid and Seville every year, realising their dream to live the good life in Spain. 

But how do you make it happen? Well, there are quite a few requirements to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL) in Spain as a US citizen. As one of the leading TEFL schools in the country, here at TEFL Iberia, we understand every step of the process. 

Here’s our overview of what you need to become a TEFL teacher in Spain. 

Teaching English in Spain: The essentials 

TEFL certificate

Nearly all language schools and other employers require English teachers to possess certification from an accredited TEFL provider. This is to prove that you have the skills, knowledge and training to provide quality English language tuition.

The best way to earn a TEFL qualification is to study in Spain. At TEFL Iberia, we offer a fully-accredited, foundational Trinity CertTESOL Course that is designed for those who are completely new to teaching English. It’s an intensive four-week course that gives you everything you need to teach English in Spain and anywhere around the world.

Some employers may require a higher education degree. For many, however, a TEFL certificate is enough proof of your ability to teach English. 

Visa  

To be able to work in Spain as an English teacher, you’ll need to possess a visa. This is another reason that entering the country as a student is an advantage. Sign up for our TEFL and Spanish package and you’ll be eligible for a 1-year student visa, which enables you to work up to 30 hours a week, meaning you can earn while you learn.

We also have a dedicated student visa programme, which means we help all of our students to secure that all-important visa. From gathering the important documents and helping you complete the application form to offering discounts on health insurance and legal services, we help you every step of the way. 

With a 99% success rate in processing visas for our students from the UK, USA, Canada and Australia, you can count on us! 

High level of English

It almost goes without saying, but to teach English in Spain – or anywhere else for that matter – you’ll need a very high level of English, both written and spoken. However, contrary to popular belief, you do NOT need to be a native English speaker to become a TEFL teacher in Spain. 

Non-native speakers can in fact teach English – many of our TEFL Iberia graduates have gone on to have successful careers as English teachers. In fact, non-native English speakers often make excellent TEFL teachers, as they’ve already been through the journey of learning English and are often able to better empathise with their students. 

National ID

For US citizens, obtaining a foreign ID key is a requirement to teach English in Spain. Known as a TIE (tarjeta de identificación de extranjero), this identity card acts as a residence permit, allowing you to live and work in Spain.

As anyone who’s been through the process will tell you, getting hold of your TIE can be challenging to say the least. Booking the appointment can be notoriously difficult and there’s lots of bureaucracy surrounding the whole process.

That’s where we come in! We will book your TIE appointment for you and even accompany you there, helping with everything, including paperwork and translations. This service comes as standard for our TEFL & Spanish, TEFL & Work Placement and TEFL Gap Year packages, and with an additional fee for other courses.

Spanish bank account

The vast majority of employers will only pay salaries into Spanish bank accounts. You’ll also save a lot of money in the long run.

Opening a Spanish bank account is relatively straightforward. It’s even easier if you sign up to learn to teach English with a TEFL course. At TEFL Iberia, we help our students open their own accounts here in Spain. We even have connections with a branch of a local bank, which makes the process simple and safe.

And don’t forget, if you’re considering transferring money between your bank account in the US and your Spanish bank account, read our international money transfer guide first!

An enthusiasm to teach… and learn

As a TEFL teacher, enthusiasm is one of your greatest assets.

While the allure of the glorious Spanish weather, delicious food and vibrant culture is no doubt a big factor in your decision, a genuine passion for teaching should be a foundational part of your move to Spain. 

Empowering people to learn a new language and improve their lives is incredibly rewarding. As is meeting people from all over the world. You’ll form real connections and learn amazing things about yourself, finding out that you can do things you never thought you were capable of. 

It’s all part of the journey. Start that journey with an open mind and positive energy and you’ll enjoy a life-changing experience! 

Teaching English in Spain: The ‘nice-to-haves’

Decent Spanish

While speaking Spanish is not essential, when it comes to teaching English in Spain as an American, it’s certainly advisable to have at least a basic knowledge of Spanish. 

The more Spanish you know, the more you’ll get out of your time living and working in Spain. A good grasp of Spanish will help you settle into life in the country, make friends and better understand local culture. It will also open employment opportunities and improve your experience as a teacher, giving you a valuable insight into the language learning experience.

Take a Spanish course in Spain while studying to become a TEFL teacher and you’ll take your overseas experience to a whole new level.

Advanced TEFL skills

Your foundational TEFL course will equip you with the skills you need to enter the classroom and begin teaching English in Spain. But if you want to build on those essential skills and take your teaching to the next level, it’s a good idea to invest in a Developing Teacher Course. 

This will not only deepen your knowledge, it will also give you the rock-solid confidence to hone your own personal teaching style and open the door to better employment opportunities. 

An understanding of the TEFL jobs market in Spain

With an ever-growing demand for English teachers throughout the country, there’s never been a better time to enter the TEFL jobs market in Spain. Still, it’s advisable to have an insight into the local employment scene to give yourself the best chance of launching your career teaching English in Spain.

In Spain’s big cities, such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid, there are a variety of jobs available for TEFL teachers. Language academies, local schools and private businesses all employ English teachers, while you can also find work teaching one-to-one classes to locals. 

At TEFL Iberia, we have a large network of contacts in the industry, meaning our students have an advantage when it comes to finding work after graduation. We also go above and beyond to prepare you for your TEFL career, with comprehensive post-course preparation and support.

Want to find out more about how to teach English in Spain as a US citizen? Contact us today!