TEFL packing list: what to take to your course in Spain

Once you’ve signed up to a TEFL course in Spain, one of the biggest questions you’ll have is what to pack for your big adventure.

Just ask any TEFL Iberia graduate and they’ll tell you there are so many things they wished they’d taken with them, not to mention things they packed that they really didn’t need!

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. As one of the most highly-rated TEFL academies in Spain, we can help you settle in and hit the ground running with a comprehensive list of everything you need to bring for your Spanish TEFL course. 

Moving to Spain: TEFL packing list 

Photocopies of documents

First, think of the boring stuff… paperwork. Whenever you’re moving abroad, your motto should be ‘hope for the best, prepare for the worst’, which means making copies of documents is always a good idea. 

Photocopy important documents like your passport and your student visa, bringing copies with you and either emailing yourself digital copies or storing them on an online drive. 

Power adapters

Spain uses the two-pronged, round plug types. If you’re coming from the US or the UK, your electrical devices won’t fit into Spanish plug sockets. If in doubt, check this guide on the different electrical plug types by country. You’ll be able to buy power adapters from your local hardware store or online.  

A good VPN

Okay, so you won’t be packing this little digital lifesaver. But trust us – investing in a subscription to a reputable VPN service is a great idea if you want access to websites, apps, programs and services that you use at home, but might not be able to use in Spain.

Comfortable shoes

Many of Spain’s cities, especially Barcelona, are very walkable, with palm-lined boulevards and beautiful architecture adding to the allure of walking the streets. With that in mind, be sure to pack two or three pairs of your favourite comfortable shoes to keep those blisters at bay. 

Travel-sized toiletries

When you first arrive in Spain for your TEFL course, everything will feel like a bit of a whirlwind. A little bag of travel-sized toiletries will be a lifesaver, helping you settle in and feel fresh in the first few days. After you’ve found your feet, you can hit the shops and stock up.

A backpack

Another very valuable, practical item to bring with you for your TEFL course in Spain, a backpack is perfect for carrying things to your TEFL course – think laptops, textbooks, etc. It’ll also come in really handy for day or weekend trips from Barcelona, Madrid, or whatever city you’re studying in. 

A favourite book or two

Perhaps you’re more of a Kindle person. But if you’re a bookworm who likes the feel of a paper-bound book, you’ll find it tricky to find books in English in Spain. Having a favourite novel or two can help provide some much-needed comfort when you’re not in the classroom.  

Summer clothes

The Spanish summer heat can certainly take you by surprise. If you’re packing for a TEFL course in Spain during the months of May to September, you should definitely focus mainly on summer clothing. So, t-shirts, vests, shorts, swimming suits and crucially a good pair of open-toe shoes. All of which you can buy in Spain, obviously, but it’s good to arrive prepared for that glorious Spanish weather! 

Sunglasses

A summer essential and with over 300 days of sunshine a year, Spain is a country where you’ll certainly get good use out of your best pair of shades.

Quick-dry travel towel

These micro-fibre fold-up towels are worth their weight in gold! If you’re taking a TEFL course in Barcelona or another coastal Spanish city, beach time is a given. You can always grab a beach towel when you’re here, but packing a lightweight, fast-drying towel is easy and practical.

Slippers

Signing up for a TEFL course in winter? One item most TEFL students never think of is a cosy pair of slippers. Pretty much every accommodation in Barcelona, Madrid and other major cities features tiled floors to help apartments stay cool. This is great in summer but can lead to chilly feet in the winter.

Your favourite snack from home

While living in Spain is a dream come true, there will be times when you’ll miss those home comforts. Whether you’re from the UK and you’re craving some Marmite or a block of Galaxy chocolate, or you're from the US and you miss Reese’s, having a jumbo collection of your favourite snacks stowed away for a rainy day could make all the difference. 

A home souvenir

Another great way to keep homesickness at bay, particularly when you first make the move to Spain, is to bring a special keepsake from home. Everyone’s got their unique thing – whether it’s a picture, an item of clothing or even a simple mug or a teddy bear! That little memory of home can help you settle into life in Spain.

You’re ready to pack for your Spanish TEFL adventure!

Now you know what to pack, you can get excited about your dream trip to Spain and a life-changing experience as a TEFL teacher abroad. Be sure to keep in the loop with the latest insights about life as a TEFL teacher in Spain, and contact us today to find out more!