HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

Why Should You Teach English In Spain?

Teaching English as a foreign language is not usually the first career choice that people make. In fact, most people who choose to follow this skill path are experiencing a life transition either by moving to a new country or undertaking a significant lifestyle change. Gaining a qualification is easy and once qualified opens doors to work opportunities globally. There is no stereotype or typical teacher in this field, and people from all walks of like choose to follow this path that often leads to new and exciting adventures.

Why Teach English as a Foreign Language?

There are many different reasons why teaching English as a foreign language might be right for you. The first would be your lifestyle choices. Teaching English is a skill that can be converted into cash in any country where English is not the native tongue.

With the certification behind you, it is unlikely that you would ever be without a source of income. This means that for those who like the idea of moving to Spain, it is much easier to do so with a needed skill-set behind you. Also, it can significantly enable you to travel the world and to lead a nomadic lifestyle for as long as you want.

Of course, there are more than just the economic benefits. Seeing the language through the eyes of a foreigner will allow you to appreciate the nuances and styles of any new language you are learning too. The knock-on effect also is that you will begin to speak better English too and probably pick up a new language to add to your ever-growing list of skills.

What Qualifications Will I Need?

To get a post as an English teacher to foreign language speakers, you are best equipped with a TEFL certificate. TEFL stands for Teaching English As A Foreign Language, but is sometimes referred to as a TESOL qualification – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. To undertake this course, there are no requirements necessary. You simply need to be enthusiastic and speak English fluently yourself. In fact, some of the best international English teachers have no other qualifications, only a love for what they do and a TEFL certificate.

How Do I Get a TEFL Qualification/Certificate?

There are several ways to obtain a TEFL certificate. You can attend a local college or complete an online course. Online courses are often favoured as they are convenient for almost everyone. You can study when you want and at your own pace.

Some of the best courses are classroom based or have classroom elements, and you will be able to find a course that is suitable for your needs either here in Spain or locally in the UK if you have not yet made the move here. The courses are available in all the major cities and vary in length so you can find the best course for you. There are four different levels of course, and you do not need to complete them all to qualify. The highest level of qualification, however, is affordable, easy and can be completed remotely, it may even stand you in better stead for jobs and a higher income.

How Long Does It Take to Get Qualified?

How long is a piece of string? Classroom based courses are structured around an attendance timetable, and so this will depend on how many times you are required to attend. You can obtain the qualification in under a week. However, many people with busy lifestyles can follow a self-paced course structure that allows them to complete the course at their own pace, the coursework around their own lifestyle. So, whether it takes a week, a month or more, will depend on the course that you choose in line with your lifestyle needs. There is a course to suit everyone.

Are There Many Jobs Teaching English in Spain?

A simple Google search will reassure anyone wanting to teach English in Spain that there is no shortage of vacancies. There is such a variety that a TEFL qualified person is spoiled for choice. From community centres to schools and non-profit organisations.

Both public and private schools are constantly on the search for TEFL qualified teachers to help in a classroom environment. You will also discover that there are plenty of private tuition jobs available too if you are in need of some extra cash.

Tefl.org.uk have a job centre where you can search for teaching jobs in Spain at https://www.tefl.org.uk/tefl-jobs-centre/

Will I Need to Speak Spanish?

No. Spanish is not required, and this is the case in most teaching locations, because of the style of instruction that will be used. Advertised vacancies will usually declare a need to speak the local language, although where they do not, it is usually safe to assume that it will not be required.

Recruiters are far more interested in whether you are a native English speaker and together with a TEFL qualification, this is likely to open the doors to the jobs you are looking for.

However, it could be an excellent way to motivate you into learning another language, when you inspire others to speak English, wouldn't it be wonderful to be inspired to learn a new language yourself?

How Much Does It Cost to Become Certified?

With TEFL.org, prices start at £169. Prices will vary according to the provider and the level of course being completed. The higher the level of qualification that you have completed, the greater the variety of jobs that will become available to you. Course prices are competitive with a ceiling of around £400. At TEFL.org you are unlikely to pay more than £300.

Many TEFL course providers will run various promotions, so keep an eye out on all of the providers to find the one that is on offer that suits your learning needs and lifestyle.

How Much Can I Earn Teaching English in Spain?

Remuneration for teaching English in Spain comes in a variety of packages. You could be paid a flat hourly rate, although it is more common to find complete package deals. This means that although you will receive a cash payment, you are also likely to find jobs that include accommodation and meals too.

Salaries can be proportionately quite high, and teachers can earn €700 to €800 for three classroom hours per week when accommodation is not offered. Employers will also offer other attractive benefits such as healthcare insurance. It is expected that a contracted job will earn between €1200 and €1500 per month working around 25 hours per week, but this will vary.

Where Can I Find out More?

You can find further information about Teaching English as a Foreign Language almost anywhere online, but it is best to seek out trusted sources such as TEFL.org.uk who are established and have a good reputation as a reliable source of information.

To find out more about TEFL in Spain the i-to-i website provides an abundance of reliable information, which is location specific and informative.

TEFL in Spain supports this information and will enable you to assess which is the best way forward, particularly when combining all the information from these sources.

Whether you want to teach English as a foreign language simply to fund a round the world trip, or if it's part of a retirement and/or lifestyle change, it certainly is the ticket to travelling freedom, with demand almost anywhere in the world.

Even young people choosing to take a gap year in their studies will find this a perfect opportunity to expand their horizons and get to know the Spanish culture. Who ever thought that becoming an English teacher could open up a Spanish dream opportunity in this way?