7 Government Programs for Teaching English in Spain (2027 Guide)

Spain is one of the hottest and most requested markets for North Americans looking to teach English abroad. Despite its popularity, it is one of the more difficult countries in Europe to gain legal employment. This is because it is uncommon for English language schools anywhere in Spain to sponsor a work visa for North American English teachers, especially for American English teachers (Canadians may consider a working holiday visa).

Americans wanting to teach English in Spain legally can go through one of the following three avenues to find teaching work:

• Private tutor in-person while studying Spanish or another language through ITA's Spain Student Visa Programs;
• Teach English online while studying Spanish or another language on a Student Visa;
• Teach English in Spain through a government program (either a Spanish Government-sponsored or approved language program).

In this article, we will focus on that third bullet point and highlight the various available Spanish government programs.

Spain Government Programs for Teaching English

English teachers have several different Spanish Government-sponsored or approved programs to consider applying to. These programs place teachers into part-time language assistant roles, so oftentimes, English teachers supplement their work schedule and income by offering private tutoring lessons or teaching English online as well. A student visa is provided to successful applicants. Note that many of the application periods for these programs open up in early February to March for the 2027–2028 school year.

Quick Comparison of Spain Teaching Programs (2027)

Compare key requirements, earnings, and locations across all major government-sponsored and approved programs in Spain:

1. North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP)

Also referred to as the Auxiliares de Conversación, this Spanish Ministry of Education program places language assistants in public elementary and secondary schools across Spain and is the most popular of all the Spanish Government Programs. English teachers in this program can expect to make 800€ - 1,000€ per month, depending on the autonomous region they are placed in. This program has no application fee.

NALCAP looks for American or Canadian citizens who are native-like speakers of English, hold a bachelor's degree (or are current college juniors/seniors), have a basic level of Spanish, and pass a background check. Teachers work 14-16 hours per week, four days per week, and placement contracts run from October through May or June. Applicants can specify up to three preferred regions within Spain. Successful applicants receive health insurance coverage and are responsible for finding their own housing.

Read More about NALCAP here: What is the Cultural Ambassadors (NALCAP) Program for Teaching English in Spain?

2. Meddeas

This is an officially recognized language assistant program that places teachers in private and semi-private (concertados) schools across Spain. English teachers in this program can expect to make 409€ - 1,236€ per month, depending on the number of in-class hours, conversation group sizes, and whether accommodation is provided via a local host family or handled independently. There is no application fee associated with this program.

Meddeas looks for native English, French, and German speakers who have graduated from university within the past four years (or are recent university grads) and can pass a clean background check. Teachers work 20-24 hours per week, five days per week, with placement contracts running from October through June. Successful applicants have the option of living with a host family or finding independent housing.

Learn More: Everything You Need to Know about the Meddeas Program with Beatriz Sanchez

3. Bilingual Education Development and Assessment (BEDA)

This is a well-established language assistant program run by Escuelas Católicas de Madrid that places teachers primarily in Catholic schools throughout Madrid, with limited openings in other regions of Spain. English teachers in this program can expect to earn 873€ - 1,165€ per month depending on assigned hours. There is a 175€ application fee associated with this program.

BEDA looks for native English speakers who hold a bachelor's degree (which must be completed prior to the start of the contract). Teachers work 18-24 hours per week, five days per week, with placement contracts running from September through June. Successful applicants receive full medical coverage and are responsible for arranging their own housing.

4. Unión de Cooperativas de Enseñanza de Trabajo Asociado de Madrid (UCETAM)

This language assistant program places teachers in bilingual cooperative schools located throughout the Community of Madrid. Participants in this program can expect to make approximately 900€ per month for 18 hours per week and up to 1,300€ per month for 26 hours per week. There is a 250€ deposit/application fee associated with this program that is refunded upon successful completion of the teaching contract period.

UCETAM looks for native English speakers who hold a bachelor's degree (completed prior to program start date) and can pass a criminal record check. Teachers work 18-26 hours per week with contracts starting in September. Successful applicants receive assistance with finding housing and orientation in Madrid. Applications typically open in early February for the upcoming academic year.

5. UP International Education

This language assistant program places assistant teachers in infant, primary, and secondary schools located all over Spain. English teachers in this UP International Education program can expect to make approximately 845€ per month. There is no application fee associated with this program.

Candidates with a bachelor's degree are preferred; however, applicants who do not hold a degree but possess accredited TEFL certification and relevant teaching experience are also considered. Teachers work 20 hours per week with a primary start date in October (though rolling positions open year-round). Successful applicants receive guidance and assistance for housing and placement setup.

6. Conversa Spain

Conversa Spain is an approved program that facilitates language assistant placements in public schools, specifically within the regions of Madrid and Murcia. English teachers in this program earn 1,000€ per month for Madrid placements and 850€ per month for Murcia placements. There is a program placement fee of $1,718 USD for Madrid and $1,517 USD for Murcia, which includes extensive support, orientation, and visa guidance.

Conversa Spain looks for native English speakers between 20 and 59 years of age who hold a bachelor's degree (or will graduate before starting) and pass a background check. Teachers work 15-16 hours per week, four days a week, with contract periods starting in October. Participants receive comprehensive support in securing housing and setting up local residency paperwork.

7. Fulbright U.S. Student Program

This prestigious, U.S. government-sponsored teaching assistant program places grant recipients in schools and educational institutions throughout Spain. Compensation for the Fulbright Spain Program varies by grant award, but comprehensively covers roundtrip airfare, full health insurance, and monthly stipends tailored to local living costs. There is no application fee.

Fulbright applicants must be U.S. citizens who hold a bachelor's degree by the start of the grant and demonstrate intermediate-to-advanced Spanish language proficiency. Contracts run from September/October through June, with assistant teachers working under 20 hours per week to allow time for independent educational projects. Most U.S. universities have a dedicated Fulbright Advisor for current students and alumni.

Go Further & Compare Details: Check out our detailed Spain Government Program Side-by-Side Comparison Chart for additional requirements, or explore global TEFL markets using the ITA World TEFL Country Chart.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When do applications open for government English teaching programs in Spain?

Application windows for major programs like NALCAP, BEDA, UCETAM, and Meddeas generally open between early February and March 2027 for placements starting in September or October 2027. Positions are often filled on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend applying early. Application windows can sometimes be opened late in the year, change, or get updated unexpectedly, so keep checking for updates.

Can I teach English in Spain without a bachelor's degree?

While government-sponsored programs like NALCAP, BEDA, and Conversa Spain require a completed bachelor's degree, select approved programs such as UP International Education consider applicants without a degree if they hold an accredited TEFL certification and relevant teaching experience. Alternatively, non-degree holders can explore ITA's Barcelona Student Visa Program options.

Do I need to speak fluent Spanish to be a Language Assistant in Spain?

No. Primary classroom instruction is conducted in English. While programs like NALCAP recommend basic conversational Spanish (A2 level) to help with local living and school integration, programs like Fulbright require intermediate Spanish proficiency.

Can I work additional jobs while teaching in Spain on a Student Visa?

Yes. Language assistant student visas generally allow participants to legally offer private English tutoring lessons or teach English online during off-hours to supplement their monthly program stipends. Always check the stipulations of your particular visa to be sure.

What is the estimated cost of living for teachers in Spain?

Depending on the region and lifestyle, average living expenses range from €700 to €1,200 per month. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona may carry higher housing costs, whereas regions such as Andalusia, Galicia, Murcia, and Castilla y León offer lower living costs.