8 Government Programs for Teaching English in Spain

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 within 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 on a Student Visa;
• 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 are going to focus on that third bullet point and highlight the various Spain Government Programs available.

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. 

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

Also referred to as the Auxiliares de Conversacion, this language assistant program places teachers in public schools all over Spain and is the most popular of all the Spain Government Programs. English teachers on this program can expect to make 700€ - 1,000€ ($800 - $1,150 USD) per month depending on what region they are placed in. There is no application fee associated with this program.

NALCAP looks for American or Canadian citizens that are native English or French speakers, hold a bachelor's degree, have intermediate Spanish language proficiency, and were born no earlier than October 1959. Teachers work 12-16 hours per week, four days per week, and placement contracts run from October through June. Applicants can specify up to three regions within Spain they would like to be placed in. Successful applicants are responsible for finding their own housing. 

2. Meddeas

This is a language assistant program that places teachers in schools all over Spain. English teachers on this program can expect to make 330€ - 930€ ($380 - $1,070 USD) per month, depending on their qualifications and whether housing will be provided to them via a host family. There is no application fee associated with this program.

Meddeas looks for native English, French, and German speakers that have graduated from university within the past four years 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 their own independent housing. 

3. Bilingual Education Development and Assessment (BEDA) 

This is a language assistant program that places teachers mostly in Madrid in Catholic schools, but there are also opportunities to be placed in other cities within Spain. English teachers on this program can expect to make 873€ - 1165€ ($1,010 - $1,350 USD) per month. There is a 175€ ($200 USD) application fee associated with this program. 

BEDA looks for native English speakers that hold a bachelor's degree (must be completed by program start date). Teachers work 18-24 hours per week, five days per week, with placement contracts running from September through June. Successful applicants are responsible for finding their own housing. 

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

This is a language assistant program that places teachers in schools all over Spain. Participants of this program can expect to make 900€ ($1,040 USD) per month for 18 hours a week, 1300€ ($1,500 USD) per month for 26 hours a week. There is a 150€ ($170 USD) application fee associated with this program that is returned at the end of the contract period.

UCETAM looks for native English speakers that hold a bachelor's degree (must be completed by program start date) and can pass a clean background check. Teachers work 18-26 hours per week with a contract start date of September. Successful applicants will receive assistance in finding housing. 

5. UP International Education

This is a language assistant program that places teachers in infant, primary, and secondary schools all over Spain. English teachers on this program can expect to make 840€ ($970 USD) per month. There is no application fee associated with this program.

Candidates with a bachelor's degree are preferred, however, those that do not have a degree but have teaching experience will also be considered. Teachers work 20 hours a week with a contract start date of October (but openings are available all year round). Successful applicants will receive assistance in finding housing or a host family to live with.

6. Conversa Spain

Another language assistant program that places teachers in public schools specifically in Madrid or Murcia. English teachers on this program can expect to make 1000€ ($1,150 USD) per month for Madrid and 875€ ($1,010 USD) per month for Murcia. There is a $1,650 USD application fee for this program for a Madrid placement and a $1,395 USD application fee for a Murcia placement.

Conversa looks for native English speakers, 20 years or older (max. 65 years of age), that have a bachelor's degree (must be completed by program start date) and can pass a clean background check. Teachers work 16 hours a week, four days a week, with contracts beginning primarily in October. Successful applicants will receive assistance in finding housing. 

7. Fulbright

This is a teaching assistant program that places teachers in schools all over Spain. Salaries for the Fulbright program vary depending on which award is granted but will cover airfare, insurance, and estimated living expenses. There is no application fee associated with this program.

Fulbright applicants must be recent BA graduates from the USA (or soon-to-be graduates) and have intermediate Spanish language proficiency. Program contracts run from September through June and teachers work less than 20 hours a week to allow time for independent projects. Most US universities have a Fulbright Program Advisor for current students and recent alumni.

8. RVF International

This is a language assistant program that places teachers in bilingual public schools all over Spain. English teachers on this program can expect to make 700€ - 1,000€ ($800 - $1,150 USD) per month depending on their placement location. There is a $1,299 USD application fee associated with this program. 

Applicants can be citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, require an Associates Degree or higher, and must be aged between 18-59. Program contracts begin in September and teachers work 16-18 hours per week. Successful applicants are responsible for finding their own housing. 

Go Further: Spain Government Program Side-by-Side Comparison Chart