Teaching English abroad is a dream for many, and Spain has long been one of the most popular destinations in Europe for those keen to become an English teacher in a foreign country. Whether it’s the sunny climate, the vibrant culture or the chance to improve your Spanish, the attraction of moving to Spain and teaching English remains high.
If you’re an aspiring English teacher and also dreaming of a life working in a Spanish city, you might be wondering, “How do I become an English teacher in Spain?”. Well, you’ve come to the right place, as this blog post will explore the qualifications needed to be an English teacher abroad, as well as the soft skills, other professional requirements and more.
A common question when starting the process of becoming an English teacher in Spain is, “Do you have to have a teaching degree to teach English in Spain?” And, the answer is that a full teaching degree is not an essential requirement to fulfil your dream of working and teaching English in Spain.
That said, it is very important to hold a recognised English teaching certification, and that’s why the TEFL teacher training courses for English teachers at IH Madrid are so valuable. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, and the TEFL courses at IH Madrid are designed to support professionals of all levels who have decided to become an English teacher in Spain. No matter your prior experience, in these courses you can learn specialised skills to thrive at the front of your classroom, helping you to best make a difference and an impact in your future students’ lives.
From initial training to continuous professional development, there is a perfect TEFL course for you. And, without a doubt, the gold standard in TEFL courses is the CELTA course. CELTA stands for Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults, and this is an internationally recognised qualification that meets the high and world-renowned standards of Cambridge. As such, enrolling in a CELTA course with IH Madrid can be the perfect catalyst to your English-teaching career. Employers across Spain know that every person boasting a CELTA certificate has gone through one of the best TEFL methodologies, making it the ultimate ticket on the path of how to become an English teacher in Spain.
If you were wondering, “What TEFL course do I need to teach abroad?”, now you know the answer. But, what about other softer skills which can help you in a career teaching English?
Well, adaptability is one soft skill which is vital in teaching. That’s because Spanish classrooms can vary greatly in structure and expectations, so a flexible teaching style will help you adjust to different student needs and school environments.
Logically, strong communication skills are crucial too, and not just in terms of English or Spanish language. You’ll need to be able to communicate your ideas clearly and be persuasive enough to encourage engagement and participation.
Cultural awareness is another skill which can help you connect with your students. Even a basic understanding of Spanish culture can go a long way in building rapport and to getting your class to focus on what you have to say.
In addition to having relevant English teacher qualifications and soft skills, it’s also important to understand the legal requirements for working in a school or educational centre in Spain. If you’re an EU or EEA citizen, you can live and work in Spain without needing a visa. however non-EU nationals may require a work permit. The good news is that teaching English in Spain is a common goal, so most countries’ government websites provide information and examples on how to apply for such a visa.
Additionally, schools and other educational centres may require a recent criminal background check, often from your home country, to ensure the safety of their students. This is also a fairly simple process, but if the document needs to be translated into Spanish, as is sometimes the case, it’s a good idea to prepare it well in advance.
When it comes to finding your perfect teaching job in Spain, the good news is that there are so many roles for English teachers across the country. Thanks to programmes such as Auxiliares de Conversación, among others, there are posts in public schools, while private centres are always hiring English teachers too. And, if you take a TEFL course, such as the CELTA course, as part of a community of like-minded people, you might even be able to tap into word of mouth opportunities among your new friends as well, bringing the dream of teaching English in Spain even closer!
