Meddeas Program Spain: Teach English as a Language Assistant

If you're looking for a meaningful way to live in Spain, get international teaching experience, and boost your career prospects—all at the same time—Meddeas might be exactly what you're after. This respected placement organization connects young professionals with schools across Spain, offering a structured language assistant program that’s far more than just a gap year.

As a Meddeas Language Assistant, you’ll be placed in a Spanish school, help students improve their spoken English, and gain hands-on experience in the classroom. But it doesn’t stop there. Alongside teaching, you’ll also complete a university-backed Post-Graduate ESL Certification—funded by the program—making this one of the few fully supported entry-level teaching opportunities that combines real work, training, and cultural immersion.

It’s a great fit for recent graduates (from any degree background), especially those who are ready to take a leap, try something new, and start building a global career. Whether you’re curious about teaching, exploring Spain, or just want a bold step forward after university, Meddeas offers a structured, supported way to do it.

What Is the Meddeas Program?

The Meddeas Language Assistant Program places participants in private and semi-private (concertado) schools across Spain, where they assist in English, French, or German language classrooms. It’s a full-time, immersive internship-style role, designed for recent university graduates who want to develop professional teaching experience while living abroad.

Each placement is profile-based, meaning Meddeas matches you with a school based on your background, preferences, and the school's specific needs. This ensures a good fit—not just in terms of skills, but also in location and teaching environment.

What makes Meddeas stand out is its combination of work and study. While assisting in the classroom, you'll also be enrolled in a Post-Graduate ESL Certification program through a Spanish university. This training is fully funded and counts the practical teaching you do in school as part of your coursework. It’s a unique chance to blend theory and practice in real time—while also immersing yourself in everyday Spanish life, language, and culture.

What You'll Do as a Language Assistant

As a Meddeas Language Assistant, your job isn’t to run the class alone—it’s to bring energy, conversation, and authenticity to the language learning experience. You’ll work alongside the school’s main teachers to help students build fluency and confidence, especially when it comes to speaking and listening.

Your day-to-day might include leading small group discussions, running engaging activities or games, practicing pronunciation drills, and helping students prepare for language exams. You’re there to make English (or French/German) come alive—and that means getting creative, patient, and involved. If you’re placed in a school with larger group lessons (up to 15 students), you’ll need a relevant degree or a TEFL certification of at least 120 hours.

You’ll also be part of the broader school community—joining staff meetings, participating in school events, and even chatting with teachers to help them improve their language skills. It’s a collaborative role, but it gives you plenty of room to take initiative and develop your own teaching voice along the way.

Key Benefits of the Program

Meddeas offers one of the most structured and supportive language assistant programs in Spain, with real benefits that make the experience both sustainable and enriching.

• Monthly stipend: Depending on your placement, living arrangement, and number of teaching hours, you’ll earn between €409 and €1,236 per month. This is enough to cover daily expenses, especially outside of major cities like Madrid or Barcelona.
• Paid school holidays: You’ll get time off during Christmas, Easter, regional holidays, and long weekends (known as puentes), following the academic calendar of your school.
• Healthcare: Participants are enrolled in Spain’s National Healthcare System, giving you access to public medical services during your stay. Non-EU citizens will need to purchase an additional private policy for visa purposes, but Meddeas provides affordable options.
• Post-Graduate ESL Certification: Included in the program—and paid for—is a university-level ESL teaching qualification tailored for school environments. You’ll complete this online during your placement year, with the support of university tutors.

Together, these benefits give you the chance to live in Spain like a young professional—without the need to front huge costs or figure everything out on your own.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Meddeas is selective, but if you meet the core criteria and bring the right mindset, you’ve got a real shot. The program is open to native-level English, French, or German speakers who have earned a university degree within the past four years—any subject is welcome, though education, language, or linguistics backgrounds are a bonus.

You’ll also need:

• A clean criminal record
• A valid passport (needed for visa processing if you're from outside the EU)
• A professional attitude and a willingness to take initiative in the classroom

More than qualifications, Meddeas looks for people with specific personality traits. Are you proactive, someone who doesn’t wait to be told what to do? Are you a confident communicator, able to make students feel relaxed and engaged in another language? Do you carry yourself professionally and adapt well to new situations? If so, you’ll likely thrive in this role.

The application process involves two interviews, and if you're accepted, you’ll receive your school placement details before committing to the refundable deposit.

Accommodation Options: Host Family or Independent Housing

One of the unique aspects of the Meddeas program is the choice of how you want to live while in Spain—either with a Spanish host family or in independent housing. Each option suits different personalities and goals.

Host Family:
This is the most immersive way to experience Spanish culture. You’ll live with a local family, share meals, speak the language, and become part of their daily life. It’s ideal for those who want cultural depth, emotional connection, and a soft landing into Spanish life. Host family participants receive a lower stipend, but accommodation and meals are fully covered.

Independent Housing:
If you value your autonomy and want to carve out your own space, this is the better fit. You’ll receive a higher monthly stipend to help cover rent and living expenses, and Meddeas provides tips and support for finding an apartment. However, you’ll need to be comfortable navigating the housing market and managing your own bills.

Which to Choose?

• Go host family if you’re social, curious, and want an intimate cultural experience.
• Choose independent housing if you like your freedom, plan to explore, or are coming with savings and want full control of your lifestyle.

Both paths offer something valuable—it really comes down to how you want to live while you teach, grow, and explore Spain.

Where You'll Be Placed

Meddeas placements are spread across the entire country, not just in the popular hotspots like Madrid or Barcelona. You might find yourself in a sunny coastal town, a rural village, or a mid-sized city you’ve never heard of—but that’s part of the adventure. Spain is diverse, and every region offers its own flavor of culture, food, and daily life.

Rather than requesting specific schools or cities, participants are placed based on a profile-matching process. Meddeas considers your background, preferences, and qualifications and matches you with a school that fits—not the other way around. Flexibility is key. You won’t get to pick your exact location or age group, but you will get a solid, tailored placement that meets your capabilities.

Most assignments are in private or concertado (semi-private) schools, many of which are Catholic. While you don’t need to share their religious views, you’ll be expected to respect the school’s ethos, dress modestly, and avoid controversial topics in the classroom. Whether you’re teaching preschoolers or teenagers, the experience is hands-on and impactful.

Training and the Post-Graduate ESL Course

One of the strongest features of the Meddeas program is the included Post-Graduate ESL Certification, which is delivered by a respected Spanish university. This course gives you a recognized qualification that adds serious weight to your resume—especially if you’re considering a future in TEFL or education.

Here’s how it works:

• The course starts with an in-person induction day (usually in Madrid or Barcelona).
• You’ll then complete the program online throughout the academic year, with access to forums and a university tutor.
• The training is designed to complement your teaching placement, meaning your hands-on work in the classroom counts toward your coursework.
• Expect to dedicate around 360 hours to the certification if you begin in the fall, or 225 hours for those who start in January.
• You’ll be assessed through individual modules, and successful completion is mandatory.

The best part? It’s fully funded by the program, with no hidden costs. Not only are you gaining real-world teaching experience, but you're also walking away with a professional qualification that could open doors around the world.

Where You'll Be Placed

Meddeas placements are spread across the entire country, not just in the popular hotspots like Madrid or Barcelona. You might find yourself in a sunny coastal town, a rural village, or a mid-sized city you’ve never heard of—but that’s part of the adventure. Spain is diverse, and every region offers its own flavor of culture, food, and daily life.

Rather than requesting specific schools or cities, participants are placed based on a profile-matching process. Meddeas considers your background, preferences, and qualifications and matches you with a school that fits—not the other way around. Flexibility is key. You won’t get to pick your exact location or age group, but you will get a solid, tailored placement that meets your capabilities.

Most assignments are in private or concertado (semi-private) schools, many of which are Catholic. While you don’t need to share their religious views, you’ll be expected to respect the school’s ethos, dress modestly, and avoid controversial topics in the classroom. Whether you’re teaching preschoolers or teenagers, the experience is hands-on and impactful.

Training and the Post-Graduate ESL Course

One of the strongest features of the Meddeas program is the included Post-Graduate ESL Certification, which is delivered by a respected Spanish university. This course gives you a recognized qualification that adds serious weight to your resume—especially if you’re considering a future in TEFL or education.

Here’s how it works:

• The course starts with an in-person induction day (usually in Madrid or Barcelona).
• You’ll then complete the program online throughout the academic year, with access to forums and a university tutor.
• The training is designed to complement your teaching placement, meaning your hands-on work in the classroom counts toward your coursework.
• Expect to dedicate around 360 hours to the certification if you begin in the fall, or 225 hours for those who start in January.
• You’ll be assessed through individual modules, and successful completion is mandatory.

The best part? It’s fully funded by the program, with no hidden costs. Not only are you gaining real-world teaching experience, but you're also walking away with a professional qualification that could open doors around the world.

What It’s Like Day-to-Day

As a Meddeas Language Assistant, your schedule typically includes 20 to 24 classroom hours per week, plus up to 2 additional hours for planning or collaborating with teachers. Spanish school days generally run from around 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but your actual teaching hours will vary depending on the school's needs.

Expect gaps between lessons, sometimes for one or two hours. These breaks are great for preparing lessons, relaxing with colleagues, or getting ahead on your Post-Graduate ESL coursework. You’ll also have a long lunch break—Spain takes its meals seriously—and most schools provide a communal space where staff eat together.

This balance of structured teaching and flexible downtime gives you space to settle into the rhythm of Spanish school life, deepen your involvement with students, and keep up with the academic side of your training. It’s a full and rewarding experience—but not an overwhelming one.

The Application and Selection Process

The Meddeas application process is competitive, but also straightforward. It begins with an online form, where you’ll share your background, motivations, and preferences. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you’ll go through a two-stage interview process, both done online.

If you're successful, Meddeas will offer you a profile-matched school placement. You’ll be asked to sign an agreement and pay a refundable €850 deposit—this acts as a commitment guarantee and is fully refunded upon successful completion of your placement and course.

But it’s important to know: if you break the terms of your placement—for example, by leaving early, skipping classes, or showing unprofessional conduct—you’ll forfeit your deposit and lose access to the program benefits (stipend, healthcare, certification, etc.).

Meddeas takes your role seriously, and they expect you to do the same. But if you stay committed and complete your placement, you’ll walk away with no program fees, valuable credentials, and an unforgettable experience in Spain.

Costs and Funding Breakdown

One of the standout benefits of Meddeas is that there’s no program fee—a rare find in the world of international teaching programs. But that doesn’t mean it’s entirely free to join. You’ll still need to budget for some upfront expenses before and during your arrival in Spain.

These include:

• Flights to Spain
• Accommodation for the induction meeting in Madrid or Barcelona
• Travel from the induction city to your placement
• Visa application fees (for non-EU citizens)
• Police background check and related document translations or apostilles
• Private health insurance, if you're from outside the EU (required for visa purposes)

On the plus side, your monthly stipend (ranging from €409 to €1,236) will help cover ongoing living costs once you’re settled. Many assistants report that the stipend is enough to live modestly, especially in smaller cities or if you choose the host family option.

If you’re a recent graduate from an Erasmus-affiliated university, you may be eligible for Erasmus+ funding—ask your university about post-grad mobility options. Some participants have also successfully deferred student loans during the program, especially if the university course is recognized by their home institution.

Who Thrives in the Meddeas Program?

This program isn’t just for anyone who wants to live abroad—it’s for those who want to actively grow while doing so. The most successful Language Assistants share a few key traits:

• They’re communicators who make others feel comfortable and eager to speak.
• They’re professional, showing up on time, taking their work seriously, and acting as positive role models in schools.
• They’re proactive, bringing ideas to the classroom instead of waiting for instructions.
• And above all, they’re adaptable and sociable—open to new cultures, curious about daily life in Spain, and willing to roll with the occasional challenge.

If you’re someone who wants to gain real-world skills—like lesson planning, public speaking, teamwork, and intercultural awareness—this program gives you the space to grow them. You’ll come away more confident, capable, and globally minded.

Final Thoughts

Meddeas isn’t just a teaching opportunity—it’s a launchpad. Whether you're looking to build your résumé, explore life in Spain, or transition into a TEFL career, this program checks all the boxes: real classroom experience, professional development, and total cultural immersion.

For recent graduates, it’s one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to begin a global journey in education. You won’t just visit Spain—you’ll live, work, and grow there.

Explore Next:

• NALCAP Program Spain
• Teach English in Spain
• Best Online TEFL Courses for Language Assistants
• Meddeas
• Meddeas Language Assistant