The Top Programs For Teaching English in Spain

Teaching English in Spain offers the kind of experience many dream about—lazy afternoon tapas, weekend trips across Europe, and meaningful work in the classroom. It’s one of the most popular TEFL destinations for a reason: the cost of living is reasonable, the lifestyle is relaxed, and English is in high demand across all age groups.

For North Americans, the NALCAP program (run by the Spanish government) provides a structured, legal way to live and teach in Spain. But that’s not the only route. Whether you’re a certified teacher, a new grad, or a digital nomad looking for classroom experience, there are multiple ways to start teaching in Spain—from assistantships to private schools, tutoring, and beyond.

This guide breaks down the top teaching programs and paths so you can find the option that best fits your goals, background, and appetite for adventure.

🇪🇸 NALCAP (North American Language and Culture Assistants Program)

What It Is

The North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP) is the most well-known route into the Spanish classroom for U.S. and Canadian citizens. Funded by Spain’s Ministry of Education, it places language assistants in public elementary and secondary schools throughout the country.

Participants work 12 to 16 hours per week, assisting Spanish teachers in English classes. You’ll help lead activities, guide conversations, and bring a native-speaker presence into the room—without the full responsibility of managing the class on your own.

It’s a great way to experience daily life in Spain while gaining valuable classroom experience and time to explore.

Who It’s For

NALCAP is open to:

• U.S. and Canadian citizens, aged 18–60 (though most applicants are 20–35)
• Those with a bachelor’s degree or in their final year of university
• Applicants with basic Spanish proficiency (B1 level is helpful but not strictly required)

You don’t need a TEFL certificate or prior teaching experience, but having one can improve your application and make you more confident once in the classroom.

Benefits and Challenges

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend of around €700–€1,000 depending on region
• Student visa and residency card provided
• Access to Spain’s public healthcare system
• Loads of free time for travel, language study, or side gigs

Challenges:

• You must arrange your own housing, often in a new city or town
• Placements are not guaranteed in your preferred region
• Stipend may not fully cover living costs in big cities like Madrid or Barcelona

Best for: New grads, aspiring teachers, or anyone seeking a structured, low-stress way to live in Spain for a year with the freedom to travel and explore.

🏛 Regional Language Assistant Programs

While NALCAP is run by the central government, several Spanish regions have their own assistant programs with slight differences in pay, workload, and perks. Regions like Madrid, Valencia, Cataluña, Murcia, and the Balearic Islands operate their own systems—sometimes independently from NALCAP, sometimes as extensions with regional funding.

These programs typically involve the same role: working as a language assistant in public schools. However, they may offer:

• Higher stipends (e.g., Madrid pays around €1,000/month)
• More working hours (up to 16–20 per week in some cases)
• More transparent placement processes or better access to urban locations

Application processes and deadlines vary by region, and competition can be stiffer, especially for placements in popular cities. Some regions allow former NALCAP participants to apply directly to their programs for a second year.

Best for: Teachers who want a bit more income or control over location, and who don’t mind navigating individual regional bureaucracy for potentially better perks.

🏫 Private Language Schools

If you're looking for flexibility, faster hiring, or the chance to stay in Spain long-term, private language schools (academias) are a solid option. These schools cater to a range of learners—from young kids and university students to business professionals brushing up on presentation skills.

You'll find schools in nearly every city and town, including popular destinations like Seville, Barcelona, Granada, and Bilbao.

Most private schools hire year-round, especially in September and January. Work is often in the afternoons, evenings, or weekends, depending on your students. While pay varies, it typically ranges from €12 to €20/hour depending on experience and location.

Requirements:

• A TEFL or CELTA certificate is strongly preferred
• A bachelor’s degree helps, but is not always required
• EU citizenship or a visa is often needed (though some hire teachers already in Spain on student or working holiday visas)

Best for: Teachers who want to live in a specific city, build a freelance schedule, or stay in Spain beyond a single academic year. It's also a good next step after a NALCAP or regional assistantship.

🎓 International and Bilingual Schools

For certified or experienced educators, international and bilingual schools in Spain offer a more professional and long-term teaching path. These schools typically serve expat families and wealthier locals, offering instruction in English and following IB, British, or American curricula.

Jobs at these schools are full-time and salaried, with the kind of structure and benefits you’d expect from a formal teaching career—think paid holidays, pension contributions, and professional development opportunities.

You’ll find many of these schools in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Málaga, but there are also options in smaller cities with growing international communities.

Requirements:

• A state teaching license (from the U.S., UK, Canada, etc.) or
• An advanced English teaching qualification like CELTA, DELTA, or PGCE
• Classroom experience, often 2+ years

Best for: Qualified teachers looking to relocate long-term, earn a stable income, and work within a more structured academic environment.

🎒 TEFL Courses with Job Placement in Spain

If you’re just starting out and want both training and local connections, enrolling in a TEFL course in Spain is a smart way to launch your teaching journey.

Major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Granada host intensive, in-person TEFL courses that last 3–4 weeks and include:

• Observed teaching practice
• Job placement assistance (often with local language schools)
• Resume/CV support and local hiring contacts

Many TEFL providers work directly with academies and tutoring networks, making it easier for grads to land a job soon after certification—often without needing to leave the city where they trained.

Best for:

• First-time teachers who want a smooth entry into the job market
• Those who prefer hands-on training and in-country orientation
• Career changers looking for structure and support in their first teaching role

Some of the best-known providers include International TEFL Academy, TTMadrid, TEFL Iberia, and Spain TEFL.

With this route, you’re not just getting certified—you’re planting roots in Spain from day one.

🎯 Which Path is Right for You?

Spain offers something for every kind of teacher—it all depends on where you are in your journey and what kind of lifestyle you’re after.

• Want structure + legal support?
  → The NALCAP program or regional assistantships provide a clear, supported entry point with a visa, stipend, and placement in a public school.

• Looking for flexible work or city life?
  → Private language schools and tutoring give you control over your schedule and allow you to live in vibrant urban areas like Madrid or Barcelona.

• Career-focused or licensed?
  → Head for international or bilingual schools, where your credentials are rewarded with a salary, benefits, and long-term potential.

• New to teaching?
  → Start with a TEFL course that includes job placement—you’ll get training, local contacts, and a smoother transition into the Spanish classroom.

• Already teaching online?
  → Simply base yourself in Spain, enjoy the lifestyle, and keep working remotely while exploring the country on your own terms.

No matter your path, there’s a route that fits both your teaching goals and travel dreams.

🌟 Spain Offers More Than Just NALCAP

While NALCAP is the best-known entry point, it's far from the only way to teach in Spain. With private schools, regional programs, tutoring, and TEFL options, there’s a wide range of opportunities for teachers at every level.

Whether you're chasing the cobblestone streets of Seville, the buzz of Barcelona, or a quiet life in a coastal town, teaching English in Spain can be the gateway to an unforgettable chapter abroad.

With a bit of planning and the right program, you’re not just getting a job—you’re gaining a life experience that’s rich in culture, connection, and personal growth.