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.

🏛 BEDA (Bilingual English Development & Assessment Program)

What It Is

The BEDA Program places language assistants in Catholic private and semi-private schools across Madrid and surrounding areas. It’s managed by Escuelas Católicas de Madrid, an association of religious schools that partner with bilingual education initiatives.

You’ll work as an auxiliar de conversación, focusing on oral communication and supporting the lead English teacher in the classroom. Unlike public school programs, BEDA offers more structured teaching hours, additional training, and opportunities for long-term renewal.

Who It’s For

BEDA is open to:

• EU citizens and non-EU passport holders (including U.S., Canadian, South African, etc.)
• Applicants with a bachelor’s degree or those in their final year of university
• TEFL certified candidates or those willing to get certified before arrival
• Those who are comfortable working in a Catholic school environment

You don’t need to be Catholic to apply, but you should be respectful of religious values and the culture of the school.

Benefits and Challenges

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend of €800–€1,200 depending on hours and placement
• TEFL course included through a partner university in Spain
• Regular observations and feedback sessions to support professional development
• Placements often in central Madrid or nearby commuter towns

Challenges:

• Religious setting may not suit everyone
• Participants are technically students, and placements are tied to the TEFL course
• Fewer holidays and more structured expectations than public school placements

Best for: Teachers seeking a structured, professional setting with built-in training, especially those open to working in faith-based schools and living in or near Madrid.

🎓 Meddeas Language Assistant Program

What It Is

The Meddeas Program places native English, French, or German speakers into private and semi-private schools (including Catholic concertado schools) across Spain. Participants work as language assistants, focusing on communication skills, cultural exchange, and classroom support—while completing a Postgraduate ESL certification from a Spanish university.

Meddeas offers multiple placement options based on housing and workload preferences. It’s structured, immersive, and well-supported, making it ideal for first-time teachers or recent grads who want to grow professionally.

Who It’s For

Meddeas is open to:

• Degree holders (last 4 years) from eligible countries
• Native speakers of English, French, or German
• Applicants with a clean background check and visa eligibility
• Those who are sociable, responsible, and culturally adaptable

No Spanish is required, but it helps with daily life. A TEFL certificate is not necessary, as the program includes formal ESL training.

Benefits and Challenges

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend of €409–€1,236 depending on accommodation and hours
• Paid school holidays and free healthcare access
• University-recognized ESL certification included
• Placement in smaller towns and local communities for deep cultural immersion

Challenges:

• A €850 refundable deposit is required
• Placement is nationwide and preferences aren't guaranteed
• Schools are often private or religious; not ideal for those seeking urban public schools

Best for: Responsible, proactive grads who want a well-supported cultural and teaching experience with added professional development.

🏫 ConversaSpain Language Assistant Program

What It Is

The ConversaSpain Program places language assistants (Auxiliares de Conversación) in Spanish public schools, primarily in Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, and Murcia. These placements are part of the same overarching government initiative as NALCAP, but instead of applying through the Ministry of Education, participants go through ConversaSpain—a private company that acts as a facilitator and recruiter.

The teaching role is virtually identical to NALCAP: you’ll assist in English classrooms, focus on conversation skills, and work around 14–16 hours per week, typically Monday through Thursday.

What sets ConversaSpain apart is its added support: visa guidance, document help, bilingual advisors, orientation sessions, and a built-in community of fellow assistants.

Who It’s For

ConversaSpain accepts:

• Native-level English speakers (or C2 certified non-natives from select countries)
• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or in their 2nd year of university or higher
• Those with a clean background check and valid passport
• Applicants under 60 at the start of the program

Spanish is not required. The program is ideal for those who want extra structure and support navigating their move to Spain.

Benefits and Challenges

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend of €1,000–€1,065, depending on region
• Private health insurance for non-EU citizens (public access for EU)
• Pre-departure and in-country support (visa, logistics, documents)
• Optional Spanish language courses and cultural immersion week
• Built-in community through orientation and social groups

Challenges:

• Requires a program fee (typically €1,000–€1,500 depending on intake)
• You’ll still need to cover initial expenses like flights, visa costs, and accommodation
• Placements are not guaranteed in your preferred region or age group

Best for: First-time teachers or travelers who want a guided, low-stress path into the Spanish classroom with reliable support at every stage of the journey.

🏙 UCETAM Language Assistant Program

What It Is

UCETAM (Unión de Cooperativas de Enseñanza de Trabajo Asociado de Madrid) places English language assistants in cooperative bilingual schools throughout the Community of Madrid. These are not public or Catholic schools, but rather worker-owned private cooperatives that operate with a high degree of autonomy.

Assistants support the English curriculum through conversation practice, cultural activities, and classroom collaboration, often working alongside dedicated English teachers in a team-teaching model.

Who It’s For

UCETAM is open to:

• Native English speakers with a bachelor’s degree
• Citizens of eligible countries (mostly USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, etc.)
• Applicants with a clean background check
• People open to independent living, classroom initiative, and a slightly looser support structure

While Spanish isn’t required, it can help in everyday life and staff communication.

Benefits and Challenges

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend of €900 for 18 hours/week or €1,300 for 26 hours/week
• Placements only in Madrid, great for those who want to live in the capital
• Full health insurance and school-based support for housing
• €250 application deposit refunded at the end of the contract

Challenges:

• Slightly more independent onboarding than programs like Meddeas or ConversaSpain
• Participants must find their own housing (with help from schools)
• No formal teaching certification included (TEFL recommended)

Best for: Teachers who want to live in Madrid, work in innovative private schools, and experience Spanish education from a cooperative, community-driven perspective.

🏛 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

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 + visa support?
  → Try NALCAP, ConversaSpain, BEDA, Meddeas, or UCETAM for legal placements with a stipend, support, and a clear framework.
  NALCAP is government-run and free. ConversaSpain and Meddeas charge a fee but offer added guidance and training. BEDA places you in Catholic schools (mainly in Madrid) with TEFL coursework included. UCETAM offers cooperative school placements in Madrid with a refund-based deposit.

• Prefer private schools or more flexibility?
  → Private academies and freelance tutoring offer more freedom and year-round hiring. Great if you want to choose your city, control your schedule, or transition from part-time to full-time teaching.

• Career-focused or licensed?
  → Head for international or bilingual schools, where certified teachers can earn a full salary, enjoy structured academic environments, and build long-term careers.

• Just getting started?
  → Enroll in a TEFL course in Spain with job placement support. These programs give you classroom training, local contacts, and a smoother start—perfect for first-time teachers.

• Already teaching online?
  → Base yourself in Spain with a digital nomad lifestyle. Enjoy the Spanish rhythm of life while continuing to teach remotely on your own terms.

No matter where you’re starting from, there’s a teaching path in Spain that aligns with both your goals and sense of adventure.

🌟 Spain Offers More Than Just NALCAP

While NALCAP is the best-known entry point, it’s far from the only one. Programs like ConversaSpain, BEDA, Meddeas, and UCETAM offer alternative ways into Spanish schools—with added structure, religious placements, cooperative models, or extra support services. Meanwhile, private academies, TEFL programs, and freelance tutoring open up flexible paths beyond assistantship roles.

Whether you're drawn to the cobbled streets of Granada, the late-night buzz of Madrid, or a coastal town with a slower pace, teaching English in Spain can turn your day job into a daily adventure.

With the right program and a bit of planning, you're not just getting hired—you’re stepping into a new way of life.