Teach English in Spain

Overview

Our Teach English in Spain program is ideal for anyone wanting to have an amazing cultural experience, improve their Spanish language, contribute to the local people, and earn a sustainable income that helps them subsidize their lifestyle in the amazing city of Barcelona.

Four top reasons to Teach in Barcelona

Destination

Barcelona is known for its rich culture, history, and vibrant nightlife, which attracts many people who want to experience Spanish culture while also teaching English.

Guaranteed Job Placements

TravelBud offers guaranteed placement. This means we find you a teaching job or jobs to ensure you have the maximum work hours allowed under your visa.

Travel Opportunities

Barcelona is well-connected to other European cities, making it easy for teachers to explore other destinations on their days off or during holidays.

Professional development

When you do head back home, you’re not just another resume in a pile of resumes – you are someone different who’s done something interesting and rewarding.

Program Highlights

It is notoriously difficult to find teaching opportunities in the city of Barcelona – but we’ve got you covered as one of the exclusive providers of opportunities to teach English in Barcelona specifically.
Barcelona is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and we jampack your week of orientation full of exciting activities to introduce you to the rich culture and history of Spain, including: Spanish language lessons, a local market tour, a Spanish cooking class (paella anyone?), historical and architectural bike tour of the city and a guided tour of of La Sagrada Familia Basilica Cathedral
Salaries usually work on a per hour basis and typically range from 8-10 Euros per hour at our partner schools, which will offer you the chance to live like a local and cover your expenses. Earn $850 – $1900 USD* (€800 – €1800) per month. * May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.
A unique opportunity to complete a 120-hour in-class, internationally accredited TEFL course over 5 weeks with our dedicated on-the-ground team (as well as like-minded travelers!). Please note that for our first intakes, we do not currently have the Placement Option for those that already have a TEFL/TESOL and the full course will be required.
Live in the magic of Barcelona and get to explore the rest of Spain and Europe during your time off!
Make a lasting impact on your students far beyond your year contract – we work with younger students all the way up to adults looking to improve their English
Our program offers full pre-departure support (visas, documents, packing lists, flight and travel insurance guidance – you name it!)

Full Program Highlights

Comprehensive pre-departure support and guidance
- Getting the necessary documentation prepared prior to departure.
- Assisting you with all planning, packing, visas, costs, budgets and booking flights.
- Answering your questions to help ease any anxieties you may have regarding your trip.
Logistics and safety when arriving
- Airport pickup and assistance to accommodation.
- Sim card setup assistance.
A toolkit for navigating Spanish culture
- Cultural Orientation.
- Social events and meet and greets.
Practical Teacher Training
- To hone your craft and ensure confidence before we begin teaching professionally.
Guaranteed Job Placement
- At carefully vetted schools.
An Internationally Accredited TEFL/TESOL certification
- The knowledge required to teach english successfully.
A support network of fellow teachers
- Lifelong friendships and travel opportunities.
24/7 In-country support
- Ex-foreign teachers and local, on-the-ground support staff provide you with personal assistance throughout the duration of your teaching experience.
- You can rest assured knowing that any queries will be answered such as translation help, legalities, emergencies, travel options or school queries. Someone is on hand.
- Teacher meet-ups.
- We check in with you regularly and keep up to date with your teach abroad experience.
Lifetime Teaching Placement Guarantee
- Teach somewhere else after your contract and explore new cultures.
Self-development and advantageous future employability
- Add teaching abroad to your CV to stand out from the crowd.

Barcelona is known for its rich culture, history, and vibrant nightlife, which attracts many people who want to experience Spanish culture while also teaching English

Live in the magic of Barcelona and get to explore the rest of Spain and Europe during your time off!

Local guided tours to markets to sample and purchase fresh food.

Do I Qualify To Teach English in Spain?

You don’t need to have any teaching experience to teach English in Spain.

You do need:

A passport from the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa
A bachelor’s degree in hand in any field
A Native English Speaker
20 years or older
No criminal record
Applicants need to have sufficient funds to pay for the program fees and other associated costs of the program as well as to cover the cost of personal living expenses including entertainment.
* For Irish citizens, the startup costs are significantly lower as they are part of the EU.

Can I teach English in Spain without a degree?

While you don’t need to have any teaching experience to teach English in Spain, you do require a bachelors degree to qualify for the program. If you are a non-degree holder please see our Teach English in Cambodia program.

Can I teach English in Spain with a diploma or associate degree?

While these often require you to do just as much work as a bachelor’s degree unfortunately they’re just not held in as high regard internationally.

There are a number of reasons for this, particularly that colleges offering these aren’t required to be kept to the same internationally recognized standards as those offering bachelor’s degrees.

Courses can vary wildly in terms of standard and requirements for both enrollment and passing and it makes judging the quality of the certificate really difficult. This means that schools in general, the world over, have a blanket rule of not accepting diplomas and associate degrees as a qualifying certificate.

Cultural Preparation

Part of the success of your experience comes from understanding the culture that you’re going to be living and working in.

Cultural awareness training helps you to settle into your new environment, make local friends, avoid misunderstandings, and enjoy success in social and professional life.

Our Teach English in Spain Program covers:

R

Logistics and safety

when arriving

R

A toolkit for navigating

your new country

R

A support network

of fellow teachers

R

Fun!

a crucial ingredient

Logistics and Safety when arriving

We’ll pick you up from the airport so you won’t have to stress when you arrive off the plane.
We’ll introduce you to your 24/7 support team on the ground.
We’ll take you to your pre-arranged accommodation. Read more about our course accommodation.
We’ll provide you with a SIM card and assist you with the setup so that you can contact your loved ones back home and your new friends you’re about to make on your epic cultural orientation!

A toolkit for navigating your new country

Our 1 week cultural orientation on Spanish culture and language gives you the perfect foundation for adjusting to life in Barcelona as well as an opportunity to bond with your fellow teachers-in-training and in-country staff members.

Learn foundational Spanish language

We help you with foundational language to help you navigate:

The bustling markets
Grabbing a taxi
Ordering a delicious meal and
Garnering respect from locals

(plus it’s pretty cool to impress your mates at home or add it to your resume!)

Cultural and History lessons

Learn from local Spanish staff and ex-foreign teachers who have made their home in Barcelona.
You’ll understand the dynamics of Spain so that you don’t feel like a fish out of water.
You won’t be making any faux pas or disrespecting the locals.
How to address locals and your fellow teachers.
You will know what you can and can’t do in Spanish academies.

Relevant Cultural Excursions

Excursions include, but are not limited to, the following:

Historical and Architectural Bike Tour of Barcelona
Local market tour and Spanish cooking class
Guided Tour of La Sagrada Família Basilica

Historical and Architectural Bike Tour of Barcelona

There is no better way to familiarize yourself with Barcelona than to take a guided bike tour of the many historical sites, architectural marvels, and cities scene.

Historical and Architectural Bike Tour of Barcelona

Bike tour of Barcelona

Local market tour and Spanish cooking class

Participants will travel to the local market for a tour of different items to buy and then we will learn how to cook delicious local Spanish dishes.

Travel to the local markets for a tour of different items to buy

Local guided tours to markets to sample and purchase fresh food.

Guided Tour of La Sagrada Família Basilica

One of the most famous cathedrals in the world, and lifelong project of Antoni Gaudí, the La Sagranda Familia Basilica is a must-see for anyone visiting or living in Barcelona. Created of more than 100 years in unique stages, the basilica is still in the construction process. We’ll take you on a guided tour of the exterior of the Basilica.

Guided Tour of La Sagrada Família Basilica

A support network of fellow teacher travelers

In addition the personal assistance and 24/7 support we provide, you’ll also have a support network of fellow teachers.

Meet fellow Teacher Travellers

Meet other like-minded individuals who are experiencing the same pleasures and challenges you are.

Only they understand what you’re also going through in a way that friends at home would never.

Meet and greet with your fellow teacher travelers

Make Lifelong Memories

Many of our teachers visit the friends they make during the cultural orientation and TEFL Course.

This becomes a valuable network and community for you as you’re able to visit your friends in different parts of Spain and fully experience all that the country has to offer.

Meet fellow teachers from all corners of the world who will form a part of your community of companions throughout the cultural adventure of teaching and travelling in Europe.

Diverse range of background

We have teachers participating in the cultural orientation and TEFL course from all over the world.

Learn Spanish with your fellow teacher travellers.

Have some fun and embrace your new adventure!

Local guided tours to markets to sample and purchase fresh food.

Try your hand at making authentic Spanish dishes.

See Barcelona from above by taking a trip on the Montjuic Cable Car.

Socialise after your class or your day activities.

Visit the coolest bars and restaurants.

Spend days off relaxing on beautiful beaches.

Fill up your instagram feed with picturesque photos.

Experience the beautiful sights and sounds of Barcelona.

Enjoy walking through the historic Gothic quarter.

Internationally Accredited TEFL/TESOL Certification

There are so many options when it comes to TEFL/TESOL courses that it can be quite overwhelming to understand what’s legitimate and what high quality schools require from teaching staff.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), are often used interchangeably but are essentially the same thing: a certification in teaching English.

A quality TEFL/TESOL course helps teachers avoid the frustration and pitfalls of being unprepared in the classroom and provides all the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively teach English.

With TravelBud’s 120-Hour In-Class TEFL/TESOL certification you get years of teacher insight, experience and practical knowledge which has been refined into a quality internationally accredited curriculum that focuses on preparing students in the best possible way for their teaching abroad experience.

Educational Philosophy



Students are trained based on a global ‘best practices’ approach to teaching English as a second language that incorporates the direct method, communicative approach, and task-based teaching approach within a lesson planning structure of Present, Practice, and Produce.



We focus on teacher creativity. In many environments, teachers cannot depend on technology, so they must be both creative and resourceful in their lesson planning and execution. Technology is a tool, not a crutch.

Our teachers must harness their own creative spirit during the course and perform in a low-tech environment. Then once they have demonstrated that, we begin to instruct on how to use technology and allow students to incorporate technology into their lessons.



We require extensive teaching practice. We believe that proper education in TESOL must involve praxis, or the application of theory in a classroom setting. The course provides at least 16 hours of teaching practice whereby students are placed in a classroom as teachers, under instructor supervision and assessment, during the course. This typically happens several times during the course.

The process entails, preparing lesson plans for classrooms of different ages and skill levels, delivering those lessons, receiving peer and instructor feedback, and adjusting lesson plans and teaching approaches based on that feedback. This process is critical to the course and preparing teachers for the field.

Our 120-hour Internationally Accredited TESOL course will ensure that teachers are properly prepared for teaching English prior to being placed.

Students learn global ‘best practice’ approach to teaching English as a second language.

Our 120-hour Teach English in Spain TESOL course will ensure that teachers are properly prepared for teaching English prior to being placed at a school in Spain.

Course Location

We offer our course under the partnership Lingua Schools.

The address of our training center is:

Plaça Gal.la Placidia 22, entlo, Barcelona 08006, Spain.

Course Components

Information and discussion about Spanish culture, history, politics, and society to provide exposure and help students navigate their new environment.
Significant instruction in Spanish language. Spanish language classes begin following the TESOL course as part of the language school education program.
Strong grounding in the history and theory of teaching English as a foreign/second language. This is taught in a way that emphasizes application of theory to enhance success in the classroom.
Significant practical training in teaching listening, reading, speaking and writing in the classroom, including extensive lesson planning, presentation, and feedback from peers and instructors.
Tons of tips, tricks and examples of how to teach English to every age group.
Advice and guidance for effective classroom management.
Six hours of teaching practicum/
Significant focus of teaching adults as most placements involve teaching adults English.

Detailed Course Overview

The first part of the TESOL course is a deeper exploration of theory in the discipline of English as a second language and how to teach grammar. Students learn about the structure and key elements of a lesson plan. Every lesson requires a detailed lesson plan that lays out the procedures of the class, and encourages teachers to consider the challenges, technology resources, and other factors that can impact a successful lesson in the classroom. During week two, students will also learn how to teach speaking and grammar. Grammar can be challenging to teach. One of the reasons for this is that it has been a long time since native English speakers have reviewed grammar rules, so we provide students with a refresher. The major assignments for week two are to create a lesson plan for teaching grammar and to present a full lesson just as a teacher would in a classroom. The second part of the TESOL course focuses on how to teach reading and listening. The major assignments for this week are to create lesson plans for teaching reading and present full lessons just as a teacher would in the classroom. Additionally, our participants will learn about curriculum development for long term learning goals for their students. The third part of the TESOL course is dedicated to classroom management and preparing for and conducting practical teaching. While classroom management may be the final topic covered, it is in fact extremely important, especially in cross-cultural contexts. Classroom management is about setting ground rules, applying them consistently, getting to know your students, and earning and maintaining their respect and commitment. Students spend several days preparing their lessons for the English practicum. The practicum typically takes place both online and in person, to give students a taste for teaching in both settings. It takes place over several evenings.

International Accreditation

Our internationally accredited TESOL course is accepted by employers around the world and is accredited by Accreditat. Accreditat is registered under the UKRLP (UK Register of Learning Providers), Number 10065351. Registration on the UKRLP means they have been verified against a recognised legal source. Graduates of our internationally accredited 120-hour TESOL course have used their TESOL certificate to successfully find employment in ESL teaching and education fields in nearly every Western, native-English speaking country, as well as across Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond.

You’ll get an internationally accredited TESOL certificate and recommendation letter at the end of your TESOL course.

Guaranteed Job Placement

We find you a teaching job or jobs to ensure you have the maximum work hours allowed under your visa.

You could spend your own time trying to find your own teaching position.

But this can be time-confusing and stressful because you’ll have to wade through a myriad of risk factors when evaluating teaching positions. These can include but are not limited to:

Work visas, relevant permits and documentation
The interview process
The credibility of the school
Your safety at the school
Understanding contracts, contract length and hidden clauses
Payment terms and what happens in the event of non-payment
Taxes

Teaching philosophy and environment
Teaching materials
School code of conduct
Local staff support and English proficiency
After school activities and requirements
Disciplinary processes
And many more considerations!

So you might find a job but you’ll be unprepared from a teaching, cultural, financial and emotional perspective.

We take the pressure away from you by guaranteeing your job placement following your training.

You’ll have more time to make friends and adjust to the culture.
You can focus on enjoying your new lifestyle knowing your income is secured.
All the details will be communicated and explained clearly.

We take pride in placing high quality teachers through our own selection and application process into the limited number of carefully selected, vetted and chosen partner schools that we work with. Read more about the Placement process

A teacher instructs his class.

Lifetime Placement Guarantee

Once you’ve taught in one of the TravelBud schools, we can guarantee you a position at another partner school in any of our destinations for which you are eligible on your program line, at no additional charge to you.

Pay one fee and you’re able to teach in any partner school in any destination as long as you like.
It’s a once-off fee for a lifetime of opportunities to make a difference in the lives of your students and travel the world in a sustainable way.
For example, once you’re finished in Spain you can travel over to Thailand or Vietnam and experience a whole new cultural adventure.

Accommodation

Accommodation during the TEFL/TESOL Course

Accommodation in Barcelona during the Cultural Orientation and TESOL course will be a single room with shared bathroom.

You may have the option to continue your stay in the accommodation, if available, or switch to another accommodation.

We recommend switching to another accommodation after the TESOL course which can be cheaper and longer term.

We will help assist you in finding new accommodation following the course if you are unable to extend or wish to move out of the course accommodation.

Accommodation after the TEFL/TESOL course

We will assist you in getting you own accommodation after the course if you so choose with advice, information, contacts and support.

There are many different accommodation types and locations where teachers could be based.

The decisions teachers make on where to live next will be down to personal choice.

We will guide you each step of the way and assist you in navigating accommodation arrangements once you know what you are looking for.

Step 1: You will look for accommodations based on your budget, preferred/necessary location, and any other factors.
Step 2: You can ask us for advice / support in negotiation, language barriers or considering options.

Below is an example of shared and single room layout and prices. Note that these options include a shared bathroom. This is just an example and could change.

Spain accommodation

Where To Live

There are two options for those living in Barcelona.

Option 1: Pay higher rent and live in the city center

You would then commute to your teaching jobs, which, as mentioned, are typically more than one school. Those jobs may be both in the city center or in the suburbs. Participants may commute on public transport out to the suburbs to teach.

Option 2: Live in the suburbs and teach in the suburbs

The second option is typically the cheaper option. This can reduce travel time, and conserve budget. For those who are offered or elect to teach online, they often live anywhere in Barcelona. The cost of accommodation varies from €300 Euros for a shared room and bathroom to €700 or €800 Euros for a small studio flat near the city center.

We’re here to help you through the whole process and will provide help, guidance, information and assistance finding your ideal accommodation during your teach abroad experience.

Teaching Placements

Placement locations

Teachers on the education visa will have a visa connected to a language school in Barcelona so will need to remain in the Barcelona area throughout their time in Spain. Read more about Visas and Visa Programs.

Therefore, they are only eligible for in-class positions in the Barcelona area. Teachers may also work in online positions. Online placements may be anywhere in the world. Teachers may be fully in-person, fully online, or work a combination of both.

Placements Types

There are two main types of placements in Spain:

Local academies: private language schools where students sign up to take English language courses.
Online Placements: Teaching remotely for an online school, which may involve teaching students in Spain online, in Asia or in Central America.

Demographics

In Spain, there is demand for English language learning from both adults and young learners.

Young learners: All students in Spain learn English as school, however the level of English amongst most Spanish students is low and students often struggle to advance when relying on learning English at their regular school. Many parents choose to invest in additional English language lessons for their children and send their children to local language academies.

Professionals: There are many professionals in their 20s, 30s and 40s that are looking to learn English to benefit them in their jobs. These may be people in corporate positions, or in technical fields such as engineers or medical professionals. They are often learning English to gain an extra skill to help them progress in their careers.

Young adults: Some learners have left high school, but haven’t gone on to university. They are people that are looking for a skill that will help them gain employment in key sectors such as tourism.

Local Academies

Local academies in Spain are private language schools where students sign up to take English language courses.

For young learners this will typically be late afternoons after they have finished school.

Adult classes tend to be in the evenings after they have finished work, occasionally there may be some morning classes.

Class Size

Teachers will work with small groups of students, typically between 4 to 10 students.

Working hours

Evening teaching is most common, shortly followed by morning classes.

Teachers will typically work 15 – 30 hours per week.

A typical working week would be from 4pm to 10pm Monday to Thursday and 4pm to 8pm on Fridays. Saturdays and Sundays off.

Most teachers working at academies will start off with part time hours before moving up to full time hours.

Online Positions

Online positions include working for schools teaching both adults and children.

Participants will generally be assigned the age groups they will teach after the interview. If they have experience teaching children, they’re more likely to be placed with children. The hours teachers work will be irregular.

Class times will vary depending on the area of the world that the students come from. The table below explains further:

Student Location	Likely Online Teaching Time (Barcelona Local Time)
Europe	Late afternoons and evenings M - F
Central / South America	Late evenings M - F
Southeast Asia	Mornings M - S

Work is largely hourly for online teaching and the range is from 9 to 15 Euros per hour depending on the region of students.

International or Bilingual Schools

These positions are much less common but are sometimes obtained by qualified teachers.

Placements Throughout the Year

We have scheduled courses throughout the year. Academies generally hire throughout the year based on how many new students they have signing up.

The highest demand for teachers and peak hiring time is in September and January.

How The Placement Process Works

Prior to arrival, we will collect a teacher profile from each participant and begin marketing to potential academies.
Once in country, a presentation is given in orientation week with a full overview of what to expect with different school types.
After that, participants will each have weekly one-on-one meetings with their placement coordinator.
If online teaching is an option at that time, it will also be offered as an additional or even alternative to in-person teaching.
Placements will be largely part time teaching across more than one school.
Interviews may be arranged before, before, during and following the TESOL course.
We can’t guarantee specific placement types and age groups so candidates must remain flexible.
After the placements are offered by schools, we help answer any questions and clarify any concerns.
We then guide on travel and housing plans.

Definition of Placement Guarantee.

Placement guarantee means, A placement in a school within 30 days following the TESOL course.

Salaries and Wages

Teachers are paid hourly at anywhere from €10 – €18 Euros per hour.
There is no guarantee on exactly how many hours that initial placement will include, as most placements start with a smaller number of weekly hours and then grow from there based on school’s assessment of teaching quality.
A typical rule of thumb is about 8-10 hours per week to start at a single school and then grow from there within the same school.
The placement team will then regularly and continually inform teachers about further part-time placement opportunities.
Those teachers who want more teaching hours can respond to the placement team, and they will facilitate interviews and contact.
On average academy teachers will earn around €700 Euros – €1,100 Euros per month. This is enough to cover living expenses.

The table below provides an example of ramping-up hours from month 1-3.

Months	Month 1	Month 2	Month 3
Potential salary for first three months	528 Euros	792 Euros	1,056 Euros
Details	2 hours per day for 22 weekdays	3 hours per day for 22 weekdays	4 hours per day for 22 weekdays
Note that salary is based on a baseline hourly salary of 12 Euros per hour for in-class academy teaching.

Holidays

There are 14 public holidays each year in Spain. These are typically days off for teachers. Schools may provide additional paid leave days but this is not 100% guaranteed, particularly for contracts less than one year.

As most placements are part-time, there will likely be no paid public holidays.

You normally get two weeks off at Christmas and a week at Easter.

Note that the language school typically closes for classes for several weeks around major holidays such as Christmas and New Year, as well as during the month of August for summer break.

Leave for Local Language Academy Positions

Paid Annual leave
Paid leave is generally provided on public holidays if the teacher usually has scheduled classes on that date.

Unpaid leave
Generally schools will close over the Christmas and Easter breaks for one week. Teachers typically take unpaid leave during this time.

Sick Leave
Some schools will pay sick leave for the times they were due to work but others will not. Teachers are paid hourly without guaranteed hours so sometimes schools won’t pay for hours not worked.

Leave for Online Teaching Positions

Paid Annual leave
Each school has their own policy. Teachers can generally request time off in advance and as long as they can still work a minimum number of hours in the month (sometimes around 16hrs/month).

Unpaid leave
If teachers make an effort to get their shifts up for pickup, they are usually pretty understanding and most of the time the shifts get picked up.

Sick Leave
There is no sick leave. If they have a class, they can put it on a pickup board, however if nobody takes it, they are liable for it. Whenever they miss a class/shift, they have to submit a form explaining what happened.

Visa and Visa Programs

All participants will arrive in Spain on the education visa. This visa will initially be for 7 months in country. The visa allows participants to work for a maximum of 30 hours per week and be registered as a part-time worker for the duration of their visa. However, they must sign up for a Spanish language education program with a language school is a specific area and only qualify for employment in that specific location. The education program requires participants to study for at least 10 hours per week (through our program). This provides a truly unique opportunity to build a strong Spanish language foundation while working and living in Barcelona. Teachers typically work for 15 to 30 hours per week so they will have time to study alongside this. Spanish classes will be held in the mornings or early afternoons depending on schedule so teachers will be available to teach in the late afternoons and evenings when classes are in highest demand. School attendance is recorded. If the teacher wishes to extend their education visa beyond 1 year, they must have attended the majority of their classes. If teachers don’t regularly attend Spanish language classes, it will NOT affect them during the initial 1 year visa period. However, it may be difficult to extend for an additional year once their original visa period has expired. Please note that Irish citizens are not limited in terms of the number of hours they can work as they are members of the EU so no limitations on work. Moreover, they do not need to pay for the visa application, education visa, and are not required to take Spanish classes.

Proof of Financial Means

You must provide an original and a copy of documents certifying that you (or the legal representative or relative that supports you) has sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of your stay and return, as well as that of the family members accompanying you. If you’re traveling to Spain alone, the minimum required amount is 700 USD per month. If you’re staying for 7 months, you’d need to show proof of USD $4900. We will guide you throughout the entire application process including the exact documents and wording required for your Visa application. It is not guaranteed that someone with a criminal record will have their education visa granted. It is preferred that candidates should not have any criminal record.

Dates

The Spain in-class TESOL and Cultural Orientation Intake dates are outlined below:

2025
2 January 2025 * *Please note orientation will take place on Thursday to Sunday for this date to adjust to New Year’s Eve and King’s Day.	FULL & CLOSED	Apply
24 February 2025	FULL & CLOSED	Apply
28 July 2025	9 Spaces available. MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED START DATE	Apply
01 September 2025	Spaces available	Apply
17 November 2025	Spaces available	Apply

The course is 5 weeks long. The first week is your cultural orientation followed by a 4-week TESOL course.

Budgets

Our support team will walk you through everything prior to you departing to ensure you have exactly what you need by when you need to have it. Below please find the complete budget breakdown. This budget is based on the following timeline:

5 weeks on the course
2 weeks of waiting for work permit processing prior to starting work
5 weeks of teaching before receiving you first paycheck
Total = 12 weeks before first paycheck.

Please Note: this is an estimate and the timeframe could be quicker or longer depending on interviewing success and processing time for required work approvals with the Spanish government.

Currency Converter

Change to your currency. Default prices in US Dollar (USD). Please take note that the amount reflected above is based on the current exchange rate and may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility on the day of being invoiced.

TOTAL	$2500 - $2700
Flights Flight prices vary depending on where you travel from and when you book. Prices can occasionally exceed this range. TravelBud is partnered with Student Universe so you are more than welcome to click here to complete our form and receive a quotation for your consideration.	$90 - $880
CBC Criminal background check and legalization of criminal background check	$150
Visa Application Visa application costs for Education Visa.	$160
Mandatory Spanish Language Lessons Education Visa + 7-month visa (6 months of Spanish Language Classes)	$1600
Insurance Medical/Travel insurance for 1 year (approximate)	$600
Authorization Process Consultations facilitating the Teaching Authorization process.	$150
Immunizations(recommended, but it is the participant’s responsibility to decide which immunizations are right for them in consultation with their doctor) 0-500 USD (depends on country and insurance)	$0

Our support managers will assist you with booking flights, finding the best insurance for you and advising you on all the documents, visa and teaching authorization costs involved.

What do I need to budget for?

Bear in mind that you will be spending at least 10 – 12 weeks in Spain before you receive your first paycheck. You will therefore need to budget enough money to see you through TESOL course and your first month of teaching. Of course, the amount of money you need depends on your spending habits. Take a look through our budget guidelines to see what budget suits your spending habits.

Budget for your 5-week TESOl Course

TOTAL	$2300 - $2500
Accommodation during orientation Accommodation cost is 800 Euros for the 5-week TESOL course. It is a private room. Bathrooms are shared. All participants will be asked to pay a refundable deposit of 100 to 200 Euros. You will get this back in full at the end of your stay as long as there are no damages to the room.	$800
Accommodation after orientation When you get to your placement, you will need to pay rent and one month’s deposit. Depending on your location, the rent will cost anywhere from 350 Euros – 600 Euros per month. Typically, the deposit is equal to one month's rent.	$350 - $600 Deposit $350 - $600
English Teaching Presentation and Practical Supplies During the course and teaching practical, you will create multiple lessons. You may want to buy some supplies for your lessons, such as sticky tack, stapler, tape, scissors, and whiteboard markers throughout the course to help you plan your homework and class presentations.	$20
Start-up items (toiletries, phone, miscellaneous) In Spain, you can find all toiletries like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc. at many convenience stores. We will provide you with a SIM card for your phone but you will need to top it up yourself.	$50
Daily Expenses (Food, laundry, transportation in Spain) One of the best ways to budget your cash while living in Spain is eating the local Spanish food. A local breakfast in Spain is about 4-7 Euros, Lunch is about 8-10 Euros and dinner is about the same. Note this is for conservative budget. You will not need to use public transportation often as many local conveniences are within walking distance. Local bus journeys are typically less than 3 USD. Taxi rides are usually below $10 unless covering a significant distance. We recommend a minimum budget of 17.5 Euros per day or 35 days or 5 weeks of the course.	$620
Optional Expenses (Nightlife, weekend trips, shopping) If you drink alcohol, you will soon realize it becomes one of your biggest expenses. Be mindful of this when heading out as it is one of the many causes of participants running out of cash. Bars, especially in tourist areas, can vastly over charge on beer. For example, local beer will be 2-3 Euros at a local convenience store, but bars often charge USD 5 - 9 Euros for a beer. In tourist areas, the price can be significantly higher. If you are interested in going on weekend trips with fellow participants to other areas or to go on any tours, there will be fees associated with doing so. There are national park entrance fees and transportation costs. You can spend however much you like on these extra optional things, but please be mindful of your budget.	$0 - $200
Two additional weeks of accommodation and food before starting teaching job This is the estimated duration while waiting for the work permit to be finalized before starting teaching. Note that this is just an estimate and that the timeframe could be longer. This also assumes that the teacher moves into cheaper longer-term accommodation.	Accommodation: $400 Food: $245

Budget for first month of teaching

TOTAL	$1075 - $1350
Bank account set up and Work Permit Card There is a requirement to get a bank account and work permit card to teach in Spain. In order to get your work permit authorization, you need to get an accommodation.	$200
Accommodation When you get to your placement, you will need to pay rent and one month’s deposit. Depending on your location, the rent will cost anywhere from 350 Euros – 600 Euros per month. Typically, the deposit is equal to one month's rent.	$350 - $600 Deposit $350 - $600
Other Expenses (Food, laundry, transportation etc.) Participants are able to spend much less than the amount stated here depending on your spending habits. The amount given is a safe approximation.	$400 - $525

Budget Totals

Approximate Total (Pre-arrival, TESOL & Placement Program, and living costs to first salary)	$6312
Pre-arrival Costs (including visa application and visa cost)	$2660
Five weeks on the TESOL Course Total plus two weeks additional to finalize work authorization	$2327
First Month Teaching Total Participants are able to spend much less than the amount stated here depending on your spending habits. The amount given is a safe approximation.	$1325

For Irish Citizens Only

For Irish citizens, the startup costs are significantly lower as they are part of the EU.

Approximate Total (Pre-arrival, TESOL & Placement Program, and living costs to first salary)	$3767
Pre-arrival Costs (including visa application and visa cost)	$760
Five weeks on the TESOL Course Total plus two weeks additional to finalize work authorization	$1682
First Month Teaching Total Participants are able to spend much less than the amount stated here depending on your spending habits. The amount given is a safe approximation.	$1325

Chat to us if you have questions about budget and spending. We realise that moving abroad to teach English in Spain is expensive at first, but remember that with TravelBud your teaching job is guaranteed. Once you start earning a salary, your living costs will be comfortably covered and you will be able to enjoy your time in Teaching and Traveling in Spain.

Fees

The following costs make up the program fee and are payable to TravelBud before you head over to teach abroad.

Currency Converter

Change to your currency. Default prices in US Dollar (USD). Please take note that the amount reflected above is based on the current exchange rate and may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility on the day of being invoiced.

Fees Include:

Dedicated pre-departure support
1 week Cultural Orientation
4 week TEFL Course with Internationally Accredited Certification
Guaranteed Job Placement
24/7 In-country on the ground support

Fee Breakdown:

Enrollment Fee and Pre-departure Support This secures your spot in a program that has limited availability per course and gets the process started. Here's what happens next: Your dedicated Support Coordinator will reach out to you to introduce themselves and outline the entire process you'll follow to realise the teaching abroad dream. You'll get to ask questions no matter how silly and arrange calls directly with our support team, while being guided through the entire pre-departure process.	~~$550~~ $350 What's included?
In-class TESOL, job placement, orientation and 24/7 support It covers the week of cultural orientation intended to settle you in to Barcelona, teach you about the culture you'll be living and working in and spending time with your fellow teachers to build a support network and resource sharing support. Language lessons, history and culture lessons, cooking classes and cultural excursions are all included. 3 weeks of TEFL/TESOL Training focusing on the content and methodologies of teaching English as foreign language as well as a practical component where you'll have a chance to practise your craft. You will graduate with an Internationally Accredited 120 hour in-class TEFL/TESOL certificate that never expires and can be used to teach all over the world. Your 100% guaranteed job placement at one of our partner schools that have been rigorously vetted and meet our standards 24/7 in-country support in the case of any emergencies, whether big or small and a support network to help you and guide you along the way.	$2400 What's included?
Total Birthday Sale! $200 USD off!	~~$2950~~ $2750

Enrollment Fee and Pre-departure Support

This secures your spot in a program that has limited availability per course and gets the process started.

Here's what happens next:

Your dedicated Support Coordinator will reach out to you to introduce themselves and outline the entire process you'll follow to realise the teaching abroad dream.
You'll get to ask questions no matter how silly and arrange calls directly with our support team, while being guided through the entire pre-departure process.

$550 $350

What's included?

In-class TESOL, job placement, orientation and 24/7 support

It covers the week of cultural orientation intended to settle you in to Barcelona, teach you about the culture you'll be living and working in and spending time with your fellow teachers to build a support network and resource sharing support. Language lessons, history and culture lessons, cooking classes and cultural excursions are all included.
3 weeks of TEFL/TESOL Training focusing on the content and methodologies of teaching English as foreign language as well as a practical component where you'll have a chance to practise your craft.
You will graduate with an Internationally Accredited 120 hour in-class TEFL/TESOL certificate that never expires and can be used to teach all over the world.
Your 100% guaranteed job placement at one of our partner schools that have been rigorously vetted and meet our standards
24/7 in-country support in the case of any emergencies, whether big or small and a support network to help you and guide you along the way.

$2400

What's included?

Total

Birthday Sale! $200 USD off!

$2950

$2750

Enrollment Fee and Pre-departure Support

Secures your spot
• You’re in and have secured your spot in a program that has limited availability.
Comprehensive pre-departure support and guidance
• You’ll be introduced to the support team and your dedicated Support manager will reach out with your next steps. • You’ll be provided comprehensive information relating to each step in the pre-departure process and you’ll have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you like! • Our support team help you get the necessary documentation prepared prior to departure. • We’ll assist you with all planning, packing, visas, costs, budgets and booking flights. • We’ll ease any anxieties you may have regarding your trip and share the positive and life-changing adventures of the teach abroad experience.

In-class TESOL, Guaranteed Job Placement, Cultural Orientation and 24/7 Support

Logistics and safety when arriving
• Airport pickup and assistance to accommodation • Sim card setup assistance
A toolkit for navigating Spanish culture
• Cultural Orientation • Social events and meet and greets.
Practical Teacher Training
• To hone your craft and ensure confidence before we begin teaching professionally
Guaranteed Job Placement
• At carefully vetted schools
An Internationally Accredited TEFL/TESOL certification
• The knowledge required to teach english successfully.
A support network of fellow teachers
• Lifelong friendships and travel opportunities
24/7 In-country support
•Ex-foreign teachers and local, on-the-ground support staff provide you with personal assistance throughout the duration of your teaching experience. •You can rest assured knowing that any queries will be answered such as translation help, legalities, emergencies, travel options or school queries. Someone is on hand. • Teacher meet-ups • We check in with you regularly and keep up to date with your teach abroad experience.
Lifetime Teaching Placement Guarantee
• Teach somewhere else after your contract and explore new cultures.
Self-development and advantageous future employability
• Add teaching abroad to your CV to stand out from the crowd.

Boost your employability

You might think you’re taking a step back by taking a year off but nothing could be further from the truth!

Although you may think it’s a halt in your education journey, you’re actually fast tracking yourself through:

Learning independence.
Learning how you react to different situations
Learning how to master and grow your confidence in public speaking
Learning how to overcome obstacles
Learning about yourself through your own personal self discovery
Learning how to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself

These would normally take much longer in a normal, sheltered environment and wouldn’t be nearly as much fun!

When you do head back home, you’re not just another resume in a pile of resumes – you are someone different who’s done something interesting and rewarding.

People who are able to reflect on their experiences will give them an edge in their interview, no matter what industry or profession.

Read why working abroad boosts your employability.

A unique opportunity teaching English in Barcelona

Salary

Eligibility

Placement Types

Contract Length

Overview

Four top reasons to Teach in Barcelona

Destination

Guaranteed Job Placements

Travel Opportunities

Professional development

Program Highlights

Full Program Highlights

Comprehensive pre-departure support and guidance

Logistics and safety when arriving

A toolkit for navigating Spanish culture

Practical Teacher Training

Guaranteed Job Placement

An Internationally Accredited TEFL/TESOL certification

A support network of fellow teachers

24/7 In-country support

Lifetime Teaching Placement Guarantee

Self-development and advantageous future employability

Do I Qualify To Teach English in Spain?

Can I teach English in Spain without a degree?

Can I teach English in Spain with a diploma or associate degree?

Nationality SA hide all fields within section

TEFL Extension Program

Placement Only Program

Placement Program

Placement Program

Placement Program

Placement Program

Placement Program

Placement Program

Placement Program

We want to hear your story.

We want to hear your story.

Cultural Preparation

Cultural awareness training helps you to settle into your new environment, make local friends, avoid misunderstandings, and enjoy success in social and professional life.

Our Teach English in Spain Program covers:

Logistics and safety

A toolkit for navigating

A support network

Fun!

Logistics and Safety when arriving

A toolkit for navigating your new country

Learn foundational Spanish language

Cultural and History lessons

Relevant Cultural Excursions

Historical and Architectural Bike Tour of Barcelona

Bike tour of Barcelona

Local market tour and Spanish cooking class

Local guided tours to markets to sample and purchase fresh food.

Guided Tour of La Sagrada Família Basilica

A support network of fellow teacher travelers

Meet fellow Teacher Travellers

Make Lifelong Memories

Diverse range of background

Have some fun and embrace your new adventure!

Internationally Accredited TEFL/TESOL Certification

Educational Philosophy

Course Location

Course Components

Detailed Course Overview

International Accreditation

Guaranteed Job Placement

We take the pressure away from you by guaranteeing your job placement following your training.

Lifetime Placement Guarantee

Once you’ve taught in one of the TravelBud schools, we can guarantee you a position at another partner school in any of our destinations for which you are eligible on your program line, at no additional charge to you.

Accommodation

Accommodation during the TEFL/TESOL Course

Accommodation after the TEFL/TESOL course

Where To Live

Option 1: Pay higher rent and live in the city center

Option 2: Live in the suburbs and teach in the suburbs

Teaching Placements

Placement locations

Placements Types

Other Expenses
(Food, laundry, transportation etc.)