Teaching in Spain
"There is so much to experience, along the Mediterranean coast and in its dynamic cities."
Country Facts & Figures
Capital city: Madrid
Population: 46 million
Major language: Spanish
Major religion: Christianity
Currency: Euro
International dialling code: +34
Country Profile
Located in the South-Western corner of Europe and occupying the major part of the Iberian Peninsula, Spain offers so much across its diverse terrain. Putting aside the cliched images of flamencos and bullfighting, there really is much more to experience.
The majestic peaks of the Pyrenees offer all year round outdoor pursuits and the Sierra Nevada is home to Europe's most southernly ski resort. Spain is famous for its many beaches, scattered on the Atlantic coastline in the north and of course along the Mediterranean coast stretching from the north-east corner to the far south.
Wherever you find yourself in Spain, the place is steep in culture. Architecture ranges from Roman relics to Muslim palaces within medieval towns, small villages and world renowned cities. Cuisine is heavily influenced by seafood and restaurants serve up paella, chorizo and omelettes amongst many other dishes.
Spain is revelling from its sporting successes, showing dominance on the world stage in many sports particularly football and tennis. The country is also host to major international sporting events including the America's Cup and F1 Grand Prix.
International Schooling in Spain
International schools vary in nature from British curriculum schools through to local intake schools offering a British and IB curricula. Schools are generally located in the larger Spanish cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia as well as more expat coastal cities and towns.
There is an increasing demand from Spanish families to educate their children in English-speaking schools. Even local schools offering the Spanish curriculum have moved towards employing English-speaking staff to teach the local curriculum in English.
International schools follow a similar academic calendar to the UK with longer summer breaks. It is during this time that these schools provide summer schooling where there are further employment opportunities for teachers. Typically these schools focus more on outdoor activities.
Although salaries are lower than they are in the UK, in parts of Spain, excluding Madrid and Barcelona, the cost of living can be lower. Some schools pay teachers in 15 monthly payments, where teachers receive double instalments for 3 months of the year. This is quite common in other European countries.
Teachers enjoy working in this country for many reasons - lifestyle, weather, locality to UK, opportunity to learn a new language. All teachers hoping to teach in Spain must be holders of a UK or other EU passport.
Typical Salary & Benefits
- Salaries at lower end of scale around 2,000 Euros per month
- Annual flights are often paid for
- Accommodation is rarely offered
- Free schooling is usually provided for up to 2 children
- Summer school opportunities
- Spanish language lessons
