The Traveling Belle

Sharing how to teach abroad and everything that comes with it!

How to Choose a Program to Teach Abroad in Spain

How to

Choosing a Program to

Teach Abroad in Spain

There are many programs that you can use to teach abroad in Spain. But which is the best one?

question yourself

Think about what you want out of teaching abroad.

Ask yourself these questions before choosing either program…

1

What am I doing this for?

This is an extremely important question because you are either teaching abroad in Spain for the experience or the job. This will have a huge effect on where you decide to go.

2

Do I want to be in a big city or small city?

If you are looking to be in a big city then some programs aren’t for you. There are programs that only deal with small cities. It is important for you to understand what you want.

3

Am I willing to spend money on the program?

There are many programs that will try to convince you that you need to pay for these jobs. This is not true. You should not have to pay to teach abroad in Spain- in my opinion.

4

Do I need someone to hold my hand throughout the whole process?

There are some programs that will help with absolutely everything- including finding living accommodations. There are others that don’t help with anything at all.

5

Where in Spain do I want to live?

Spain is a country with vasts amounts of cultures and differences- even in climate. Some programs are only based in Madrid or Barcelona- is that important to you?

6

Can I save enough money to move?

Flights aren’t cheap. I am moving from Oregon to Spain and my one way ticket was more expensive than I wanted it to be. I also will need to sustain myself for the first month until my first paycheck- take that into account when saving.

Comparison

How I Chose Between Two Programs to Teach Abroad in Spain

After talking to my advisor about teaching abroad in Spain- I found two programs that dealt with a large scale of schools all with different ages and locations.

Here are my experiences with both of them.

NALCAP

https://www.educacionyfp.gob.es/eeuu/convocatorias-programas/convocatorias-eeuu/nalcap.html

  • NALCAP is the largest program to teach abroad in Spain 
  • It is based on a first come first serve basis.
    • It does not matter if you have a degree or experience and the earlier you submit your application the better.
  • The work itself:
    • 12-16 hours a week, usually 4 days a week.
    • 700 euros to 1000 euros a month is standard.
      • You will be paid more in bigger cities due to the cost of living being higher.
      • If you budget yourself well you will live comfortably and still be able to travel.

Up International

http://www.upinternationaleducation.com

  • Rolling admission throughout the year so there is no deadline. 
  • Their acceptances are through a series of interviews.
    • These interviews are used to understand your character so they can place you in the most fitting place. 
  • They work with smaller schools and smaller towns in Spain so it will be more difficult to be in a bigger city.
  • The same pay and hours as NALCAP but you are also required to take a Spanish course at a university to help aid in obtaining a Student VISA.
  • Extremely nice people and they truly care about placing you in the best fit.
  • Once you complete two interviews with the people that work for Up International you will have to interview with the school to get the job.
  • They hold your hand throughout the entire process and help you find an apartment

Chosen Program: NALCAP

For two reasons:

  1. The location they gave me was more ideal.
  2. Hours I was given to work were more flexible.