Country guide

Teach English in Spain

Auxiliares de Conversación, language academies, and private classes.

Spain is the most popular ESL destination in Europe. Most teachers enter through the Auxiliares de Conversación program, where the Spanish government places you in a public school as a language assistant. Beyond that, language academies hire across major cities, and private one-on-one classes make up the income gap for most teachers.

Salary

Auxiliares: 700 to 1,000 EUR per month for 12 to 16 hours per week. Language academies: 1,200 to 1,800 EUR. Private classes: 15 to 30 EUR per hour. Most teachers combine sources to reach 1,500 to 2,200 EUR.

Visa

EU citizens can work freely. North Americans typically use the Auxiliares student visa or, increasingly, the Spanish digital nomad visa for remote work plus side teaching. UK citizens now need a visa post-Brexit.

Best for

Teachers prioritizing lifestyle, language exposure, and access to Europe over savings. This is not a market you save in.

Common questions about teaching in Spain

Can I save money teaching in Spain?

Realistically, no. Most teachers break even or save 100 to 300 EUR per month in cheaper cities. Spain is for the experience, not the bank account.

Auxiliares vs language academy?

Auxiliares offers a visa pathway and structured hours but low pay and a 9-month contract. Language academies pay better but require legal work status.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Not for the classroom. For navigating bureaucracy, finding apartments, and daily life, you will want at least basic Spanish.