The recent pandemic and its collateral effects, such as lockdowns and general social restrictions have completely transformed the employment scene. Companies worldwide have been forced to adapt, implementing a dramatic shift to their vision. A hybrid work structure, remote work, and shorter working weeks are some of the changes that employees have recently experienced.
While many have settled into their new routine, others have struggled to adapt. There is another category of workers, however, who have taken advantage of this global transformation to pause and reflect upon their life. As a result, a considerable proportion of the population have recently made drastic life-changing decisions - mainly regarding their career. A very popular choice has been to leave a well-structured yet habitual job to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL).
English is the language with the highest number of speakers across the globe. This number is constantly increasing, thanks to the widespread use of the internet as a tool to carry out international business and social interaction. For this reason, combined with the effects on the job market brought about by these unprecedented times, more and more people are investing in training and education. Therefore, it is understandable that the English language has become one of the go-to skills to develop.
A career in teaching EFL (English as a Foreign Language) or ESL (English as a Second Language) is not just a job - it’s a lifestyle. Qualifying as a TEFL teacher is important, not only to gain invaluable teaching knowledge but also to demonstrate dedication and professionalism to potential employers and students.
TEFL teaching offers opportunities for personal and professional growth while avoiding routine. Although online teaching is growing in popularity, the traditional face-to-face teaching approach continues to be the favorite by students and teachers alike. This is particularly appealing to those who wish to travel, expanding their horizons and immersing themselves in new cultures, discovering what other countries have to offer.
One of the most popular TEFL destinations is Spain. A slow pace of life, rich culture, wonderful food, and friendly people are among the reasons that make this country a great place to live in. Unfortunately, unemployment rates in Spain are high, but this is an advantage for TEFL teachers. As the locals focus on improving their chances of finding a job, they invest in English language learning. Furthermore, Spain provides a range of job opportunities as a TEFL teacher:
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Academies/Language schools. This is probably the easiest way to secure an English teaching job, with hundreds of language schools dotted around the country. They offer a range of courses, from beginner to advanced, and to learners of different age groups. Although they might not offer a full schedule, there’s always the option to work for two or three different schools to build up your weekly schedule.
However, for those who are looking to study in Spain, a part-time job with a light timetable would be ideal for making some money while studying abroad.
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Public schools. Since the Ministry of Education in Spain requires English language teaching in primary and secondary schools, English speakers are sought after as language and cultural assistants. The pay is not high, but this post has the advantage of allowing the teacher to be fully immersed in Spanish life. A teaching qualification is not required, but some knowledge of the Spanish language is strongly advised.
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Private schools. These offer teaching positions in primary schools, with a monthly (higher) salary and a range of perks. However, a teaching qualification is required for these roles, and some knowledge of Spanish is preferred.
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International schools. Similarly to the public sector, these schools offer placements in primary and secondary schools. With small class sizes and a relaxed atmosphere, these are ideal to work at. However, there are fewer job opportunities and most schools seek highly experienced and qualified teachers..
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Universities. Although these positions require having teaching experience and at least a bachelor’s degree, teaching at a university offers a considerably better salary and benefits. Furthermore, with more and more Spanish universities offering programmes in English, the demand for qualified English teachers has considerably increased in the last few years.
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Private tuition. Giving private lessons brings a multitude of advantages. From setting their own hourly rate to choosing what materials to use, private tuition allows great flexibility. In this way, TEFL teachers could benefit from extra cash helping students prepare for a specific exam or become more confident speakers. There are some challenges, though. First of all, finding students is more difficult. Secondly, lesson planning becomes more time-consuming, as each lesson has to be tailor-made to suit each student’s needs.
Remember to do your research on your potential employers before committing to a long-term contract. Considering pay, expenses, and holidays is important, of course, but you also want to find yourself a company that helps you develop your teaching skills, by providing regular professional development.
Breaking from a mundane lifestyle and leaving an unfulfilling job behind is possible, even after a pandemic. All in all, considering its amazing lifestyle, and despite its (sadly) adverse job climate, teaching English in Spain is probably one of the best TEFL opportunities out there at the moment.
