Do you want to teach English in Spain as a language assistant? Here is a list of the best programs to teach English in Spain including language assistant programs and agencies. Find out which programs to teach in Spain are best for you.
Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase using one of these links, I receive a small commission – at no extra cost to you! This helps me continue to make content for teachers. Thank you!
Post Contents
Auxiliares de Conversación
The Auxiliares de Conversación Program is the most popular way to teach in Spain as a language assistant. This program is sponsored by the Spanish government.
It is also called the North American Language and Cultural Assistant Program (for Americans and Canadians). It’s called the Language and Cultural Assistant Program for other countries like Australia, India, the Philippines and more.
It’s also known as the “Ministerio” or simply the “Aux” program. No matter what you call it, it’s a great way to teach abroad in Spain!
North American Language and Cultural Assistant Program (US and Canadian Citizens)
Where: Placements in all Spanish regions in public schools.
When: October to the end of May or June, depending on the region.
Program Basics:
Assist local teachers in the classroom in a Spanish public school. You will help teach English or other subjects in English like Science, Art or Physical Education. Language assistants may help in the classroom and/or work with small groups of students. Many assistants help prepare their students for official English exams.
12-16 teaching hours per week. You only work 4 days per week. It is possible to renew to work an additional year in your school. Be aware that you may be placed in more than one school and will need to factor this into your commute.
Pay: 700-1000 euros per month as a stipend plus medical coverage.
Fee: No enrollment fee. You must cover the costs of your flights and long-term student visa.
Eligibility: Native speaker from the US or Canada. Must have a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in any subject. Can be at least a junior enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program OR in the last year of community college.
Ages 18-59 and able to pass a medical check. Know enough Spanish to fill out the paperwork.
Who should do this program?
The Auxiliares de Conversacion program is best for people with no, little or some teaching experience. If you are ok navigating the paperwork, finding housing and daily life in Spain by yourself, this is a great first program to teach English in Spain.
Application: Opens at the end of January, but there are parts of it like the letter of recommendation, personal statement and CV basics that you can complete before applications officially open.
Application is on a first come, first served basis so apply right when applications open (last year was on January 27 at 11:59pm Madrid time) to have the best chance of getting a spot. This program is very popular and there was a waitlist last year.
Click this link to apply to the Auxiliares de Conversación Program for Americans and Canadians.
Language and Cultural Assistant Program (Australia, NZ, India, etc.)
For people from other countries, application timelines and requirements will vary from country to country. These requirements can change from year to year so I suggest contacting the designated person for YOUR country on this list.
For example, Indian applications must provide a C1 Advanced level English certificate as part of their application and go through an interview process. Spots are also more limited for applicants who are not from the US or Canada.
Here’s a list of eligible countries:
The UK, Ireland, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, the Philippines, India, Singapore, Belgium, Bulgaria, China (Hong Kong), Denmark, Luxemburg, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Malta & Sweden
Auxiliares de Conversación for Indians
Auxiliares de Conversacion for Australians
Auxiliares de Conversación for Filipinos
Auxiliares de Conversacion for New Zealanders
BEDA Language Assistant Program
The BEDA program places language assistants in Catholic schools mainly in Madrid, with some placements in other regions. In this program you are more of an actual teacher than an assistant which means you must be comfortable in the classroom.
Where: Catholic schools in the Community of Madrid, with some placements in other Spanish regions.
When: Mid-September to mid-June.
Program Basics:
18-24 teaching hours per week, assigned randomly. Expect to work 5 days a week due to unpaid gaps in your teaching schedule. You have more responsibility as a teacher than in the Auxiliares de Conversación Program.
Participants in the BEDA Language Assistant Program in Spain can stay at their school for up to 2 years. You can participate in this program for up to 4 years.
Pay: 900-1200 euros per month plus medical coverage.
Fee: 185 euro enrollment fee. You must cover costs of flights and a long-term student visa.
Application:
Applications open the last week of November. If your application is successful, you will be asked to do a Skype interview between December and April.
This program is very competitive, so make sure you apply to more than one language assistant program.
Eligibility:
Native speakers preferred, but non-native speakers with a “native-like accent” can apply. There isn’t a list of specific countries, so I recommend emailing to ask if your country qualifies.
You must have a bachelor’s degree in any subject. Previous teaching experience is preferred because you have a more active role in lesson planning and the classroom.
Be between 18-59 years old. Basic Spanish is helpful, but not required.
Who should apply to this program?
The BEDA program is best for people with previous teaching experience and a good option for non-native speakers who have a proficient level of English.
Click this link to apply for the BEDA Language Assistant Program.
UCETAM Language Assistant Program
UCETAM places language assistants in charter schools throughout the Community of Madrid. Just like BEDA, you are more of an actual teacher in this program.
I did this program for 2 years and worked at a school in a suburb of Madrid. Read about my experience teaching with the UCETAM program.
Where: Bilingual charter schools in the Community of Madrid. Most placements are in preschools and not located directly in the city. I taught elementary students in a suburb of Madrid.
When: End of September to mid-June.
Program Basics:
18-26 teaching hours per week, including one hour per week for lesson prep. Expect to work 5 days per week due to unpaid gaps in your schedule.
You are more of an actual teacher than assistant in this program. I planned 90% of my lessons and created materials like PowerPoints for Science classes, games for grammar review and cultural activities.
You can do the program for more than one year if you choose to renew. I stayed at my school for two years which was great because the second year I didn’t have to learn my students’ names again. I taught a total of around 200 students.
Pay: 900-1300 euros per month + medical coverage.
Fee: There is a 150 euro deposit required to secure your spot in the UCETAM program. You must cover costs of flights and a long-term student visa.
Application:
Applications for UCETAM open at the end of January, with information available in December. There is a lot of competition for this program.
Eligibility:
Native speakers with a passport from that country. There are no specific countries listed on the website, so I suggest contacting UCETAM to find out if your country is eligible.
You must have a bachelor’s degree in any subject and some previous experience working with kids. This could be mentoring, coaching, tutoring, etc. A basic level of Spanish recommended.
Who should do this program?
The UCETAM Language Assistant Program is best for people with previous experience working with kids who are comfortable in the classroom/lesson planning. You will often be in charge of large groups of students with little support from the classroom teacher.
Click this link to apply to the UCETAM Language Assistant Program.
Meddeas Language Assistant Program
The Meddeas program has placements throughout Spain, with full and half academic year starts.
Where: Private and charter schools throughout Spain.
When: Full or half academic year options.
Program Basics:
20-25 teaching hours per week. There are 3 different options for people with varying levels of previous teaching experience. You’ll receive a free TEFL as part of the program.
You can choose to live with a host family or independently.
Pay: Depends on region, host family or not and hours. Here is a blog post with more information. You will also receive medical coverage.
Fee: No enrollment fee, but there is a 850 euro deposit required to secure your spot. You must cover costs of flights and visa
Application:
Apply in Feb/March to teach in Sep/Oct. If you pass the application, you will be asked to do a Skype interview.
Eligibility:
Native English speaker with passport from that country. There are no specific countries listed on the website, so I recommend contacting Meddeas to see if your country is eligible.
This program is a bit different from the others because you must have a bachelor’s degree in any subject from the last 4 years or be a university student on a gap year.
No Spanish knowledge required.
Who should do this program?
The Meddeas Language Assistant program is best for recent graduates or students on a gap year with no, little or some teaching experience. It’s also a good option if you would like to stay in a homestay during your teach abroad experience.
Click this link to apply to the Meddeas Language Assistant Program.
Agencies to Teach English in Spain
There are several agencies that place applicants into the Auxiliares de Conversacion program or directly in schools. In exchange for a large fee, these agencies offer varying levels of support.
Some people who have never taught or lived abroad before find these agencies to be helpful when applying for a visa, finding housing and setting up a Spanish bank account.
However, not all people feel that the large fee is worth it. I recommend contacting alumni from these various programs/companies to see if this is a good option for you.
CIEE Spain
CIEE Spain places teachers in the Community of Madrid through the Auxiliares Program.
Where: Placements in the Community of Madrid (not necessarily the city) through the Auxiliares de Conversación Program.
When: October – end of June.
Program Basics:
Because you are placed in the Community of Madrid, you will have 16 teaching hours per week, 4 days per week.
Your duties are the same as those of the Auxiliares de Conversación Program. Be aware that you may be placed in more than one school.
Pay: 1000 euros per month plus medical coverage.
Fees: There is a $50 application fee. To participate in CIEE Spain there is a fee of
$2,200 paid in two installments. This includes the $500 deposit.
If you have an upper intermediate level of Spanish and a TEFL certificate, the fee is $1400 with a $1000 deposit.
You must also cover costs of flights and a long-term student visa.
I know what you’re thinking … Why would I pay this much money if I can just apply to the same program for free?
Some people find the CIEE support to be helpful if they have never lived abroad before. Others miss the deadline for the original program and this is their only choice. And finally, some people only want to teach in Madrid and this is a guaranteed placement in that region.
Application: Deadline to teach in the fall is March 1.
Eligibility:
Must have citizenship from the US, Canada, Australia, Ireland or New Zealand.
You need a bachelor’s degree in any subject.
You must be vaccinated against COVID -19 to participate in CIEE.
You can apply if you are between 18-59 years old.
Who should do this program?
CIEE Spain is best for people who have never taught or lived abroad and don’t mind paying a large fee for some support. Keep in mind that it is “some” support. They will provide helpful documents and advice, but you are in charge of the processes.
Click this link to apply to CIEE Spain.
ConversaSpain
ConversaSpain is very similar to CIEE Spain in that you are placed in the Auxiliares de Conversación program and given some extra support for a fee. The difference is that placements are in rural areas in the Community of Madrid or anywhere in Murcia.
Where: Placements in rural areas of Madrid & throughout Murcia through the Auxiliares de Conversación Program.
When: October – end of May (Murcia) / June (Madrid).
Program Basics:
Madrid – 16 teaching hours per week
Murcia – 15 teaching hours per week
Your duties are the same as those of the Auxiliares de Conversación Program. Be aware that you may be placed in more than one school.
Pay: Madrid – 1000 euros per month and Murcia – 875 euros per mont.
Fees: Between $1,395 and $2,790 depending on location, if you’d like a TEFL certificate included and if you’d like the “immersion week.” There is a $100 early bird discount. Check the website for more information on these fees.
You must cover costs of flights and a long-term student visa.
Application:
Apply in the Fall/Winter for the following Fall. There are full and half academic year options.
Eligibility:
Be a Native English speaker from Australia, Canada, Fiji, Malta, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, the UK, the US, or Vanuatu.
OR have a C2 English certificate and a passport from these countries:
Austria, Belgium (Madrid), Bulgaria (Madrid), Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary (Madrid), Luxemburg (Madrid), Norway, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Russia (Madrid), Sweden and Switzerland.
You must hold a 3+ year degree in any subject and previous teaching experience is valuable.
Be between 18-59 and if you know some Spanish, that is a plus.
Who should do this program?
The ConversaSpain program is best for people who have never taught or lived abroad and don’t mind paying a large fee for some support. Good option for people from “near-native” and “non-native” countries.
Click the link to apply to ConversaSpain.
RVF International
The RVF International program offers 1 on 1 support for its participants and has more positive reviews that the other agencies.
Where: Placements all over Spain through the Auxiliares de Conversacion Program.
When: October – end of May / June depending on the placement region.
Program Basics:
12-16 teaching hours per week, 4 days per week. The number of hours depends on the region in which you are teaching.
Your duties are the same as those of the Auxiliares de Conversación Program. Be aware that you may be placed in more than one school.
Pay: 700-1000 euros per month depending on how many hours worked.
Fees: The Spain Placement Program: $1,299.
Spain Support Program: $1,599.
Both are broken down into two payments & include a $700 deposit.
You must cover costs of flights and a long-term student visa.
Application:
Applications are accepted year round, but apply in Fall/Winter for the following Fall as a guideline.
Eligibility:
A passport from the USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
You must have a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in any subject. No teaching experience. required
Who should do this program?
Best program for people who have never taught or lived abroad and don’t mind paying a large fee for extra support. Best reviews for any agency.
Click this link to apply to RVF International.
Watch this video with the RVF International founder.
Up International
Up International has very little information available and has a mix of positive and negative reviews. Up International does NOT place teachers in the Auxiliares de Conversación Program.
Where: Placements all over Spain in schools as a teaching assistant.
When: Academic school year.
Program Basics:
A grant to teach kids 4-17 for around 20 hours per week.
Pay: Around 745 – 845 euros per month depending on location.
Fee: No information given. You must cover costs of flights and a long-term student visa.
Application:
After applying to Up International, you go through a process of several interviews to get “matched” with a school looking for a language assistant.
Eligibility:
Native English speakers who have recently graduated. There is not a list of specific countries.
You must have a bachelor’s degree in any subject.
Who should do this program?
It’s best to apply to Up International as a backup because the pay is very low and the reviews are not very good – especially from teachers who were in the program in 2020 and felt abandoned during the start of the pandemic.
Click this link to apply to Up International.
Click to view the Up International brochure from 2023-2024.
Canterbury English Madrid Lifestyle Program
While not a language assistant program, the Canterbury English Madrid Lifestyle Program is another way to stay and teach English in Spain.
Where: Madrid city and near the city.
When: September to June.
Program Basics:
Teach some hours through Canterbury English and some hours on your own as a freelance teacher. Canterbury English helps you find these extra interviews by advising how to set up interviews with their contacts.
Study Spanish so you qualify for a student visa. Canterbury English will renew your visa for a second year for free.
Pay: 16-20 euros per hour with some minimum hours guaranteed by Canterbury English. You are expected to make up the rest of your income with private classes, so there is no set salary.
Fees: 1600 euros with a 300 euro deposit to secure your place. You must cover the costs of flights and a long-term student visa.
Application:
Rolling admissions, sometimes there’s a waitlist. If you pass the application, you’ll do a Skype interview.
Eligibility:
Native English or bilingual English speaker. There isn’t a list of specific countries on the website.
Be at least 21 years old.
You will need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in work experience. It’s a bit unclear, but I assume you need a TEFL certificate for this program.
Who should do this program?
The Canterbury English Madrid Lifestyle Program is best for teachers who already have experience living abroad and are confident English teachers. A great option if you’d like to live in Madrid.
Click the link to apply to the Canterbury English Madrid Lifestyle Program.
Other Ways to Teach in Spain
Another option to teach in Spain is through a TEFL program. If you don’t have a TEFL certificate yet, then this could be a great option! Some programs offer job search and/or job placement as part of your TEFL course fee.
International TEFL Academy – courses abroad in Madrid and Barcelona. Includes lifetime job search assistance, an accredited level 5 TEFL certificate and a huge alumni group to support you while abroad.
Final Thoughts
Teaching in Spain is becoming more and more popular each year! I recommend double checking all the application deadlines and applying as early as possible.
I also suggest applying to more than one program since many have become very competitive.
For more information on teaching abroad in Spain, you can check out my Teach in Spain Playlist on YouTube.
As always, if you have any questions, please leave a comment down below. Happy teaching!
