Teaching in Spain can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The downside is that it can take a long time to obtain the work visa. Spain is a member of the European Union (EU), and the process can be frustrating. There are many teaching jobs available, especially teaching English. Most Spaniards do not speak English and there is a shortage in teachers that have the credentials to teach English in Spain. There are also teaching jobs available working for the U.S. government in Department of Defense (DOD) schools.
Instructions
Obtaining a Work Visa
1. If you are not in Spain, email your resume and credentials to schools where you would like to work. If you are in Spain, visit the school and leave your resume and credentials for review. If you don't hear from school officials within several weeks, follow up with a phone call or email. Once you contact a hiring manager, make an appointment for an interview. Maintain contact until you receive an offer. Once you receive an offer, you can begin the work visa process. Check with the school that you receive the offer from; many schools will assist you in obtaining your work visa.
2. Submit all documentation to the government of the city in which you will work. This can be time consuming. Required documentation includes an application for a work visa, three matte-finish passport photos, a copy of your original passport that is valid for the duration of your employment, your credentials, and the official job offer from the school that has made you an offer. The offer must be signed and stamped. Next, submit an official company tax identity and social security identity document obtained from the school. The school also has to provide documentation that shows it posted the job opening with the unemployment office and that no EU candidates qualified for the position.
3. Pick up your work visa in person from the Spanish Consulate nearest you, once it has been processed and you receive notification. The consulate will not issue the visa to anyone but you. Once you have the visa you can return to Spain and finalize your residence permit and begin work.
4. Applying for a teaching visa may not be a good idea if you are trying to obtain a working visa for less than two years. The bureaucratic process can be very involved and difficult. Spain has a high rate of unemployment and gives EU passport holders priority for jobs.
Types of Teaching Jobs
5. Obtain a U.S. government teaching job by checking frequently with the Department of Defense website. DOD jobs are available for teachers in Spain on military bases or at civilian U.S. government schools. These positions are normally a one-year assignment and are difficult to get.
6. Attend a Teaching English as a Second Language school in Spain (TESOL) and receive your certification; it can open doors. You can network while attending and TESOL schools will help you find employment. Being a TESOL teacher in Spain almost always requires at least proof of a TESOL certificate. Many schools require a bachelors degree and some may require a masters degree.
7. A short stint as a freelance English teacher is another option. Many backpackers meet other backpackers in Spain that know people who want to learn English. They are not in Spain long-term so they teach for a month or less to experience the local culture and learn Spanish at the same time. Some teach just for room and board, while others make just enough to pay for their living expenses during their visit.
