Lately, I’ve seen many people in forums discussing the possibility of working in Spain, particularly in the education sector. Since I’ve been working at an international school here for a few years, I thought I’d start a thread to share my real experiences and offer some insights for those who are interested.
What Are International Schools?
First, let’s clarify the concept. International schools here primarily refer to private schools that follow non-Spanish educational systems. The most common are the British, American, and International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculums. Students at these schools come from all over the world, as do the teachers, creating a very diverse environment. Therefore, language proficiency is the first hurdle. Fluent English is a must, and knowing Spanish is definitely a huge advantage.
Salary and Benefits
What everyone cares about most is, of course, the salary. Generally, salaries at international schools are higher than at Spanish public or state-subsidized private (concertado) schools, but the exact figures vary greatly depending on the school’s prestige, the city, and your experience. Typically, a new teacher might earn between €28,000 and €35,000 per year. It’s quite common for experienced senior teachers or those in middle management to earn over €45,000.
In terms of benefits, most schools offer private health insurance, which is very practical. Some top-tier schools might also provide a relocation allowance or temporary accommodation for teachers recruited from abroad. However, don’t get your hopes too high; benefits like fully covered housing are basically non-existent here. The holidays are the biggest perk. Besides the long two-month break in July and August, there are also Christmas, Easter, and many other holidays!
Application Requirements and Job Search Channels
So, what qualifications do you need to teach at an international school? It depends on what you’re teaching. To be a subject teacher at an international school in Spain, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a teaching qualification. British qualifications like PGCE or QTS, or an American Teaching License, are highly recognized. If you plan to teach Mandarin, a degree and experience in teaching Chinese as a foreign language are crucial. For teaching assistant positions, the requirements are a bit lower, but a background and experience in education are still essential.
| Position Type | Degree Requirement | Certification Requirement |
|---|
| Subject Teacher | Bachelor’s in relevant field or higher | PGCE / QTS / Teaching License, etc. |
| Language Teacher | Degree in language or education | Foreign language teaching certificate |
| Teaching Assistant | College diploma or Bachelor’s degree | Experience in education preferred |
As for where to find job openings, the most direct channel is the recruitment page on the schools’ official websites. Additionally, major platforms include international education recruitment sites like TES and Search Associates. LinkedIn is also a great platform where many school HR departments post vacancies. I recommend preparing a European-format CV and a strong, tailored Cover Letter in advance—opportunity favors the prepared mind.
Working at an international school in Spain can be a great career path with a good environment, decent pay, and plenty of holidays. However, the competition is fierce, and it requires a solid professional background and cross-cultural communication skills. I hope this information helps! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, and I’ll do my best to reply when I see it.
