I’ve noticed a lot of discussion in the forums lately about job opportunities in Spain, especially in the education sector. Since I have friends working at international schools here and have come across some recruitment info, I thought I’d start a thread to share what I know. Hopefully, this can help anyone interested in becoming a teacher in Spain.
Which International Schools are Hiring?
International schools in Spain are mainly concentrated in major cities and coastal areas like Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, and Valencia. The curricula are diverse, including British, American, and IB systems. I recently checked, and schools like King’s College in Madrid, Benjamin Franklin International School in Barcelona, and Swans International School in Málaga have posted vacancies on their official websites. Openings range from kindergarten to high school, covering a wide array of subjects. Mathematics, Science, and English Literature are consistently in high demand.
Basic Application Requirements
To teach at an international school in Spain, legal status and qualifications are two major hurdles. First, you need legal permission to work in Spain. For non-EU citizens, this means the school will need to sponsor your work visa, which gives larger, more reputable schools an advantage. Second are the teaching qualifications, such as the UK’s PGCE/QTS, an American teaching license, or relevant training and experience for IB teachers. Regarding language, although the language of instruction is English, speaking some Spanish is a huge plus—not just for your application, but also for daily life here.
| Key Requirement | Typical Requirement |
|---|
| Work Permit | School sponsorship for work visa |
| Teaching Qualification | PGCE / QTS / US teaching license / IB certification |
| Teaching Experience | Minimum 2 years of experience in the relevant curriculum |
| Language Skills | Fluent in English; basic Spanish is a plus |
What About Salary and Benefits?
What everyone is probably most curious about is the salary. To be honest, the salaries here might not be as high as in some other countries, but the appeal lies in the lower cost of living and a more relaxed work pace. Depending on the school and your experience, the annual pre-tax salary typically ranges from €30,000 to €50,000. Some of the better schools offer benefits like housing allowances, tuition discounts for children, health insurance, and round-trip airfare. While these are the standard perks, you’ll find online discussions about all aspects of school life, including the quality of Spanish teachers. However, be aware that taxes here are not low, so be sure to calculate your net income carefully. Overall, this job is enough to afford a very decent and comfortable lifestyle in Spain, and the holidays are plentiful! You’ll have plenty of time to explore Europe.
Finally, a heads-up: the application process can be quite long. It’s normal for it to take several months from submitting your resume to receiving an offer. There are usually several rounds of interviews, including with HR, the head of the department, and the school principal. Some may also require a demo lesson. I recommend frequently checking international teacher recruitment websites like TES and Schrole, as well as diligently monitoring the careers pages on the schools’ official websites. I wish you all the best in finding your ideal job and starting a new life in Spain! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below for discussion, and I’ll answer what I can. ¡Buena suerte
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