Teaching English in Spain: Living in Spain

Surrounded by ocean, Spain is one of the wealthiest nations in the European Union. Working as an ESL teacher in Spain will allow an opportunity to experience Spaniards and their culture.

Living and Teaching in Spain
Spain: At a Glance
Spain: Living in Spain
Spain: Teaching ESL in Spain
Spain: Financial Snapshot

Why Teach in Spain
What to Know About Living in Spain
Transportation in Spain
Etiquette in Spain
Language in Spain
Eating in Spain
Climate in Spain
Holidays in Spain

Why Teach in Spain

Whether an ESL teacher’s interests lie in culture, history, climate, or cuisine, Spain will have what they are looking for. Finding work as an ESL teacher in Spain is not an easy task without a European Union passport; however, citizens of other nations can find employment if they don’t mind a challenge

Most ESL teachers do not decide to teach English in Spain for the paycheque. Like many nations in Western Europe, salaries are not as high as other ESL markets around the world; Spain is a popular choice for those more concerned with having a good time. ESL teachers can expect their monthly salary to range between €1,100 and €1,400. The cost of living in Spain is €700 to €1,500 per month. So, with careful budgeting, teachers can still have some extra money, though it is best to save up enough money to cover living expenses for a couple of months before arriving in Spain. Money is not the reason why Spain is on many ESL teachers’ wish list; it is the country’s vibrancy and richness of culture.

What to Know About Living in Spain

Housing

Like most locations, finding an apartment in Spain can be a difficult task. It is almost unheard of to find an employer willing to pay for housing; however, schools can still be a great resource when looking. Finding an apartment in a central area of a large Spanish city will be expensive, yet it will relieve any worries concerning transportation.

Many Spanish apartments are older. Things like air conditioning, heating, elevators, Internet, and other modern conveniences may be lacking in a Spanish apartment.

Airfare

With the amount of people interested in teaching English in Spain, it is highly unlikely that most will find a position that will pay for the flight to Spain. There are not many large airline flights that take customers directly from Canada to Spain and the few that are offered are often very pricey. Most flights will travel to a major airport on the Atlantic side of Europe and transfer to a flight heading to Spain. Teaching in a smaller city or rural area of Spain will require additional charges and planning for land travel.

Health Benefits

The Spanish people are covered by a universal healthcare system called the Sistema Sanitario Público. In addition to the public healthcare system, there are many Spaniards who prefer to use the private clinics located throughout the country. User fees are paid out-of-pocket or through private health insurance.

EU citizens are covered under the Spanish healthcare system, while teachers from outside nations, such as Canada and the United States, will need to pay for any medical expenses out of their own pocket. With the risk of high medical expenses, it is recommended that English teachers from outside the EU buy private health insurance. Even if covered under the Sistema Sanitario Público, English teachers will still need to pay for visiting a dentist and prescription costs. It is in the best interest of most to discuss the Spanish healthcare system with any future employer and current/past English teachers at a Spanish school. Plan to purchase private insurance and keep some money in case of a medical emergency.

Retirement Age

The retirement age in Spain is 65 years old. It is not uncommon for citizens to be offered an early retirement for a lesser monthly payment. Older ESL teachers should be aware that some Spanish schools may prefer younger teachers.

Technology and Advancement

Urban areas of Spain are on par with most European nations when it comes to technology. For the most part, cell phone service, high-speed Internet, and paid television services are all available within urban regions of Spain. Certain rural areas in Spain are lacking some electronic conveniences that North Americans live with everyday. Electrical outlets are different than North American outlets. Be prepared to get Type C adaptors for electronics that are brought to Spain.

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Transportation in Spain

Transportation

The transportation system in Spain allows commuters the ability to travel around the country with ease. With a total distance of 14,781 km, the railway system can take its riders to most areas of Spain for varying prices. Most of the railway business is operated by the state-owned company RENFE (Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles).

In addition to the railway service, Spanish drivers have access to an estimated 346,858 total km of roadway to drive on. In urban areas, commuters can ride buses, light rail, or hail a taxi to take them around town.

Due to its location on the Iberian Peninsula, Spain has always been a marine traffic hotspot. Spain has ports and harbours in many of its urban areas.

Public Transportation

Taxi

Most cabs in Spain do not have meters in their vehicles. Rates for getting around in a cab are decided by city officials and cabs are required to display a sign showing all of these fixed rates. This system allows Spain to have some of the cheapest taxi prices in the world.

When a taxi is available, the driver will display a green sign or shine a green light on the car’s roof. Many restaurants and bars encourage their patrons to ask a staff member to call a cab on their behalf to ensure that customers arrive home safely.

Beware of taxi drivers charging extra fees for things like having excess baggage, travelling at night, and other unusual charges. Tourists and other Spain foreigners are often targeted by drivers for extra money.
Train and Subway

Larger Spanish cities such as Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, and Valencia all have subway systems. English teachers should not have any issues getting around town on the Spanish subway system; the subway in Spain is very similar to its North American counterpart. Colour-coded maps can be found in transit stations.

The railway system in Spain is one of the most important elements of Spain’s transit system. Most urban dwellers have access to light rail systems that can transport large amounts of people throughout the city. Railroads cover most of the nation and commuters can travel throughout the Spanish countryside on the train. In addition to covering most of the country, the Spanish railway also links across the borders of France, Portugal, and Morocco, via an undersea tunnel, in the next few years
Bus

Most cities in Spain have public bus transit. There are lanes on the street designated for buses, which makes travelling through the very busy Spanish streets much more efficient. In order to fit more commuters, the buses usually do not have many seats, so riders may have to stand on the way to work. Spending €1.10 to ride the city bus in Spain is fairly standard.

Other Modes of Transportation

Other modes of transportation that are available for ESL teachers include:

Bicycle

With more people around the world being more concerned about the environment and rising fuel prices, the option of riding a bike to get around seems appealing to many. Riding a bike through the streets of cities like Madrid and Barcelona is an excellent way to learn about a Spanish city. Many bicycle enthusiasts travel to Spain to ride their bike through the various regions.

Some Spanish bicycling laws include:
- No riding bicycles on freeways
- Riders must wear a helmet anytime they bike outside a town
- During the night, riders must have a light and reflectors on their bicycle and wear reflective clothing
- Cyclists must offer the right-of-way to any motor vehicle
Motor Vehicles

Applying for a driver’s license in Spain is not a simple process. All non-EU citizens must go through a fairly lengthy application in order to get a Spanish driver’s license.

Canadians are asked that they have their provincial driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (the IDP can be purchased at provincial transportation offices). Having both of these cards allows you to drive in Spain for one year and an additional six months once you can prove you have a Spanish residence of your own. American drivers will have a harder time applying for a driver’s license than English teachers from other countries. Each American state negotiates driver licensing arrangements with foreign nations. For some states, citizens are allowed to use their state-issued license for up to a year, while English teachers from other states may not be allowed to drive at all. It is recommended that Americans interested in driving in Spain contact their local driver's licensing office.

Once an IDP (International Driving Permit) has expired, English teachers will need a Spanish driver’s license. In order to receive a driving license English teachers must take a driving course, a vision and medical test, a written exam, and an in-car test (a driving instructor’s car must be used for the test). The licensing process is known for being both lengthy and expensive; therefore, using public transit, walking, or bicycling may be the best option for most people. Not all difficulties are resolved upon receiving a Spanish license as it is nearly impossible to find a parking space in any Spanish city.

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Etiquette in Spain

One thing the Spanish are noted for are their siestas. Like a lot of regions with hot climates, many Spaniards take a two to four hour lunch break. In the past, this time was meant for workers to have time to eat lunch and have a nap before returning to work. In modern Spain, workers rarely spend their siesta napping. Instead, people are more likely to walk around town and shop. Another reason for the siesta is to provide workers a chance to rest up for the busy Spanish nightlife scene, or to recover from the previous night's events.

Since joining the European Union, many large companies and government branches are eliminating the siesta in order to have the same business schedule as other European nations.

General Etiquette

Like in North America, when first meeting someone, expect to shake their hand. Many men will use both of their hands during a greeting and place their left hand on the other person's right forearm.
Follow the other person's lead to determine what kind of greeting to extend.
Kissing on the cheek is not an uncommon greeting for women in Spain. Remember to always kiss the right cheek first.
It is normal for people to greet those around them and strike up conversations with strangers. So don't be surprised to hear a lot of people saying 'Hola' or 'Buenos días'. Not replying is considered to be very rude.
When waiting, many Spaniards simply stand around without forming a line. People are polite and simply keep track of when their turn arrives .
The Spanish are well-known for being close talkers, meaning they often have little room between their face and the face of the person they are speaking to.
There are not many public restrooms in Spain. It is considered rude to simply use a business's washroom without purchasing anything.

Business Etiquette

When it comes to business, people in Spain like to look the part. There is little or no room for sloppy dressing. Don't be fooled: even if the dress code is outlined as casual, dress professionally.
In business settings it is not uncommon for men to have the word 'Don' inserted before their first name and for women to be referred to as 'Dona'. In Spanish and Italian culture this is a way to show respect.
Past impressions play a huge part in business relationships. Spaniards tend to prefer to do business with people they already know. For this reason, building long-term business relations is a very important element to having success in Spanish business.
Being interrupted during a business discussion is not an insult; in fact, it is actually the opposite. Speaking out of turn lets the person know that their idea is interesting and has caught their attention. It is still recommended that expats wait until the other person has finished speaking before offering input.

Eating Etiquette

If possible, never deny someone a business meeting held over lunch. The Spanish take their food seriously and some of the most important business meetings happen while eating.
Keep hands on the table at all times. It is considered rude to place hands under the table while dining.
When dining with Spaniards, be sure to keep schedules open. Meals in Spain are long events meant to not only fill the stomach but they also serve as an outlet for conversation. It is not uncommon for meals to last for hours.

Crime

Spaniards are known as being friendly people; however just as anywhere else, crime can happen; especially in urban areas. Practicing common safety precautions such as not carrying a lot of cash, wearing a money belt, walking in areas with streetlights and friends, taking cabs, and other precautions should keep ESL teachers safe. A common crime committed against ESL teachers is passport theft, so be aware of where passports are at all times. Overall, Spain is a safe place to live and teach, but as with any country, ESL teachers in Spain should avoid placing themselves in potentially harmful situations.

Terrorism

In today's world, terrorism is something that needs to be researched before travelling anywhere. Spain has made international headlines for recent terrorist attacks. Both American and Canadian governments offer overwhelming support that Spain is a safe place to travel and for people not to be overly concerned, but English teachers should still be aware of past events, such as the bombing of commuter trains in Madrid in 2004.

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Language in Spain

Being the official language of 21 nations and of an estimated 400 million people around the world, Spanish is one of the most spoken languages. This Romance language has been consistently evolving since its beginnings after the fall of the Roman Empire.

Anyone thinking about teaching English in Spain should consider learning Spanish. With Spanish being such a widely used language, its lessons are fairly easy to find in most areas of the North America. Here are some examples of common and useful Spanish phrases:

Gracias
Thank You
Hello, my name is ________
Hola, me llamo _______
How much is it?
¿Cuánto es él?
Where is …?
¿Dónde está…?
Where are we on the map?
¿Dónde estamos aquí en el mapa?
Where is the washroom?
¿Donde está el baño?
I'm looking for ____
Busco _____
Where can I catch a taxi (bus)?
¿Dónde puedo coger un taxi (un autobús)?
I don't understand Spanish very well
No entiendo bien el español.
Excuse me
Disculpe

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Eating in Spain

Spanish Cuisine

One of the great things about being an ESL teacher in Spain is the food. Spain is known for its abundance of water and this geographical trademark is strongly showcased in the nation's rich cuisine, as many Spanish dishes contain seafood. With much of Spain's culture being centred on its food, teachers can expect many long meals enjoying foods like gazpacho, calamares, jamón serrano, and many more tasty treats. From Madrid to the Canary Islands, each region of Spain adds their own spin on Spanish cuisine and offers dishes truly unique to their region, often built upon their local food resources.

The Spaniards do not devote much effort into breakfast as they do for other meals eaten throughout the course of the day. A typical Spanish breakfast consists of fresh rolls and jam served with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Travellers to Spain should be aware that Spaniards are known for liking their coffee strong.

The real eating begins during lunch when the siesta begins. Most dishes in Spain are not shy on olive oil and garlic. When the siesta time arrives, the streets are filled with fragrances circulating from nearby restaurants and tapas. The siesta also allows for workers to return home for lunch and to relax before working again in the afternoon. When a Spaniard goes to a bar, there is often food set up at the bar similar to a buffet. Sometimes the dishes are simple and sometimes patrons can eat multi-course meals called 'tapas'.

With Spain being such a warm place, water is the most consumed item throughout the country.

Some of Spain's more popular dishes include:

Calamares
Fried squid
Shellfish
Gazpacho
Cold tomato soup
Jamón Serrano
Ham that has been cured
Tortilla de patatas
Potato omelette
Arroz Con Leche
Rice pudding

Types of Coffee in Spain

Café con leche - Litreally translated to 'coffee with milk', this drink is half coffee and half hot milk.
Café solo - This is the cup of choice for North Americans who enjoy their caffeine. There is no milk in this drink, only 100 percent Spanish brewed coffee.
Café cortado - The Café cortado is a popular drink amongst Spaniards, which consists of hot coffee with a shot of milk.

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Climate in Spain

For a country of its size, Spain has a diverse climate that can be broken up into three types: Continental Mediterranean, Mediterranean, and Oceanic.

Continental Mediterranean Climate

Covering most of Spain including Madrid, the Continental Mediterranean climate features colder winters and warmer summers. Temperatures in the summer months can climb to over 30°C, with frost usually appearing in the winter time.

Mediterranean Climate

Covering most of Spain's Southern and Eastern coasts, the Mediterranean climate produces hot, dry summer months and cold, wet winter months. This weather climate can also be found in a large portion of California, including San Francisco.

Oceanic Climate

Located in the Northern region of the Spain near the Bay of Biscay and the city of Bilbao is where the Oceanic climate can be found. The main characteristic of this climate type is temperatures which do not vary as much from summer to winter. This climate zone covers most of Western Europe, including the United Kingdom.

Natural Disasters in Spain

In recent history, mainland Spain has not been known for having any large issues with natural disasters. Spain does have small earthquakes once every few years, but historical records indicate that there have been larger ones in the past. The Canary Islands were hit hard by Tropical Storm Delta in 2005. The Islands suffered greatly from the storm; seven lives were lost and the storm left an estimated €312 million in damages at the time.

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Holidays in Spain

In addition to celebrating nine national holidays, English teachers in Spain get to enjoy at least two more regional holidays depending on where they live.

National Holidays in Spain

January 1st - New Year's Day (Anon Nuevo in Spanish) - Celebration to mark the first day of the year.
Two days before Easter - Good Friday (Viernes Santo) - Like in North America, Good Friday is a religious holiday which is part of Easter.
May 1st - Labour Day (Día del Trabajador) - Labour Day is a holiday to mark the achievement of Spanish workers.
August 15th - Assumption of Mary (Asunción) - A religious holiday based on the Roman Catholic faith.
October 12th - Hispanic Day/Columbus Day (Día de la Hispanidad) - A holiday marking the day Columbus arrived at the Americas.
November 1st - All Saints Day - A day when the Spanish remember loved ones and ancestors whom have passed away.
December 6th - Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) - Marking the anniversary of the Spanish Constitution's signing.
December 8th - Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción) - A region-based Spanish holiday.
December 25th - Christmas Day - (Navidad) - Similar to Christmas in North America.

Regional Holidays in Spain

Each local government in Spain is able to offer a maximum of 14 paid holidays to their workforce. Nine of these holidays are the national holidays (listed above), while at least two more are regional holidays. The amount of time devoted to regional holidays varies depending the Spanish city.

January 6th - Epiphany (Día de Reyes) - Celebrated in all regions of Spain.
March 19th - Father's Day (San José) - Celebrated in Castile-La Mancha, Madrid, Murcia, and Valencia.
Day before Good Friday - Holy Thursday (Jueves Santo) - Celebrated in all regions except Canary Islands, Catalonia and Valencia.
Day following Easter Sunday - Easter Monday (Lunes de Pascua) - Celebrated in Basque Country, Catalonia, Navarra, and Valencia.
April 23rd - St. George's Day (San Jorge) - Celebrated in Aragon, Catalonia, Castile, and León.
June 24th - St. Joan's Day (Sant Joan) - Celebrated in Catalonia
July 25th - St. James Day (Santiago Apostol) - Celebrated in Galicia
September 8th - Covadonga and Guadalupe Day (Día de Asturias y Extremadura) - Celebrated in Asturias and Extremadura
December 26th - St. Stephen's Day (San Esteban) - Celebrated in Balearic Islands and Catalonia