The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in Barcelona
This guide will cover:
- What Qualifications Do I Need To Teach English Abroad
- How To Choose The Right TEFL School
- How To Get The Appropriate Visa
- What to Expect on a TEFL Course
- How to Get Set Up In Barcelona
- How to Find a Job in Barcelona
- Life in Barcelona
What Qualifications Do I Need to Teach English Abroad?
To teach English in Barcelona, you typically need:
- TEFL Certification: A TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate is crucial. There are many TEFL qualifications available, but it’s important to look for internationally accredited qualifications like the Trinity CertTESOL which equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to teach effectively.
- Proficiency in English: Native-level proficiency is preferred. Non-native speakers must demonstrate fluency, often through exams like IELTS or TOEFL.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be a native English speaker – non-native speaking English teachers make up about 20% of teachers at reputable English academies. Previous teaching experience can certainly be beneficial, but it isn’t a requirement – a good TEFL academy will help you gain valuable skills and experience, giving you the foundational tools to have confidence in the classroom.
Common FAQs
- Do I need to speak Spanish? Do I need to speak Spanish? English is the only language used in the classroom, and throughout the program, you’ll be shown how to properly teach English without the usage of any foreign language. That way you can teach everywhere from Barcelona to Beijing. With that said, taking a basic Spanish course in Barcelona will certainly enrich your experience outside of the classroom!
- Do I need a degree to enroll in a TEFL course? No. A degree is not required to get accepted into a TEFL program, but students do need to demonstrate sufficient qualifications/work experience prior to enrollment.
- Can I take the TEFL course if English is not my first language? Yes, all TEFL academies welcome non-native English speakers who demonstrate fluency in English. The Trinity CertTESOL course focuses on developing teaching skills and language proficiency regardless of your native language.
How To Choose The Right TEFL School
Selecting the right TEFL provider is crucial for your success as an English teacher. Consider the following factors to make an informed choice: accreditation, course content, practical experience, support services, and post-graduation job placement assistance.
- Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by a reputable body. Accreditation ensures that the school meets certain quality standards and that its programs are recognized and respected in the industry. Look for accreditation from well-known organisations or accrediting bodies, such as Trinity College London or Cambridge University. This not only validates the quality of education but also enhances the credibility of your qualifications upon completion.
- Course Content: Look for a course that offers a balance of theory and practical experience. A well-rounded education combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Seek courses that include hands-on experience and teaching practice alongside classroom learning. The teaching practice should be with real learners and observed by a senior teacher, who will give you feedback after your lesson. This approach not only deepens your understanding but also prepares you for real-world challenges and enhances employability. Check if the curriculum is up-to-date with industry trends and technologies to ensure relevance and applicability.
- Support Services: Good schools offer support services such as job placement assistance, visa guidance, and accommodation help. Beyond academics, support services are crucial for a smooth transition and successful educational experience. Look for schools that provide comprehensive support, including assistance with job placements, especially if you’re considering working in the country after graduation. Visa guidance is essential for international students, ensuring compliance with immigration laws. Accommodation help can ease the stress of finding suitable housing, particularly in unfamiliar locations.
Common FAQs
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- What is the difference between TEFL and TESOL? TESOL stands for ‘Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages’ and TEFL stands for ‘Teaching English as a Foreign Language’. Both are generic names for the same thing. The Trinity CertTESOL is an official qualification in TEFL provided by Trinity College London.
- How can I ensure I’m choosing the right TEFL/TESOL course among so many options? Selecting the right TEFL/TESOL course can seem overwhelming with so many options available. Start by considering the basics: your preferred location, timeline, budget, and course duration. As you explore your options, you’ll likely find several schools that fit your criteria.
- Excellent feedback and reviews from previous graduates.
- Accreditation by recognized bodies such as Trinity CertTESOL or CELTA.
- Comprehensive course materials and access to an extensive network of potential employers.
- Small class sizes, personalised instruction, and ample support.
- Modern facilities and competitive pricing.
- Additional services such as job placement assistance, housing, and language translation.
Each school has its own unique atmosphere, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your preferences. Additionally, consider the amount and variety of teaching practice included in the course, as gaining confidence in a real classroom setting is essential.
Getting the Appropriate Visa for Spain
One of the most common mishaps many new teachers encounter when looking for work in Barcelona, is not having the correct documents and visa before they arrive. Securing the correct visa is crucial for a smooth transition to living and working in Barcelona and should be planned well in advance of your arrival! The most common visa options are:
Student Visa: The student visa is the most common and easiest visa to get, along with documents such as a police background check, medical insurance and others, all you need is to be enrolled into a long term course (6+ months). Some common courses are Spanish language & Teacher Development courses. With the student visa you’re allowed to study and work part-time for up to 12 months at a time!
Youth Mobility Visa: The Youth Mobility visa is available to citizens of certain countries (such as Canada & Australia), this visa allows you to live and work in Spain for up to one year. However, it’s important to note, you need to be studying or have studied an undergraduate degree and also pass a Spanish language test.
If moving from outside the EU, securing a visa is crucial. This process can take some time, so we recommend starting the process 3 to 5 months before your intended arrival date in Spain.
Common FAQs
- Can I work on a student visa? If you apply for a long-term student visa (more than 6 months), yes, you can work through a “convenio de prácticas”, which is an agreement between your TEFL school and your future employer. It states that you are studying in one school and doing paid work experience at another school, which allows you to work legally and register with social security, etc. The only limitation is that you can only work a maximum of 30 hours per week (which is perfect for English teaching jobs).
- How long does it take to process a student visa? It varies from country to country but on average you should give yourself 3 to 5 months from start to finish.
Taking the TEFL Course
Enrolling in a TEFL course is a significant step. Here’s what you can expect from a quality TEFL provider in Barcelona (Trinity CertTESOL specifically):
Course Structure: The Trinity CertTESOL course is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive foundation for aspiring English teachers. It includes 160 hours of intensive classroom-based instruction spread over four weeks. Classes run from Monday to Friday, normally from 09:30 to 18:30, offering a balanced mix of theoretical learning and practical teaching experience.
Units of Assessment: The course is divided into several key units, each focusing on essential aspects of teaching English as a foreign language. These include:
- Language Awareness: Understand the intricacies of English grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
- Teaching Skills: Develop effective teaching techniques and classroom management strategies.
- Unknown Language Journal: Experience learning a new language to understand the learner’s perspective.
- Learner Profile Projects: Conduct a detailed analysis of individual learners to tailor teaching approaches to their needs.
- Materials Assignment: Demonstrate your ability to create and evaluate effective teaching materials.
A Day in the Life of a TEFL Student
To give you a clearer picture of what it’s like to take a TEFL course, let’s walk through a typical day during the first week.
Monday:
- 09:30 – 10:30: The day begins with a warm welcome and introductions to the study material you’ll be using throughout the course.
- 10:30 – 12:00: You’ll then dive into an introduction to teaching and get an overview of the entire course.
- 12:00 – 13:30: The next session focuses on lesson planning, starting with the Presentation, Practice, Production (PPP) model.
- 13:30 – 14:30: Break for lunch.
- 14:30 – 18:00: The afternoon is dedicated to teaching practice, where you will observe lessons and receive feedback.
- 18:00 – 18:30: You wrap up the day with reflection and feedback sessions, ensuring you grasp the day’s lessons.
Common FAQs
- What can I expect from the course workload? Your typical schedule will run from 09:30 to 18:30, Monday through Friday. During this time, you’ll observe multiple lessons and teach three lessons each week. Initially, you’ll start with shorter lessons—30 minutes—gradually progressing to 40-minute sessions and eventually full 1-hour lessons. While the daily schedule includes time for lesson preparation, you may find yourself spending an additional hour in the evenings preparing, particularly during the first two weeks. In the final two weeks, your afternoons will be free to focus on assignments and study for exams.
- The course is designed to be rigorous enough to fully prepare you while still allowing you to enjoy your time in Spain. You’ll be working hard, but you won’t be pulling all-nighters to complete your assignments!