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This guest article is written by RVF International, an international exchange and education company bridging the gap between travelers, teachers, adventurers, students, dreamers, explorers, and their destinations. RVF International is a leading teach abroad program for teaching English in Spain.
Teaching abroad is often seen as a calling – a chance to influence and inspire students while broadening one’s own horizons. It provides educators with an opportunity to immerse themselves in new cultures, gain global perspectives, and challenge their personal and professional boundaries. Among the myriad of choices available to teach abroad, Spain consistently emerges as a top destination. With its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty, it’s easy to understand why. But if you need more convincing, here are 10 compelling reasons to choose Spain as your next teaching adventure.
Learn how RVF can help you teach English abroad in Spain.
1. Embrace the Spanish culture
A blend of traditions and modernity
Teaching abroad in Spain, with its millennia of history, offers a cultural mosaic that’s both enchanting and enlightening. Every region, every city, and even every neighborhood in Spain tells a different story. From the Alhambra’s intricate Moorish carvings in Granada to the avant-garde masterpieces of Salvador Dalí in Catalonia, Spain is a living museum of art, history, and human achievement. Delving into the rhythms of Spanish life, you’ll witness the close-knit family gatherings, the reverence for tradition, and the contagious passion for life that characterizes every fiesta and every quiet afternoon siesta.
RVF International partners with schools in a variety of locations, providing teaching opportunities in locations that range from Madrid to Mallorca. In any location, you’ll be immersing yourself in this vibrant tapestry every single day, evolving not just as an educator but as a global citizen.
Learn more about Reach, Venture, Find (RVF) International in a Q&A with CEO Harrison Fowler.
2. Learn or perfect your Spanish
Dive deep into language immersion
Living and working in Spain offers the perfect environment for language immersion. The daily interactions, from buying groceries to chatting with colleagues, will enhance your linguistic skills. Plus, many regions in Spain have their own dialects or languages like Catalan, Galician, and Basque, offering an even richer language experience. Spain has also introduced bilingual schools where subjects are taught in Spanish and English, providing opportunities for teachers and students to expand their language proficiency.
3. Enjoy a favorable climate
Sunny days and pleasant nights
Spain’s climate is as multifaceted as its culture. The coastal areas, bathed in the warmth of the Mediterranean, promise sun-soaked days ideal for beachgoers. In contrast, the northern regions, influenced by the Atlantic, offer cooler, greener landscapes reminiscent of Celtic climates. Central Spain can be characterized by its hot summers and cold winters, perfect for those who appreciate seasonal changes. And let’s not forget the unique microclimates, such as the lush, subtropical conditions in areas of the Canary Islands or the snowy alpine atmospheres of the Sierra Nevada. This climatic diversity ensures that, no matter where you choose to teach in Spain, you’re in for a sensory treat, with each season bringing its own magic and charm.
Program participants teach Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., which leaves plenty of time to travel and explore.
4. Live affordably
Get more for your money
While cities like Madrid and Barcelona might be on the pricier side, many other areas in Spain offer a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost. By teaching in smaller towns or less touristy areas, you can enjoy lower rent, affordable dining, and local markets teeming with fresh, inexpensive produce.
RVF International offers very personalized support to teachers, providing support through the entire visa process and help with housing, and everyone is assigned a personal Teach Abroad Program Specialist who works one-on-one with them both before and after arriving in Spain.
5. Explore diverse landscapes
From beaches to mountains
Spain is a geographical wonder, boasting a diversity that captures the imagination. Coastal enthusiasts will be spellbound by the azure waters of the Mediterranean in places like Costa Brava and the rugged beauty of the Atlantic shores in the Basque Country. Inland, the vast La Mancha plains paint a picture of Spain’s agricultural heartland, while the verdant valleys of Cantabria present a lush contrast. Adventure seekers can challenge themselves in the Picos de Europa mountain range or marvel at the otherworldly landscapes of Bardenas Reales, a semi-desert natural region. Moreover, the vineyards of La Rioja and the olive groves of Andalusia are a testament to Spain’s rich agricultural legacy. Every twist and turn in this country presents a new landscape, waiting to be explored and adored.
6. Take advantage of travel opportunities
Europe at your doorstep
Spain’s excellent transportation system and its central location make it a hub for European travel. High-speed trains and budget airlines mean that you can breakfast in Barcelona, lunch in Lyon, and dine in Rome. Plus, Spain’s archipelagos, the Balearic and Canary Islands, offer even more exotic locations to explore.
7. Grow professionally
A vibrant ESL community
Spain’s eagerness to embrace English education has led to an ESL sector that’s dynamic and ever-evolving. Being a part of this movement means you’re constantly learning and adapting. Schools here often adopt innovative teaching methodologies, encouraging teachers to think outside the box and embrace modern pedagogical practices.
This environment fosters collaboration, where educators share insights, challenges, and triumphs. Furthermore, attending ESL conferences in cities like Madrid or Barcelona can offer exposure to global teaching trends and networking opportunities with professionals from around the world. This vibrant community not only enriches your teaching journey in Spain but also adds valuable layers to your professional repertoire, positioning you for future opportunities on a global scale.
Making connections such as these may pave the way for future teaching abroad opportunities or teaching English online as a digital nomad to continue exploring the region.
8. Experience Spanish festivals
Celebrations like no other
Living in Spain will give you firsthand experience of its famous festivals. From the intricate Fallas sculptures in Valencia to the human towers, or ‘castells,’ in Catalonia, each festival provides a unique insight into regional traditions and the Spanish spirit of celebration.
9. Delight in Spanish cuisine
A gastronomic adventure
A favorite element of teaching abroad is often Spanish cuisine, which is a testament to the country’s diverse geography and history, each dish telling a story of conquests, migrations, and local traditions. While many know of the tapas culture, where small dishes are shared over lively conversations, there’s so much more to explore.
From the hearty fabada asturiana, a bean stew from Asturias, to the delicate flavors of ajoblanco, a cold almond soup from Andalusia, every region offers a culinary journey. Spain also boasts an array of wines, with regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero being world-renowned. And for the sweet-toothed, delicacies like turrón, a type of nougat, or churros dipped in thick chocolate provide a perfect ending to any meal. Living in Spain allows you to savor these dishes in their authentic form, right where they originated.
10. Make lifelong connections
Build a global network
One of the most enriching aspects of teaching abroad is the relationships you build. Spain’s warm and welcoming culture ensures that you’ll form bonds with both locals and fellow expatriates. These connections often turn into lifelong friendships, providing a global network that extends far beyond your time in Spain.
Begin your adventure with RVF International
Considering teaching English in Spain? Look no further than RVF International, Spain’s premier Teach English Abroad program. Recognized as the number one teach abroad program in Spain, we offer unparalleled guidance and support for every facet of your journey, from initial preparations to living the Spanish dream. Our comprehensive approach ensures a smooth transition, enabling you to focus on teaching and embracing the rich culture of Spain. Whether you’re seeking professional growth, cultural immersion, or an unforgettable adventure, RVF International is your trusted partner for a seamless Spanish teaching experience. Join our community and let us pave the way for your transformative journey in Spain.
