Teach English in Seville, Spain

Seville is exactly everything one would believe Spain to be. There are bull fights that rage under a blinding sun, flushed flamenco dancers stamp their feet in bars, as locals and foreigners alike sip on southern-produced wine, and lovers laze under orange trees and purple flowers in the parks. It’s a bit like a dream to be in Seville and who doesn’t want to live a dream?

Teaching in Seville is the ultimate Spanish experience and although you won’t be making loads of money, you will always have enough for the cheap tapas, glasses of wine or a walk along the river or through the many winding streets. Just don’t forget to pack sunscreen!

Government Sponsored Jobs:

The Spanish Ministry of Education offers jobs for North American Language and Culture Assistants. Teachers typically teach 12 classes a week and get paid $900 USD per month. You can apply online in January for a position that starts in October. Qualifications include basic knowledge of Spanish and a Bachelors Degree.

Private Language Academies/Schools:

Seville has many private schools, such as London Centre and ELI. Expect to work 20 hours per week or up to 35 hours with prep, planning, and marking. Peak hiring is in August and September. Qualifications include prior experience, TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate, and/or Bachelors Degree. Most salaries start at around $1,000 USD per month.

International Schools:

Seville’s International Schools mostly give preference to teachers from the EU. Teachers work 18-29 hours per week. Qualifications include prior experience, Bachelors Degree, working visa, familiarity with Cambridge curriculum, and a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA. Check out St. George's British School.

Public Schools:

It is very difficult to find a public school job in Seville if you are not a citizen or do not hold a work visa. Your best bet is a government-sponsored public school job.

Private Lessons:

It is very common for teachers in Seville to supplement their incomes by giving private lessons. Most teachers charge $15-20 USD per hour.

When and Where to Look for Jobs:

September and January are the times to scout out jobs in Seville. If you are arriving in Spain with no job and are looking to work in private schools, then hit the pavement with your CV and personally hand it to the academies. Jobs in Seville are pretty spread out so you can apply for jobs in most of the neighborhoods, but Nervion is a wealthy area that may be a good place to start.

Qualifications:

Many schools prefer a teacher with a command of the Spanish language, but it’s not always required. That being said, life in Seville will be less stressful and more fun for those who know some basic Spanish. A government-sponsored job does not require a CELTA/TEFL/TESOL, but most private and international schools do. A work visa in Spain is a MUST, as it can be quite difficult to get a job without one.

Salary & Cost of Living:

Seville isn’t the cheapest city in Spain, but it is certainly affordable. A menu del dia or menu of the day, consisting of a drink, two course meal, and dessert can cost $9-15 USD and $2 USD is standard for a cup of coffee. Food and drink in Seville are outstanding, so you will get your money’s worth!

Rent for a room in a three-person apartment is around $250-400 USD and your own one-bedroom apartment may cost around $900 USD. Neighborhoods like Triana are popular for their nightlife and location by the river, as is Nervion and the city center. Neighborhoods like Cerro de Aguila or Hytasa are less popular because they are farther out, but known to be cheaper.

Classroom & Work Culture:

• Student/Teacher Relations: Many students are well behaved, especially in private schools, where their parents pay high tuition. Teachers tend to have good relationships with their students and if you are lucky, a student may even invite you to their casa for Feria de Abril, a festival in April!
• Dress Code: Dress code at public schools is relaxed and casual, but if you are teaching business classes or adults in some privates, you may need to dress more formally.
• Greetings: Can you imagine going into work and kissing your boss on the cheek?! Dos besos (or two kisses) is quite common in Seville among friends and even co-workers, especially when you first meet. Dos besos doesn’t have to be an actual kiss, more of putting your cheek near theirs and making a puckering sound.

Contributed by Hannah Smith