application - let's get started!

! Applications for 2010 will open on November 10. Please check back at that time. To stay automatically updated about the CIEE Teach in Spain program, sign up here.

Your Teach Abroad application must be submitted electronically, with supplemental materials submitted via mail. This easy process will allow you to track and follow the status of your application, via your online My CIEE account and receive your pre-departure program information on an interactive online checklist.

Here’s all you have to do:

First, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements of the Teach in Spain program. You should also read the terms+conditions of participation.

Next, determine which Teach in Spain program option is best for you:

  • teach in spain

  • teach in spain – with TEFL certification

  • teach in spain – with 2 week Intensive Spanish Immersion Class based in Sevilla

  • teach in spain – with 4 week Intensive Spanish Immersion Class based in Sevilla

  • teach in spain “The Basics”

  • teach in spain “The Basics” – with TEFL Certification

  • teach in spain - with TEFL certification AND 4 week Intensive Spanish Immersion Class based in Sevilla

  • teach in spain - with TEFL certification AND 2 week Intensive Spanish Immersion Class based in Sevilla

  1. Create a My CIEE account. This will be the primary method of communication between you and CIEE.

  2. From your My CIEE account, begin the online portion of your application by choosing the program and term you wish to teach abroad. Complete the:

    • Personal Data

    • Placement Request

    • Educational Information

    • $50 non-refundable application fee, payable by Visa or MasterCard

  3. Address the following questions and enter your completed work into the Personal Statement tab of your My CIEE application. Remember, you are applying for a position to teach English – grammar, spelling, and punctuation are important! Total response should not exceed 1000 words.

    • Is English your first language? (If so, please write “yes” and skip to the next question). If English is not your first language, please provide a thorough description of your background with the language. Why do you feel you are a good candidate to teach English to others?

    • How does the Teach in Spain program meet your short-term and long-term goals?

    • What are your perceptions of Spain? Why do you think you will be successful living and working independently in Spain?

    • What previous teaching, tutoring, or other related experience do you have? Why are you a good candidate to teach English?

    • Describe a situation you have experienced in which you have had to make cultural adaptations. What skills or qualities did you draw upon to be successful?

    • Teach in Spain is only a partial-time workweek. What personal qualities will help you maximize your contact time with students? How do you envision yourself spending non-working time in Andalucia? What will be your measure of success at the end of your time in Spain?

  1. Collect all of the supporting application materials below and mail to CIEE. Make sure to update your checkbox so CIEE is aware that your items are en route.

    • Two official passport photographs with your name written on the back of each

    • Passport - Photocopy of the details page of your passport that includes your name, birth date, photograph, etc. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the program end date

    • Degree confirmation, options:

      • Confirmation of your degree (transcript or copy of diploma)

      • A letter from your academic advisor or the registrar confirming your student status as either:

        • An upcoming graduate

        • A student taking their senior year off to participate in Teach abroad in Spain

      • Note: An official transcript will be required from all participants pre-departure EITHER confirming your degree OR confirming that you have completed three years of undergraduate study

    • Documentation of upper intermediate/ advanced Spanish language skills with one of the following:

      • Your university transcript reflecting at least four semesters or two full years of university Spanish language courses

      • An official letter written by your most recent university Spanish professor that confirms your current ability to use the language at the upper intermediate to advanced level. This information can be merged into a letter of recommendation

      • A bilingual background

      • Other forms of equivalency may be considered, inquire with the CIEE teach abroad staff

      • If you’ve signed up for a CIEE language course, send in documentation of all Spanish courses take to date.

    • Two letters of recommendation

      • Letters must be dated, signed, and printed on official letterhead or accompanied by a business card

      • Referees should be persons that are/were directly responsible for the review of your academic and/or professional performance. Referees may include a current or previous professor, academic advisor, supervisor, or manager

      • CIEE does not accept letters of recommendation from family members, friends, neighbors, or similar sources

      • Originals of all recommendation letters are required. Faxes or emails may be considered to expedite applications, however they must be followed up by mailed originals that meet the above standards

      • CIEE does not have an evaluation form for referees to complete

    • Resume (one page) - Please focus your resume on teaching, volunteering, international, educational, and other related experiences. Include all relevant post-high school work positions (summer work, internships, nannying, etc...). Please limit your resume to ONE page.

      • Note: Once you have begun a CIEE application, you can save and return to it by logging into My CIEE and clicking on My Home.

      • Mail your supporting documents to:


      • CIEE Teach in Spain
        300 Fore Street
        Portland, ME 04101

  2. Monitor your application and pre-departure materials via your My CIEE account. Once your complete teach abroad application has been received by CIEE, we will contact you with more information.