eligibility

work and live overseas teaching English in Spain You do not need to be a teacher with extensive international experience to apply! If your major was art history, zoology, or anything in between; your good attitude, solid work ethic, and your academic background will serve you well in the classroom - this time from the teacher’s side of the desk. The best applicants have strong Spanish skills, but we also consider those with some exposure to the language and a drive to learn more before the program starts.

CIEE and the Junta de Andalucía are looking for well-rounded applicants who are independent, adventurous, and who adapt well to new situations. Participants must be able to expect the unexpected and thrive in a changing environment! It’s essential that participants are self-motivated, responsible and recognize that their first priority is to their school and their teaching assignment.

Remember, the Teach in Spain program is more than an avenue to live in Spain! It’s essential that you have a genuine interest in the teaching experience and understand that you will spend a considerable time in the school community.

eligibility requirements for the “regular” Teach in Spain program include:

  • Native English language fluency

  • U.S. or Canadian citizenship

  • Upper intermediate to advanced level of Spanish skills. A minimum of four semesters / two years of university-level Spanish are required. An equivalency, such as a bilingual background or a letter of ability expressed by your most recent university Spanish professor, is also acceptable.

    • If you don’t meet this criteria it is possible to sign up for an intensive CIEE Spanish language course in Seville that takes place prior to the program.

  • Educational background in any major

    • Graduates or upcoming spring / summer; 2009 graduates: A Bachelor of Arts or Science degree

    • Current university juniors (scheduled to graduate in spring / summer 2010): Students who would be in their final year of studies during the program dates are also eligible. Student applicants MUST have studied abroad for at least one semester.

      • Note: Students who are their final year of study will not earn credit issued by CIEE on Teach in Spain. You will need to return to your U.S. or Canadian institution to complete your degree after participating in this program. Participants wishing to earn credit must organize directly with their U.S. or Canadian institution.

  • A high level of commitment, responsibility and flexibility

  • A genuine interest in both Spanish culture and teaching

  • A spirit of public service

eligibility requirements for Teach in Spain “The Basics” program include:

  • All criteria listed above

  • Applicants have studied, worked, or lived abroad in Spain for a time period of greater than three months. (Significant experiences in other Spanish speaking countries will be considered

  • Applicants must have taken a minimum of four semesters / two years of Spanish at university and have the ability to use the language at this level. Applicants on this program do not have the option to enroll in the intensive Spanish language courses prior to the start of the program.

  • A bachelor’s degree is required by the time the program begins in September. Current university juniors (scheduled to graduate in spring / summer 2010) are not eligible for this program option.

desirable experiences for both program options include:

  • Teaching or volunteering experience, community involvement, experiences with children (eg summer camp counselor) and/or similar backgrounds preferred

  • Experience studying, working or volunteering abroad

  • Degree in English or Education

CIEE looks for candidates who are independent, motivated, adventurous, and above all, flexible. Living and working in Spain is an adjustment for anyone from a different culture, but it can be particularly frustrating for those accustomed to the fast-pace, consumer-oriented lifestyle in the States. Spain is famous for a more relaxed approach to life, and the Spanish government takes that stereotype to new heights, but the program depends on the CIEE agreement with the regional government and many of the things that have to be done do not depend solely on CIEE.

Applicants must keep in mind that participation on the Teach in Spain program is equivalent to a job. Although this job is a bit untraditional and not full-time, it does require the maturity and professionalism of any job. The school you are placed at is considered your employer (and therefore the party that pays your monthly stipend), and CIEE is the service provider that connects you with the school and makes it possible for you to reside legally in Spain. CIEE and the Junta de Andalucía both expect all participants to fulfil all Language and Culture Assistant responsibilities and represent themselves, CIEE, and your home country in a positive manner. As with all jobs, actions such as consistent tardiness, failure to show up to class, and other inappropriate conduct can serve as justification for docking your stipend and/or dismissal from the program.