No, but an interest in teaching is necessary. You will receive some training in the theories and practical application of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) during your orientation prior to the start of the program. That said, CIEE encourages candidates with TEFL or teaching experience/certification, English degrees, and other translatable skills to apply as they are highly desirable by Spanish schools.
You may submit a preference of teaching location but CIEE cannot guarantee that we will be able to honor your request. School assignments will be coordinated beginning no later than the end of May by the Junta de Andalucía; location assignments are allocated by confirmation date to CIEE. The earlier you apply to CIEE the better chance you have of receiving your desired location. Hint to those who want places such as Seville - this city and other hot spots get filled by early applicants! First acceptances will be made at the end of January.
Cities, towns, and rural areas in the Autonomous Region of Andalusia in southern Spain. Locations outside of Andalusia including Madrid, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca are not Teach Abroad in Spain options.
While we probably cannot place you in the same school we can place you in the same location or nearby so you can still be roommates if you choose. Make sure to apply early so that this can be coordinated! Each applicant should include a note with their application materials mailed to CIEE. When possible, please mail in complete applications together. If placement with a friend is a priority, please be flexible about placement location. (i.e. "I want to be placed with my two friends in the city of Granada" is probably not a realistic expectation.)
We are unable to officially accommodate non-teaching family members or friends on Teach in Spain. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply if their partners/children can make independent arrangements. Boyfriends and Girlfriends will be treated under the same policy as friends seeking proximate placement.
Please see the Services section of this website for a thorough description of what you are paying for. In a nutshell, your CIEE program fee covers many things related to preparing, training, and supporting your experience. This includes valuable program support pre-departure and in-country. We are your reference board and problem solvers should you need advice or assistance. Additionally, your program fee covers your pre-departure school assignment, an in-country orientation program, insurance coverage, and a program handbook.
Ask yourself what it might cost to live overseas for a semester or year without a stipend or insurance. Add the cost of housing or the time and energy necessary to solve problems with little or no support and it becomes clear why people choose to teach abroad with CIEE. Simply put, we are a program provider, not a recruiter. CIEE Teach Abroad programs select qualified individuals and provide services for fees.
If finding a paid position overseas were easy to do on your own, everyone would do it. If you can make it happen on your own and you are comfortable with the risks involved in doing so, take the challenge! For those who have not taught overseas before or are looking for more service, advice, experience, and support; we look forward to working with you.
CIEE is able to place candidates who have completed three years of their university degree and wish to take a gap year to participate in this program. Applicants in this situation must have previously studied abroad for one semester, preferably in a Spanish speaking country. Keep in mind that CIEE is not able to issue credits. See eligibility requirements for more information.
Si. It is essential that English is your native language and that you have strong Spanish skills. This requirement was set by the Junta de Andalucía to ensure that you can functionally participate in a Spanish-speaking work environment. You must be able to converse with colleagues who have limited English abilities, make local friends and enjoy your daily life. !
Due to the demand for native English speaking teaching assistants in Andalusia, Spain we strive to accept as many qualified applicants as possible. Applicants are considered on a rolling basis in the order that complete applications are received. Early applications are encouraged.
No, travel arrangements are made independent of CIEE. You are encourged to book your flights after your school placement has been confirmed.
Please consult the State Department travel advisory web site at http://travel.state.gov/.
Is your question not listed? Please contact CIEE with specific questions on teach@ciee.org or 1.800.40.STUDY
Loan deferment is tricky and particular to each individual’s circumstances and loan types, but CIEE will assist you and even provide some basic information and strategy. US-based CIEE Teach Abroad staff can provide official documentation for each program that officially declares the dates of participation, amount of salary/stipend, and the parameters under which the teaching assignment is carried out. CIEE staff will work with you to achieve your goal of a successful international experience.
Please note that federally subsidized loans have strict qualifications for deferral. Most participants will actually be applying for loan forbearance:
a way to temporarily postpone or reduce payments for a set period of time.
