Moving to Spain to Teach? Here’s What You Need to Pack
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As someone who moved to Spain to teach English, the whole experience felt really exciting at the time. However, when it came to packing for the year abroad, that felt overwhelming. I honestly had no idea what I needed to bring for my year abroad as a language assistant in Madrid, so I kept asking myself the same question: Do I really need to bring all this stuff?
And the truth is, you don't! In fact, you'd be surprised by how much stuff you actually don't need to bring to Spain. However, it is important to keep in mind that there may be some things that are much easier and sometimes cheaper to bring in your suitcase from your home country.
So, if you're moving to Spain to teach and you need a practical packing list, keep reading! This post has one that's designed for language assistants, TEFL teachers, first-time expats, or anyone who's planning to move to Spain for the first time, covering everything from essential documents, clothing, electronics, to the classroom supplies you might need for a smooth transition abroad.
Important Documents to Pack
These essential documents are the most important things you will need to pack for your time abroad. Always keep them in your carry-on bag!
Essential documents:
- Passport with visa
- Background check with apostille
- Medical certificate
- Carta de nombramiento
- Travel insurance documents
- Copies of your passport
- Extra passport photos
Financial documents:
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- Bank information
- Some emergency cash (about 200 euros)
Items to keep you organized:
* Also be sure to upload digital copies of everything to your Google Drive or iCloud in case you lose anything.
Clothes to Pack
Don't make the mistake of overpacking when you're looking for clothes to pack for your time abroad. Spain has great stores you can shop at, and you'll probably end up buying clothes there anyway.
Work clothes:
Most schools in Spain expect business casual attire, but some are okay with casual attire, so it depends.
Consider bringing:
- Comfortable trousers
- Blouses or button-ups
- Cardigans or blazers
- Comfortable flats or loafers
- Neutral outfits you can mix and match
Seasonal clothing:
Spain can be hotter and colder indoors than people expect.
Bring:
- Light layers
- A warm sweater
- A medium jacket (you can buy a winter jacket once you're in Spain)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Some nicer outfits for events
Items to help you pack:
*Also, be sure to build a capsule wardrobe instead of packing too many outfits.
Classroom Items to Pack
If you're planning to teach English in Spain, I highly recommend bringing some small classroom supplies with you to make your transition easier, as well as some cultural teaching aids.
Teaching supplies I recommend bringing:
Cultural items:
Your students love to learn more about where you're from, so consider bringing:
- Photos of your hometown
- Small cultural souvenirs
- Coins or currency (for presentations)
- Simple presentations on your culture
Toiletries and Personal Care Items to Pack
Although you can buy most toiletries in Spain, there might be some products in your home country that are not available abroad. For example, I love The Honey Pot pads, but you won't be able to find them anywhere in Spain, so I had to stock up on some in my suitcase before I left.
Therefore, here are some things to bring from home (if necessary):
- Favorite hair products
- Skincare products
- Makeup shades you rely on
- Prescription medication
- Specialty products
Items to keep you organized:
*Also, be sure to bring at least one month's supply of the toiletries you need, so that you'll have time to find replacements.
Electronics to Pack
Electronics are so important to remember to pack when you're moving abroad, especially if you're planning to work or make content.
Essentials:
Can't Forget:
Also, be sure to remember that Spain uses Type C and F plugs.
Apartment Essentials to Pack for the First Month
If you're planning to get an apartment in Spain, I highly recommend looking for something furnished. It will save you a lot more money in the long run, especially if you're going to live there temporarily. Regardless, if you do want to pack something for your apartment abroad, I have some things in mind you could bring.
Helpful starter items:
Why they matter:
It could take a while for you to find an apartment on your own in Spain so, you will need these helpful starter items to make your first two weeks abroad a lot easier.
Things You Don’t Need to Pack
Here are some things you don't need to pack for your time abroad in Spain:
- Too many clothes
- Heavy books
- Kitchen supplies
- Too many shoes
- Bedsheets
- A winter jacket
Also, be sure to remember Spain has stores like Zara, Decathlon, Primor, and El Corte Inglés.
Things I’m Glad I Packed
These are some items I'm glad I packed that made my transition in Spain easier.
Also, remember to bring something sentimental from home. Moving abroad is exciting but also emotional, and familiar items like jewelry, pictures, or a gift someone gave you can help.
Packing Tips for Moving to Spain
Here are some tips to make packing for Spain easier:
- Roll clothes instead of folding
- Use packing cubes
- Weigh luggage before the airport
- Leave space for things you plan to buy in Spain
Items to help you pack:
Final Teach Abroad in Spain Packing Checklist
Here is a simple checklist you can follow to make packing for Spain so much easier:
Documents:
Passport
Visa
Carta de nombramiento
Background Check/Apostille
Medical Certificate
Clothes:
Work outfits
Casual clothes
Comfortable shoes
Medium Jacket
Electronics:
Laptop
Phone
Chargers
Adapters
Toiletries:
Basic supplies
Medication
Personal products
Teaching supplies:
Stickers
Flashcards
Cultural materials
Here Are My Amazon Favorites
Travel essentials:
Teaching supplies:
Electronics:
Frequently Asked Questions: Packing for Teaching Abroad in Spain
How many suitcases should I bring to Spain?
I would suggest bringing 1-2 suitcases if you're planning to move abroad to Spain.
Can I buy things in Spain instead?
Yes, you can obviously buy things in Spain, but I think it's also important to bring things from home that are personal or hard to replace to make your transition abroad easier.
Do I need professional clothes for teaching in Spain?
This depends on the school, but I would highly recommend packing some business casual clothes just in case.
What should language assistants bring?
I think it's important for language assistants in Spain to focus on bringing things like:
- Documents
- Electronics
- Teaching supplies
- Personal essentials
Should I bring bedding to Spain?
No, you should not bring any bedding with you to Spain. If you need bedding when you arrive, you can easily buy some from Primark.
Final Thoughts
Overall, packing to teach abroad in Spain doesn't have to be complicated at all. Just focus on the essentials, and you'll be fine! Also, be sure to remember that you can buy most things once you arrive, so you don't need to prepare for every single possible situation.
Ultimately, moving abroad is a learning experience, and part of the adventure is figuring things out along the way.
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