There have been several moments in my life where I've said, "WOW, this is the best decision I've ever made."Moved to Spain to teach English at Meddeasis one of those moments.
My origin: A small town in the USA
The prelude to this "best decision" was my high school years. Growing up in a small town in the American Midwest, I grew up knowing only the "little bubble" of my town and county. However,I tried to know more than that.
I decided to go to a university that is not far from home, but in one of Ohio's largest cities. From here I began my nursing studies and had the ambition to become a traveling nurse to "see the world (or at least the USA)".
But soon enough my desire to be a nurse and my discomfort with my own blood was quickly replaced by my love for teaching, education and children while still clinging to the 'travel' aspect of nursing.
I fell in love with Spain
A few years after that decision and a few summer visits to Spain, I fell in love with all of Spain, its great population, its culture and everything it had to offer. All I thought and did was to help the pursuitwhat I really wanted: to teach English abroad. Specifically in Spain.What I didn't know was the method to do it and how to land in Spain and get a teaching job. That's when I discovered itMedea.
Meddeas was the way
I discovered Meddeas in November 2019, filled out my application, hadmore interviews, endured itvisa procedureduring a global pandemic and somehowlanded in Spain in September 2020.
Some tell me: "you are so happy.” But what they see as "happiness" isn't happiness at all, it's just happinesshard workthis is starting to pay off.
Why was all of this one of the best decisions I ever made? Let's dive in.
An open mind
It is a necessity for any person to leave everything they know, move to a foreign country and teach English (one of my least favorite subjects in school).a big leap of faith.
However, I knew I made the right decision for me and my personal and professional experiences.
This required an open mind and a willingness to live, meet new people and liveBe open to new experiences and adventures. All this, of course, taking into account the restrictions imposed by Covid-19.
The phrase "The BEST decision" has a connotation of "life changing". And that is essentially what this experience did and will continue to do for me.
A life-changing experience
Life changes in so many ways. The opportunity to experience another culture on my own was one of the best things I "signed up for" for lack of better conditions.
Basically, it means being a voice assistantteach EnglishAndShare your culture, while studying for aTEFL certificationwhile exploring the Canary Islands. (Yes, I am incredibly "lucky" to have sat in one of the most beautiful places I have ever been). All while growing, learning and improving on so many levels at the same time. Including her work as a teacher, daughter and friend.
Enough of the "self growth talk". It's time to dive. Everything I have seen of Spain is very beautiful. From the transition from a small, rural farming town to the capital of the island of Tenerife, I have seen many differences.
From Ohio to the Canary Islands
First, I grew up in a farming community tucked away onThe border between Ohio and Indiana, which leaves little room to explore larger cities. We used to hop from town to town and occasionally see an Amish family with their kids, horses and strollers. Life on an island was onedrastic changeit was easier to do than you might think.
On the island you can experience every season and all kinds of nature on the same day. In one day I can go from the heat of lying on the beach to walking in the cool breeze of the forest. Then I find the desert-like atmosphere of the south and thatcold tip of Teide. When I realized this, I really began to understandthe diversity of the Canary Islands.
However, the city where I live, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, usually has warm weather. Along with the food and a few other things, this might be one of my favorite things about my new home.
Multicultural food
Eat, eat, eat! I am a foodie. I have never been a picky eater. But there are definitely a few of my mom's recipes that I have followed and apologetically avoided.
I'm sorry mom, you're still the best cook I know and I love you.
But upon my arrival in Spain, I decided that I would be open to any food that was offered to me.
Eating in Spain gives me almost the same satisfaction as my grandmother's kitchen.In Tenerife there are many influences when it comes to food: Venezuelan, American or Italian. Some of my favorites that have become a regular part of my diet areCachapas,KebabAndGuachinches.
Thesnowflakesis typically here because of the emigrating Venezuelans. ONEsnowflakesis more or less like imagining a candy shaped like oneTortillabut thicker, andmoist cornbread. On one half of this cornbread is a salt,shredded beefwith whiteOst. It is then folded and grilled further. And it is absolutely delicious.
INKebabis essentially oneTortillawiththinly shaved meat,Vegetables, and everythingsaucecould be imagined.
Guachinchenis a little different. You are one of a kindRestaurantit was traditional insomeone's garage. They opened only to sell homemade wines with small but delicious typical dishes from the island. Some these daysGuachinchesare still in garages.
Fusion with Spanish culture
I enjoyed the differences like thisSpanish cultureOffers that make me something moreversatile and open person. I listen to Spanish music, enjoy the holiday with the three kings and eatchestnuts(roasted chestnuts, which are typical here at Christmas time). I also explore the islands I createnew and lifelong friendships, try learning Spanish, andhave an influence on the lives of the little ones at school.
If after all my comments you still don't believe thisIt was the best decision I ever made, then believe it because you know I am a teacher.
In an interview at Wright State University in the winter of 2019, I said, "School is a place where you can help grow students' knowledge and what they learn." To help them provide itpassion for educationandpassion for learning. Do you want to get better and have a positive influence on yourself, your family and the world.”
In the end, even though all these aspects were not there and I only taught English to students, I still felt that this was the best decision I ever made.
Two tips for life
So if you're reading this, thank you for sticking it out until the end. Here isan advicewhich I thought I would pass on.
- My mother– “You must experience life now. Because you don't want to look back on life and regret it. When you look back, you don't want to say: 'Damn, I should have done that'".
- A dear friend– “‘One day we will grow old’.” Let this sentence sink in. One ... day ... we will ... grow old. Now if you want to do something, if you want something, just get up and do it."
These adventures and the rest of this year will be just one page in a book. ToThe best decision I ever made, I plan to have many more pages.
FAQs
How long does it take to hear back from Meddeas? ›
You should hear if you have been successful in the Meddeas application process around two weeks after your interviews. Don't forget to check your spam folder!
Who is eligible for Meddeas? ›All of the qualified Language Assistants selected by Meddeas hold at least one official European qualification: a Bachelor's in Pre-school or Elementary Education, or any degree plus a Master's in Secondary Education.
What is the Meddeas speaker program? ›The Meddeas program is an English Language Assistant program in Spain that provides its participants with a stipend and training along with the chance to work as an assistant in a private school.
Where are Meddeas placements? ›However, the majority of Meddeas placements are in Madrid, and they do offer positions throughout the whole country.) This is in contrast to the government program, which only places auxiliars in public schools. Meddeas works anywhere from daycares up to high schools.
How much does Meddeas pay? ›Meddeas. This is a language assistant program that places teachers in schools all over Spain. English teachers on this program can expect to make 330€ - 930€ ($380 - $1,070 USD) per month, depending on their qualifications and whether housing will be provided to them via a host family.
What is the first interview for Meddeas? ›This interview can be anywhere between 30 – 50 minutes long. This first interview will include the following: A short “quiz” on the Meddeas FAQ that will be sent to you beforehand. Questions about you and your teaching experience, experience with kids, level of Spanish (no level is required), etc.
How long is the Meddeas program? ›How long does the program last? Our programs run from September/October to May/June and, alternatively, from January until June. If at the end of the first academic year the school's report is positive, you can apply for a second year as a Meddeas Language Assistant, in the same school/program or in a different one.
What age do you have to be to get tapif? ›Most TAPIF program participants have just finished college and do the program during the school year after they graduate (to do this, you need to apply during the fall of your senior year of college). We welcome applicants between the ages of 20 and 35 who are interested in teaching English in France.
How do you qualify as a Spanish teacher? ›To qualify as a Spanish teacher in most U.S. schools, you must earn at least a bachelor's degree and meet any credential requirements in the state where you plan to work. In this article, we discuss the steps to become a Spanish teacher, common responsibilities and the average salary for this role.
How much does Beda pay? ›Participants in the BEDA Language Assistant Program in Spain can stay at their school for up to 2 years. You can participate in this program for up to 4 years. Pay: 900-1200 euros per month plus medical coverage. Fee: 185 euro enrollment fee.
How much is RVF International? ›
When and how will I pay the program fee? The Spain Placement Program fee is $1,399 USD and the Spain Support Program fee is $1,699 USD, and both are broken down into two payments. The first payment, a $750 commitment deposit (non-refundable) is required to sign up for the program.
Is Conversa Spain a good program? ›Amazing cultural immersion experience!
You pay the fee and Conversaspain does the rest (setting up the job). They are always there to help and support any problems you have. I recommend this program for the stability and help! You will need to get your visa, flights, housing, and health insurance.
In Spanish schools children will usually call their teacher by their first name. This might be a little jarring for families from other countries where teachers are usually addressed as Mr. Jones or Ms. Galvin but I think that it really does help to make the student-teacher relationship a lot closer.
Where is Catalan taught in schools? ›Programs of education in the Catalan language exist today principally in Andorra and the Catalan-speaking regions of Spain. After the Spanish transition to democracy in 1978, the Catalan language was restored in the sphere of education in Spain for millions of speakers.
Does Spain pay teachers well? ›Generally speaking, teachers can expect to earn between $700 and $1,000 USD per month. The most popular locations for teaching English in Spain are Madrid, Granada, Zaragoza, Seville, Barcelona, Malaga, and Majorca.
What is the annual salary of expat teaching English in Spain? ›To teach English in Spain, you will you will usually need TEFL certification and bachelor's degree as a minimum. The average salary for teaching in Spain is €1,200 – €1,500 ($1,300 – $1,623) per month. Also, you don't legally need a bachelor's degree in any subject to get a job teaching in Spain.
How much do American school of Barcelona teachers earn? ›An average salary (PAID IN 14 PAYMENTS) for a teacher with more than 10 years of experience and a masters degree would be around 1800 euros.
How many applicants get a first interview? ›What Percentage of Total Applicants Get an Interview? With the average online job posting receiving 250 resumes, only a small percentage of applicants will get an interview. Since most employers interview fewer than 10 candidates for a position, only 2-3% of applicants will receive an interview on average.
How long is a 1st interview? ›In-person interviews typically last between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the interviewer and if the applicant needs to perform tasks or give a presentation. In some cases, you may ask interviewees to undertake tasks to prove their ability and capability for the role.
How long is a first interview usually? ›
45 minutes
45 is the golden number in the world of job interviews. Along with 38 per cent of the professionals we polled on LinkedIn, we agree that a good first interview should last about 45 minutes long.
Teaching English in Spain with NALCAP – worth it? Overall, I'm glad I participated in NALCAP. It allowed me to live in Spain long-term, travel within Spain and beyond, learn more about Spanish culture, and meet new friends. Like any big change, it comes with its challenges, but it was worth it.
How long are classes in Spain? ›Spanish school hours depend on each type of school. Some may run from 9 am through 5 pm with a two hour lunch break. Other schools may begin at 8 and end at 3 pm, the typical lunch time in Spain. Some schools may have only a one hour lunch break and may or may not provide a cafeteria for children to eat at the school.
How long are teaching abroad programs? ›The length of time required to commit to teaching abroad varies by country and program, but most programs typically require a commitment of 9-12 months. This is because schools prefer to hire teachers who can provide consistent instruction for students throughout the academic year.
Can I become a teacher at 35? ›The short answer is: no, it's never too late to become a teacher.
Can a 13 year old learn French? ›Children can become fluent at any age
Contrary to what you may have heard or read, there is no hard and fast age before which a child has to start learning a language to be able to speak it well. Children of any age can become fluent in a language.
To teach English in France, you will need a TEFL certificate. A 4-year college degree is typically required as well. Native English proficiency is expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in France is about $800 - $1,800 USD per month.
Are Spanish teachers in high demand? ›What Is the Outlook? Employment for middle and high school teachers (including Spanish teachers) is expected to increase by 7-8% from 2020-2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS reports that many schools lack foreign language teachers, causing an increased need for Spanish teachers.
Do you have to be fluent to teach Spanish? ›Middle school Spanish teachers are expected to have at least a bachelor's degree in Spanish, or another foreign language, accompanied by expert fluency in Spanish.
Do ESL teachers need to speak Spanish? ›No, ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers do not have to be bilingual. Being bilingual is not a requirement for teaching English abroad either. Fluency in English is sufficient to create an immersive classroom where students can actively learn the language without the need for another language.
How much does Conversa Spain cost? ›
ConversaSpain Packages and Fees
–CS Support Fee: Madrid US$1,650. Murcia US$1,395. Castilla-La Mancha US$1,195.
ELE stands for español como lengua extranjera – Spanish as a foreign language. Just as TEFL teachers teach English to non-native speakers, ELE teachers give lessons to those who don't speak Spanish as a first language.
Is Beda only in Madrid? ›BEDA is a branch of the Catholic Schools of Madrid (Escuelas Catolicas de Madrid), so the program only works with private and semi-private Catholic schools in Spain.
Is RVF International worth it? ›I definitely recommend RVF to anyone out there who is interested in teaching abroad. From the application process, to the step by step instructions regarding obtaining your visa, and the total support once you arrive in Spain, I never felt alone in my journey.
Can South Africans teach in Spain? ›Qualifications needed: To teach English in Spain you'll need a TEFL certificate. No experience is needed; however, it is often preferred.
Can you teach English in Spain without a degree? ›You don't need a four-year college degree to teach English in Spain. It is common for language schools or families not to prioritize a four-year degree and hire English tutors because they are native speakers with a TEFL certification.
What is the number one business school in Spain? ›| Program | Degree | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Public Administration | Executive Master | 14 Months |
| Business Analytics | Master of Science | 1 Year |
| Marketing Digital | Master | 8 Weeks |
| International Management | Master of Science | 1 Year |
To teach English abroad, you will need an ESL teaching qualification like a TEFL certificate and a valid passport. Though some programs require a bachelor's degree, many countries hire English teachers without a degree or teaching experience as long as they speak English fluently and have a TEFL certification.
How do I become a professional language teacher? ›Earn a bachelor's degree in the foreign language to be taught that includes a teacher preparation program. Complete a student teaching internship that includes foreign language classes. Take your state's required tests for educators. Apply for teacher certification.
How do I get into tapif? ›- TAPIF applicants must be native English speakers.
- Applicants must be US citizens. ...
- Applicants must be ages 20-35.
- Applicants must have French Language proficiency (B1 level or above, as we'll explain)
- Applicants must have completed at least 3 years of college education.
How do I become a language assistant in France? ›
at least two years of an undergraduate degree OR. a TEFL or CELTA course with at least two years of English Language Teaching OR. at least one year of study of a Level 5 qualification (or above) through a Further Education institution/TVET college.
How much do you get paid to teach English abroad? ›The pay to teach English abroad varies, but you can expect to earn a decent salary. In top-paying countries, teachers can get paid a salary of anywhere from $2,000 to over $5,000 USD per month. Your TEFL salary will depend on your position, qualifications and the country you teach in.
Is it worth it to teach English abroad? ›If you seek to get paid to live overseas in a foreign country while making a difference in the lives of others, then teaching English abroad is definitely worth it. You will challenge yourself, and grow as a person while seeing and doing things you never would have experienced otherwise.
Can you get paid to teach abroad? ›Depending on the country or region, and your prior teaching experience and qualifications, you can be earning anywhere from $2,000 to over $6,000 per month! However, It's important to keep in mind that high salaries are not the only variable for a financially rewarding job teaching abroad.
Do you have to be fluent to teach a language? ›Myth: You can't teach your kids a language unless you speak it fluently yourself. Absolutely untrue! You do not need to be a native speaker or have a background in a language to pass it on to your children.
Can I teach ESL without a degree? ›Can I Teach English Online without a Degree? Yes, you can teach English online without a degree! While some of the major online teaching companies require a degree, there are many that don't. A TEFL certification can provide you with the training and qualifications that you need to get a job teaching English online.
What is a language teacher called? ›TESL involves teaching English to speakers of other languages and it most often interchanged with the term ESL teaching/teachers. TESL/ESL teachers may work for public or private PK-12 schools; private tutoring companies; companies/organizations; and colleges/universities, just to name a few.
How to move to France to teach English? ›To teach English in France, you will need a TEFL certificate. A 4-year college degree is typically required as well. Native English proficiency is expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in France is about $800 - $1,800 USD per month.
Do you need a degree to teach in France? ›Qualifications required to teach English in France
To teach abroad in a public or private school in France, teachers must hold a Bachelor's degree in their subject of specialization, as well as hold an education certification, preferably a Master's.
To teach English in France, you'll need to be a native or fluent English speaker and have a bachelor's degree and a TEFL/CELTA certificate. For competitive jobs or positions in private or international schools, you may need a teaching license and prior teaching experience.
What is a language assistant salary? ›
The salaries of Language Assistants in the US range from $21,620 to $52,920 , with a median salary of $35,780 .
Does speaking French help you get a job? ›Students that completed a French immersion program abroad have better their chances of finding a job, whether abroad or at home. The ability to speak French is a great advantage on the international job market because it opens doors to French companies like L'Oreal, Renault, Auchan, Chanel, Cartier and many more.