Destination spotlight: Spain

20 November 2019 Features

A closer look at teaching English in Spain

Spain is a country rich in culture, history and incredible cuisine (we’ve done the research on your behalf!). If you’ve scored your ESLstarter teaching post in the country, then we can assure you that you’re in for a treat! So before you touch down at the airport, here’s everything you need to know about your new temporary home

• Embrace the Mañana Mañana approach. Translated as ‘tomorrow, tomorrow’, it’s a laid back, no stress way of life. Don’t get us wrong, Spaniards are incredibly hard working but work hard, play hard, enjoy life right? 

• Speaking of which, there’s the famous Spanish siesta! Shops close daily between approx 2pm-5pm whereas restaurants close from around 4pm until around 8pm, but no fear that’s when the towns, cities and villages spring back to life. 

• The Spanish language is the second most widely spoken language in the world (after Chinese!) There’s around 437 million native speakers of Spanish globally. Be sure to pay attention, you’ll be hard pushed not to pick up some handy words and phrases whilst you’re there. 

• You’re off the hook for learning the national anthem though- it’s called ‘The Marcha Real’ and it doesn’t have any words!

• History lovers rejoice! Spain has no less than 46 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, they can be found all over the country so no matter where you’re based, you should be able to see at least one if not more. 

• If you’re based anywhere near Brunol for your stay, then make a date for next year! La Tomatina is set for Wed 26th August 2020 which is basically one massive tomato fight. It’s a festival which has been running since 1945 (when it was started quite by accident) and aside from 7 years in the fifties where it was halted by the authorities, it continues to grow year on year.

• Likewise if you’re lucky enough to be in Spain for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, there’s another rather quirky Spanish tradition to follow. Locals attempt to eat 12 grapes at midnight (a grape for every clock chime), if successful it’s said to provide 12 months of luck to follow. Worth a shot then right?

• There’s A LOT of beaches, 8,000 of them in fact! (Cue daydreams of weekends spent sunbathing whilst lesson planning…)

• Then there’s the wine, if you’re a fan of it then it’s useful to know that Spain is the second largest producer of wine in the world! You may recognise some of the more famous regions such as Rioja, Priorat and Rueda.

• Last but by no means least is the Spanish food. Paella is the most popular and it’s said to have originated somewhere around Valencia. There are two varieties of Paella - Rabbit and Chicken or Seafood. The list of Spanish cuisine is huge but keep an eye out for delicacies such as Churros, Patatas Bravas, Tortilla and Gazpacho… yum! 

Ok, we think you’re covered for now! There are tons to discover over there so we don’t want to spoil your fun! Apply to teach English in Spain. Be sure to tag us in your pics on Social Media and keep us updated on how you’re getting on, Adios!