Language Assistant Jobs in Spain 2027-28 | No Fees, Monthly Stipend
Gain work experience in Spain! Teach English, learn Spanish and explore this beautiful country! 💚✨
Language assistant jobs in Spain
Spend a school year in Spain as an English conversation assistant at a private school. You'll work 20 to 24 hours a week, earn a monthly stipend and choose between living with a Spanish host family or on your own. It's free to apply through ESLstarter.
Conversation assistant jobs in Spain for 2027-28
ESLstarter recruits English speakers for a well-established language assistant programme that works with over 200 private schools across Spain. Your job is to get students talking: you'll run conversation activities with small groups, support the classroom teacher and help students prepare for their oral exams.
It's a year abroad with real structure behind it. You'll have a tutor at your school, an in-country support team, help with your visa and a funded ESL Graduate Certificate from a Spanish university to show for it at the end. Placements start in September, October or January, and recruitment for the 2027-28 school year is open now.
Comparing options? We also recruit for public school roles with Conversa and language assistant jobs in Valencia, or read our full guide to teaching English in Spain.
Hear from language assistants in Spain
"I uprooted myself from my familiar, comfortable life in the United States to become a Language Assistant in Spain. I had almost no experience and absolutely zero expectations."
Melissa, Madrid
"Being placed in Infantil and living with a host family means there's never a dull day!"
Kameryn D., Valldoreix, Barcelona · 2025-26
What you get
No programme fees, a monthly stipend and support from the day you're accepted to the day you finish.
Monthly stipend, set by your hours, group sizes and accommodation
Live with a Spanish family from your school, or independently
Just a €850 deposit, refunded when you complete your contract
A funded ESL Graduate Certificate from a Spanish university
Full cover under the Spanish National Healthcare System
Throughout the academic year, excluding the summer break
Pre-departure and visa assistance before you fly
Ongoing support and feedback at your placement school
A dedicated team on hand once you arrive in Spain
Who can apply?
To be considered for a language assistant place in Spain, you'll need:
- A bachelor's degree of at least three years in any subject, completed in 2023 or later (or a master's in Education or Linguistics)
- Native-level English
- A clean criminal record, as you'll be working with children
- At least a 120-hour TEFL certificate or equivalent before you start
- Enthusiasm for working with children, and an open, adaptable attitude
You don't need teaching experience or any Spanish. Selection is competitive, and only around one in three applicants is accepted, so a strong application and an early start make a real difference.
No TEFL yet? Get the 120-hour TEFL for £63. It's the certificate this programme asks for, and ESLstarter applicants get it at a discount on the standard £99 price. It's online and self-paced, most people finish in three to four weeks, and you can apply for Spain while you're still studying.
£63 £99
The role
- Run conversation activities with groups of up to 3, 8 or 15 students
- Support English lessons alongside the classroom teacher
- Help students prepare for their oral exams
- Model natural pronunciation and everyday English
- Share the culture of your own country
- Practise conversation with other teachers at the school
Dates and hours
| September or October start | Full school year, to late May or mid-June |
|---|---|
| January start | Second half of the year, to late May or mid-June |
| Teaching hours | 20 to 24 a week |
| Summer | Placements finish before the summer break |
Recruitment is ongoing, so you can apply at any time. Being flexible about where in Spain you go will help you get a placement sooner.
Host family
Live with a Spanish family from your school community. It's the most immersive option, and the fastest way to improve your Spanish.
Your own place
Rent independently if you'd rather have your own space. Your stipend reflects your choice, and rent is your responsibility.
Sharing with others
Many assistants who live independently share a flat with other teachers, which keeps rent down and makes settling in easier.
5 reasons to teach English in Spain
Not sure a year in Spain is right for you? This short video covers five reasons it might be a great fit.
How to apply
Apply with ESLstarter
Send the form below with your CV. It takes five minutes and it's free.
Get your TEFL
If you don't have one yet, start the 120-hour TEFL for £63. You can apply while you study.
Selection
Shortlisted applicants go through the programme's selection process and are matched to a school.
Secure your place
Pay the refundable €850 deposit and start your visa with the programme's help.
Fly to Spain
Arrive in September, October or January, ready to meet your school and tutor.
Moving to Spain to teach has been one of the most exciting experiences of my life.
Gabriela S., Pamplona, Navarra · Language assistant 2025-26 · Read more teacher stories
Language assistant jobs in Spain: FAQs
Is the stipend enough to live on in Spain?
The monthly stipend of €409 to €1,306 is designed to cover living costs as a young professional in Spain. The exact amount depends on your weekly teaching hours, your conversation group sizes and your accommodation choice. Living with a host family keeps your costs lowest, because your room and meals are provided.
Is this the same as the Auxiliares de Conversación programme?
No. Auxiliares de Conversación is the Spanish government's programme for state schools. This programme places language assistants in over 200 private schools across Spain, with its own support team, a school-based tutor and a funded ESL Graduate Certificate from a Spanish university.
Are there any fees?
There are no programme fees, and applying through ESLstarter is free. If you're accepted, you pay an €850 deposit to secure your place, which is refunded when you complete your contract. The deposit isn't refunded if you withdraw.
Do I need a TEFL certificate?
Yes, you'll need at least a 120-hour TEFL certificate or equivalent before you start. You can complete it online in around three to four weeks, and ESLstarter applicants get the 120-hour course for £63.
Can I choose where in Spain I'm placed?
Placements are matched to your profile across Spain, in cities such as Madrid and Barcelona as well as smaller towns. Being flexible about location gives you the best chance of a placement, especially for a sooner start.
When can I start, and for how long?
You can start in September, October or January. Placements run until late May or mid-June, so a September or October start covers the full school year and a January start covers the second half.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
No. You'll be speaking English with students, so no Spanish is required. Most assistants pick up plenty along the way, especially those living with a host family.
What are the requirements?
You need a bachelor's degree of at least three years in any subject, completed in 2023 or later, native-level English, a clean criminal record and a 120-hour TEFL certificate. Selection is competitive, with around one in three applicants accepted.
Can I stay for a second year?
Many language assistants enjoy it so much they stay on for another school year. Talk to us about your plans when you apply.
Ready to spend a year in Spain?
Places for 2027-28 are open now, and only around one in three applicants is accepted. Applying takes five minutes, and it's free.
