Have you always dreamed of ? This year, let’s make that dream a reality. One of the most common ways of moving to Spain for Americans is to become a paid English language assistant.
Your path to Spain starts with landing a job as an English language assistant.
Participating in an English language assistant program in Spain offers a rewarding opportunity to teach the English language and culture throughout Spain, all while discovering Spanish culture. Plus, you’ll also have a lot of free time that you can use to travel in Spain or .
Over 40,000 Americans have experienced thanks to the NALCAP program, and many more will be doing so in the years to come. Will you be one of them?
What is NALCAP?
NALCAP stands for . Organized by the Education Office of the Embassy of Spain, the program aims to create educational collaboration and strong relationships between the United States of America and Spain.
What are the requirements to join NALCAP?
NALCAP is a great way to work for an English language assistant program in Spain. If you’re considering it, you’ll need to:
- Be a US citizen.
- Have a passport that’s valid until three months after your NALCAP’s end date.
- Hold a BA, BS, AA, or AS degree or be enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior in a BA or BS program.
- Be a native or native-like English speaker.
- Be in good physical and mental health.
- Have a clean background check.
- Be aged 18 to 60 (due to labor regulations in Spain).
- for your everyday life in Spain.
Keep in mind that this last requirement is only there to make your life easier. In the classroom, you should only speak in English, as you will be there to .
How to apply to NALCAP
If you meet all the requirements, the next step would be to learn more about NALCAP and apply to be one of their North American language and culture assistants in Spain. Their advises you to and read the guidelines carefully. Here is a quick summary of the guidelines:
1. Prepare your documents in advance.
Plan ahead to learn about the application process and prepare what you’ll need for your NALCAP application.
The application period for the next academic year runs from late January/early February to April. This will give you plenty of time to read about the application process and prepare your documents, including:
- A and a copy of its main page.
- A college transcript or a copy of your university diploma.
- A 250-300 word statement of purpose addressed to the Ministry of Education of Spain, signed and dated by you. For this part, you need to explain why you would like to participate in the program and state that you’re a native-like speaker of English.
- A letter of recommendation from a college professor, instructor, or employer.
2. Open a PROFEX account.
is an online portal that you use for your NALCAP application. To get started, you will need to open an account, fill in your personal information, and upload your resume. You can do this at any time and then just hit apply when the applications are open.
PROFEX can get busy during the application period, so getting your account ready beforehand is important.
3. Apply using PROFEX.
The Ministry of Education will announce the application period on its website, but in most cases, this will be between late January and early April. Once it’s open, log in to your PROFEX account and apply. It is a good idea to send your application as early as possible as NALCAP Spain works on a first-come, first-served basis.
It’s a good idea to use your personal email address while applying. College email addresses may expire and the NALCAP board might need your email address to contact you about your application.
Top tip: You can check out the of the Ministry of Education that walk you through the application process.
4. Check your application.
Between May and July, you will get an email and find out if you got accepted to the program. Make sure to check your email often, including the junk folder. Once you’ve got your acceptance, you can between June and September, and then when you have your visa.
What is NALCAP like?
In NALCAP, you will be more than an English language assistant in Spain—. Your main task will be to help the classroom teacher and improve students’ listening and speaking skills. Teaching students without the teacher’s supervision is outside your scope of work as a language assistant in Spain.
Can you picture yourself working your magic in a classroom?
Once you’re accepted, a mentor teacher will be assigned to you to help with your professional and personal life, including finding housing and integrating into Spain.
As a language and culture assistant in Spain, your duties are likely to include:
- Helping students with their fluency in speaking, writing, reading, and listening in English.
- Helping the teacher by creating teaching materials, games, and quizzes.
- Talking about your country so that the students get to know your culture.
- Related tasks.
How long is NALCAP?
In most cases, NALCAP runs from October 1st to May 31st. You will be expected to work 12 to 16 hours per week and you will have the same holidays as the teachers and students.
How to choose where to do NALCAP
If you’re considering applying to a Spanish language assistant program, the cities where you might end up are likely at the top of your mind. There are in this language assistant program.
But in NALCAP Spain, you don’t get to choose cities—you make a list of your top three preferred regions instead. Besides choosing three out of Spain’s 17 regions, you can also state if you prefer being placed in a village, town, or city.
Depending on which city of Spain you’re in, you will have a monthly stipend of 700 to 1000 euros and . The Ministry of Education of Spain does its best to make sure that you’ll be in one of your preferred regions, but unfortunately, it is not guaranteed.
5 tips for moving to Spain for NALCAP
1. Apply for the visa as soon as possible.
Visas can be tricky—they might take a long time to be processed or experience delays. It’s best to start the application process as soon as you get your acceptance from NALCAP to make sure that you’re ready to go to Spain in September and start your placement in October.
2. Contact your school before leaving for Spain.
Your assigned school will expect to hear from you. You can write an email to introduce yourself as a language assistant soon to be in Spain and ask any questions you may have. Your future colleagues might also be able to help you with finding accommodation and getting to the city from the airport.
3. Make a list of what you need to do.
Next up on your to-do list: Preparing for your move to Spain!
is never easy. If you’re moving to Spain for NALCAP, you will need to do the following:
- Find an apartment: You’re responsible for , so start looking in advance.
- Open a bank account: You will need a Spanish bank account in order to get paid for your job as an English language assistant in Spain.
- Get a Spanish SIM card: It’s useful to have a to be able to call your landlord, your school, or your friends.
- Apply for a TIE: TIE is a Spanish residency card. You can make an appointment online with your local immigration office to get one. It is also advised to do this as soon as possible since you will need it for your NALCAP onboarding, which is usually around October 15th.
4. Practice your Spanish.
Sure, you will a lot while living in Spain. But you can give yourself a head start by practicing beforehand. Think of how your life will be easier if you can express yourself at the bank, immigration office, or a shop!
5. Prepare some teaching materials.
You can “wow” your school by bringing some creative ideas to the classroom from Day 1. North American language and culture assistants in Spain are expected to make presentations on American culture and prepare fun games. Consider checking out some to teach English in a fun way and promote American culture.
3 alternatives to NALCAP
NALCAP is one of the best English language assistant programs in Spain but it’s not the only way to teach abroad. Here are three to check out as NALCAP alternatives:
1. TEFL Connect:
- Highlights: First things first, you’ll be living in Barcelona, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. From its food to its architecture, with an active city life and a beach. Upon completing TEFL Connect’s 160-hour teaching program, you will be a certified English teacher from Trinity College UK.
- Where: Barcelona (Catalonia)
2. Meddeas:
- Highlights: If you want to teach in a Spanish school as you would in NALCAP, this program is a great alternative. You will be assigned to a local school, receive a monthly stipend, and have the chance to live independently or .
- Where: More than 300 schools all over Spain
3. CIEE:
- Highlights: Living in the Spanish capital, earning €1000 per month, and working four days and 16 hours per week—does it sound like a good deal? Madrid is an amazing city to immerse yourself in Spanish culture, , and get teaching experience.
- Where: Madrid
Living and working in Spain is calling!
Spain is waiting, so answer the call.
You’ll be a language assistant in Spain, promoting your own language and culture, and . In return, you’ll get to live in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries and improve your Spanish. Note the dates for NALCAP or continue searching for other programs—!
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