Teaching Work Opportunities in Spain - the Seasonal Work Cycles
Below is a summary of what we've come to expect in terms of work opportunities by course completion months. These summaries are based on our experience of the market and are designed to give you an idea of how the teaching season in Spain works. Of course, trends are always subject to change, but we know this market well and what we outline below should give you a good idea of the schedule that is most suitable to you.
January / February
Like in any other part of the world, the New Year is a time a renewal and "New Years Resolutions". It seems that one of the most popular new year resolutions is to learn English. For this reason many academies enter into new contracts and many private students seek English teachers. For this reason there is a solid influx in teaching opportunities, strengthened by the fact that many teachers tend to return to their countries for Christmas and don't return. If you complete a TEFL course in December, January or February you will capitalise on this demand.
March / April
Easter or "Semana Santa", as itīs known in Spain, usually falls somewhere between late March and early April. So, if you complete a course in mid-March you can expect to enjoy a few weeks break before starting work. This is ideal for people who wish to have a short holiday after an extremely gruelling course or would like to do some sightseeing before throwing themselves into their new career. Contrarily, if your savings are limited, doing a course that ends after Semana Santa means that you'll be able to start accepting teaching hours upon graduation.
May/June
Doing a course in May or June will allow you to get organised for the Summer months. May and June are slower hiring months however, there is still a lot of work around especially private work. We find that private students like to start during these months as their beginning of year workloads have evened out and they're approaching summer which usually means reduced work hours. This allows the Spanish to throw themselves into other things including learning English. We recommend focussing on getting private clients at this time of the year as they'll often stay with you over summer thus ensuring a steady income. Conversely, completing a course during these months will mean you'll be around to organise summer camp and holiday work.
July
This is the only month we don't guarantee work upon completion of the course. Saying this however, all our July graduates have managed to find it - you just have to be a little more proactive. Many people choose to do a July course because it's the least busy TEFL month. July courses tend to have lower numbers and be a little less hectic. This is a great course to do if you wish to have your holidays in August (like the Spanish do) and spend your time on a beach before being inundated with work in early September.
August / September
These are our two most popular courses and you will need to book in advance if you want a place on either of these courses - we recommend up to six months in advance. The reason for the popularity of these courses is because the teaching year officially begins in mid-September. There is therefore a huge amount of work available upon completing either of these courses. The advantage of completing the course in August is that you can enjoy a week or two off before launching yourself into a gruelling teaching schedule conversely; doing the September course means you'll start work as soon as the course is complete.
October / November
Like August and September, October and November are also good months for completing a course. Although the frenzy for teachers has calmed down you will still be in high demand. The people who choose these courses tend to like to avoid Spain's infamous summer heat and would like to get settled before Christmas.
December
Not our most popular course - although I think it should be! My rationale is this. If you have a little money saved then you can complete your course at a relaxed time of the year, enjoy a few weeks off to celebrate Christmas and Spanish Reyes and dive into a full work schedule in the New Year. You can go on your Christmas break having already acquired your teaching hours before holidaying in a beautiful part of Spain.
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