With the pace of modern living, it can be difficult to balance everything. Making and maintaining friendships in the physical and virtual realms, spending time with family and loved ones, not to mention ticking off essential bucket list items along the way.
Small wonder then that it pays to be practical with time these days, and the ability to do multiple things simultaneously is an invaluable commodity in the workplace and beyond. Fortunately, there are simple things that can be done that make the art of multi-tasking that touch easier.
For instance, working while travelling is a fantastic way to fulfil two very real and pressing objectives in the lives of many. Obviously, with prices getting higher and higher by the day, having a supply of ready cash just to get by is necessary. At the same time, seeing the globe has become easier in recent times, as travel restrictions do appear to be easing in many parts of the planet.
Therefore, now is the time to combine two targets into one, by working and traveling abroad at the same time. One great method of achieving this is becoming a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher, and a wonderful place to begin this journey is Spain. Read below to find out four of many reasons why Spain is the ideal destination to commence a TEFL teaching career.
Employment opportunities
As a TEFL teacher, there are opportunities galore to find work in this modern, cosmopolitan country. From the capital city of Madrid, to the coastal haven of Barcelona, all the way to the Southern coast of Andalusia, the TEFL tutor will not have far to look to find a chance to get work.
As with any quality vocation, there are usually TEFL qualification requirements to teach in Spain, though these do tend to vary by town or city, so it is well worth doing some initial research to learn more. In any event, having a TEFL certification is a sensible investment in both the short term and long term.
Initially, TEFL instructors who are highly qualified typically get offered the very best jobs, and the higher pay that goes with them. In the future, this earning capacity can only grow, as positions such as department head or director of studies become open that bit faster. In both cases, then, the upfront cost of investing in a quality program is well worth it.
Lifestyle
Although there are many stereotypes about the Spanish culture, the reality is that there is something about the way the Spanish see the world that is truly refreshing. From being more relaxed on meeting times, to the glorious sunshine that accompanies many of the days there, Spain has a lifestyle that is hard to beat.
During different seasons of the year, the feel of the place changes too. Of course, the summer boasts chances aplenty to top up the tan, and enjoy the beach. However, there is something for everyone in almost any season of the year, from skiing in the Pyrenees in the winter, to enjoying one of the several local festivals dotted through the year.
In Valencia, for instance, there is the Fallas festival every year, where the folks there make and burn effigies through the streets, to remember those who have passed, and be strong in the face of future adversity. By contrast, Pamplona boasts the world renowned bull run event, which is considered dangerous but also extremely fun by those who brave it year in year out.
A TEFL teacher then has an array of cultural activities to take part in, should they so wish. In addition, this creates an easy ice breaker in the classroom, to smooth the wheels of getting to know the students. Merely by bringing up these exciting and unique events, the TEFL tutor can showcase their interest in the culture around them, making them feel more genuine to their learners.
Culture
From music to drama, Spain has always been known as a central hub of artistic culture. As the home of the flamenco dance, an energetic and sensual movement, the people bring a lot of fire and passion into everything they do.
Around the country, these skills are in evidence in full colour. As the biggest city in Catalonia, Barcelona is home to several pieces of truly astonishing art by Antoni Gaudi, like the Sagrada Familia cathedral, and the breathtaking Parc Guell.
In the capital, there is the unique Museo del Prado, which plays host to a plethora of Spanish art from across the centuries, from Goya and Velazquez (Las Meninas is a real highlight), to more modern pieces by Salvador Dali.
In the South, Seville is renowned as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, whose work has changed the face of art as it is known today. In addition, the city has mosques that are known for their stunning beauty, and a testament to the region’s multicultural heritage.
A TEFL teacher should have no trouble at all in bringing these elements into a successful lesson plan. Whether it be looking at the historical impact of the author of Don Quixote, or diving more deeply into Picasso’s Blue Period, the curriculum ought to contain lots of real references to Spanish history.
Transport
Getting in and around Spain is now easier than ever. With cheap flights running almost daily to and from each corner of the nation, and some rail routes considering offer free fares, the cost of getting from A to B is affordable.
Beyond that, the time it takes to navigate around is shorter than it has ever been. There is an impressive highway road system across the country, both north to south and east to west. This enables easy commuting to and from work if needed, as well as making short day trips accessible into the bargain.
For a TEFL teacher, this provides another positive aspect to living and working in Spain. This range of transport options make the daily commute possible, and weekend getaways to regions as diverse as Galicia and the Basque Country feasible.
References:
- https://www.thearcadiaonline.com/always-be-inspired-6-ways-you-can-bring-music-with-you-everywhere/
- https://www.thearcadiaonline.com/6-ways-you-can-improve-your-acting-performance/
- https://www.tefl.org/teach-english-abroad/teach-english-in-spain/
- https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20170609-its-time-to-put-the-tired-spanish-siesta-stereotype-to-bed
- https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/spain-to-introduce-free-train-journeys/index.html
