Working as an English or Spanish Language teacher in Barcelona Spain

The Upside

1. As an English speaker in Barcelona (Spain), it is one of the best earning, most viable professions. Using immersion methods.
2. Teaching is a good industry for meeting people and absorbing the culture
3. Language courses are likely to remain in demand with people wishing to learn English, Spanish and in Barcelona Catalan. Especially at an advanced level.
4. Spanish National Holidays are frequent. Teaching at a Barcelona and Spanish schools often mean 2 to 3 months break in the summer, time off at Easter and 2 weeks at Xmas.
5. Barcelona weather is hotter than many european cities and cooler than the extremes of southern Spanish locations.
6. If the teaching role involves many students, seen only a few times or less a week, it is a good opportunity to home your teaching skills. Apposed to a more cushier teaching position.
7. Barcelona is a lovely city with a strong Spanish culture, sunny weather and a moderate winter that is less extreme than Northern or Southern Europe. A laid-back environment, next to the Mediterranean and with some wonderful surroundings. Such as the National Park, fabulous local towns like Sitges and Skiing 50 minutes away for the winter months.
   (Madrid may also be described similarly)
8. In-Company and Self Employed teachers often have more freedom and independence, which can be useful if they do not need to work all the time or are studying for Higher Teaching Qualifications.
9. Some schools provide a specific curriculum to follow, which can make teaching languages easier for the inexperienced.

The downside

1. With a working day often being spread from 8am to 10pm, it can be a long day, for Teachers that are not self employed. Even with the various breaks in between and typical 2am to 4am siesta, when shops etc. are closed.
2. It can also be hectic in some roles, with varied ages and many students, who meet a few times or less a week.
3. As with most professions, it takes a while and good skills to get the better paying positions. Non EU Teachers looking for a job are limited to employers who are prepared for the added paperwork.
4. The summer break is a negative, as it’s difficult to find work during that time, even for private classes. Many Catalans and Barcelona residents go away on holiday during all of August. Teachers offering Spanish lessons can target those that remains during intensive summer language courses and tourism teaching opportunities, such as a Barcelona or Spanish kids summer camp.
5. Language Academies in Spanish Cities, such as Barcelona and Madrid, have been going out of business. Choosing a healthy employer is important, where possible.
6. Being a Self Employed or In-Company Teacher can mean working alone, reducing future teaching opportunities via Networking with other teachers and making it a more lonely option.
7. Experienced Language Teachers may find a Language School wants to provide a specific curriculum to follow, stifling their creative language teaching skills and making their teaching job repetitive.