Language Assistant Program

TEACH ENGLISH, GERMAN OR FRENCH ABROAD AND ENHANCE YOUR RESUME

APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN 2023-2024

READ THE ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

FAQs
Brochure

THE OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME

Mingle in the authentic teaching atmosphere of a private or charter school as a Language Assistant in Spain! Teach your native language while you continue your education through a TEFL training paid by the program. You will be covered by a monthly stipend and there are no fees to participate.

Let yourself be eclipsed by the dazzling Spanish culture. Discover a country full of ancient castles and cathedrals, festivals and traditions, with one of the best gastronomies in the world and friendly and welcoming people.

This is a unique experience that you will remember forever!

MAIN TASKS

Role of a Language Assistant

A Language Assistant is a native-level speaker of English, German or French, who supports the school’s language teachers with conversation practice.

Split groups in speaking lessons

Additional support alongside the teacher

Conversation practice with teachers

Support with official exams preparation

WHAT WE OFFER

TEACH ENGLISH, GERMAN OR FRENCH ABROAD

Feel the authentic atmosphere of a Spanish school. Take your resume to the next level with international teaching experience, and deepen your education with TEFL university training. Relish the vibrant Spanish culture, to which no other can compare!

  • Placements in more than 300 private or charter schools throughout Spain
  • TEFL training provided by a Spanish university and paid for by the program
  • No fees
  • Monthly stipend
  • Paid school holidays during the academic year
  • Spanish National Health System coverage
  • In-country guidance from the school's tutor and from Meddeas
  • Guidance with the visa application process

BECOME A LANGUAGE ASSISTAN IN SPAIN

Teach Abroad and Go Global with Meddeas

JOIN THE PROGRAM

Requirements to participate


  • Our training programs are aimed at native-level English, German or French speakers with little or no teaching experience, although experienced candidates are welcome to apply as well.
  • Be a native English, German, or French speaker.
  • Have graduated from university within the last 4 years.
  • Have no criminal records.
  • Stand out in our competitive selection process.

  • No Spanish knowledge is required.

ACCOMMODATION

LODGING OPTIONS

The way you live during your stay in Spain can determine your experience. You can choose between two options.

HOST FAMILY
For those who want to experience the Spanish culture to the fullest.

You will be adopted by a Spanish family! Out of a sudden, you will have adoptive parents and siblings, with whom you can spend time, plan activities during the weekends and share your culture and language, while learning from them.

Through this very special opportunity, you will find yourself being part of an authentic Spanish family and what it implies: living in their home, eating together, playing games and going on family trips. It is the dream come true for those who want to live like a Spaniard for a few months.
INDEPENDENT HOUSING
For those who put their autonomy and independence above all else.

Live on your own in an apartment, either by yourself or with roommates. Meddeas gives information and tips regarding house-hunting in Spain, but you will have to find your own place to live.

This is the perfect option for those who have a more independent personality and know how to organize themselves well.
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THE GOLDEN LAND OF CULTURE

Let Yourself be Dazzled by Spain

From bustling cities to traditional villages, Spain is a developed country with an affordable cost of living that offers an amazing variety of lifestyles. It receives more than 75 million visitors every year thanks to its 49 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, not to mention its countless festivals and traditions, historical cities, beautiful shores, welcoming people and friendly culture.

Once you start teaching English in Spain, you will have lots of opportunities to improve your Spanish, a language spoken by 450 million people in the world. However, it will be up to you to look for and take advantage of those chances. Benefiting from the language exchange certainly depends on oneself.

It is very common to arrange conversation exchanges with school teachers, but you must keep in mind that you are supposed to speak only English at the school. Outside of school, however, you can practice as much Spanish as you wish.

TESTIMONIALS

TRUSTED BY MORE THAN 700 PARTICIPANTS EVERY YEAR

"I am making a difference by teaching English in Spain. I am changing my little corner of the world, with every child who learns at least one word from me. I am impacting students in a way that I yearned for but doubted the existence of in the States. I have the autonomy to be creative with my lesson plans and interact with the children on such a human level.
Kati S.Language Assistant in Bilbao
"The environments at both schools I have been in over the past year and a half have been extremely welcoming. I feel like a respected member of the staff and have all my questions answered promptly. The overwhelming majority of students are eager to work with me and know what I am here to do. I don't find it difficult to get by with the stipend provided as part of the program."
Alex Y.Language Assistant in Málaga
"The best thing about being a Language Assistant is the response I get from the students. It‘s just amazing to see them enjoying an activity I created. Most of them have a huge thirst for knowledge and are very grateful even for little gestures like drawing a smiley on their notebook when they answered correctly. This way I‘m not only teaching them but also learning a lot from them myself."
Patrick M.Language Assistant in Burgos
"My experience as a Language Assistant in Spain has countless positive aspects. Being a Language Assistant in Spain has allowed me to become more confident in the workplace and as an individual. But I think the most positive and important aspect of my experience so far as a Language Assistant in Spain is that I have become part of the team of teachers and part of the school."
Meghan G.Language Assistant in Almería
"I can honestly say that this was the best decision I have made for myself! Being a Language Assistant has helped me to grow as a person. I have learned how to think on my feet, communicate with girls on so many levels, create fun and enjoyable learning experiences. Being a Language Assistant in Spain is allowing me to teach and to learn, both things that I love. I wouldn´t trade this experience for anything else, as this will be so valuable to me in my future as a teacher."
Ruairi M.Language Assistant in Madrid
"When people ask about my experience as a Language Assistant, I always tell that I feel very lucky. I am grateful for my placement and experience. The support team at Meddeas are very reliable and are always quick to respond to any issues I may have at my school or in Spain. The co-teachers have been supportive since the first day—they are inclusive, considerate, patient, and flexible."
Matthew P.Language Assistant in Madrid

THE BASICS

FAQs about the program

A Meddeas Language Assistant is a recent university graduate who is interested in acquiring international teaching experience. They get the chance to join one of the +300 schools we collaborate with in Spain to support the English, French, or German department and collaborate with them through an internship scheme, receiving a monthly stipend to cover their expenses while having this experience.

If you are a university student who can earn credits for internship opportunities, you should have a look at our Student Co-op Placements instead.

Unlike Teaching Assistants, Language Assistants are expected to use their own initiative to prepare and deliver engaging and creative activities and fun games, following the guidelines given by the main teacher, in order to motivate the students, improve their speaking skills and make them fall in love with the language. This rewarding internship program requires full-time availability and a great deal of energy!

Some of the tasks assigned to the Language Assistant may include organizing group conversation lessons, leading the whole class at the front of the room alongside the teacher, conducting conversation practice with other teachers, or helping to prepare students for standardized language tests.

Depending on the placement, group conversation lessons will include a maximum of 3, 8, or 15 students at a time. Only candidates with a degree in Education OR English Language / Linguistics OR any Degree + TEFL course (at least 120 hours) are eligible for placements with groups of up to 15 students.

You need to be a native-level speaker of English, German, or French. Native German and French speakers should have at least a B2 level (CEFR) in English because the university TEFL-related course is taught in this language.

You need to hold a +3 year degree in any subject OR hold a postgraduate degree related to Education or Linguistics, obtained within the last 4 years before the beginning of the program.

You must have no criminal records, and you need to hold a valid passport (not needed to apply, but necessary to start the visa application process, if applicable).

Program conditions

Not at all. There are no fees to participate in Meddeas. You will have to transfer a refundable deposit of €850 after accepting your placement as proof of your commitment to the program. This deposit will be refunded to you at the end of the program, once you successfully complete your school placement and university course.

No. Our program’s allocation process is profile-based. That means that our Human Resources Team will match your profile with a specific school placement (with its own requirements) so that you can benefit from this internship experience. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that you will be placed in a specific location.

Since we run a profile-based allocation process, we only consider individual applications. If one of your friends or your partner has also applied, please bear in mind that it is unlikely that we will place both of you in the same town or even region.

You will be enrolled in a TEFL-related course, adapted to school environments, delivered by a Spanish University. The course begins with a one-day session in Madrid or Barcelona (TBC). After that, you will move on to your placement destination to collaborate with the school and complete the online course throughout the academic year.

The university will recognize a portion of your activity at the school as part of their academic training. In addition, you will have to dedicate around 360 hours (225 hours if you start in January) throughout the academic year to complete the course, with the support of forums and your university tutor.

Course completion and evaluation will be based on the assessment of individual modules. Tuition is paid for by the program and its completion is compulsory.

Our program runs from September/October/January to May/June. If you successfully complete the program, you may apply for a second year as a Meddeas Language Assistant. You can choose to stay at the same school or move to a different one.

The Language Assistant’s schedule will be set and modified by the school according to its needs, which means that placement’s characteristics depend entirely on the school, and participants are not able to change its schedule or conditions.

You will have between 20 and 24 in-class hours per week. You may be expected to dedicate an additional 2 hours to coordination meetings with other teachers, and may also have additional gaps between lessons. You can take advantage of these gaps to prepare activities and dedicate time to your online TEFL course.

If you live with a host family and your placement has less than 23 in-class hours per week, you will teach them in 4 days (mornings and afternoons), or in 5 mornings every week.

You will receive a monthly stipend that will vary in quantity depending on the number of weekly in-class hours, your lodging option, and the maximum number of students in your group conversation lessons, which are previously defined by the school. The amount ranges from €878 to €1,141 for the independent housing option and from €400 to €691 for the host family option.

The monthly stipend will allow you to live in Spain as a young professional, and is enough to pay your rent (in case of independent housing) and cover expenses. Keep in mind that larger cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Bilbao are more expensive than medium or small cities. We advise you to come to Spain with some savings to help you get settled.

You will be entitled to the same holidays as the rest of the school’s faculty. You will have a Christmas and Easter break, local or regional holidays, and some long weekends (puentes). You will have a set school calendar and you are not entitled to any days off outside the pre-established holidays. Trips and travel arrangements should be made around your class schedule and school calendar.

If there are unforeseen circumstances or special events, such as your graduation, that require you to take a day off, you will have to submit a request in advance to the school principal. Unauthorized absences can result in the loss of your stipend or even your placement.

You will have access to the Spanish Social Security system (national healthcare) for the duration of the program. The Public Administration (Spanish government) will deduct a small amount from your monthly stipend (between €9.40 and €11.50, approximately) in order to pay compulsory Social Security contributions in exchange for nearly universal medical coverage.

Although you will be covered by the Spanish healthcare system, you will need to purchase an additional private health insurance plan if you are a non-EU passport holder to satisfy visa requirements. Successful candidates may look for their own options or contact Meddeas, since we have partnered with a private health insurance provider to offer affordable coverage that complies with visa requirements.

You are expected to show initiative and commitment and perform professionally. Meddeas and/or the school have the right to cancel a Language Assistant’s placement if any of them consider that the participant exhibits a lack of professional behavior.

If this occurs, the Language Assistant loses the deposit and all inherent rights (placement, social security, course, stipend, etc.). In addition, the program is legally obliged to cancel the visa (if applicable).

If you decide to leave the program, you will lose the €850 deposit and all inherent rights (placement, social security, course, stipend, etc.) In addition, the program will be legally obliged to cancel your visa (if applicable).

Lodging options

Yes, of course. If you decide to live by yourself, we strongly recommend that you look for an apartment located close to your school. It will be easier for you to walk to school each day instead of relying on public transportation.

Meddeas does not provide accommodation, so you will be responsible for finding an apartment to rent. Our Admissions Team will offer you tips and links for finding an apartment in Spain. You will also be invited to the Meddeas Facebook group, where you can communicate with other Language Assistants who might also be looking for an apartment in the same area. Nevertheless, negotiating an apartment contract or security deposit will be your own responsibility.

Yes, some school placements include this lodging option. Living in Spain is a great way to practice the Spanish language, and staying with a Spanish host family will be the best way to make the most of this unique experience. The family will introduce you to many typical Spanish traditions that will help you discover a new culture and, most likely, make friends for life.

Through this very special opportunity, you will find yourself being part of an authentic Spanish family and all that comes with it: living in their home, eating together, playing games, and going on family trips. It is a dream-come-true for those who want to live like a Spaniard for a few months. Check the Host Family Conditions.

The school

Schools understand that you have little teaching experience. At the same time, they expect you to show serious commitment. You will be expected to be involved with your students, demonstrate motivation, maintain professional conduct, and use good interpersonal skills. Proactivity, flexibility, and initiative are essential to planning and preparing your own activities.

One of the school’s teachers will be appointed as your tutor. You can ask them for advice when needed, but you will be expected to independently plan lessons and come up with your own activities and games.

Meddeas works with private and concertado (charter or grant-maintained) schools. Many of those schools are Catholic, where the Language Assistant is expected to be respectful of the school’s beliefs and customs and to avoid controversial topics. It is not necessary to share its ethos, but the above is a must. If you have any questions on this matter, you will be able to address them during the interview.

Successful candidates will receive all the relevant details, like location, students’ age group, and school characteristics and expectations before accepting a placement offer. Once accepted, details cannot change upon the Language Assistant’s request, the school defines and may adapt the ages of children that participants are placed with.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

If you are interested in becoming a Meddeas Language Assistant, you can apply through our website by filling out the online Application Form.

We will evaluate your eligibility and, if you meet the requirements to enroll in the program, we will arrange a first online interview with you.

If you pass the first stage of the recruitment process, you will be invited to a second online interview. If you successfully complete the second stage, you will be considered for one of the available placements for which your profile matches.

You will then be asked to sign an agreement. You will receive the name of your school before transferring the refundable deposit to ensure your placement.

Finally, you will be able to start your visa application process, if applicable, with the guidance of our Admissions Team.

FUNDING THE PROGRAM

The program itself will cost you no money. However, you will have to pay for some things with a set and known cost:

All participants

  • Application for a Certificate of Absence of Police Records, RCMP Criminal Record Check (only for Canada)
  • Travel expenses from and to your country
  • Accommodation in Madrid or Barcelona for the Induction Meeting
  • Travel expenses from Madrid or Barcelona to your destination

Non-European passport holders

  • Visa application fees
  • Translation of official documents for the visa application
  • Apostille
  • Private health insurance (visa requirement)

Prices vary from country to country. Please check the fees that apply to your particular case.

As Meddeas is a training program, you might be eligible to defer your student loans during the program. Eligibility for deferment will depend on the requirements established by the institution granting your loan.

Participants who have studied at a university associated with the Erasmus program may also be eligible for Erasmus+ funds for up to 12 months after their graduation. For specific requirements and how to apply, please consult your university.

JOIN OUR LANGUAGE ASSISTANTS PROGRAM

Teach English in Spain and Get Hands-On Experience.

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info@meddeas.com
+ 34 948 983 539
Calle V, nº3, 2ºD,
P.C. Galaria 31191
Cordovilla, Navarra – Spain

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