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Living and Teaching English in Spain - Habits, Customs & Curiosities

Spain is undoubtedly one of the most popular countries in Europe for teaching English as a foreign language.

Whether you prefer vibrant cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville, or one of the many smaller cities and towns across the country, you are sure to find plenty of great teaching opportunities waiting for you.

The following guides should provide some of the information you need to decide whether Spain is the right destination to begin your EFL adventure.

They cover topics such as Spanish travel phrases, cultural do’s and don’ts and the local cuisine.

Whether you are already committed to Spain as your destination for teaching English abroad or are still undecided, take a look at this infographic for a brief introduction to all things Spanish. By completing a bit of research prior to arriving in the country you should avoid making any cultural faux pas in your first few days on the job.

From basic greetings and pleasantries to appropriate etiquette at the dinner table, this list should provide a useful starting point for planning your trip. You will also know in advance that it is normal for your new Spanish friends to arrive 30 minutes late for dinner, and that making prolonged eye contact with your new work colleagues could easily be construed as flirting!

If Spain is your preferred destination for teaching English abroad then you probably know a bit about the country’s geography, culture, people, and language already. Did you know that there are no less than four official languages in Spain and that the country’s best selling newspaper covers nothing but football? Although Spain shares a border with France in the north of the country, it only takes a 35 minute journey by ferry to reach North Africa from its southernmost point.

However, there are many fascinating facts about Spain that you are probably not aware of. Across the country there are 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is more than double the number you will find in the US. Read on for more fascinating facts about Spain.

Madrid is the capital of Spain, a very popular destination for international tourists, and a top destination for teaching English as a foreign language. Whether a resident or a visitor you are sure to have your own bucket list of things to see and do during your time in Madrid.

If you choose to be based here you will have plenty of time to explore every nook and cranny in your time away from the classroom, while those living and working elsewhere in the country will surely find time to pay the city a visit. Take a look at this list for a few ideas such as visiting the Royal Palace, exploring the Prado Museum, or shopping at the El Rastro Flea Market.

Barcelona has long been a very popular city for foreign teachers looking to live and work abroad. During your stay you can get to know the city like a local by exploring all its diverse neighborhoods, from well known tourist areas such as La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter to the lesser known Gracia and El Raval Districts.

Every year thousands of first time teachers, and many with some experience, are drawn to Barcelona by the promise of a buoyant job market, fascinating arts and culture, a laidback lifestyle, and a vibrant nightlife. Every visitor to Barcelona is sure to pay a visit to the Sagrada Familia, but you should also check out the many other popular pastimes highlighted here.

One of the many highlights of living and working as an EFL teacher in Spain is the opportunity to indulge in the delicious local cuisine which is as good as any to be found across the European continent. After a long day in the classroom there are few better ways to unwind than enjoying a cold beer or glass of local wine alongside a plate of mouth watering seafood, cured meats, and various vegetables in a wide range of styles.

One particularly popular type of food with visitors and locals alike is the range of snacks known as ‘tapas’ that are served in bars all over the country. Every region of Spain has its own tapas specialties, so take a look at this list and choose your own favorite.

For many foreign teachers who head to Spain to find work, one of the main things to do before arrival is to brush-up on their local language skills. If you want to know what it means to “throw the house through the window” or to have “more face than back” then read on.

However, unless you have fully mastered the Spanish language or have visited the country before, you are unlikely to be familiar with some of the more unusual expressions and idioms that are listed here. Other wonderful phrases such as “the catfish is biting me” and “he goes fart” are also explained.

If you dream of living and working in Spain you do not need to worry too much about being fluent in Spanish before you arrive as you should be able to pick it up quickly once you are fully immersed in the language on a daily basis. By following simple tips such as downloading language apps, listening to Spanish music and watching Spanish movies, you should find that your confidence in speaking and understanding Spanish will be significantly improved in as little as 10 days.

However, you will find it much easier to hit the ground running if you have a basic understanding of the most common words and phrases from day one.

For many people who choose Spain as a destination for teaching English as a foreign language, the opportunity to learn Spanish in its original homeland is a major draw. Here you will find a brief overview of the language covering a range of subjects such as its history and where it is now spoken, plus several other fascinating facts about the second most common natively spoken language in the world.

Whether you already have some knowledge of the language or are a complete beginner, being immersed in Spanish with the opportunity to use it every day is without a doubt the most effective way of making rapid progress.

Spanish cuisine is one of the most popular styles of food in the world; however, its many dishes are as varied and diverse as the different regions of Spain where they originate. Paella from the Valencia area is well known across the world, but have you tried cocido madrileno a hearty chickpea based stew from Madrid or the marinated meat skewers known as pinchitos that are traditionally cooked over charcoal braziers in Andalusia and Extremadura?

During your stay in the country you should try to explore this diversity to the maximum to ensure you experience the full delights of Spanish cuisine. From the city of Gijon on the north coast to Malaga on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in the south, the different regions of Spain have many culinary delights just waiting to be enjoyed.

The Spanish really love to put on a festival, and whether big or small, they can often provide the perfect opportunity for visitors to get involved with the local culture and traditions. However, across the country there are many other lesser known events that you might want to check out, from the Festival of Near Death Experience in Galicia to the Devil vs.

Some festivals such as the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona and the mass tomato throwing of La Tomatina in Bunol are well known across the world and attract thousands of foreign visitors every year. Turnips Festival in Extremadura. Unfortunately, those looking forward to attending the annual Goat Throwing Festival in Castile and Leon will be disappointed as it has recently been banned for animal cruelty reasons.

If you plan on heading to Spain to start work teaching English as a foreign language there are plenty of things you will want to do in advance, such as brush up on your Spanish language skills and research the accommodation options in your chosen location. Among the more striking facts on offer are that Spain has the second highest number of bars per person worldwide and that there are no laws covering public nudity.

As well as these important tasks, you might also consider browsing through this rather less important list of fascinating facts about your new home from home. It is also good to know that certain gestures such as flicking your teeth with a thumbnail and waggling your fingers from the nose are best avoided in public.

Every year hundreds of foreign teachers arrive in beautiful Barcelona to take up positions as English language teachers in schools and language centers across the city. Before you get on the plane to Europe you will probably do a bit of research to find out what to expect during your stay, however, you are unlikely to come across many of the facts stated here. The answers to these questions and more can be found right here.

If you want to join them, simply complete a TEFL/TESOL certification course to get your dream started. Do you know why there are always 13 geese living in the grounds of Barcelona Cathedral? Or how the unique architecture of the city influenced the Star Wars films?

Football is without a doubt the number one sport in Spain, with millions of people following it almost like a religion in every part of the country. Every meeting between the two clubs is a massive event that is known as ‘El Clasico’ and is watched by huge audiences in the stadium, at home and in bars across the country.

The two biggest domestic clubs, Real Madrid and Barcelona, enjoy one of the fiercest rivalries in worldwide sport with a history that goes back over a hundred years. For visitors who are unfamiliar with this special event, read on for all the facts and figures you will need before watching the big game in Spain.

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