If you have an interest teaching English abroad, this blog is for you. Just because you don't want to teach with Meddeas or Teach in Spain doesn't mean you can't learn a thing or two. ;) 

My Meddeas Journey in Barcelona, Spain

I applied online, had a Skype interview, and then an in-person interview. 

My advice:

• Highlight any teaching or childcare experience

• Show what sets you apart from other applicants

• Be ready to answer: “Why should we choose you?”

For me, I leaned on my Latina background and explained I wanted to reconnect with my Spanish roots, learn Spanish, and support children’s education.

Once accepted, the visa process was the hardest part. In 2019, you had to figure it all out yourself, but now Meddeas provides checklists and links to help. 

Tip: Check the Spanish Consulate website based on your state. (For me, that was San Francisco, not Los Angeles!)

After getting my visa, I moved to Barcelona, set up a bank account (Banc Sabadell), and found a room to rent. Finding accommodation can be tough, so start early.

Overall Experience

I had a great experience with Meddeas, but not everyone does. Some friends had challenges — like being moved to a different city against their wishes — which Meddeas wasn’t always great at handling. Luckily for me, nothing went wrong.

Top Tips for Success

1. Introvert → Extrovert

I was shy when I started, but meeting people from all over the world was life-changing. 

Talk to everyone, be yourself, and step out of your comfort zone.

2. Learn Spanish!

If fluency is your goal, immerse yourself in Spanish-speaking people only. Example: a friend avoided other English-speaking assistants, joined Spanish dance classes, and now speaks Spanish fluently — plus her school sponsored her visa!

3. Think About the End Goal

Teaching abroad can lead to long-term opportunities. If the school likes you, they may sponsor your visa, allowing you to teach there for years.

What You’ll Actually Do As a Language Assistant

I worked as a language assistant and earned 936 euros/month. I didn’t teach my own classes; I helped students who needed extra support. Responsibilities will vary by school.

• Ages 5–12 are ideal for first-time teachers

• Avoid teaching high school if possible — teenagers can be tough

• Teaching “infantil” (under 5) is essentially babysitting

Hours per week

Meddeas advertises 24-hour work weeks, but this can vary. I had 3 hour long breaks between classes. I couldn’t go home because the commute was too long. Which ended up meaning that I stayed at school from 9 to 5. 

Tip: Live as close to the school as possible while also being in the city

Before You Leave Spain

Close your bank account! If you don’t, fees can accumulate. I ended up with $250 in charges over 2 years before finally resolving it with help from friends.

Final Thoughts

If you have the opportunity to live abroad and teach, do it. It’s challenging, yes, but incredibly rewarding. You’ll grow, meet amazing people, and have an unforgettable experience.

Don’t wait for the “perfect time” — start exploring your options today. Research programs, check visa requirements, and imagine the life you could create abroad. The world is waiting, and your adventure starts the moment you take the first step.

👉 Start researching teaching abroad today!

Love, Kaliah