Published: 10 January, 2016  |  Last updated: 10 January, 2016

Teaching English in Palma de Mallorca, Spain

 

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Report submitted on 16 November, 2015 by Nikki.

Teaching English in Palma de Mallorca, Spain:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Palma de Mallorca, Spain?
Through the internet mainly although word of mouth is the best way.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Part time English language school positions, teaching at kindergartens / pre-schools, teaching at state schools, teaching at private international schools, private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.)

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
You can be a volunteer native language teacher without any qualifications although this only entails helping the teachers in the class.
For language schools or private schools you need the CELTA certificate or similar.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
People here are looking mainly for native speakers. Experience teaching is valued but it doesn’t necessarily have to have been English teaching. CELTA certificates are the most valued.

What are the levels of payment?
That depends on the school or type of lesson and can vary from 10 to 25 euros an hour.

How many teaching days a week is normal?
2 days per week

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
4 hours per week.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Palma de Mallorca, Spain to teach English?
The Spanish teaching system doesn’t allow non-Spanish citizens to teach full time so your only options are private schools, language schools or private teaching. To seriously consider coming here especially to earn a good living teaching English would be unwise but if you want sun, sea and a bit of fun come along.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Palma de Mallorca, Spain?
The English levels in schools here is very poor so it is very positive to see how your students finally “get it!” and suddenly start making progress. Here everything is taught from the book so the ESL approach is greatly appreciated by bored students and it is gratifying to see how their faces light up with the games and fun ways of learning.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Palma de Mallorca, Spain?
Definitely the wages and in some cases the negativity of the school teachers to change their way of teaching.

 

Living in Palma de Mallorca, Spain:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Spain?
As far as I know, most English speaking nationalities can teach here with no visa as long as they are given a legal contract.

What is the cost of living like in Spain?
Mallorca is a tourist island therefore it can be quite expensive to find decent accommodation, sharing could be a good option. Food and essentials are reasonable compared with wages and going out isn’t too expensive as long as you stay away from the tourist areas.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Being a tourist island accommodation is easy too find, the main problem is that part time rents can be up to 60% more expensive than long term.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Palma de Mallorca, Spain?
The weather, the culture and above all it’s a very safe place to live. For the moment anyway!

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Palma de Mallorca, Spain?
I can’t think of any.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Palma de Mallorca, Spain?
Bring plenty of sunscreen.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Green countryside.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Palma de Mallorca, Spain?
The freedom of being able to walk anywhere at any time without fear.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Mallorca is International. You can get anything here.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Nikki

Nationality: British

Students I’ve taught in Spain: Toddlers (2-4 years), pre-school / kindergarten (4-6 years), elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years), high school (15-18 years), university, adults.

Where I teach: CEIP El Terreno, Palma de Mallorca Spain. Working here for 4 years.

How I found my current teaching job(s): It is my son’s school. They asked me.

My school facilities: Adequate – We have access to normal resources, i.e. paper, pencils, crayons etc. Technology is dodgy to say the least. Internet when it feels like it. Computers work when they feel like it. Projector rarely works even when it feels like it. We do it old school. Most of the resources I bring from home.

Teacher support at my school: Training / workshops.

 

Do you teach English in Spain?

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8 comments on “Teaching English in Spain – Palma de Mallorca”

  1. Hi I am currently an NQT in a British primary school. My partner and I are looking at moving to Palma this summer and I would be interested in teaching over there. I have a Pgce in primary ed specialising in pe and a degree in early years and education. How would I go about finding a job?

  2. Hi Nikki!
    what a fantastic insight into Palma life & brief reality check! I have been dreaming about coming back to Mallorca (visited few times now) and possibly finding a teaching job; I’m an overseas qualified teacher with my QTS currently working in the UK; we’re looking into relocating to this amazing island with my husband but there’s just sooooo much to think about, plan & get sorted (1st priority: finding a job) that I’m just worried we might never actually endeavour to do so; any thoughts & suggestions as to ‘where’s best to start’ would be much appreciated!

  3. Long established language school with a very high reputation in central mallorca is looking for one or two part time teachers. Teaching qualifications required or university degree and a real CELTA certificate. email address: int_school@hotmail.com

  4. Hi,

    Useful info! I’m dreaming of living in Majorca and I have no idea where to start. I’ve been an English teacher for ages now and it is my real passion. Unfortunately I’m a non-native speaker and teacher of English and the fact that I teach English to the natives doesn’t help. I have a 4 years old son to bring with me to Majorca, if it ever happens.. Is there any chance for some more information/help/advice? Thanks a million!

  5. Hi there, my names Alicia Martin and I’m a Canadian living in Toronto, Canada. I am currently in the process of getting my visa that allows me to work and live in Spain. I have heard amazing things about Mallorca and was wondering if you could provide me with any assistance regarding Mallorca and any potential teaching opportunities. I would also love to hear about Spain and anything you can suggest to see or do there. Thank you very much in advance for your time.

  6. Hey Nikki, I am interested in traveling and working in Mallorca starting this September. What would be my first step in finding a teaching position. I love working with kids and am passionate about language. Please give me your thoughts!
    Thanks, Hunter Leach

  7. I found this article most helpful. I am South African and I have been to Palma Mallorjca in 2008 and 2009 (I stayed there for 6 months at a time). I am now in the Public Relations Industry and want to come back to Palma de Mallorca with my husband and I was hoping to teach english. I would like to enroll to do a tefl course here. What advice can you give me with regards to applications? Are there agencies I can call (recruitment) in this field? Hoping to hear from you soon.
    Regards
    Bronwen

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