Do’s and don’ts of teaching English in Spain

Spain is a popular choice with expats, especially EFL teachers. The Spaniards are used to meeting foreigners and generally won’t expect you to know about the ‘Spanish way’ of doing things straight away. However, they do expect you to take an interest in Spanish culture and customs. So, making an effort to learn the do’s and don’ts of teaching English in Spain is a great start!

Meeting and greeting

DO

• When meeting people for the first time, make sure to greet each person individually. Avoid introducing yourself to the whole group without taking the time to meet each person and learn their names.
• Greet people in a friendly, physical manner. A firm handshake paired with a big smile should do it. However, the Spaniards are very friendly and may often greet you with a kiss on each cheek instead.
• Feel free to give a simple ‘hola’ or two kisses if you bump into a friend in the street.

DON’T

• Kiss your students on each cheek. Although the Spaniards are very friendly and affectionate, it’s not seen as appropriate to greet students with kisses. Instead, a simple ‘hello’ will suffice!
• Expect locals to be punctual. ‘Spanish time’ tends to be 15 to 30 minutes than the time agreed!

At the dinner table

DO

• Bring a bottle of wine (or another nice gift) along if you’re invited to a meal at someone’s home.
• Make sure to compliment your host’s food and ask lots of questions about how they made it. Spaniards are very generous and will appreciate you noticing the effort they’ve made.
• When eating out with a group, split the bill evenly between everyone.
• If you’re eating out with just one friend, pay the bill and they will repay the favour next time. And don’t forget, if your friend pays for the meal, invite them out for dinner again so you can repay the favour!
• Expect free food at bars. No, you won’t be charged a ton at the end of the night! If you have a few drinks at a bar, you’ll often find you’re given free tapas.

DON’T

• Be afraid to express your opinion. The Spanish love animated discussions, even if your opinion differs from their own!
• Go to a restaurant for dinner before 8pm. The Spanish tend to eat out late and you can expect a much nicer atmosphere if you eat out at the same time as everyone else.

Classroom culture

DO

• Have students work in small groups. Spanish students like to help each other and benefit when they’re given the opportunity to support one another in smaller groups. And make sure to circulate around the room, helping each group in turn.
• Include competitive activities in your lessons. Spanish students enjoy a bit of friendly competition whenever possible.
• Get to know your students personally. If you have older students, don’t be afraid to accept friendly invitations for food and drink – this is quite common in Spain.
• Dress professionally. This is especially important if you are teaching Business English and/or teaching adults.

DON’T

• Correct every single mistake made. Instead, focus on the grammar or language that you’re studying in that particular lesson.
• Push reading and writing skills too much. Most people in Spain are learning English to communicate on a day-to-day basis and find speaking and listening skills much more important. However, if they’re preparing for a specific exam or assessment, obviously you should cover the topics needed, including reading and writing!

Other top tips

DO

• Prepare for awkward shop opening times. Lots of shops will close in the afternoon, usually between 2pm and 4pm – this is especially true of small businesses.
• Go to busy establishments! If you want a good experience at a bar, restaurant or anywhere else, head to the busiest place on the street. Spaniards vote with their feet and the quiet places are usually quiet for a reason.

DON’T

• Criticise Real Madrid in Madrid or Barcelona FC in Barcelona. The Spaniards are passionate about football and do not take criticism of their teams lightly!
• Wear socks and sandals – this generally does not go down well anywhere in Europe…

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Hopefully our tips have given you some food for thought for your new life in Spain. If you want to know more about teaching in Spain, check out our guide: Everything you need to know about teaching English in Spain, and our blog: A day in the life of a TEFL teacher in Spain.