Teaching Jobs in Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao is a diverse Spanish destination, without the cliché European experience. However, the nature of the city as a less-traveled and populated area means teachers may find that job opportunities are limited to teaching English.

Typically, teachers will be placed in an international language or English language school. Although there are also teaching jobs in Bilbao at Spanish private schools, for those who want to work as an English language assistant, teaching students anywhere from two to 18 years old. Teaching in Bilbao in this setting is a wonderful opportunity for teachers to improve their Spanish language skills and immerse themselves in the Spanish way of life, while also getting to know students and local faculty on a more personal level.

Primary school classes typically begin at 9:00 a.m. and take a break for siesta at 12 p.m., before finishing afternoon classes from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. However, class schedules may vary depending on the school, time of year, and specific teaching job in Bilbao. For example, Public schools are in session from September to June, and are divided into three terms by a two-week holiday break, called vacaciones escolares, in December and an Easter break at the end of March and early April. Some schools in Bilbao even reduce hours of operation during the first and last few weeks of the school year too.

Outside of the traditional classroom environment, there are also teaching job opportunities in Bilbao working directly with Spanish corporations. In these jobs, international teachers will be responsible for teaching English classes to employees and/or clients. This type of teaching job in Bilbao is ideal for teachers with degrees in tourism management, communications, or foreign languages, and those who have a TEFL or TESOL certification.

While Spanish is the primary language used in all of Spain, the Basque language native to the region is spoken by a small community in the city of Bilbao. Fortunately, teachers will not need to know either language to teach abroad in Bilbao!