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What is The Auxiliares de ConversaciOn Program in Spain?

(English Language & Culture Assistants)

Job Description of auxiliares de conversacion

• Native English-speaking college graduates (or current college students) that spend a year in Spain supporting teachers in public primary and secondary schools through Spain’s Ministerio de Educación y Formación Profesional.

• Receive healthcare and a monthly stipend

• No fee to apply to the program.

• Receive free teacher training, teaching resources, and 1-1 mentoring through our website

Other names for auxiliares de conversacion

• English Language and Culture Assistants

• North American Language and Culture Assistants in Spain

• Cultural Ambassadors

Application Process

• North American Language and Culture Assistants in Spain (English)

• Auxiliares de Conversacion Extranjeros en España (Spanish)

• Recommendations & Tips (see "The Auxiliar de Conversación Application Process")

Additional Teach English in Spain Programs

There are other teach abroad in Spain programs that also call their supporting teachers auxiliares de conversacion or language assistants. All are welcome to use this site’s resources. When applying to these programs, however, be aware that there may be fees. The most similar paid programs include:

• Fullbright English Teaching Assistant

• Bilingual English Development & Assessment (BEDA) program

• Meddeas language assistant

• English Language Assistant through Colegios Bilingües Cooperativos’ UCETAM program

frequently asked questions about the auxiliares de conversacion program

SHOULD I REALLY APPLY TO THE AUXILIAR DE CONVERSACION PROGRAM?

If you are looking for a once in a lifetime opportunity to live, work, and travel in Spain, and to also experience Spanish culture, absolutely. But, it’s a big decision. Here are a few of my favorite auxiliar bloggers’ opinions.

HOW DO YOU APPLY TO THE AUXILIAR DE CONVERSACION PROGRAM?

In one word: Profex. Here are the details.

WHAT DO AUXILIARES DE CONVERSACION DO?

Help English teachers in the classroom, specifically by teaching culture, having conversations with the class, and providing expertise as a native speaker. Here are several great explanations of what your day looks like.

Why live abroad in Spain?

You will see the world through a different perspective, improve your Spanish, meet people you never would have before, and see if teaching is your thing. Not convinced? Here are two other fantastic perspectives.

Where should I live in Spain?

Don’t stress so much about the comunidad autónoma. It really really all depends on where your school is, and if you’re in a pueblo, if you want to live there or nearby. Read Abby’s dos and don’ts of finding a place to live.

What should I wear in Spain?

Probably a bit dressier clothes then your regular casual outfits. And COMFY SHOES. See our blog post about specific things to wear and not wear.

What should I bring to Spain?

Don’t overpack! You will need to shlep all of that back along with everything you buy when you’re there. Consult our Ultimate Packing List for Auxiliares de Conversacion.

What auxiliares de conversacion blogs do you recommend?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Want a detailed take on what teaching English in Spain is like? Need help applying? Wondering where the best vegan restaurant is? See our list of best auxiliar blogs here.

How do I contact the MEC coordinators?

Email or phone, and be prepared to follow-up if you don’t hear back. Try calling when they first open- this seems to work best. Here is the current contact information for all auxiliar de conversacion coordinators by comunidad autónoma.

How can I get a faster Visa appointment at my Spanish Consulate?

Be persistent, share your travel plans, and email everyone. Their hours of operation might not actually be what is posted online. San Francisco, in my experience, only picks up AFTER the office closes at 1. Here’s our step by step process.

How do I talk about culture?

Get students to compare and contrast their culture with your culture, and break things down into product, practice and perspective. Most importantly, get them to ask “why?” Find more tips about teaching culture in this article.

700+ Free ESL Activities for Auxiliares de Conversacion

Auxiliar de conversacion Preparation Course

Mentors for New Auxiliares de Conversacion

Why Make this website for auxiliares de conversacion?

Why lesson plans, teaching strategies & 1-1 mentors?

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