ConversaSpain Programs: How We Work and What We Offer
ConversaSpain cooperates with schools in the regions of Madrid and Murcia. The program provides participants with support moving to Spain, health coverage, initial training, and advice on every day practical non-school-related matters. The conditions and requirements are different depending on the region:
Spanish skills are not required to participate. However, there are some conditions candidates must fulfill to take part in the program:
- Be native-level English speakers from Australia, Canada, Fiji, Malta, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tonga, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Vanuatu, or hold a C2 English certificate (CEFR) or equivalent from Austria, Belgium (only Madrid), Bulgaria (only Madrid), Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary (only Madrid), Luxemburg (only Madrid), Norway, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Russia (only Madrid), Sweden, and Switzerland.
-
Hold a +3 degree in any subject
-
Be within the ages of 18-60
Options to participate: four options
Depending on the background and interests of participants, there are different options to participate in the program. ConversaSpain wants to offer auxiliares the possibility of studying a 140-Hour TEFL course while teaching at school, and/or of getting used to their environment through a Spanish Language and Culture Immersion Week in the region where they are placed. The available options vary according to the regions and starting dates.
|
OPTION |
FEES IN MADRID |
FEES IN MURCIA |
|
Basic |
1,440 USD |
1,180 USD |
|
Basic + 140-Hour TEFL certification |
1,880 USD |
1,630 USD |
|
Basic + Spanish Language and Culture Immersion Week |
2,100 USD |
1,730 USD |
|
Basic + Spanish Language and Immersion Week + TEFL certification |
2,460 USD |
2,130 USD |
IMPORTANT DATES
Deadline to apply: Apply as soon as possible (limited availability)
-
Madrid's program length:
- From October 1st 2020 to June 30th 2021
- From November 2nd 2020 to June 30th 2021
- From January 7th 2020 to June 30th 2021
-
Murcia's program length:
- From October 1st 2020 to May 31st 2021
- From November 2nd 2020 to May 31st 2021
- From January 7th 2020 to May 31st 2021
The Four Options in Depth
OPTION A – BASIC OPTION
This basic program is designed for those who aren’t interested in a TEFL course or immersion week, but mainly in the support and guidance provided through ConversaSpain, as well as in the teaching experience.
What does it include?
Job placement ensured
Pre-departure assistance: help with the visa application process and opening a bank account before arriving
Welcome Document: tips, advice, and practical tools to find permanent accommodation, among others
Help with the police registration process
Private health insurance (non-EU participants) / EHIC coverage (EU participants)
Orientation in the region where they are placed: initial training and meeting with other participants
Access to a multimedia platform: MOOC course, resource, and information
ConversaSpain support while in Spain
What is not included?
- Application fees for the Certificate of Absence of Police Records, Enhanced DBS, FBI background check, or equivalent
Student visa application fees (does not apply to EU citizens)
Travel expenses from/to your country
Any cost not specified as covered
OPTION B – BASIC OPTION + CERTIFIED TEFL COURSE
This certified TEFL course will add value to participants’ resumes, complement their training, provide them with classroom management tips, and help them make the most of this experience.
What does it include?
Benefits in Option A
140-Hour TEFL and Teaching Young Learners Course
The course includes grammar and methodology modules, as well as special ones to help students teach larger classes and young learners, and 20 hours of video observation. Tutors will be available to answer questions via email and they will grade and provide feedback on written assignments. The platform will be accessible 24/7 and students will have six months to complete the online course. Upon completion, they will receive a hard copy certificate at home.
OPTION C: BASIC OPTION + SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE IMMERSION WEEK
This is an excellent opportunity for participants in order to start refreshing their Spanish and make the most of their stay in Spain. It is only available in October.
Details of the Immersion Week in Madrid
In the mornings, participants in Madrid will attend an intensive 15-hour Spanish course in our partner school located in the center of Madrid. In the evenings they will participate in different cultural activities with our teachers. They will explore Madrid and discover the Spanish culture,while practicing Spanish with classmates and teachers.
What does it include?
Benefits in Option A
20 Spanish lessons in small groups (max. 9 students)
4 cultural activities (walking tour + tapas, one local visit to museums and monuments, flamenco spectacle/lesson, cultural exchange with Spaniard students)
Accommodation and breakfast (five nights)
Details of the Immersion Week in Murcia
In the afternoons, participants in Murcia will attend an intensive 16-hour Spanish course in our partner school located in the center of Murcia. In the mornings and evenings, they will participate in different cultural activities with our teachers. This option offers high-quality classes, experienced teachers, interesting social activities, and the opportunity to enjoy life as Spanish people do. View video here.
What does it include?
Benefits in Option A
20 Spanish lessons in small groups (max. 9 students)
At least 4 cultural activities. Cultural activities will take place typically in the evenings, and will vary depending on the number of participants, for example: Guided Walking Tour, Tapas Dinner, Salsa and Flamenco classes, Local market and Cooking workshop.
Accommodation and breakfast (five nights)
OPTION D: BASIC OPTION + SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE IMMERSION WEEK+ CERTIFIED TEFL COURSE
For those participants interested in the cultural immersion and the TEFL training, ConversaSpain offers a dual program.
What does it include?
-
Benefits in Option A
-
140-Hour TEFL and Teaching Young Learners certified course
-
Spanish Language and Culture Immersion Week in Madrid or Murcia (depending on where the placement is)
Testimonials
Ximena J, program participant
“I chose the Spanish Language and Culture Immersion week. I’d never been to Europe or Spain before, so I needed an immersion experience. I really liked that ConversaSpain had an option for an immersion week, as you take Spanish classes, do activities in Madrid, and you meet other people on the program. I’m really happy I did that first as it was a great first week in Spain. I met 3 wonderful friends from the program, we are still close and we travel together”
Testimonials
Laura M., in the basic option
“I chose to do the basic program with ConversaSpain. It suits me really well as I wanted to gain more teaching experience within a primary school and that is exactly what is happening. I would definitely recommend this experience. There is a fee to begin the program, but it is really helpful having people to advise you on the paperwork you need to live in Spain. Whenever I have emailed ConversaSpain, I have always had a quick response, which is great”
Testimonials
Grant H., in the immersion week
“I would recommend the experience with ConversaSpain as it was great to have a guaranteed placement and the support before coming to Spain was very helpful. I chose the immersion week option and was very happy. It gave me a good introduction to some of the main sites of Madrid, but more importantly allowed me to meet some other people in our program who I have remained friends with in my time here”
