NALCAP Program

Whether it’s the promise of sipping café con leche on a sunny terrace or spending evenings practising Spanish over tapas with friends, Spain calls to English teachers for all sorts of reasons. 

One of the best ways for North American English teachers to break into the TEFL market in Spain is through NALCAP. While you won’t have a classroom of your own to instruct, NALCAP offers a taste of what it’s like to teach English in Spain without pressure. 

Known formally as the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP), teachers are assigned to schools throughout Spain. You’ll assist a Spanish teacher as a language assistant, helping to create lessons while also sharing about North American culture with Spanish children and teens.

Here’s everything to know about NALCAP, from eligibility to the application process and what you can expect.

Who can apply to the NALCAP Program? 

There are a few requirements you’ll need to meet before you can apply for NALCAP. As the name suggests, only citizens of North America (Canada/United States) can submit an application, although there are more eligibility requirements than simply citizenship.

What to expect as a Language and Culture Assistant 

The main role for English Language Assistants in the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program is to support English teachers. You’ll help Spanish students practise their pronunciation, learn casual language skills, and facilitate cultural exchanges. You might also have the chance to volunteer in extracurricular activities, like field trips and sports, depending on the school. 

NALCAP lays out exactly what to expect. Depending on the class you’re assisting, you might be helping children learn basic greetings or preparing for final exams with teenagers. You’ll help design classes, lead activities, share North American culture, and make English feel more ‘real’ for the students. There are 12-16 hours of teaching time per week, excluding prep work.

Travel and cultural immersion opportunities

Considering that NALCAP teaching assistants can only work 14-16 hours a week due to labor regulations, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for travelling around Spain (and Europe). This also leaves a good chunk of each day to dig into the local community and even offer tutoring to earn additional income on the side, though you’ll want to be sure you don't exceed 30 hours of work.

The many public Spanish holidays (about 14 days) offer even more time off throughout the year, in addition to the traditional Christmas, Easter, and summer breaks.

NALCAP Tips

Here are a few additional tips for making the most of the NALCAP experience:

• Application window: Applications open in February, with the deadline usually sometime in March or early April.
• Materials: You're a cultural ambassador representing your country. Bring some of your favorite snacks and other tidbits from North America to make the experience more immersive for Spanish students. 
• Learn the language: While you don't need to be fluent in Spanish, having a basic level of understanding is helpful.
• Understand labour regulations: On a Spanish student visa, you can work for up to 30 hours. Your assigned school may allow you to tutor outside of work hours, but check first.
• Design fun lessons: Language assistants are expected to help advance English language learning in Spanish schools through experiential learning activities that make it more fun.
• Save up: Remember that your first stipend won’t come for two months. It’s a good idea to save at least $4,000 ahead of time.

If you’re eager to get started teaching English abroad, NALCAP is a great way for North American students and budding teachers to experience a different culture, build some classroom experience, and travel through Spain. ¡Hasta luego!