Barcelona is chic and funky, offering the TESOL teacher a feast of culture, food, and sites to indulge in. Getting around this lively city has never been so easy — the city was planned as a grid. Barcelona is the perfect Mediterranean city to teach English in because it offers a mix of unique architecture and a beach atmosphere. While there aren't as many language academies as in Madrid, Barcelona is a great city to teach Business English — there are many well-paid jobs for TESOL-certified teachers in the city's corporate market.
Getting around the city
One of the best parts about teaching in Barcelona is how easy it is to get around. The city was built as a grid, so even walking from one destination to another with only your eyes to guide you, it's hard to get lost — there aren't many winding roads. You can see many of the famous attractions in one day using the metro, walking (the climate is beautiful, the architecture even more so — you might as well walk), or by tram. The only downside with the metro is that it closes at 11 p.m.
Art lovers, unite
Turn your head anywhere and you'll find Gaudí-designed buildings adorning the streets. Antoni Gaudí was a Catalan architect best known for his dynamic, modernist designs — he's responsible for much of Barcelona's distinctive flair. Parc Güell, Sagrada Família, the Picasso Museum, and Fundació Joan Miró are among the best sites to visit. Several art institutes and organizations have grown up around these architectural masterpieces, as thousands of students travel here every year for inspiration.
Add a Business English specialist to your TEFL
Barcelona's market leans on corporate language training and in-company programs — the highest-paying jobs in the city. Pair OnTESOL's 120-hr TEFL with the Teaching Business English (TBEC) specialist to arrive interview-ready. Both are TESL Canada recognized and ACCET accredited — the documentation Spanish corporates and the Auxiliares de Conversación program expect.
View Business English Course →Great nightlife
Barcelona is perfect for the night owl. It may take time to adjust to the schedule — be prepared for siestas at 10 p.m. and to head out around 1 a.m. when most nightclubs start to fill up. World-famous DJs love to play here, so check out BeCool for some of the best music in the city. For a more underground scene, try La Macarena. For a quieter evening, head to La Rambla for a drink and snacks, or end the day watching the sunset with a beer at Barceloneta Beach Bar.
Best places to live in Barcelona
Depending on the neighbourhood, rent for a two-bedroom apartment can range from 700 to 5,000 euros per month. If you want a bohemian neighbourhood, check out Gràcia — though rent tends to be higher in this chic and popular area. To live slightly outside the city, look at Sant Cugat, ideal for families and connected to the city via ferrocarril (regional train). Two neighbourhoods changing rapidly and becoming more habitable are El Raval and La Ribera (also called El Born).