Teaching English in Valencia is highly recommended for anyone who wants to live somewhere it's always sunny. Valencia is vibrant and livable, with festivals like La Tomatina that create lasting memories. It's also a cosmopolitan city, with many different nationalities flocking here for business and pleasure. Enjoying the waterfront with great wine and food becomes your favourite pastime. Another major plus: finding a job is not that difficult. Valencia has many international language schools as well as family-owned academias.
A livable, friendly city
If you're from a big cosmopolitan city and find yourself in Valencia, you'll feel right at home — it's common to hear people switching back and forth in two or three languages. Locals are warm but speak their own dialect (Valencian, a variant of Catalan). The city is vibrant and youthful, with a bustling nightlife and two notable universities: Universidad Politécnica de Valencia and Universitat de València. It keeps its energy through festivals like La Tomatina (the annual tomato fight) and Les Falles, a giant-puppet parade and bonfire celebration in March.
Valencia is also one of Spain's most affordable major cities. A spacious one-bedroom apartment in the core runs €400–€600 per month — significantly less than Madrid or Barcelona, making it a great place to save while teaching abroad.
Home of paella
If your only reason to teach English in Valencia is to try the paella, that's reason enough. Many cities claim to be the founders of the dish, but Valencia is where traditional paella actually originated. For the best version, head to La Pepica, a seaside restaurant considered the paella institution — known for serving celebrities and artists for over a century. For a more affordable but equally delicious option, try Casa Roberto.
The TEFL certification Spanish academies ask for
Spanish academies and the Auxiliares de Conversación program both expect a 120-hour TEFL/TESOL. OnTESOL's 120-hr course is TESL Canada recognized and ACCET accredited — the documentation Spanish employers expect on your CV. Pair it with the TEYL specialist for Valencia's kids' market or the IELTS specialist for higher-paid test-prep work at the universities.
View TEFL Course →Where to teach English in Valencia
There are plenty of TESOL jobs to choose from in Valencia — Wall Street English, Opening English School, Cambridge School, and Berlitz are among the most-recognized employers. Opening English teaches its students grammar through interactive computer programs with very standardized textbook material. Entry-level pay is around €12 per hour; some of the more well-known schools pay up to €25 per hour. Given Valencia's low cost of living, even the entry rates stretch further than they would in Madrid or Barcelona.
Private lessons are another solid option. The best approach is to post signs at the local university campuses — both Politécnica and Universitat have steady demand. The going rate for private lessons is around €15 per hour. For broader job-hunting support, TESOL-Spain hosts annual conferences with publications and resources.