Becoming a language assistant (auxiliar de conversación) in Spain

Key rules

• Eligibility: You need citizenship of a country on the current call's list and a degree or final-year enrolment.
• Spanish: No Spanish level is required to apply.
• Application window: Opens in January, closes in late March or early April.
• Visa papers: The criminal background check and medical certificate are only needed later, for the visa.

Do you qualify?

The programme is run by the Ministry of Education. You work as a language assistant (auxiliar de conversación) in a Spanish school, helping teachers with conversation in your language. You must speak that language as a native or near-native speaker.

Countries

The programme is open to citizens of countries whose languages are taught in Spanish schools. That includes the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, China, Japan, India, Brazil and Russia, plus Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The participating countries are listed in the current call, on the programme page of the Ministry's PROFEX platform. Applicants from some countries apply through their own national agency, which the call names next to the country.

Other requirements

• You must be in good health and have no criminal record.
• You cannot hold Spanish nationality.
• You do not need a teaching qualification.
• There is no upper age limit; some countries add rules, for example on language certificates.

When to apply

You apply for the school year that starts the following October and runs to May. The window opens in January and closes between late March and early April; the call for your country gives the exact closing date. Applying on the platform costs nothing. An application not submitted by the closing date is not considered for that school year, and you must wait for the next call. The next window opens in January 2027, for the 2027-28 school year.

How to apply

1. Register on the Ministry's PROFEX platform and open your application during the call window.
2. Complete the online form.
3. Upload your documents and rank your regional preferences.
4. Submit before the window closes.
5. Wait while the Ministry reviews applications and offers placements by region.
6. Accept your offer.
7. Wait for your regional placement letter (carta de nombramiento). If you are non-EU, you then apply for your visa.

If you are still finishing your degree, you can apply as a final-year student, with proof of enrolment from your university.

If you travel with children or other family

Family members cannot travel on your assistant visa and apply in their own right; family rules by relationship.

Language assistant year planner

Start from today's date. Find the row that matches the month you are reading this and do what it says.

A late offer is normal and not a sign that you were rejected; waiting-list candidates can hear as late as September. Order the background check and medical certificate before July.

Documents you need

• A copy of your passport.

• Proof of your degree, or of enrolment in the final year of your degree, from your university.

• A statement of purpose, which is a personal letter explaining why you want to be an assistant.

• A reference or recommendation letter.

• A photo of yourself.

• Proof of your language level, if the call for your country asks for it.