What to Do During a Gap Year in Spain

So you’ve finally made the choice to take a gap year in Spain. Congratulations! Now what? There’s no doubt you’re brimming with excitement, but Spain offers so much – historic cities, stunning beaches, vibrant culture – that it can be overwhelming to settle on a few options. But you don’t have to worry; we’re here to break it down for you. This guide will show you what to expect and all the incredible options you have to make your gap year in Spain unforgettable.

Teach English Abroad!

Teaching English abroad is one of the most rewarding ways to spend your gap year in Spain. Not only do you get to live in some of Spain’s best cities, like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville, but you also share your language and culture uniquely. You’ll be spending your days engaging with energetic students eager to learn English and your evenings exploring beautiful plazas, savoring tapas, and enjoying the local nightlife.

This experience allows you to build meaningful connections while gaining valuable teaching skills. Plus, you’ll have plenty of free time to travel within Spain and beyond, giving you a deeper understanding of European cultures. Teaching English abroad is an adventure that blends professional development with personal growth, making it an ideal option for your gap year.

Volunteer Programs

Volunteering is another fantastic way to immerse yourself in Spanish culture while making a difference. From environmental conservation projects in the Canary Islands to community development programs in rural villages, there are countless opportunities to contribute positively to local communities. Volunteering allows you to give back and offers a chance to develop new skills and make lifelong friends from around the world. Programs often include housing and meals, which can help you manage costs while ensuring you have a comfortable stay.

Au Pair in Spain

Becoming an au pair in Spain is a wonderful way to experience daily life in a Spanish household while improving your language skills. As an au pair, you’ll provide childcare and light household duties in exchange for room, board, and a stipend. This arrangement offers a deep cultural exchange, allowing you to form close bonds with your host family. Living with a Spanish family gives you firsthand insight into local customs, traditions, and everyday life. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend language classes or pursue other interests during your free time. Being an au pair is a great way to immerse yourself in Spanish culture, make new friends, and create lasting memories.

Interning

Interning in Spain provides an invaluable opportunity to gain professional experience while exploring a new country. Whether you’re interested in business, marketing, hospitality, or any other field, Spain’s diverse economy offers various internship placements. Interning enhances your resume but also allows you to develop a global perspective and network with professionals in your industry.

Many internships come with a stipend or other benefits, making it easier to support yourself during your stay. Additionally, living and working in Spain will significantly improve your Spanish language skills, which can be a major asset in today’s global job market. An internship is a fantastic way to combine career development with cultural immersion.

Spanish Language Classes

Taking Spanish language classes during your gap year is a brilliant way to enhance your communication skills and deepen your understanding of Spanish culture. Many language schools throughout Spain offer courses built around different proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced. These classes often include cultural activities, such as cooking classes, flamenco dancing, and local excursions, providing a well-rounded learning experience.

Studying Spanish in Spain gives you the advantage of practicing your skills in real-life situations, helping you become more fluent and confident. Plus, you’ll meet fellow students from around the world, creating a supportive and social learning environment.

Exploring the Land

One of the greatest joys of spending a gap year in Spain is exploring its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities. From the sun-soaked beaches of Costa del Sol to the rugged mountains of the Pyrenees, Spain offers diverse scenery that caters to all types of adventurers. Visit iconic landmarks like the Alhambra in Granada, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and the historic city of Toledo.

You Deserve to Enjoy Your Gap Year. See How Spain and RVF International Can Help!

If you want to make the most of your gap year, RVF International can help you experience Spain in the best possible way. We offer opportunities to teach English, volunteer, become an au pair, intern, and take language classes — all while exploring some of Spain’s most fun and captivating cities. Our mission is to make the process easy for you so you can focus on expanding your knowledge and horizons and having the adventure of a lifetime.

Spanish Slang Words & Phrases You Should Know

Learning a new language can feel like memorizing a bunch of rules. You spend all this time drilling perfect grammar and memorizing vocabulary, but then you get to Spain, and everyone’s chatting away using words you’ve never seen in a textbook. Relax! That’s totally normal.

Think about how you talk to your friends back home. Do you always use perfect grammar and textbook vocabulary? Probably not! We all have our own little way of speaking, using slang words, and shortening phrases to get our point across quickly. The same thing happens in Spain. There’s a whole world of slang out there that’s not in your textbook, but it’s the kind of stuff you’ll hear every day on the street.

That’s where we come in! At RVF International, we’re all about helping you connect with your students and the Spanish culture. We know that speaking the way locals speak is a big part of feeling comfortable and confident in a new place. So, we’re here to break down some essential Spanish slang words and phrases that will have you sounding like a natural in no time.

Why It’s Important to Incorporate a Bit of Spanish Slang

Incorporating Spanish slang isn’t just about sounding cool — it’s about connecting with people on a more personal level. Whether you’re in Spain teaching English or in any other Spanish-speaking country, knowing the local lingo shows that you’re making an effort to understand and embrace the culture.

Slang words often reflect the personality and humor of a community. They can make conversations more lively and engaging. Plus, they help you pick up on subtleties and context that might otherwise go over your head. For example, understanding when someone uses a playful insult versus a serious one can make a big difference in how you respond.

So, don’t shy away from learning these expressions. Embrace them! They’re the key to unlocking deeper connections and more meaningful interactions during your time abroad. Let’s get into some must-know slang that will have you blending in with the locals in no time.

10 Spanish Slang Words That You NEED to Know

Adding Spanish slang to your vocabulary can spice up your conversations and help you express yourself more vividly. Here are ten slang words that you’ll hear all the time on the streets of Spain:

• Guay: Cool or awesome. Use this when you want to show approval.
• Tío/Tía: Literally means uncle/aunt, but it’s used like “dude” or “gal.”
• Vale: Okay. This is a versatile term you’ll hear constantly.
• Currar: To work. You’ll often hear people talking about their jobs using this word.
• Majo/a: Nice or pleasant, usually describing someone’s personality.
• Chaval/a: Kid or youngster. It’s a casual way to refer to younger people.
• Flipar: To flip out or be amazed. Can be positive or negative.
• Pasta: Money. Informal and commonly used in everyday conversation.
• Molar: To like something a lot. If you love it, say it “mola.”
• Guiri: Foreigner, often referring to tourists. Knowing this helps you understand conversations about outsiders.

5 Spanish Slang Phrases That You NEED to Know

Here are five phrases that will help you sound more like a local:

• ¡Qué fuerte!: How shocking! Use this when something surprising happens.
• Estoy hasta las narices: I’m fed up. Perfect for expressing frustration.
• Echar una mano: To lend a hand. Great for offering help.
• No pasa nada: No problem. A friendly way to say it’s all good.
• ¡Venga ya!: Come on! Use this when you’re in disbelief or encouraging someone.

Learn the Right Kind of Spanish Slang Before Your Teaching Adventure!

Your teaching adventure in Spain should be fun and full of memorable experiences. By learning local slang, you’ll not only communicate better but also enjoy your time more. Picture yourself chatting effortlessly in a café in Valencia, bargaining at a market in Madrid, or sharing jokes with new friends in Cantabria. Every city has its unique vibe, and with our guidance, you’ll be prepared to soak it all in. With Spanish slang under your belt, you’ll break the ice faster, connect more deeply, and navigate social situations with ease. So, let’s get started on this exciting journey together with RVF International!

Pros and Cons of Taking a Gap Year in Spain

So, you’ve thought about taking a gap year. Now you’re wondering where to go. Spain pops up. But is Spain the right place for you? Can you truly grow there? Absolutely! Spain’s vibrant culture, incredible history, and warm climate make it an ideal destination for anyone looking to take a break from the norm and experience something new. Let’s show you how and highlight some things to watch for, including the pros and cons of spending your gap year in this enchanting country.

Pro #1: You Can Discover So Much More About What You’re Interested in

A gap year in Spain gives you the freedom to explore your interests. Whether you’re passionate about art, history, or food, Spain has something for everyone. You can visit world-renowned museums like the Prado in Madrid or the Guggenheim in Bilbao. Explore historic sites such as the Alhambra in Granada or indulge in the rich culinary traditions of regions like Catalonia and Andalusia. This time allows you to experiment with different hobbies, volunteer opportunities, and even job experiences that can help you discover what you truly love and might want to pursue further.

Pro #2: You Can Develop a Plan That Aligns You With Your Goals

Taking a gap year is fun, but it can also be a strategic move that can help you align with your goals. With its diverse opportunities, Spain offers the perfect backdrop for personal development. You can take language courses to become fluent in Spanish, a skill highly valued in many careers. You can also engage in work placements or internships that provide practical experience in your field of interest. Networking with professionals and other travelers can open doors you never knew existed. By the end of your gap year, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your path and the steps you need to take to achieve your aspirations.

Pro #3: A Gap Year in Spain Teaches You Skills to Prepare You for Personal and Professional Life

Living in a foreign country teaches you invaluable life skills. In Spain, you’ll learn to adapt to different cultures and lifestyles, which enhances your problem-solving abilities and resilience. These experiences make you more independent and confident, qualities that are attractive to future employers. You’ll also improve your communication skills by interacting with locals and other travelers. These interactions can teach you to listen, understand, and express yourself more effectively. Additionally, managing your finances, navigating public transportation, and handling day-to-day challenges abroad prepare you for real-world responsibilities.

Pro #4: You Can Immerse Yourself in an Exciting Culture

Spain is a country rich in culture and tradition. From flamenco dancing in Seville to the running of the bulls in Pamplona, there’s always something exciting happening. Immersing yourself in such a vibrant culture can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for different ways of life and broaden your perspective. Participating in local festivals, trying traditional foods, and learning about Spain’s history enrich your experience and create lasting memories. Plus, living like a local helps you build connections and friendships that can last a lifetime.

Pro #5: You’ll See Life From a Different Point of View

Traveling and living abroad change your outlook on life. Spending a gap year in Spain exposes you to new ways of thinking and living. You’ll see how people in different parts of the world approach daily life and handle challenges. This broadened perspective can help you develop empathy and a better understanding of global issues. It makes you more open-minded and adaptable, traits that are valuable in both personal and professional settings. Experiencing life from a different point of view can inspire you to make positive changes in your own life and encourage others to do the same.

The Cons of Your Gap Year in Spain

Just like anything in life, there are pros and there are cons as well. Taking a gap year often brings a few worries and plenty of questions, especially if you’re younger and not established in the world. However, these cons don’t always have to be viewed in a bad light. Here’s why:

A Gap Year May Be Costly

Traveling and living in a foreign country can be expensive. Flights, accommodation, food, and activities add up quickly. But with proper budgeting and planning, you can manage your expenses. Look for scholarships, grants, or part-time work opportunities to help fund your gap year. Many programs, including those offered by RVF International, provide affordable options and support to help you make the most of your experience without breaking the bank.

You May Be on Your Own

Being away from family and friends can be challenging. But it’s also a chance to build independence and resilience. You’ll meet new people and form connections that can become your support network abroad. Embrace this opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and grow as an individual. Remember, everyone you meet is likely experiencing similar feelings, so you’re never truly alone.

You May Fear a Loss in Momentum

Taking a year off might make you worry about falling behind your peers academically or professionally. However, a well-planned gap year can actually give you a competitive edge. The skills and experiences you gain will make your resume stand out. Universities and employers often value the maturity and perspective gained from such experiences.

It Can Be Tough to Keep Up With Friends

Staying connected with friends back home can be challenging due to time differences and busy schedules. But this is a chance to strengthen your communication skills. Make an effort to stay in touch through video calls, social media, and regular updates. Your true friends will support your adventure and look forward to hearing about your experiences.

Gap Years Require Plenty of Planning

A successful gap year needs careful planning and organization. From visas to accommodation, there are many details to consider. While this may seem overwhelming, it’s also an excellent opportunity to develop your planning and management skills. Use resources and support systems, like those provided by RVF International, to help you conquer the process.

RVF International Can Help Remove All Your Gap Year Worries!

Traveling to Spain and teaching English with RVF International removes all your worries. We offer affordable teaching programs that prepare you for your journey in and around Spain. Our comprehensive support system means you’ll be well-equipped for your adventure, helping you make the most of your gap year without the stress. Learn more about us, about how to teach English in Spain, and how to make the most out of your life!

How to Defer a College Acceptance and Take a Gap Year in Spain

Finishing high school is a monumental milestone. The next expected step for most graduates is jumping straight into college, facing lectures, exams, and the pressure of academia. But what if you could press pause on that journey? Instead, imagine spending a year exploring Spain and immersing yourself in a completely new culture. Taking a gap year offers a unique opportunity to grow, learn, and experience life outside the classroom before diving back into your studies. You don’t have to follow the traditional path if it’s not right for you now. Consider deferring your college acceptance to take your talents and ambitions to Spain!

What Does it Mean to Defer a College Acceptance?

Deferring college acceptance means delaying your admission for a year after you’ve been accepted. It’s a choice many students make to gain life experiences, travel, or simply take a break before starting their higher education journey. The deferral process allows you to secure your spot in college while taking the time to pursue other interests or goals. For instance, spending a year in Spain can provide invaluable life lessons and memories that enrich your future academic and professional endeavors.

Colleges often have specific policies regarding deferrals. Typically, you need to accept your offer and then request to defer your admission, providing reasons for your decision. This process often involves filling out forms and possibly writing a deferral letter. It’s important to communicate with your college’s admissions office to understand their specific requirements and deadlines. By deferring your acceptance, you commit to attending the following year, which gives you peace of mind knowing your academic plans are secured.

How Do You Benefit From Deferring College Acceptance?

Choosing to defer college acceptance comes with plenty of benefits, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with putting yourself first. Here’s how you can benefit:

Personal Growth

• Cultural Immersion: Living in Spain offers an immersive cultural experience, broadening your worldview.
• Independence: Navigating life in a new country helps build self-reliance and adaptability.
• Language Skills: Enhance your Spanish-speaking abilities, a valuable asset in many careers.

Academic Advantages

• Clarity and Focus: A year off can help you return to college more focused and motivated.
• Real-World Experience: Practical experiences can provide context to academic learning.

Professional Development

• Teaching Experience: Gain teaching experience by instructing English, a skill highly regarded in many professions.
• Networking: Build international contacts that might benefit your future career.

Who Can Benefit From Deferring College Acceptance?

Deferring college acceptance is a great option, and MANY students can benefit from taking a year off and visiting Spain. If you’re someone feeling overwhelmed by the transition from high school to college, or if you crave real-world experiences before diving into higher education, a gap year may be for you.

Students passionate about travel and cultural exchange will find deferring college particularly rewarding. Those interested in teaching, language acquisition, or international relations can gain relevant experience that enhances their resumes and academic applications. Additionally, if you’re unsure about your chosen field of study or career path, a year abroad can provide clarity and direction.

Parents and guardians can also consider the potential benefits for their child. Students who take a gap year often perform better academically once they start college. They bring maturity, independence, and a broadened perspective to their studies, which can lead to greater success in their academic pursuits.

Things to Ask Yourself Before Deferring Admission

Deferring admission isn’t for everyone; there are plenty of factors to consider that can impact your financial situation in college and other aspects of your life. Before making this decision, reflect on these questions:

• Financial Impact: Can I afford a year without the financial aid or scholarships tied to my college admission?
• Motivation: Am I genuinely excited about spending a year in Spain, or am I avoiding starting college?
• College Policies: What are my college’s specific deferral policies, and do they align with my plans?
• Long-Term Goals: How will this gap year contribute to my academic and professional goals?

The Steps to Follow if You Want to Defer Admission and Travel in Spain

1. Research College Deferral Policies: Check your college’s website or contact the admissions office for detailed deferral policies and deadlines.
2. Submit Your Deferral Request: Accept your college offer and then submit a formal deferral request explaining your plans for the gap year.
3. Plan Your Gap Year: Outline your activities for the year. If you’re teaching English in Spain, research programs and apply early.
4. Secure Funding: Budget for your year abroad, considering costs like travel, accommodation, and living expenses. Look into part-time work opportunities in Spain.
5. Prepare for Departure: Arrange necessary documents, visas, and health insurance. Learn about the culture and language basics to ease your transition.

Travel the World and Visit Wonderful Communities Like the Ones in Spain!

Spain offers countless reasons to spend your gap year there. From vibrant cities like Castilla-La Mancha to the scenic beauty of Cantabria, each region has its own charm. Imagine teaching English while enjoying the rich history, culinary delights, and warm communities of Spain. It’s not just about travel; it’s about making meaningful connections and memories that last a lifetime.

At RVF International, we’re here to help you make the most of your gap year. Whether you want to immerse yourself in Spanish culture, gain teaching experience, or simply explore new horizons, Spain is the perfect destination. Ready to embark on this incredible journey? Contact us today, and let’s make your gap year unforgettable!

Top 10 Reasons to Get TEFL Certified

Top 10 Reasons to Get TEFL Certified

This guest article was written by Bridge Education Group. With over 35 years of industry experience, Bridge’s goal is to empower a global community of English teachers and support excellence in English language teaching. In addition to our accredited portfolio of TEFL courses, Bridge offers articles, teaching resources, webinars, and more!

Embarking on a journey to teach English as a foreign language opens up a world of opportunities and enriching experiences. Earning a TEFL certification can be a transformative step for those aspiring to teach English, broaden their horizons, and make a positive impact on global education. Let’s explore 10 compelling reasons to get TEFL certified.

1. Qualify for TEFL jobs

Teaching English as a foreign language is a booming industry, with flexible employment options ranging from teaching in public or private schools to teaching English online. EFL teachers can teach locally or abroad, and many pursue a digital nomad lifestyle, teaching online while traveling.

For any of these pathways, TEFL certification is a requirement. Most employers will require at a minimum a 120-hour TEFL certification from an accredited organization, and even for those who teach English online independently as business owners, private tutors, or marketplace tutors, a TEFL certification prepares you for the classroom and establishes the professional credentials needed to market your services.

Quality TEFL/TESOL certification like the 120-hour Master Certificate should provide a solid background in English language teaching methodology and effective lesson planning. The 120-hour Master Certificate is an online, self-paced, interactive course that is tutor-supported and includes job advising modules.

If you’re looking to stand out from other job applicants or apply to TEFL jobs in competitive regions, the 150-hour Bridge International Diploma in English Language Teaching (IDELTOnline™) provides graduate-level online certification and can be used as a pathway to an advanced degree in TESOL. This university-affiliated course is led by a master’s level instructor and focuses on an in-depth study of English language learning theories and methodologies while providing practical training in curriculum design and effective teaching practices.

2. Start your journey abroad

One of the biggest reasons to get TEFL certified is access to the global opportunities that arise from certification. For teachers looking to live and teach abroad, there are several lucrative options. You can work for a public school, an international school, private and government language programs, or a language institute. Schools, institutes, and programs, which offer the stability of contract work as well as the opportunity to teach in a classroom environment, typically require a TEFL certification, as do online programs.

Another option for ESL teachers is to become a digital nomad, teaching online while traveling and immersing yourself in new cultural experiences. Digital nomads teach English online in several ways: You can be an online marketplace tutor, freelance with online language companies, or teach online independently as a teacherpreneur. An online TEFL certification helps teachers stand out in online marketplaces and programs and provides independent teachers with the credentials to market their services. Many countries offer digital nomad visas for qualified remote workers who want to live and work in a foreign country.

3. Adequately prepare for the classroom

The ESL classroom can be challenging due to language and cultural barriers. A quality TEFL certification equips teachers with the tools needed to maintain rapport with students while helping them meet their educational goals. Among the myriad topics teachers will learn from a TEFL course are:

• Classroom management skills
• How to motivate students
• Effective ways to track student progress – and how to remedy a lack of progress
• How to create lesson plans
• How to provide feedback and correct student errors
• The top methodologies for teaching EFL

These skills are essential to ensure that your students are meeting their language learning goals.

4. Increase your confidence

Earning a TEFL certification is a great way to ensure a strong educational foundation in EFL learning theory, so you are confident in your instructional strategies.

David Leach, originally from the U.S. and now teaching English in Japan, completed Bridge’s 120-hour Master TEFL Certificate.

“I was looking for a general, all-purpose certificate that is widely accepted,” he said. “The course gave me a lot of ideas for presenting new material to students at various levels, and a lot of good ways to review previous material so the students don’t forget it. Additionally, thanks to the writing assignments, I have a new collection of lessons I can use in adult classes. Finally, it also gave me insight into why the textbooks are organized the way they are. Now, I can look at the textbooks we use and understand some of the thinking and philosophy that went into designing them.”

5. Continue your professional development

If you’re already an EFL teacher, you know the value of continuing professional development.  Professional development courses help teachers hone their existing skills while also introducing new industry concepts and materials. Targeted training certifications like Bridge’s Specialized Certifications and Micro-credentials provide instruction and resources to further develop your skills in niche topics.

Showcase your skills to potential employers with the Teaching English Pronunciation Micro-credential or break into a new TEFL industry with the Teaching Business English Specialized Certification. Find higher-paying jobs in niche EFL subjects with certifications like the Teaching IELTS Exam Prep Micro-credential or Teaching TOEFL Test Prep Micro-credential. If you’re a marketplace tutor or run your own online English teaching business, highlighting this type of specialized training with a digital badge helps you grow your portfolio of private students.

Beyond the employment benefits, targeted training will improve your instructional skills and strategies, making you a more effective teacher and better able to support your students’ language learning journeys.

6. Improve your cultural awareness

A TEFL certification will also prepare you to optimize the cultural exchange opportunities you’ll find within any EFL classroom. Whether you’re teaching online or in person, being able to identify, collaborate with, and embrace many cultures is a key part of the job. Students who want to learn English can be found all over the world. A quality TEFL certification program will explore cultural competence, build self-awareness, and provide teachers with practical knowledge and strategies for teaching cultural competence to their students.  

7. Better understand the motivations of your students

Language learners come with a wide variety of experience levels and reasons to learn. Young students are often supplementing their regular schoolwork. Adult learners tend to seek TEFL instruction to make career advancements. Many students take ESL courses to pass a language proficiency test and obtain a visa or get accepted into a degree program. TEFL certification will familiarize you with the different reasons students seek to learn English and help you identify which teaching strategies are best to use in each case.

8. Connect with other teachers and industry professionals

Joining a TEFL program means gaining access to a community of teachers and educators all over the world. The benefits of a TEFL network may include finding jobs, gaining teaching advice and ideas, locating accommodation in a foreign city, or simply enjoying the support of others working in the same industry. These communities of practice are an incredible resource for teachers of all experience levels.

9. Build an independent teaching career

As previously mentioned, the online English teaching market is booming and provides opportunities for teachers to become their own bosses. For teachers ready to build an independent online English teaching career, membership to a program like the Teacherpreneur Academy provides resources and support through workshops, info sessions, and the Succeeding as an English Teacherpreneur Specialized Certification. Academy members learn the practical skills needed to thrive as business-minded educators through continuous learning and mentor support and instruction.

10. Make a difference in the lives of your students

Have you given thought to what your legacy will be? Teaching English, whether in person or online, has a lasting impact on the lives of your students. And you’ll learn and grow from your experiences as well. A TEFL certification opens doors to new professional and personal experiences, making it a worthwhile investment.

Savannah Potter

Savannah is a freelance writer with over a decade of experience as a content creator, editor, and journalist. Currently specializing in culture writing with a focus on the digital nomad revolution, she enjoys finding where culture, business, and technology meet. Early adopter, coffee aficionado, people person.