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Teach Abroad Basics
Teach English in Spain
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Master’s Abroad in Spain

Teach Abroad Basics

General Program Questions

A Teach Abroad Program is an opportunity for individuals to teach English as a foreign language in another country.

Depending on the program and country, participants can work as English teachers or language assistants with the primary teacher, jointly conduct English classes, and/or assist with English extracurricular activates or camps. Your ultimate duty is helping students to improve their English language skills.

Choosing the right teach abroad program depends on your goals, experience, timeline, and what kind of lifestyle you’re looking for. Since every country and program offers something a little different, the best way to figure out your fit is to talk it through with someone who knows the options inside and out.

We offer no-commitment, 1-on-1 calls with one of our Program Specialists, where you can:

  • Compare our programs in Spain, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan (coming soon).
  • Talk through your background, preferences, and long-term goals
  • Ask specific questions about visas, pay, cost of living, and daily life
  • Get honest guidance on what program makes the most sense for you

There’s no pressure to sign up — the goal of the call is simply to help you explore your options and feel confident about your next step.

If you’re unsure where to start, this conversation is the easiest and most personalized way to find the right program fit.

A Language Assistant is a qualified and trained native English speaker who is acting as a support to the teacher in a preschool, primary school, high school, vocational school, or Official Language School abroad.

Language assistants support the main teacher in various school subjects, usually always speaking English. We are passionate about Language Assistantships and international exchange, so that we can best help connect people to places.

RVF helps you move abroad with confidence. We guide you through the entire teach abroad journey, from choosing the right country to landing in your new city and feeling settled.

You’ll get clear timelines, step-by-step logistics support, and real humans you can reach when questions come up. We help you handle the pieces that usually feel overwhelming, like applications, required documents, and country-specific processes.

Then once you’re abroad, we stay with you through arrival and day-to-day setup so you’re not figuring it out alone. Our goal is simple: take the stress out of the process so you can focus on teaching, exploring, and building a life abroad.

Your role depends on the country and school program, but in every destination you’ll be supporting students as they build real English skills in a classroom setting.

  • In Spain, you’ll work part-time as a language assistant, supporting the main teacher with conversation practice, pronunciation, small-group activities, and English language exercises.

  • In South Korea, you’ll teach in a public school setting, often alongside a Korean co-teacher. You’ll help plan and lead English lessons, activities, and speaking practice.

  • In Japan, you’ll work in a public school environment as an assistant language teacher (ALT), supporting the lead teacher and helping students build confidence in speaking and communication.

  • In Taiwan, you’ll teach in public schools, typically with school support and co-teachers. Your role may include leading lessons, supporting small groups, and helping with English speaking and classroom activities.

 

No matter where you go, you can expect a structured school schedule, clear expectations, and support to help you step into the classroom with confidence.

Yes. Every destination includes pre-departure preparation and an official orientation/training process before you begin teaching, plus support once you’re placed. Depending on the program and school, that support can include co-teacher guidance, school-level orientation, program webinars, and ongoing check-ins so you’re not figuring things out alone.

Materials vary by school and country, but most participants have access to school-provided resources and support from teachers or coordinators. You may receive textbooks, lesson frameworks, shared activity banks, and co-teacher guidance depending on your placement. RVF helps you understand expectations and prepare so you’re not starting from zero. 

It depends on the country/program:

  • Spain: Participants can teach in the program for up to two years total, upon receiving a positive evaluation from their school and successfully meeting all program renewal requirements.
  • South Korea: Usually a 1-year contract with the option to renew, depending on performance and placement availability.
  • Japan: Typically 1 year with the option to recontract for additional years (up to the program limit), depending on performance and school needs.
  • Taiwan: Commonly 1 year, with possible renewal depending on your school/placement terms.

Age levels vary by placement and country, but generally most participants teach elementary through high school level.

Usually, no. TEFL requirements vary by country and candidate profile:

  • Spain: TEFL is not required.
  • South Korea: TEFL is not always required, but it can be recommended (and sometimes helps depending on your profile).
  • Japan: TEFL is not required.
  • Taiwan: TEFL is not always required; requirements can vary by track and credentials.

For anyone looking to deepen their teaching skills, explore online teaching opportunities, or simply enhance their experience, our fully accredited, 120-hour online TEFL course is offered at a discount to RVF participants.

No. You can be successful without being fluent, but we do highly recommend that you have at least a basic conversational level, as you will be living abroad for at least a year and a great majority of the population only speak their native language.

  • Spain: Not required, but basic conversational Spanish is strongly recommended for living day to day. If you want to improve your Spanish before coming to Spain, we have some helpful materials we will share with you.
  • South Korea / Japan / Taiwan: Not required, but learning a few key phrases for transportation, ordering food, and daily errands is a big quality-of-life upgrade.

Ultimately, it is up to you! We recommend for all career decisions and life-planning decisions for the future to be made after you have confirmed placement details and a clear start timeline before giving notice. A safe approach is to wait until you’ve received your official assignment (or have a confirmed offer/placement stage for the country you’re applying to), so you’re making decisions with real dates in hand.

Teaching abroad is typically a full-time commitment, and your visa/work authorization may restrict additional work. Because policies vary by country and visa type, you should assume you cannot rely on working a second job unless you confirm it’s permitted for your specific destination and situation.

We use a reliable cloud storage and synchronization service developed for storing and sharing files. All your documents and information are securely stored on encrypted servers, and an encrypted network connection is used to transfer files. Once you finish the program, all your documents are securely and permanently deleted.

Timeline

Timelines vary by country and program, but most participants should plan for a multi-month process that includes applying, interviews (if required), placement, documents, and visa/work authorization steps. 

Spain (timeline – typical year): 

  • Applications open: usually May for the following school year 
  • Recommended latest apply-by: December 31 (earlier is better for placement preferences) 
  • Placements released: typically April-June 
  • Visa window: typically June-August 
  • Arrival: September 
  • First day in the classroom: usually early October (Spain’s academic calendar runs roughly October-May/June) 


South Korea (EPIK timeline – typical fall intake): 

  • Apply and begin prep: the earlier the better (plan ahead for documents) 
  • Interviews + placement decisions: typically spring 
  • Provincial assignment: commonly May-June for fall starts 
  • Visa + document processing: typically late spring through summer 
  • Arrival + orientation: before the school start date 
  • First day in the classroom: after orientation, aligned with the intake schedule 


Taiwan (TFETP timeline – general): 

  • Applications: often rolling depending on openings and intake cycles 
  • Placement match: varies by school needs and candidate timing 
  • Work permit + resident visa steps: occur after placement is accepted 
  • Arrival + onboarding: planned around your school start date 
  • First day in the classroom: depends on placement cycle, but you should still plan for several months from application to arrival 


Helpful rule of thumb: If you want the most options and the smoothest process, apply as early as possible, especially for programs tied closely to an academic year start. 

Here’s the typical path, with small differences by country:

  • Submit your application and connect with an RVF Program Specialist
  • Confirm your program spot (deposit / initial program fee, depending on destination)
  • Submit your required documents (passport, degree proof, background checks, etc.)
  • Complete any interview steps (required for some programs, depending on destination)
  • Receive your official placement / match
  • Complete visa or work authorization steps with RVF guidance
  • Finalize travel plans and prepare for arrival
  • Arrive, attend orientation/training (if applicable), and get settled
  • Start teaching on your school’s start date

Travel

We recommend waiting until you have official confirmation that you’re cleared to enter for your program (visa approval or entry clearance, depending on the country) before purchasing non-refundable flights. This reduces risk if processing timelines shift. If you want to be extra cautious, purchase a flight that is refundable or changeable, especially if you’re booking far in advance.

Costs vary by country, city, and lifestyle, but most participants should budget for:

  • Program fees (RVF program fee and any required deposits, depending on destination)
  • Government fees (visa/work authorization fees, document processing, mailing, etc.)
  • Required documents (background checks, notarizations, apostilles, transcripts, passport renewals if needed)
  • Flights to and from your destination (included with some programs)
  • Arrival costs (temporary lodging if needed, transportation from the airport, initial meals)
  • Housing costs (included with some programs)
  • Some countries/placements include housing (or housing support), while others require you to secure housing independently
  • Monthly living expenses (food, local transport, phone plan, personal spending)
  • Upfront setup costs (sim card, transit card, basic household items)


All cost estimates on our website and in conversations are estimates and can change based on location, exchange rates, and personal spending habits.

It depends on the country and visa rules. Your program visa/work authorization is individual, and companions are not automatically included. Some countries may allow dependents under certain conditions, while others do not. 

Friends/partners who are not enrolled in the program typically need to explore their own visa pathway, such as: 

  • applying to the teach abroad program (if eligible), 
  • enrolling in a study program and applying for a student visa, or 
  • visiting on a tourist entry period (when applicable and time-limited). 


RVF supports the visa/work authorization process for enrolled participants only. If someone is joining you but not participating, they’ll need to handle their own visa process through official government resources. 

Vaccine requirements vary by destination and can change. In general: There are no special vaccines required for most participants beyond routine vaccinations, but requirements depend on the country and current entry policies. We recommend checking the official government or public health guidance for your destination close to departure.

Health requirements vary by country and program. You may be asked to complete health documentation as part of onboarding, such as a health declaration or basic medical clearance confirming you’re able to perform your role in-person. If a specific health form is required for your destination, RVF will let you know exactly what to complete and when during your onboarding steps.

Cost & Payment

RVF charges a program support fee that covers your guidance and support through the application, documents, placement steps, and pre-departure preparation. The total fee can vary by destination (because each program has different requirements and support needs). For the most accurate number, use the pricing listed on each country page or ask our team for the current fee for your destination.

Payment timing depends on the country:

  • Spain + South Korea + Taiwan: you’ll typically pay an initial program fee early in the process to secure your spot and begin guided support.
  • Japan: Details Coming Soon.

Payments are made through a secure payment process (you’ll receive instructions once you’re ready to enroll).

After payment, we’ll ask you to complete your onboarding steps, which usually includes:

  • confirming your personal details and preferences
  • submitting required documents (passport info, degree proof, etc.)
  • completing any country-specific requirements (background checks, forms, timelines)
  • staying responsive to key deadlines so your placement and visa/work authorization can move forward smoothly


We’ll give you guidance and timelines so you always know what’s next.

Most participants should plan for additional costs such as:

  • government fees (visa/work authorization fees, resident card fees, etc.)
  • document costs (background checks, notarizations, apostilles, shipping, transcripts)
  • flights (varies by country but is sometimes included)
  • arrival expenses (temporary lodging if needed, local transport, meals during the first days)
  • upfront setup (phone/SIM, transit card, household basics)
  • housing costs (varies widely by country and whether housing is included or subsidized)


All estimates can vary based on city, lifestyle, exchange rates, and the requirements of your specific placement.

Housing

We can help with some resources, but the level of housing support depends on the destination:

  • Spain: You’ll secure your own housing, and RVF can help with resources, guidance, and roommate/teacher connections when possible.
  • South Korea (EPIK): Furnished housing is included through the public school placement.
  • Taiwan: Housing is usually something you arrange, and some placements may offer a housing stipend/reimbursement or housing support depending on the school.
  • Japan: Housing support varies by placement. Some schools/contracting organizations help teachers get set up, while others expect you to arrange housing with guidance.

Even when housing support is included, you may still be responsible for:

  • choosing the neighborhood or apartment type (where applicable)
  • signing a lease and paying deposits (where applicable)
  • setting up utilities or internet (where applicable)
  • purchasing small household items after arrival
  • understanding commute time and local options


If your placement includes housing, you’ll still want to plan for move-in basics and a smooth first week.

Sometimes. It depends on the country and what housing is available.

  • In destinations where you find your own housing (like Spain), living with another teacher is often possible if your timelines and locations align.
  • In destinations with provided housing (like South Korea), shared housing is not always an option and may not be guaranteed.


If rooming together is important, the best approach is to treat it as a preference and stay flexible.

  • In Spain, yes, it is possible to bring your pet with you, although we recommend first speaking with your veterinarian to better understand the current travel rules surrounding pets on planes, animal importation procedures, as well as current vaccination and quarantine laws.
  • In South Korea and Taiwan, we recommend leaving your pet with another family member or friend as housing is often provided through the placement and pet-friendly options are not typically available.

Not usually. Most participants live in housing that makes sense for their school location and budget. In some programs you’ll be spread across a city or region, while in others you may end up near other teachers depending on the placement area.

Teach English in Spain

Spain Program

In most cases, you will only be working 4-days a week and will likely always have a 3-day weekend each week where you can travel, explore your placement city, and spend your time like you want to. However this is ultimately determined by each school individually, so it is not something that can be guaranteed. Most schools have classes start at 9:00am and end at 2:00pm each day. However, there are cases of some schools that have class until 5:00pm, and certain education centers only have afternoon-evening hours, although these are rare. Your work week will be 12-16 hours, depending on the region. The Language Assistant and the classroom teacher or department chair may agree upon other tasks or responsibilities for the assistant to carry out, such as attending meetings and participating in extracurricular activities. Language Assistants may also be asked to participate in a variety of fun and exciting events organized by the school.

You will be the English expert at your school and will be tasked with supporting classrooms as they teach subjects, such as science, social studies, English, and P.E. just to name a few, as well as leading groups both large and small in conversational English activities and exercises that promote language learning.

You will also be tasked with explaining and teaching your own personal culture and way of life to the students through presentations and classroom activities. For example, it is very common to give a presentation in November on Thanksgiving, or to help decorate the school in October for Halloween to introduce the students to holidays that are not common in Spain.

In short, your role is to encourage students of all ages in Spain to broaden their knowledge of your language and culture.

At your school, you will be preparing activities that focus on language and culture, such as listening and speaking activities. You may also be asked to lead class sessions with smaller groups of students. You will need to fulfill your tasks in a responsible manner. Please note that you may be removed from the position by the school or regional Spanish government due to disciplinary or performance issues.

A strong performance will allow you to receive a positive reference letter for the future, in addition to making the most out of your experience. You are encouraged to be conscientious and aware of the standards and rules set forth by the program and your school. You must be open to forming healthy working relationships with teachers and other members of the school.

The main goal of the program is to bring native-like speakers of English into every classroom in Spain to enhance students’ language skills. The language assistant serves as a linguistic model for students.

Your role is to encourage students to broaden their knowledge of your language and culture. Therefore, you are expected to plan and conduct activities that focus on language and culture, such as listening and speaking activities, role play activities, or games for your students.

You will lead these activities in class, with either the teacher or a smaller group of students in a different classroom. The assistant and the classroom teacher or department chair may agree upon other tasks or responsibilities for the assistant to carry out, such as attending meetings and participating in extracurricular activities. They may also be asked to participate in a variety of events organized by the school.

Participants in the program will have access to all teaching materials and resources provided by the primary teacher or school, as well as support and guidance from program coordinators and other language assistants.

You can usually keep a remote job while teaching in Spain, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your teaching schedule and visa obligations. Most participants who do remote work make sure their hours are flexible and that it’s not their main income source, since the program is based on a student visa. It is always a good idea to consult a tax specialist to avoid any issues.

Spain Visa Process

Consulates may change their rules, fees, and regulations at any time. Be advised that RVF International does not have any control over consular procedures, and requirements vary greatly between consulates. For this reason, your primary source of information regarding visas should be your local consulate.

RVF International can offer advice based upon our past experiences working with participants, but please be aware that each situation is unique and immigration rules are constantly evolving. The ultimate authority on the visa process will be representatives of the consulate for your jurisdiction.

Therefore, you are solely responsible for your visa process, including obtaining the proper documentation for your visa, scheduling a visa appointment, and properly submitting all documentation in a timely manner.

If you are not an EU-citizen, you will need a visa to teach English in Spain. However, if you are an EU-citizen, you won’t have to apply for a visa to enter Spain and the EU.

If you are not an EU-citizen, you will require a Spanish Student Visa, which will allow you to teach English in Spain with the program.

As part of the program, we will guide you through the entire visa process, as well as visa appointment booking support. We will be there in case you have any questions or hiccups. You will have to apply for the visa physically in your home country. For example, if you are American, you will have to apply for the visa in the United States at the Spanish Consulate that oversees your state.

If you are Canadian, you will have to apply for the visa in the Canada at the Spanish Consulate that oversees your province.

Your Program Specialist will work with you one-on-one to gather all the required information we need from you to communicate with the Spanish Consulates to ensure your visa process is incredibly smooth and stress-free. The visa support will be for the year the program starts in Spain. We will personalize the timeline specifically for you and anything we cannot take care of on our own for legal reasons (i.e. getting fingerprinted) we will walk you through how to handle it or direct you to a partner company that will take care of it for you. For the purposes of applying for your visa to Spain, we highly recommend applying for the visa from your home country. For example, if you are American, we recommend you applying inside of the US and if you are Canadian, we recommend you applying inside of Canada.

 If you apply within your home country, we will:

  • Offer detailed visa appointment booking support
  • Coordinate translation for all documents that require translation into Spanish by a sworn translator.


If you are applying for a visa to our program and are currently in Spain finishing up another program, we will help you renew your stay permit in Spain without having to return home for a visa.

IMPORTANT: If you are applying for a visa from a country that is not your home country or Spain (ie. an American living in South Korea applying for the Spanish Visa while in South Korea), we will not assist with the visa process and will direct you to the Spanish Consulate in that area to coordinate your visa process, visa appointment and translation services. However, you are of course able to join the program, receive a placement, and receive all program benefits and access to excursions, but we will not be responsible for the visa process if it is in a country that is not your home country.

Your visa appointment will be held at the General Consulate of Spain that oversees the State/Province of your permanent address. Please note that you can only apply for a visa at a General Consulate of Spain, not that of another EU consulate nor an Honorary Spanish consulate. Furthermore, you can only apply for the visa at the General Consulate of Spain that corresponds to you based on your address, which you must show proof of with your driver’s license or state ID.

In order to issue a visa to Spain, the Spanish Consulates require in-person appointments and, although in certain circumstances they will allow visa applications to be sent via postal mail, it is best to plan accordingly to be prepared to visit the Spanish Consulate in person between July and September for your visa appointment.

The booking of the visa appointment is the responsibility of the Program Participant. Below is a list of the Spanish Consulates in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as the States/Provinces that each consulate oversees. You will have to visit the Spanish Consulate that supervises the State/Province where you are permanent resident.

United States of America: 

  • Spanish Consulate in Boston: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine. 
  • Spanish Consulate in New York City: Connecticut, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania. 
  • Spanish Consulate in Washington D.C.: Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina. 
  • Spanish Consulate in Chicago: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin. 
  • Spanish Consulate in Miami: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina. 
  • Spanish Consulate in Houston: Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi. 
  • Spanish Consulate in Los Angeles: Southern California (County of Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara y Ventura), Arizona, Colorado, Utah. 
  • Spanish Consulate in San Francisco: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington State, Wyoming, Northern California Counties (Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Buttle, Calaveras, Colusa, Contracosta, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humbboldt, Inyo, Kings, Lake, Lassen, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Benito, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehema, Trinity, Tulare, Toulumne, Yolo, Yuba). 


Canada: 

  • Spanish Consulate in Ottawa: National Capital Region (Ottawa and Gatineau). 
  • Spanish Consulate in Montreal: Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Qu√©bec (except Gatineau), Newfoundland, Labrador. 
  • Spanish Consulate in Toronto: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario (except Ottawa), Saskatchewan, North West Territories, Yukon and Nunavut. 


Canada: 

  • Spanish Consulate in Ottawa: National Capital Region (Ottawa and Gatineau). 
  • Spanish Consulate in Montreal: Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Qu√©bec (except Gatineau), Newfoundland, Labrador. 
  • Spanish Consulate in Toronto: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario (except Ottawa), Saskatchewan, North West Territories, Yukon and Nunavut. 


New Zealand: 

  • Spanish Consulate in Wellington: All of New Zealand 


Australia: 

  • Spanish Consulate in Canberra: Canberra and Queanbeyan 
  • Spanish Consulate in Sydney: New South Wales, Queensland, and North Australia 
  • Spanish Consulate in Melbourne: Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania 

If you don’t live near a Spanish consulate, you’ll need to travel to the one that has jurisdiction over your state – each consulate serves specific regions. Our team helps you determine which consulate applies to you.

Other than the RVF International Teach English in Spain program fee, you will also need to pay the fees associated with your visa and required visa documents, totaling about $200 USD, as well as your plane ticket. If you have lived in another country for more than 6 consecutive months in the last 5 years, then you will need a criminal background check from that country which will cost between $70 USD to $150 USD.

The cost of the visa depends on your country and consulate, in the US it is $160.

RVF International does not cover your visa cost, but we guide you through every step of the process, including which documents to prepare and how to submit them correctly. Translations of visa documents are included in the cost of RVF.

Life in Spain

Since you will be in Spain on a Spanish Student Visa, you won’t be permitted to contract with a company such as a restaurant or store. However, if you are wanting to make some extra money on the side while in Spain, we would definitely recommend private classes! In Spain, private classes are known as clases particulares, and are very common for native English speakers to offer. If you ever have questions about how to find clases particulares or how to best market yourself so that you can acquire clients while in Spain, we would be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

You won’t have to pay taxes in Spain on what you earn each month as you will be on a Student Visa and not a Work Visa.

What you earn each month will be a stipend and not an employee salary subject to Spanish taxes. With regards to paying taxes in your home country, we recommend contacting a tax professional in your area.

You will most likely not earn enough to have to declare your foreign earned income; however, we advise to speak with a professional for further clarity as each case is slightly different.

Yes, if properly managed, you will earn more than enough money to live comfortably in Spain. Thankfully, the cost of living in Spain is much less expensive than it is in the US or Canada and, if managed well, your monthly stipend, will cover food, housing, transportation, as well as allow you to travel and explore Spain and Europe.

Yes, Program Participants will have the opportunity to travel and explore the country during their weekends, each and every week! Spain is known for its rich culture, history, food, and scenic destinations, making it a popular destination for travelers from around the world. It is not uncommon for Program Participants to visit a new country every month.

Yes, you will receive free health insurance provided by the Spanish government through the regional governments, not RVF International. The specific insurance company is determined by each region and covers repatriation, medical, surgical, pharmaceutical, and hospitalization expenses. However, the policy does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions, dental, vision, or medication costs.

If you take medication regularly, note that some prescriptions available in North America may not be distributed in the EU due to strict pharmaceutical regulations. We recommend consulting your doctor in your home country and bringing a 9-month supply of your medication with you to ensure continuity.

It’s important to know that the insurance only covers you as a language assistant and does not extend to dependents, such as parents, spouses, or children. Additionally, the Community of Valencia is often delayed in providing health insurance documentation, requiring multiple follow-ups. In some cases, they may redirect you to the insurance company to obtain the document.

For any needs beyond the provided coverage, such as pre-existing conditions, it is your responsibility to secure additional private insurance. The insurer will provide the full policy terms directly to you.

You will receive your stipend via direct bank transfer from your placement school to the Spanish bank account you will open after arriving in Spain. Payments are typically made within the first 10–15 days of the following month. There may be delays with the first payments, and in some cases the first payment may not be received until January. The regional governments will only deposit the stipend into a bank account with a Spanish IBAN, not into any accounts from other EU countries, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc. It is important to set up your Spanish bank account as soon as you arrive to Spain, to not incur any delays in receiving your stipend.

Being a language assistant is the best way to immerse yourself in Spanish culture. You will work at a local public school where you get the opportunity to work besides Spaniards and students who are excited to share about their culture, and in exchange you will help them improve their English and knowledge of your own culture. Some participants attend Spanish classes in their free time, which is a great way to improve your Spanish!

Like anywhere, public transportation in Spain is very accessible and affordable in larger cities or areas with large populations sizes, and can be less accessible and frequent in smaller, rural communities. In large cities, it is very common for Program Participants to take the subway (metro) to work, or to hop on the bus or train. In smaller, more rural communities, there will most likely not be a subway (metro) and bus lines will be less frequent. It is common for Program Participants in smaller communities to carpool to work each day with other teachers or to live closer to the school where it is possible to walk or bike to and from work each day. We encourage everyone to keep an open mind when it comes to commuting to and from work, as well as traveling around Spain. It is important to remember that you will be in a new country with different transportation practices and it will be a great opportunity to embrace the Spanish way of life!

We recommend several Spanish banks and cell phone providers and we will get you connected with them so that you can have a bank account and a working cell phone from day one.

Before your move to Spain, we will host a series of webinars to help you prepare. We will walk to through the process of securing housing, what to look for and where to search. We will introduce you to our housing partners in Spain and you will receive a detailed housing guide. If you want to find roommates, we will connect you with other participants in your area. Ultimately, you are free to choose whatever option you prefer, and you are responsible for securing housing. We will give you all the resources you need!

Yes, it is possible, although we recommend first speaking with your veterinarian to better understand the current travel rules surrounding pets on planes, animal importation procedures, as well as current vaccination and quarantines laws.

Placements & Cities in Spain

School placements are completely operated and managed by the local regional Spanish governments. Placements are available at schools in Spain in the following Autonomous Communities (Spanish Regions): The Community of Madrid, The Basque Country, The Community of Valencia, The Canary Islands, Extremadura, Cantabria, Murcia, La Rioja, Castilla-La Mancha, Galicia, Castilla y León, The Balearic Islands, Aragón, and Asturias. Placements are not currently available in Andalucía, Cataluña (including Barcelona), Navarra, or Ceuta and Melilla. It is likely program participants will receive a school assignment in one of their region placement preferences, although it cannot be guaranteed. Placement in specific cities within the region, the size of the city, the number of schools, school type (Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, High School), or being placed with specific individuals cannot be guaranteed. Although region-specific and city-specific requests are often accommodated, it is not something that can ever be guaranteed. We encourage everyone to approach the placement process with patience, and an open-mind. Spain is a uniquely beautiful country with so much to offer, in regions and cities both large and small.

You can select your region placement preferences but we ask everyone to keep an open mind about placement and to know that the final location decision always comes down to the Ministry of Education of Spain or the Educational office of your assigned region based on needs and availability.

You will find out about your placement in Spain sometime during the months of May to August. Placements are not received chronologically based on when someone joins the program. We encourage everyone to approach the placement process with patience and an open mind!

The stipend is entirely determined, managed and distributed by the regional governments of Spain. RVF International does not employ you, provide the stipend, nor can we intervene in any way. The stipend is between 800€ and 1000€ a month, which is enough to cover your basic monthly expenses in Spain. Please note that many regional governments have shown a pattern over the years of being late to deposit the stipends to the language assistants in their regions and show no signs in wanting to improve (Community of Valencia). In some cases, some language assistants don’t see their first pay check until January of that school year, when they should receive it in November. For this reason, we highly recommend all of our program participants to come prepared with an emergency fund of their first 4 months of basic expenses, approximately 4000€.

For the purposes of this program, all that is required at a minimum is either an associate or bachelor’s degree. Any other accomplishments, such as master’s degrees or higher, and / or several years of teaching experience, although prestigious and great, won’t translate to more say, control or extra advantage in the school assignment process.

As long as you indicate early on in the on-boarding process that you would like to be placed (meaning in the same school or same city) with someone else in particular in the program, and if you both apply to the program at the same time, it is likely this request can be accommodated, although it cannot be guaranteed that you’ll eventually be placed together. Groups larger than two are likely to be placed together either in the same school and/or city, although it is not guaranteed. We encourage everyone to approach the placement process with patience, and an open mind!

Teach English in South Korea

South Korea Program

You’ll follow a structured public school schedule on weekdays and be on campus full-time (about 40 hours/week). Most teachers spend roughly 20–25 hours teaching each week, with the rest of their time used for lesson planning, prep, and other school responsibilities. Before you start teaching, you’ll complete an in-person orientation/training so you know what to expect and feel ready for your first day.

You’ll teach English in a public school placement through the EPIK pathway. Your role is structured and supported, with clear expectations and training before you begin. In many classrooms, you’ll work alongside a Korean co-teacher, and you’ll help plan and lead lessons with your students. Class sizes are often bigger than what you may be used to, commonly around 20–30 students.

Your exact materials depend on your school, but the public school environment is structured and you’re not expected to “wing it.” You’ll have clear expectations, training/orientation before teaching begins, and ongoing support to help you adapt to your classroom and student levels.

Teaching is a full-time commitment, and your legal work permissions are tied to the E-2 visa for your teaching role. Because outside work rules can be strict and situation-specific, you should assume you cannot rely on maintaining a second job unless you confirm eligibility in writing for your specific circumstances.

South Korea Visa & Documents

Yes. Teaching English in South Korea through this program requires an E-2 work visa. You’ll complete the visa process as part of getting officially hired and approved to teach in a public school placement. 

RVF supports you through the full visa process step-by-step, including: 

  • What documents you’ll need (and when you’ll need them) 
  • How to handle steps like background checks, apostilles, and transcripts 
  • How to stay on track with the required timeline and deadlines 
  • How to submit everything correctly so you don’t get stuck at the last minute. 

RVF provides step-by-step support for your visa and document timeline, including guidance for background checks, apostilles, transcripts, and deadlines, plus interview preparation and a clear checklist of what to do next.

For the E-2 visa, you’ll complete the process through the South Korean consulate or visa office that covers your region (this is based on where you legally live). Depending on your jurisdiction, some steps may be handled online or by mail, but you may need to appear in person for part of the process.

If you don’t live near the correct consulate, you’ll usually need to travel to the one assigned to your area. RVF guides you through which location applies to you and what your exact submission steps will be once you’re in the visa phase.

Visa/government fees vary and are not included. RVF does not pay government visa fees, but you’ll get guidance on what documents to submit and how to complete each step correctly.

RVF International does not cover your visa cost, but we guide you through every step of the process, including which documents to prepare and how to submit them correctly. Translations of visa documents are included in the cost of RVF.

Life in South Korea

In general, teaching is a full-time role and your work authorization is tied to your teaching visa. If you’re considering additional work, confirm what’s legally allowed for your visa type before making plans.

You should expect taxes to be withheld in South Korea. Whether you owe anything in your home country depends on your country’s tax rules and your personal situation, so many teachers consult a tax professional for the home-country piece.

Most teachers can live comfortably because you receive a monthly salary (often described for public schools around ₩2.1–2.4 million KRW/month or $1,500-$2,000 USD/month) and rent-free housing is provided, which removes the biggest monthly expense for most people.

Yes. Your weekdays are structured around school, and your evenings, weekends, and school breaks are when most participants explore (cities, food, hiking, weekend trips).

South Korea is incredibly easy to navigate without a car. In most placements, you’ll rely on a mix of subways and city buses for everyday life, and you can travel between cities quickly using intercity trains or buses. Here’s what to expect: 

  • Reliable and frequent: Major cities like Seoul and Busan have extensive transit networks, and it’s simple to get around once you arrive. 
  • One card works almost everywhere: You’ll typically use a rechargeable transportation card that you tap when you ride. The card itself usually costs ₩3,000–₩5,000 (about $2–$4 USD) and can be purchased at convenience stores or airport kiosks. 
  • Easy transfers: In many areas (especially Seoul), tapping off helps you qualify for discounted transfers within a set time window (often around 30 minutes, or longer late at night). 

This is typically handled after arrival during your settling-in period. You’ll have guidance and support as you navigate early logistics so you can get set up for daily life quickly.

You won’t need to apartment-hunt. Your public school placement provides free, furnished housing, typically a studio or one-bedroom apartment. You’ll also have arrival support (including airport pickup and an in-person orientation/training period) to help you get settled and move in smoothly.

At this time, no — participants should not plan to bring pets for the South Korea program. Housing is arranged through the public school placement, and pet-friendly options can’t be guaranteed. For that reason, we require that you make pet care arrangements at home before departure.

Placements & Locations in South Korea

Public school placements are available nationwide, so you could be placed in a major city, a smaller city, or a more regional area depending on school needs and availability. Placements may include: 

  • Metro cities: Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon, Ulsan, and Sejong 
  • Provinces/regions: Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungbuk, Chungnam, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam 
  • Island placement: Jeju (limited availability) 


Because placements are spread across the country, flexibility gives you the best chance of a strong match. 

You can share location preferences (for example: a major city vs. a more regional placement), but public school placements are ultimately assigned based on school needs and availability. Some areas are more competitive than others, so the more flexible you are, the better your chances of receiving a strong placement match.

Most participants find out their placement in late spring. A typical timeline has placement decisions and provincial assignments finalized around May–June for fall start dates.

Pay varies by placement and credentials. Public school teaching roles in South Korea are commonly paid monthly around $1,500–$2,000 USD equivalent, and your placement also includes free, furnished housing, which helps your paycheck go much further.

Public school placements are primarily based on program needs and availability, not seniority. Having a master’s degree or teaching experience can strengthen your application, but it does not guarantee a specific city, province, or “better” school assignment. 

Yes, couples and friends can apply, but being placed together is not guaranteed. Public school placements depend on what schools need and where openings exist. If being in the same city is a priority, plan for flexibility and consider it a request rather than a promise.

Teach English in Taiwan

Taiwan Program

Most teachers follow a full-time public-school schedule. You’re typically on campus 5 days per week, about 8 hours per day, with up to 20 class periods per week dedicated to teaching-related instruction (often including co-teaching and lesson collaboration). The rest of your time is usually used for lesson planning, meetings, school activities, and general school responsibilities. 

You’ll teach in public schools, and your role is built around collaboration. In many placements, you’ll co-teach alongside Taiwanese teachers, participate in joint lesson planning, and support English learning through classes, activities, and school-based programs. RVF helps you understand your school’s expectations and what “day-to-day teaching” looks like before you arrive so you can start strong. 

Your school will typically have an existing curriculum and classroom resources (like textbooks, worksheets, and school materials). At the same time, TFETP teaching is collaborative, so you’ll often work with local teachers to plan lessons and select or adapt materials for your classes. RVF helps you prep with practical lesson ideas and what to expect based on your school level and teaching setup. 

In most cases, no, you should not plan to keep a second job while teaching in Taiwan. TFETP roles are full-time, and your legal work status is tied to your employment and residence approvals. If you have a remote job you’re hoping to continue, it’s important to review your contract terms and confirm what’s allowed before making plans. (RVF can flag common restrictions and help you think through timing and feasibility.) 

Taiwan Visa & Documents

Yes. To legally teach in Taiwan, you’ll need the correct immigration/work authorization. Typically, your employment starts once you’ve obtained the required approvals (such as a work permit issued by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education) and the appropriate residence documentation for employment in Taiwan.

RVF gives you a clear, step-by-step timeline once you accept a placement. We help you understand what documents you need, when you need them, and how to complete each step correctly, so you stay on track from approvals to arrival.

Some applicants need to travel for in-person submission, depending on where they live and which office serves them. If this might be an issue, we’ll help you identify your jurisdiction early so you can plan around appointment timing and travel costs.

Visa-related costs vary by nationality and where you apply, but you should budget for: visa application fees, document procurement (like background checks), document authentication, and possible mailing/travel for appointments. Taiwan’s official visa fee schedule varies by visa type and processing speed. Also note: TFETP contract language indicates schools may reimburse certain required employment document expenses (for example, items like a work visa, health exam up to a limit, ARC for employment, and document verification), depending on the terms of the appointment. 

RVF does not cover visa fees, but some required employment costs may be reimbursed through your placement. We do guide you through every step of the process, so you submit the right documents correctly and on time, and we include document-translation support where applicable in your RVF program. 

Life in Taiwan

Usually, no. Teaching is full-time, and additional work can be restricted under Taiwan’s work authorization rules and your employment agreement. Don’t plan on a second job unless you’ve confirmed it’s allowed for your specific situation. 

You should expect taxes to apply in Taiwan. Whether you owe anything back home depends on your home country’s tax rules and your personal situation. We recommend consulting a tax professional for your specific case.

Most teachers can live comfortably in Taiwan, but your budget will depend on your city and rent. Pay typically ranges from about $2,000–$2,500 USD per month (depending on your qualifications and experience). Some placements also include a housing rental reimbursement, which can help lower your monthly housing costs and make your salary go further.

Yes! Most teachers have weekends free, and Taiwan is easy to explore with quick trips to night markets, hiking areas, beach towns, and different regions around the island. 

It’s easy to get around, and the island is compact. Many participants use public transit and take high-speed rail trips to explore different regions.

After arrival, you’ll typically set up a local SIM plan and open a bank account once you have the required ID/residence documentation. RVF provides “arrival logistics” guidance so you know what to bring and what steps to expect.

Housing isn’t always provided as a free apartment, but TFETP contract language includes housing rental reimbursement up to NT$5,000 per month (and up to NT$10,000/month in certain situations like living with a spouse or direct relative). RVF can support you with housing-search guidance, what to expect for deposits/leases, and how to choose neighborhoods that fit your commute and lifestyle.

It can be possible, but it’s a serious planning project and not recommended. Bringing a pet to Taiwan may require a microchip, rabies vaccination timing, import permits, and potentially quarantine reservations depending on your origin country and the pet’s documentation. If a pet is non-negotiable, plan early and be prepared for extra costs and logistics. 

Placements & Cities in Taiwan

Placements are nationwide in public schools, including major areas like Taipei and Kaohsiung and many other cities and regions across the island.

You can share preferences (for example, region or lifestyle priorities), but final placement depends on school needs and availability. Flexibility typically gives you the best chance at a smooth match.

Timing varies by intake cycle and school hiring timelines. In general, it can take a few months from application to confirmed placement, and applying earlier usually improves availability and options. 

Pay is set in New Taiwan Dollars and varies by degree level and years of experience. TFETP contract documents include a salary table (effective Aug 1, 2025) with starting monthly figures around NT$69,880–NT$81,360 (typically comes out to $2,000–$2,700 USD equivalent per month) at the lowest seniority tier (depending on degree), increasing with experience. Some placements also include housing rental reimbursement up to NT$5,000/month (or up to NT$10,000/month in certain eligible situations), which helps your paycheck go further.  

Advanced credentials and experience can influence your compensation tier because the TFETP salary schedule varies by degree and seniority. Placement location and school assignment, however, still depend on school needs and availability.  

You can apply together, but being placed together depends on availability and should not be treated as guaranteed. 

TEFL

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. A TEFL certification is a training course that prepares you to teach English to non-native speakers. Most courses cover lesson planning, classroom management, teaching speaking skills, and basic grammar instruction.

TEFL courses can be completed online or in-person, and many people finish them in a few weeks to a few months, depending on the course format and pace.

It varies by program. A TEFL is not required for Spain (NALCAP) or Japan (JET). For South Korea (EPIK) and Taiwan (TFETP), TEFL is not always required, but it can be recommended depending on your background and the specific track or placement expectations. If you are not sure, RVF will tell you what is needed for your destination and profile.

Yes, it can be a great idea, especially if you have never taught before. TEFL helps you feel more confident in the classroom and gives you practical tools for lesson planning, classroom management, and teaching speaking and pronunciation. It can also strengthen your resume for future teaching, tutoring, or international work. Ask RVF about our 120-hour TEFL course option.

If you plan to do TEFL, the best time is usually after you apply but before you depart. That way, you can focus on your application first, then complete TEFL while you are waiting on placement and visa steps. If your destination or track requires TEFL, you should complete it before departure and by any deadline RVF gives you.

For most teach abroad pathways, a 120-hour TEFL is the standard and is widely accepted. Online TEFL courses are commonly accepted and work well if you need flexibility. An in-person practicum can be a bonus, but it is not always required. RVF can help you choose an option that fits your destination and goals.

It can help strengthen your overall application and make you feel more prepared, but it is not a guaranteed advantage. In Taiwan, pay can vary based on qualifications and experience, so TEFL may support your profile. The biggest factors are usually your degree level, credentials, and the placement’s requirements.

Master’s Abroad Program in Spain

No. All programs offered through RVF International are fully taught in English.

Yes. Our partner universities are fully accredited in Spain and recognized across the European Union.

Most master’s programs last one academic year (9-12 months).

Yes. The student visa allows up to 20 hours of part-time work per week. 

Absolutely. Our team provides full visa guidance and document preparation support.  

Aim 6-10 months before your intended intake. Apply earlier for scholarships or housing preference. 

Bachelor’s degree, transcript, CV, statement of purpose, references, and language proof is required. Some programs ask for a portfolio or test scores. 

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