Hi Tara! So glad you find this information helpful! Just to clarify, BEDA is technically a student program and the teaching aspect of this program is part of the “curriculum”. So, you would be applying for a long-term student visa, not a work visa. Hope that helps!

Hi Violet! I’m so glad this post was helpful for you! And CONGRATS on the interview! The salary is honestly not that much. I think I made 832 pesos a month after taxes. I only taught 16 hours, but you can teach up to 24 hours with BEDA, which will, of course, earn you more. Most teachers, included myself, taught private classes to supplement income. Even still, I found myself still not being able to travel like I wanted. I made just enough to get by and to enjoy Madrid, but definitely not travel how I imagined myself traveling and definitely not save money. If you’re wanting to be able to travel and save, South Korea is definitely a better option. I taught there a year before moving to Madrid. Despite the low pay, I still absolutely loved my experience in Madrid. And, I don’t think it’s ever too late! I didn’t start teaching abroad until I was 30. I wish I would have done it sooner, but I have absolutely zero regrets about doing it at 30. So, I say go for it! Maybe try to pick up a remote side gig which will allow you to save and travel more, but at least try. And if it doesn’t work out, you can always say you did it and return home to do the regular adulting thing, like I did hahaa. But, even that was short-lived. I packed up and moved to Mexico a year later. I’m now 34 and moving abroad is still the best decision I’ve ever made. Wishing you all the best!! I look forward to hearing what you decide! 🙂

Thank you for this insightful and helpful post. I just got the interview for the BEDA program and I AM SO EXCITED! My only main concern right now is the monthly salary for this position. Is it enough to pay for rent and expenses as well as to travel on some weekends, and save? As a 28 year old, I am not sure if this is the most financially responsible career move? I really want to work and live abroad (especially since travelling is something I have been deprived of as a child due to my low-income background). However, I am not sure if this is the right move for me at my age ???

Thank you again for the help!

Hi Jeff,

So glad you found this post useful! Yes, the salaries are monthly.

Gracias!
Jeff

Hi Zach! Thanks for reading. Unfortunately, I haven’t heard about this program, so I can’t give any insight.

Thanks!

Whoa! That is quick! How exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time?! I would definitely suggest renting out an Airbnb or short-term accommodations until you can find something more permanent once you get to Madrid. It took me a week to find a flat when I was on the search…some people it takes much longer…some people less. It all depends. But, a week is a good starting point, and one less thing to have to worry about in the whirlwind and chaos that is sure to come when moving to another country. Unfortunately, BEDA is no help whatsoever when it comes to finding accommodations. I would, however, reach out to them and ask for the contact info of other teachers at your school and try to connect with them to get the run down. Or, if you check the BEDA FB group there is a spreadsheet in the files (I believe) where people add their schools and contact info…you can try connecting that way. Idealista and Facebook groups will be your best friends on your apt hunt. I wrote another blog post about finding apartments…hopefully it helps a bit http://worldofawanderer.com/finding-an-apartment-in-madrid-spain/. I know it all seems crazy stressful right now, but it will all come together. Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions. Happy to help.