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YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO FLOURISH

Co-op Placements in Spain for University Students

APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN 2025-2026

We recommend you read the program essential information before applying

FAQs
Brochure

STUDENT PLACEMENTS

Meddeas offers the opportunity to gain teaching experience in Spain to students looking for an internship. If you are one of these, it might be your chance to flourish both professionally and personally!

As a participant in this internship in Spain, you will gain valuable international experience, in addition to personal growth in terms of social skills, cultural awareness, and cognitive flexibility. Also, you will have the opportunity to learn the Spanish language and fully immerse yourself in the Spanish culture.

This is an enriching way to spend the semester abroad and teach in a private or charter school whilst completing an online 120-hour TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course, paid for by the program. It is perfect for university students who are seeking an international placement year to continue their training, and to become familiar with the Spanish way of life.

If you’re looking for a shorter teaching experience, please check our One-Term Volunteer Placement instead.

ROLE OF A LANGUAGE ASSISTANT

BENEFITS OF AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT co-op PLACEMENT IN SPAIN

INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
Employers and international companies value candidates who count with an international placement in their CVs. It shows they can be independent, open-minded, and mindful of other cultures. It also means that they have knowledge of another language on their list of skills.
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Through Meddeas internships, you will obtain important skills for your professional career. Not only will you learn through cultural experiences while you improve your discourse, you will also gain teamwork, public speaking, and creativity skills, as well as become a more patient, mature, and autonomous person.
IMMERSION IN SPAIN
You will learn about culture and history, and find ways to relate to different kinds of people. This is also a wondrous opportunity to become competent in Spanish, which is the second most widely-spoken language in the world by number of native speakers.
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Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) of Students Participating in Meddeas Co-op Placements in Spain

This is what the brain of a Language Assistant looks like:

White and blue drawing of a brain

PRE-FRONTAL CORTEX

Packed with initiative, proactivity, and a spark of creativity to design in-class activities. Neurons here are in full swing, eager to get students to learn the language.

CORPUS CALLOSUM

Brain region with a strong electrical impulse which is commonly linked to intercultural competence and cultural awareness. Such a pattern is present in people with a desire to discover another culture, learn a new language, and interact with different sorts of people.

OCCIPITAL LOBE

The tissue shows autonomy, patience, resilience, and maturity. The person knows how to function as an adult in a different country and how to assume responsibility in school. When difficult moments arise, people with a developed occipital lobe know how to overcome obstacles and move forward.

PARIETAL LOBE

This region shows an inclination towards teaching. The person possesses social skills, and the capacity to explain themselves and act as role-models for students.

CEREBELLUM

Located in a very special brain area, it secretes hormones of excellence. This substance is present in people with high standards and competitiveness. This is what separates those special, outstanding individuals from the rest. They always seek to give the best of themselves.

SPINAL CORD

This is the energy conduit between the brain and the rest of the body. In the aforementioned subjects, this area is fueled by passion.

APPLY NOW FOR A CO-OP STUDENT PLACEMENT

Fill out our online Application Form to start your internship in Spain

MAIN TASKS

YOUR ROLE AT THE SCHOOL AS A LANGUAGE ASSISTANT

The specific tasks of the Language Assistant vary depending on the school. In all cases, the Language Assistant is guided by the teacher, the school’s tutor, and Meddeas.

Additional support

The Language Assistant helps the main teacher during the activity they are carrying out. For example, Language Assistants can lead the conversation practice alongside the main teacher.

Conversation with small groups

The class is divided into small groups. The Language Assistant sits with these small groups to lead the conversation in English or suggest activities. Meanwhile, the main teacher takes care of the rest of the class.

Official exams preparation

The Language Assistant leads groups of students preparing for their official exams. The training focuses on the specific sections of the test, such as reading, listening, writing, or speaking.

Conversation with teachers

The Language Assistant delivers one-to-one or small group sessions with the teachers of the school so that they improve their level of English.

HIGHLIGHTS

Student Co-op Placement in Spain

Language Assistant correcting some exercises with his students
  • Student Co-op Placement in Spain teaching English in a private or charter school
  • Speaking activities with small groups of students
  • Completion of a teacher-training course paid for by the program
  • Monthly grant to live in Spain as a young professional (the exact amount depends on the number of hours and lodging option chosen)
  • Guidance from a school designated tutor and Meddeas staff

ACCOMMODATION

HOST FAMILY OR INDEPENDENT

There are two options for participants of Meddeas International Student Co-op Placements in Spain. You can live with a Host Family or independently. During the application process, you can express your interests. Staying with a Spanish Host Family will be the best opportunity to make the most of this unique experience. You will spend time interacting in English and Spanish with the members of the family. During the program, the Host Family will cover meals and accommodation expenses. If you prefer independent accommodation, you will receive advice and flat hunting tips. However, you are expected to find accommodation on your own.

YOUR NEW HOME

WHY SPAIN?

Spain treasures one of the richest, oldest, and most pleasant cultures to be found. It is an ideal place for students looking to broaden their minds, and discover other cultures and ways of understanding the world.

In Spain, you will meet friendly, sociable people with a relaxed lifestyle. Its Mediterranean cuisine is undoubtedly one of the best on Earth. The Spanish way of relating to people, their sense of community, and the value of friendship and family are some of the countless golden jewels of this country.

At the same time, Spain is a modern country that follows European living standards, security, and environmental commitment. To be in Spain is to be in Europe. This is true both in terms of living conditions, as well as in the transportation network and cheap flights that easily connect with other European countries.

We invite to you come and see it for yourself!

TESTIMONIALS

TRUSTED BY MORE THAN 600 PARTICIPANTS EVERY YEAR

"I have fully immersed myself in Spanish culture and learned about it; become more confident speaking in front of a group and more assertive. It has also been a great opportunity for me to transition from the university to the professional world."
Jessica S.University College Dublin (IRELAND)
Jessica S.
"Meddeas was beyond helpful thriughout the entire process supporting me when needed. The school was equally helpful and the staff is very friendly."
Henry G.Benedictine College (US)
Henry G.
"I've learned how to work in a different cultural environment, as I've respected the school's values and customs. Also, I've realised how important it is to plan and prepare each class while adapting your activities to the needs of the students."
Ellen O.University of Limerick (IRELAND)
Ellen O.

THE BASICS

FAQs about the program

A Meddeas Language Assistant is a recent university graduate (or a university student who can earn credits for internship opportunities) who is interested in acquiring international teaching experience. They get the chance to join one of the +300 schools we collaborate with in Spain to support the English, French, or German department, and collaborate with them through an internship scheme, receiving a monthly stipend to cover their expenses while having this experience.

Unlike Teaching Assistants, Language Assistants are expected to use their own initiative to prepare and deliver engaging and creative activities and fun games, following the guidelines given by the main teacher, in order to motivate the students, improve their speaking skills and make them fall in love with the language. This rewarding internship program requires full-time availability and a great deal of energy!

Some of the tasks assigned to the Language Assistant may include organizing group conversation lessons, leading the whole class at the front of the room alongside the teacher, conducting conversation practice with other teachers, or helping to prepare students for standardized language tests.

If the participant is earning credits through the program, group conversation lessons will include a maximum of 3 students at a time.

You need to be a native-level speaker of English, German, or French. If you are a French or German native speaker, you will need at least a B2 level (CEFR)  in order to complete the interview process and complete the paperwork.

You need to be a current undergraduate student from a university, eligible to earn credits through this placement.

You must have no criminal records, and you need to hold a valid passport (not needed to apply, but necessary to start the visa application process, if applicable).

Program conditions

Not at all. There are no fees to participate in Meddeas. You will have to transfer a refundable deposit of €300 after accepting your placement as proof of your commitment to the program. This deposit will be refunded to you at the end of the program, once you successfully complete your school placement.

No. Our program’s allocation process is profile-based. That means that our Human Resources Team will match your profile with a specific school placement (with its own requirements) so that you can benefit from this internship experience. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that you will be placed in a specific location.

Since we run a profile-based allocation process, we only consider individual applications. If one of your friends or your partner has also applied, please bear in mind that it is unlikely that we will place both of you in the same town or even region.

You will have access to an online 120-hour TEFL course, offered by the program, and will participate in a one-day session in Madrid or Barcelona (TBC) upon your arrival. After that, you will move on to your placement destination to collaborate with the school. You will receive a monthly stipend and your University will recognize this international teaching experience as part of your Bachelor’s degree.

Our program runs from September/October/January to May/June. If you successfully complete the program, you may apply to join a Language Assistant placement for recent graduates. You can choose to stay at the same school or move to a different one.

If you’re looking for a shorter teaching experience, please check our One-Term Volunteer Placement instead.

The Language Assistant’s schedule will be set and modified by the school according to its needs, which means that placement’s characteristics depend entirely on the school, and participants are not able to change its schedule or conditions. The school schedule in Spain usually runs from 9 am to 5 pm.

You will have between 20 and 24 in-class hours per week, needing up to 2 additional hours per week to coordinate your activities with other teachers. As your timetable depends on the other teachers’, you will for sure have some gaps between classes, meaning that, for example, you could have class from 9 am to 4 or 5 pm with gaps in between, including a one or two-hour lunch break. You can take advantage of these gaps to prepare activities and dedicate time to your online TEFL course.

If you live with a host family and your placement has less than 23 in-class hours per week, you will teach them in 4 days (mornings and afternoons), or in 5 mornings every week.

You will receive a monthly stipend that will vary in quantity depending on the number of weekly in-class hours and your lodging option, which are previously defined by the school. Check the amount ranges in the corresponding program brochure.

The monthly stipend will allow you to live in Spain as a young professional, and is enough to pay your rent (in case of independent housing) and cover expenses. Keep in mind that larger cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Bilbao are more expensive than medium or small cities. We advise you to come to Spain with some savings to help you get settled.

You will be entitled to the same holidays as the rest of the school’s faculty. You will have a Christmas and

Easter break, local or regional holidays, and some long weekends (puentes). You will have a set school calendar and you are not entitled to any days off outside the pre-established holidays. Trips and travel arrangements should be made around your class schedule and school calendar.

If there are unforeseen circumstances or special events, such as your graduation, that require you to take a day off, you will have to submit a request in advance to the school principal. Unauthorized absences can result in the loss of your stipend or even your placement.

You will need to purchase a private health insurance plan if you are a non-EU passport holder to satisfy visa requirements. Successful candidates may look for their own options or contact Meddeas, since we have partnered with a private health insurance provider to offer affordable coverage that complies with visa requirements.

You are expected to show initiative and commitment and perform professionally. Meddeas and/or the school have the right to cancel a Language Assistant’s placement if any of them consider that the participant exhibits a lack of professional behavior.

If this occurs, the Language Assistant loses the deposit and all inherent rights (placement, course, stipend, etc.). In addition, the program is legally obliged to cancel the visa (if applicable).

If you decide to leave the program, you will lose the €300 deposit and all inherent rights (placement, course, stipend, etc.) In addition, the program will be legally obliged to cancel your visa (if applicable).

Lodging options

Yes. If you decide to live by yourself, we strongly recommend that you look for a shared apartment located close to your school. It will be easier for you to walk to school each day instead of relying on public transportation.

Meddeas does not provide accommodation, so you will be responsible for finding an apartment to rent. Our Admissions Team will offer you tips and links for finding an apartment in Spain. You will also be invited to the Meddeas Facebook group, where you can communicate with other Meddeas participants who might also be looking for an apartment in the same area. Nevertheless, negotiating an apartment contract or security deposit will be your own responsibility.

Yes. Living in Spain is a great way to practice the Spanish language, and staying with a Spanish host family will be the best way to make the most of this unique experience. The family will introduce you to many typical Spanish traditions that will help you discover a new culture and, most likely, make friends for life. In some schools, you might be placed with two or three host families throughout the year.

Through this very special opportunity, you will find yourself being part of an authentic Spanish family and all that comes with it: living in their home, eating together, playing games, and going on family trips. It is a dream come true for those who want to live like a Spaniard for a few months. Check the Host Family Conditions.

The school

Schools understand that you might have little teaching experience. At the same time, they expect you to show serious commitment. You will be expected to be involved with your students, demonstrate motivation, maintain professional conduct, and use good interpersonal skills. Proactivity, flexibility, and initiative are essential to planning, preparing, and delivering your own activities.

One of the school’s teachers will be appointed as your tutor. They will guide you and you can ask them for advice when needed, but you will be expected to independently plan your own activities and games.

Meddeas collaborates with private and concertado (charter or grant-maintained) schools. Some of them are non-religious, whereas others are Catholic. In a Catholic school, a Language Assistant is expected to be respectful of the school’s beliefs and customs, and to avoid controversial topics. It is not necessary to share its ethos, but the above is a must. If you have any questions on this matter, you will be able to address them during the interview.

Successful candidates will receive all the relevant details, including location, students’ age group, and school characteristics before accepting a placement offer. Once accepted, details cannot be changed upon the Language Assistant’s request. The school defines them and may adapt the ages of children that participants are placed with, according to their needs.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

If you are interested in becoming a Meddeas Language Assistant, you can apply through our website by filling out the online Application Form.

We will evaluate your eligibility and, if you meet the requirements to enroll in the program, we will arrange a first online interview with you.

If you make it to the second stage of the recruitment process, you will be invited to a second online interview. If you successfully complete the second stage, you will be considered for one of the available placements for which your profile matches.

Finally, you will be asked to sign an agreement. You will receive the name of your school before transferring the refundable deposit to ensure your placement. You will then be accepted into the program and will be able to start your visa application process, if applicable, with the guidance of our Admissions Team.

FUNDING THE PROGRAM

The program does not include any fees. However, you will have to pay for some things with a set and known cost:

All participants

  • Application for a National Certificate of Absence of Police Records
  • Medical Certificate
  • Travel expenses from and to your country
  • Accommodation in Madrid or Barcelona for the Induction Meeting
  • Travel expenses from Madrid or Barcelona to your destination

Non-European passport holders (visa requirements)

  • Visa application fees
  • Translation of official documents 
  • ApostilleLegalization (if needed)
  • Private health insurance 

Prices vary from country to country. Please check the fees that apply to your particular case.

Participants who have studied at a university associated with the Erasmus program may also be eligible for Erasmus+ funds. For specific requirements and how to apply, please consult your university.

ARE YOU INTERESTED?

Apply now to determine if you are eligible for this unforgettable experience

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info@meddeas.com
+ 34 948 983 539
Calle V, nº3, 2ºD,
P.C. Galaria 31191
Cordovilla, Navarra – Spain

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IMPORTANT NOTE

FOR THE TIME BEING, OUR CO-OP PROGRAMS FOR 5 TO 9 MONTHS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE TO EUROPEAN & CANADIAN PASSPORT HOLDERS.

If this does not apply to you, we encourage you to check out our other opportunities!

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