North American Language and Culture Assistants Program NALCAP

Program Overview

The Education Office of the Embassy of Spain promotes diverse educational outreach programs in the United States. Located in Washington D.C., the primary goal of the Education Office of Spain is to foster collaborative educational programs between the USA and Spain, building long lasting ties among their citizens.

Our flagship program, both in number and scope is the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP). American college students and graduates - who are native-like speakers of English - partner with elementary and secondary schools in Spain to bolster language programs, as language assistants (TAs) under the supervision and guidance of teachers in Spain.

NALCAP falls under the category of public diplomacy programs. As a language assistant, you will be fulfilling the role of a cultural ambassador as you advance English language learning and mutual understanding through cultural exchange. As such, your role is to encourage students of all ages in Spain to broaden their knowledge of your language and culture.

Placements are offered across Spain, in practically every city and town in the country, running from October 1st to May 31st for most assignments. Short term contracts and/or alternative starting dates are unfortunately not available. Depending on the assigned region, NALCAP recipients receive a monthly stipend of 800 to 1000 euros and medical insurance from either the Ministry of Education of Spain or the regional governments of Spain. Hours of assistant teaching range from 14 to 16 hours per week also depending on the assignment awarded.

NALCAP offers recipients the opportunity to immerse themselves in the language and culture of Spain while sharing the language and culture of the United States with students in Spain, as well as a tremendous opportunity for professional and personal growth.

Over 49,000 Americans have participated in the program and lived this amazing opportunity in experiential learning. Come to Spain and become a cultural ambassador representing your country!

It'll be the experience of a lifetime!

Program Eligibility

The following requirements must be met in order to participate in the program.

• Be a U.S. citizen and have a valid passport through the date of the last day of your participation in the program (May 31st, 2026 in all of Spain except for Madrid which is June 30th, 2026)
• Have a conferred BA, BS, AA or AS degree or be enrolled as a sophomore, junior or a senior in a BA or BS program.
• Be a native-like speaker of English
• Be in good physical and mental health
• Have a clean background check
• Be aged 18 - 60. You must be at least 18 years old as of January 1, 2025 and not be 60 or over on January 1, 2026, to participate in the program. Disclaimer: Age ranges have to do with labor regulations in Spain.

Participants in the program should have a basic level of Spanish to use in everyday life in Spain (ex. renting an apartment, buying groceries and other daily life tasks). However, please keep in mind that in the classroom you should only be speaking in English (even if you have excellent language skills in Spanish). This is essential to the program and the main reason that you are granted a position.

Grant recipients are requested to be responsible, broad-minded and have a flexible attitude, as well as being open to new ideas and cultures. These qualifications are necessary as recipients will have a direct impact on the education of students in Spain.

Canadian citizens: Please visit the NALCAP Canada website for specific information pertaining to Canadian applicants.

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