How to Become a Meddeas Language Assistant

So you reviewed all of the different language assistant programs that Spain has to offer and like me, you found that the Meddeas program was the best for you. Now you just shoot them an email that you’d like to join their program, kick back, relax and book your flight to Spain – yea? Not exactly. Meddeas has been around for a while and is one of the tougher programs to be accepted to. They also have one of the most in-depth application processes (if not the most in-depth, as I have applied to quite a few of the language assistant programs), which can be both daunting and nerve-racking at times. But no worries, Casey is here to help! I’ve put together a little overview for you on how to apply to the Meddeas program and what to expect throughout the application process.

What is the Meddeas program?

Meddeas is a language assistant program that places native-level English, German or French speakers who have graduated in the last four years in schools across Spain. The language assistants are responsible to teach their language for a school year or half a school year at the school that they are assigned to.

Meddeas provides their language assistants with a student visa that allows the students to legally live and teach in Spain. Meddeas offers assistants three different programs to participate in based on their education. The program you participate in will determine what online course you will take at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, your monthly stipend, and the size of your classes. Meddeas language assistants typically teach 20 – 25 hours a week as this is what the student visa allows.

STEP 1 – Apply To The Program

The first thing you need to do is to apply to the Meddeas program! Click here and enter your name and email where prompted. Once completed, you will receive an email with a FAQ about the program and an application form. In the application form, you will select your preferences of what age you would like to work with and what region in Spain you would like to teach in. You will also select which program you would like to do. You will be asked to send them back the completed application form along with your CV. Make sure you list any teaching or mentoring experience you have, especially with kids!

STEP 2 – First Skype Interview

If your application is accepted, you will then be invited to your first Skype interview with a Meddeas team member! The interview can be anywhere between 30 – 50 minutes long and will allow Meddeas to learn more about your experiences, what you would like to get out of the program, and how you will contribute to the program. You can expect the following during this interview:

• A mini “quiz” on the FAQ that was sent to you. Before the interview Meddeas will ask you to review the FAQ again and will give you a heads up that you will be quizzed on it – they really mean it! Make sure you know which program you want to do, what types of schools Meddeas works with, how much the deposit is, etc.
• Questions about your preferences of which program you would like to participate in, what age group of children you would like to work with, and where in Spain you would like to teach.
• Questions about you, of course! They will ask you what experiences you have with children and if you have any classroom experience. They will also want to know why you are applying to the program and what you hope to achieve by the end of it.
• A short lesson planning activity. You will be given an age group and a topic and asked to create a short lesson plan. You can check out some of the lesson plans on their blog for ideas on different activities you can do and then adapt them for what you are assigned during the interview.
• Lastly, you will be asked to talk about 2 words for roughly 3 minutes without stopping. This is to check your fluency of the language you will be teaching.

STEP 3 – Second Skype Interview

Once you blow them away with your first Skype interview, you will be invited to a second Skype interview! This second interview is typically done in person with a Meddeas representative from the closest city near you, however, due to COVID-19 the second interview is now conducted in-person for the time being. If you don’t hear back from Meddeas two weeks after your first interview, then unfortunately they won’t be moving forward with your application – but you can always check out the other language assistant programs that you can also apply to!

This second interview will be roughly the same amount of time as your first interview, but it will not be the same person interviewing you. You will be speaking with a totally new Meddeas team member who knows nothing about you, so many of the same questions will be repeated. You can expect the following:

• Another mini “quiz” on the FAQ – they want to make sure you know what you will be participating in!
• More detailed questions on your preferences. The goal of this interview is to match you with the best school for you, so be specific with what you think you will enjoy doing for the next year. If the idea of 15 screaming 2-year-olds terrifies you, then don’t say you would be willing to teach preschoolers.
• More questions about your teaching experience and work with kids.
• Another fluency activity where you will be asked to speak about 1-2 words without stopping for 3 minutes. Don’t stress about this, it’s honestly kind of fun and I had my interviewer laughing at the nonsense I was rambling about!

STEP 4 – Placement Offer

Congrats! You killed the interview process and will now receive your placement offer! Your offer will most closely match your preferences and the positions that Meddeas has available. You do not have to accept the first placement offered to you, but it is not guaranteed that Meddeas will have another placement for you if you reject the first one.

STEP 5 – Send that Deposit $$$$$$

Once you do accept your placement, you will then need to transfer the deposit of 850 Euros. This will secure your placement and will be refunded to you upon successful completion of the Meddeas program.

Step 6 – Student Visa Funness

As a participant of the Meddeas program, you will be enrolled in teacher training coursework at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya. The coursework that you take will depend on which program you are participating in (advanced, graduate, or speakers program). This coursework is essential to the program as it will provide you with a student visa, which is how you will legally be able to live and teach in Spain.

Meddeas will provide you with all the information you need to begin the process of obtaining your student visa before your departure for Spain, so don’t fret!

STEP 7 – Induction Meeting

Now that you have your student visa squared away and your bags are packed and ready to go, your first stop will be at the Meddeas Program Induction Meeting in Barcelona. Whether you are placed to teach in Barcelona or not, attendance at the induction meeting is mandatory.

It is a bummer that Meddeas doesn’t offer accommodation or expenses covered, but at least you will get to explore a beautiful (and my favorite!) Spanish city! You will also be given access to join a Facebook group with all the other language assistants for your program year, so you can easily find other people to meet up with.

STEP 8 – Enjoy!

You are about to embark on an amazing life-changing journey! Enjoy every moment of the Meddeas program and don’t take this year for granted. Take every opportunity given to you and put yourself out of your comfort zone, you won’t regret it.

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