The 700 euros monthly stipend isn’t going to last in most cities if you are working as a language assistant in Spain. Though it’s enough to get by (and by ‘get by’, I mean pay rent, utilities, and not starve), it won’t be enough if you intend on traveling on most weekends and breaks.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to find a legal part-time job a student visa, so many of those in the Auxiliares de Conversación program turn to these four reliable (and plentiful) English teaching side gigs to make extra money.

1.) Give private lessons

Pros: Since the demand for private English lessons in Spain is high, you’ll be able to set your own price per hour (please don’t listen to the self-righteous Negative Nancys who think 10 euros an hour is more than enough since many Spanish parents “can’t afford it”… set your price to at least 13 because if not you’re deflating the market price for everyone else) and you get paid on the spot. You’ll usually have a set weekly schedule, but it’s flexible enough to cancel or change times without penalty. If you’re tutoring kids, lesson planning is minimum and you’ll usually just help them with homework and play a few games. Opportunities for private lessons are usually posted all over the aux Facebook groups, but if you can’t find any you can find some on Tus Clases Particulares (and post your own ad).

Cons: The most annoying thing is the commute if you’re teaching far away from your apartment or school. Last year my private lessons were in the same neighborhood, but I spent almost an hour both ways commuting by metro and bus. 

2.) Work at an after-school academy or English school

Pros: The pay per hour usually ranges from 12 to 17 hours per hour. All of your classes are in one building, so there’s no commuting all over town. There are so many different types of academies and English schools to choose from, ranging from infantile to C1 level adults. You can usually pick your hours and whether you want a full or part-time position. I personally preferred substituting, but working full-time (which is usually 16 hours a week for most non-contracted employees), you will make bank. The best way to find an academy job is simply googling the ones in your city and sending off your resume.

Cons: The turnover rate is super high because of shitty conditions. Some academies are notoriously shady since you’re working illegally– contracts are vague or non-existent, meaning you can get your hours changed, pay reduced, or fired without any sort of protection.

3.) Teach English online

Pros: I don’t have experience teaching online yet, but everyone I know swears by it. You can set your own hours, get paid around 15+ dollars an hour, and of course, no tiring commute. VIPKid is the most popular online teaching company, but I’ve also heard good things from DaDaABC, Magic Ears, and iTutorGroup. There are so many out there, you just need to find one that offers a flexible schedule and doesn’t require a TEFL (if you don’t have one).

Cons: The only reason I haven’t turned to online teaching is that I live in an apartment with no sunlight, thin walls, and three other people. You might need to purchase adequate headphones and additional lighting, but it’s worth the investment if you plan on doing it long-term. Other than that, the biggest issue with online teaching will be the time difference between Spain and China. Mornings and early afternoons (Spain time) are when most slots are available to teach, and if you have a long commute from your school it could be difficult to find a time that works with your school schedule.

4.) Work as an au pair

Pros: I attempted being a live-in au pair while working as an aux last year, and I do not recommend it whatsoever (bruh, I’m STILL scarred). The only pro is living rent-free and not having to pay for food (with an additional 60+ euros a week). That’s literally it. But if you must, you can find families on Au Pair World. If you’re looking fora live-out au pair or babysitting position, try Sitly.

Cons: Really, don’t do it. Not only is being an au pair degrading enough if you get stuck with a psycho, menopausal host mother, you won’t have any free time to explore Spain since you’ll be expected to work immediately after school until bedtime (because you’re still going to get a curfew as a grown ass adult) unless you get stuck with a super cool host family, which you probably won’t. Just take my word on it, it’s not worth it.