If you’ve been looking into teaching English in Spain, you probably already know about programs like NALCAP, BEDA, and UCETAM. But what if I told you there’s another opportunity on the horizon?
Galicia is officially moving forward with its own English conversation assistant initiative, and it’s something I think prospective language assistants should keep on their radar. For a while, there had been conversations about Galicia potentially developing its own regional auxiliar program.
Now, things are becoming much more concrete. Following an initial announcement from the Xunta de Galicia on August 25, 2026, the regional government has continued moving forward with plans to bring conversation assistants into Galician classrooms during the 2026–2027 academic year, and there’s been another important development since then.
On November 2, 2026, the Xunta announced further details about the program, including its budget, participating schools, and expected qualifications. So, if you’ve been waiting to hear whether this opportunity is actually happening, there’s finally more information to work with. Let’s get into what we know, what makes this program different, and what prospective applicants should keep in mind.
What Is Galicia’s New Language Assistant Program?
Galicia is developing its own regional initiative to bring English conversation assistants into public schools throughout the autonomous community. The goal is to strengthen students’ English language skills by providing additional opportunities to practice speaking and communicating with native or highly proficient English speakers.
According to the latest announcement, the program will cover 320 public schools through a contracted language-support service, with another 43 schools already having American conversation assistants through existing arrangements. That brings the expected total to 363 participating schools.
The program is expected to begin during the 2026–2027 school year, with assistants entering classrooms at the beginning of the second academic term, around January 2027. For anyone interested in teaching abroad, this is worth paying attention to. Spain has several established language assistant programs, but regional initiatives like this could create additional opportunities outside the traditional application routes.
What’s New?
The November 2 announcement provided a much clearer picture of how Galicia intends to organize the program. One of the biggest details is that the Xunta plans to work with an external company responsible for providing conversation assistants to participating schools. In other words, this may not follow the traditional model we’re familiar with through NALCAP, where applicants apply directly through a government-run program and receive a placement. Instead, the recruitment and placement process will involve a contracted service provider. The program has an estimated budget of €1.8 million and is divided into two geographical areas:
- A Coruña and Lugo: 151 schools.
- Ourense and Pontevedra: 169 schools.
Together, these two areas account for the 320 schools included in the new contract.
What Are the Requirements?
The November announcement also provided more information about the qualifications expected of conversation assistants. Based on the published details, the expected requirements include:
- A university degree or equivalent qualification.
- Specific training in education, language learning, language teaching methodologies, or educational innovation.
- International and intercultural experience.
- C1 English proficiency under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
There is also an exception to the C1 language certification requirement for nationals of certain English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, the United States, Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
One thing worth emphasizing is that these are the qualifications described for personnel supplied through the contracted service. We still need the individual recruitment announcement to confirm the final application requirements and how candidates will be assessed.
Galicia Language Assistant Program: Current Status
I’ll keep this section updated as more information becomes available. If you’re considering applying, this is probably the section you’ll want to bookmark and revisit.
| Detail | Current Status |
| Program approval | Approved |
| Program year | 2026–2027 |
| Expected start date | Beginning of the second academic term, around January 2027 |
| Estimated budget | Approximately €1.8 million |
| Number of schools | 320 through the new contract |
| Additional schools | 43 schools with existing American assistants |
| Total participating schools | 363 |
| Language | English |
| University degree | Required |
| English proficiency | C1, with specified nationality exceptions |
| Recruitment structure | External contracted company |
| Monthly stipend/salary | Not yet confirmed |
| Weekly working hours | Not yet confirmed |
| Individual application process | Not yet confirmed |
| Visa sponsorship | Not yet confirmed |
| Accommodation assistance | Not yet confirmed |
Last updated: November 9, 2026.
Is This Another NALCAP?
This is probably the question most people will have, and understandably so. If you’ve participated in NALCAP or have spent time researching language assistant programs in Spain, you might naturally assume Galicia’s initiative will operate similarly. However, there is an important distinction.
NALCAP is a government-sponsored language assistant program that operates through Spain’s Ministry of Education. Participants receive school placements and a monthly stipend in exchange for assisting with English language instruction.
Galicia’s new initiative appears to operate differently. Rather than recruiting assistants directly through a traditional exchange program, the Xunta intends to contract an external company to provide language-support personnel to schools.
This could mean a different recruitment process, employment arrangement, compensation structure, and set of responsibilities. Until the individual recruitment details are published, I wouldn’t automatically assume that the program will offer the same benefits, working conditions, or visa arrangements as NALCAP. And that’s an important distinction for anyone planning an international move.
Where to Find Updates
If you’re interested in following the program, I’d recommend keeping these official websites bookmarked:
- Portal Educativo de Galicia – Education announcements and program updates.
- Xunta de Galicia – Official announcements from the regional government.
- Contratos de Galicia – Public procurement information and contract awards.
- Spanish Ministry of Education – Information about existing national language assistant programs.
I would pay particular attention to the procurement announcements because the identity of the contracted company could help clarify where and how individual recruitment will take place.
Is Galicia Worth Keeping on Your Radar?
Absolutely. One thing I’ve learned from navigating Spain’s language assistant programs is that it’s always worth looking beyond the most familiar options. NALCAP and BEDA are two established routes, but they’re certainly not the only ways to explore opportunities in Spanish education.
As someone who has spent multiple years living and working in Spain through language assistant programs, I know how much goes into planning a move abroad. Compensation, working hours, school placements, housing, and visa requirements all matter. It’s not just about finding a classroom and packing a suitcase. That’s why I think Galicia’s new initiative is worth following.
The program has moved beyond the initial announcement, and the November developments give us a much better idea of what the Xunta is trying to establish. However, until individual recruitment details are released, there are still some important pieces missing.
I’ll continue updating this post as more information becomes available, especially regarding applications, compensation, eligibility, and the recruitment process. If you’re hoping to teach English in Spain in 2027 and beyond, consider adding Galicia to your list of opportunities to watch. ¡Nos vemos en Galicia!
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
