- What’s the pay scale at ECA?
- What does it cost to live in Spain? How much do I need to raise?
- How long will it take me to complete the application process and raise my support?
- Do I need to know Spanish to teach at ECA?
- Is ECA accredited?
- What are some of the joys and challenges of living in Spain?
What’s the pay scale at ECA?
ECA does not pay salary or offer benefits to staff members. All of our staff serve as volunteers and are required to secure their own prayer and financial support prior to joining us. This enables us to keep tuition affordable for the Christian worker families we serve.
What does it cost to live in Spain? How much do I need to raise?
All of our staff come to us through Christian agencies, and each agency determines the monthly need for their staff in Spain. However, ballpark figures would be approximately $1,600/month for a single and $5,000/month for a family of four.
How long will it take me to complete the application process and raise my support?
Generally, the application process with both the Christian agency and ECA will take about two months. This allows time for follow-up with references, processing through the various channels, and questions and answers to be communicated. Depending on the individual, the support-raising process can take as little as several months or as long as several years. The Lord seems to bless some with good “connections” and churches, which enables the support to be pledged quickly. Others take longer.
Do I need to know Spanish to teach at ECA?
While most of our staff have a working knowledge of Spanish, one can live in Spain and serve at ECA without knowing Spanish. All of our instruction at ECA is in English, and one can quickly pick up enough Spanish to meet basic needs (shopping, banking, travel, etc.). Many staff members decide to study Spanish on their own time with a private tutor.
Is ECA accredited?
ECA is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), which is recognized worldwide as an accrediting agency for Christian schools.
What are some of the joys and challenges of living in Spain?
Spain is a beautiful place, with a culture that values family and getting outdoors. You can be walking a country road and get in your car and be in a metropolitan capital in just thirty minutes. There are castles, mountains, and forests about an hour from ECA, and a great variety of places to visit around the country. While Madrid is not near any beaches, it does have nicer and sunnier weather than most countries in Europe.
Some of the challenges include being far from home, as well as the slow paperwork process when it comes to visas, banks, driving school, etc. It takes patience and a humble spirit, but over time, it does get easier.