Attempting a move to Spain

Hi all,

Hoping if I put this out someone might be able to comment/assist/point me in the right direction as I feel very lost in the process. I completed my TEFL certification 10 months ago in hopes of a move to Europe & have been looking for work in Spain since November 2016. Since I wasn't hired on for spring semester I'll try again for fall semester. There are some factors working against me I'd say the greatest being my American passport allowing me only 90 days in Schengen. I'd prefer to stay longer, so most Americans I speak w/say they they go to Spain on student visas so they can stay longer & still use their TEFL certificate to work. Here's where the other factor comes in to play: I attended two years of college but don't have a college diploma so I'm not being considered for programs based on that fact as well. I don't mind going back to college & think it would be wonderful to learn something new as I've been working in the same field for nearly sixteen years here in The US. Langauge schools seem pricey (I could only afford 7-10 months of language school plus the cost of healthcare) and Universities are difficult to communicate w/pertaining to enrollment (& regardless of the fact that I can speak, read & write basic Spanish). I really have my heart set on Malaga & can't consider anywhere besides Spain & South America because I own a small dog who would be joining me. What do y'all think? Thanks in advance to those who provide helpful, kind answers.