I always look forward to waking up in the morning, and seeing students in a classroom. Most people don’t particularly like waking up in the morning, but if it means that I get to do a job that makes me happy, I’m ready to handle any challenge that gets thrown my way. I tried to not pay too much attention to the growing fears of COVID-19 (or the more popular Coronavirus, as we have all come to call it) over the last few months.
For anyone who’s known me long enough, you know that I’ve been working as an English Teacher in Spain for the past four years (and going on five!). It’s been an unbelievable experience, and I’m looking forward to another four years of helping TEFL students achieve their goals in my classroom. When I started learning, and further understanding the mechanics of the English language, I didn’t think that I would be able to handle its complexities. I know that this next sentence is going to sound a little cliché, but it was like being back at University.
Looking beyond the initial stress and excitement of moving to a new country, you are fundamentally looking for a job. We all need to be productive. We all have bills to pay. So, why look for a paid job teaching English in Spain?
I don’t think that there was ever a single day when I couldn’t walk out of my apartment in the middle of the City Centre in Madrid, and not see the hustle and bustle of people living their lives. Cafés, restaurants, those guys who run around the city centre with cheap knock-offs of professional soccer jerseys, the ongoing tale of a city living its best life. I usually wake up early, and go to the gym first thing in the morning. I work out, get home, have breakfast, check my schedule for the day, and then it’s off to the Exam Madrid Academy.
Meet Allen, a TEFL graduate who’s been working in Spain for the past three years. Allen earned a TEFL Certification in Spain, and is now working as an English Teacher in Madrid. TEFL Madrid got in contact with him recently to get the inside scoop on what he has been doing since he made the big step from his days in Canada, how Teaching English in Spain has been treating him, and how work and life is treating him after completing his TEFL Course.
You know that a job is great when it constantly challenges you. Try to imagine that you’re a TEFL Teacher living in Madrid for more than a few years. You have a couple of dedicated, hard-working students, and they are confident in their ability to use the language that you have taught them. Then, you’re given the opportunity to prepare a student for a language exam – something you’ve never done before. You are a qualified, experienced TEFL teacher who now has been tasked with something completely different. You are a fish out of water. You feel like you’re a student again.
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” – Steve Jobs
We’ve definitely seen blog posts or articles like this before. You’re looking for opportunities to Teach English in Spain. You’ve either wrestled with the idea, or perhaps you already made the decision and you don’t know how to go about it.
Try to imagine this scenario. You’re working with a TEFL Student in Madrid, and the student is trying to tell you something, but their knowledge of English is so limited in terms of grammar and pronunciation, that they give up, and suddenly begin resorting to their native Spanish to ask you a question. If you haven’t yet experienced this as a TEFL Teacher in Spain, mark my words: You will.
This passage is for those of you who want to make the move to Madrid from wherever you are in the world, or you’re completing your TEFL Course at TE Madrid, and decided to take on the Spanish lifestyle a little while longer (maybe a year, maybe longer…).
You completed your TEFL Course in Spain. You acquired that all-important TEFL Certification. You are ready, willing, and able to share your knowledge and experience with students who need your help.
Madrid is a city with so much history, culture, and other fun activities, it could take a lifetime to get through them all. People dream of coming to Spain to get a taste of what is at your doorstep when you train to become a TEFL Teacher at TE Madrid.
TEFL in Spain info!
The key to getting an English teaching job is turnover and knowing the hiring seasons.
Off season Hiring: Jobs do open during the off season as not all schools fill every job and employees do not always stay for their full term. Follow our professional advice regarding hiring seasons and the interview process and you will find opportunities.
Many jobs entail 10 to 12 month contracts. September, October are busy hiring periods with many contracts ending in July. January is a secondary season. Main period will be about 50-60% turnover. Secondary season about 25%.
Summer camps in Europe offer great opportunities for those looking for shorter commitments.
