# TtMadrid ## Posts - [Teacher assistant in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/teacher-assistant-in-madrid/): Sometimes I think a meme like this really does represent a lot of my life as an English teacher in Madrid. However, in my mind teaching is a mixture of “what my friends think I do” and “what I think I do”. The TRUTH is, sometimes life as a teacher assistant in Madrid can be challenging, but it is after a “stressful” week that I take the time to realize how lucky I am and that most of my problems are first world! For me, having a bad day here and there reminds me WHY I STILL LOVE BEING AN ENGLISH... - [Teaching Phonetics](https://ttmadrid.com/teaching-phonetics/): Most TEFL teachers don’t know where to start when it comes to teaching phonetics and pronunciation. Firstly, it’s important to remember that most of your students will love learning phonetics. It is as if you’ve given them the secret password to the complexities of the English spoken language! Over the next few blogs, we are going to cover the following: Getting started with phonetics Establishing your goals as a phonetics teacher How to introduce phonetics to lower levels How to introduce phonetics to higher levels The erotic sound of rhotic (American and Canadian English). Activities for lower levels Activities for higher... - [Most memorable experiences as Director Of Studies](https://ttmadrid.com/memorable-experiences-director-of-studies/): Since becoming Director of Studies in October 2013, there have been so many fun, hilarious, crazy, incredibly satisfying and unforgettable moments. Although I deliver the same course every month, the different individuals who walk through our door on day 1 of every course ensure that no two courses ever feel identical. After almost 18 months in the role, today I will be looking back at some of my most memorable experiences here at TtMadrid. Here at TtMadrid we are strong believers that solid planning will always stand you in very good stead. However, some of my most memorable moments are those... - [Who is waiting for you at TtMadrid?](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadridteam/): Who is waiting for you at TtMadrid? 2014 was a year of growth here at TtMadrid in every single aspect of the word. Another year brings new objectives, more experience, new anecdotes and memories. You, as a trainee, see in TtMadrid the opportunity to broaden your horizons and become certified English teachers. In order to achieve this, we are constantly seeking to meet and exceed your expectations, to prepare you to go out there and succeed. 2014 was a great year with lots of trainees, which required an expansion of our team! So… who is who in the office? Natasha is... - [Non-native and TEFL, yes!](https://ttmadrid.com/non-native-and-tefl-yes/): How difficult could it be? What should you expect if you are a non-native English speaker doing a TEFL course at TtMadrid? Being the only person whose mother language is not English in a course  of 19 it was quite intimidating at first, but with all the support and encouragement from my TtMadrid trainers, I managed to gain the necessary confidence. Before I joined the course I was level tested by the director of studies who kept reminding me that if my level of English was not good enough, they never would have admitted me. So, it was all about believing... - [How to have fun in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-have-fun-in-madrid/): Madrid is such a fun place, and you can fall into fun around every other corner, so we are not sure you even need an article about this! But for those of you who haven’t experienced Madrid – here are some sneek peeks at what fun you can have! The best way to experience a city that never sleeps is to visit with a bunch of friends that never sleep! All of our graduates find their new family on their TEFL course but after a few months most branch out and meet some locals as well. That is when you start... - [Types of ESL students](https://ttmadrid.com/types-of-esl-students/):   Having spent the last six years here in Madrid as a TEFL teacher and as the Director of Studies at TtMadrid, I frequently get asked what I love most about my job. Many people find it hard to believe that the passion to teach grammar, create lesson plans and prepare dynamic class activities is still sustaining my love for what I do! The answer to this question, however, is incredibly simple. The vast array of students that I have taught over the years makes it virtually impossible for any two classes to ever feel the same, meaning that my job... - [How to write a TEFL CV](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-write-a-tefl-cv/): A guide to getting new TEFL jobs in Spain with advice and tips - [How to sell yourself](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-sell-yourself/): How to sell yourself as a TEFL teacher in Spain Have you ever wondered how to get more high quality TEFL classes and start building a name for yourself? I think we’ve all been there; thinking and thinking some more about what to do to increase our timetable and fill in those gaps that sometimes feel like such a waste of time. Whilst the TEFL teaching market is competitive, teachers tend to be very low key about marketing themselves and seeing themselves as a brand.  This article gives you some tips to help you stand out from the crowd and build... - [TtMadrid TEFL Course](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrid-trainers/): Here’s a sneak peek into what it’s like to do the TtMadrid TEFL Course!         - [Outdoor Class Ideas](https://ttmadrid.com/outdoor-class-ideas/): Take advantage of the beautiful weather here in Madrid and expand your classroom to the outdoors! Here are a few game ideas for big groups that we have put together at TtMadrid.  Games are a great way to get your students active and excited about English. Point to remember when using games in the classroom: Modeling is key – less talk and more show. Keep your instructions as simple as you can without multi-layering. Commit to the game – go in confident when demonstrating the game and your students will take it just as seriously!   1.The mutiny of Esquilache (variation... - [A day in Toledo](https://ttmadrid.com/a-day-in-toledo/): Once the capital of Spain, Toledo is a cultural goldmine.  Because of its close proximity and it´s rich history, Toledo is a ¨must do¨ for every TEFL teacher in Madrid.  Having been around since the Bronze Age, Toledo is a living timeline of a plethora of cultures which ruled over hundreds of years. Examples can mainly be seen in the architecture but also in the food and traditions of the people today. Toledo is easily accessible by car, train, and bus. Car You can take the R-5 and AP-41 to get to Toledo.  The trip takes about one hour and both roads are toll... - [Tips for reducing TTT](https://ttmadrid.com/tips-for-reducing-ttt-teacher-talk-time-in-tefl-8/): Obviously as a teacher when you are teaching you need to teach which generally means talking!  However, if you speak too much you take away the opportunities for your students to peer teach, interact and practice their speaking skills.  Here are some basic tips for reducing TTT and increasing STT: Don’t read out the questions for them to answer from the worksheet. They can do that and gives you an opportunity to work on some pronunciation with them Have a list of eliciation questions ready to keep a discussion going If you have planned a pair work activity and have an... - [Life saving activities](https://ttmadrid.com/life-saving-activities-for-the-tefl-classroom/): Once I finished my TEFL program here in Madrid, I had to think of some life saving activities that could be applied to many grammar or vocabulary topics and are affordable. This is when I started collecting different objects and thinking of how I could use them in the class. Here’s a few examples of things I found and how I was able to adapt them to my lessons. Just about any random items you have laying around can be adapted to your class. All you need is a little imagination and creativity! The kit consisted of: 20 candles, a bottle... - [Autorización de Regreso](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-get-an-autorizacion-de-regreso-2/): You might have heard some of your fellow expats talking about an “autorización de regreso” and told that you should get one. So what is it exactly? (NOTE: I am not a lawyer! This advice is from my own personal experience. The autorización de regreso is a form you need to travel in and out of Spain if: a. Your TIE has expired and you’ve submitted documents to renew it b. You haven’t yet received a TIE because you are new to Spain, but have documents showing that you’ve submitted all of the paperwork, or c. You will be traveling outside... - [How to find an apartment in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-find-an-apartment/): Are you wondering how to find an apartment in Madrid right now? When deciding where to live in the Spanish capital, it can often be difficult to find the perfect mix of the right location, an affordable price and the type of flat you’re looking for.  We know everything there is to know about where to live and how to find the right ‘piso’ (Spanish for apartment) when moving to Madrid and here we give you a guide to how to find the perfect flat. What you will need: Access to a computer A separate email account from your personal account... - [How yo find an apartment in Madrid: Part 2](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-find-an-apartment-2/): How to find an apartment in Madrid: Part 2 After reading Part 1, you now have the tools you need to look for a piso. Now what? First, here are some phrases that will help you to find the right apartment for you. Vocabulary to know: habitación – room piso – apartment alquilar – to rent amueblado – furnished ascensor/ sin ascensor  – elevator/ no elevator fumador/ no fumador – smoking/ non-smoking calefacción – heating mascota/ sin mascota – pets/ no pets fianza – deposit gastos – utilities Phrases to know: ¿Hay internet/ calefacción/ aire acondicionado/ un ascensor? – Is there internet/... - [Why have a warmer?](https://ttmadrid.com/why-have-warmers/): I’ve come across a couple of good sites with warmer activities and wanted to share them as well as remember why we should include them. Remember when you were back — or event currently — in school. Which classes did you enjoy? Which teachers did you like? What was it about the teachers and their classes that made it enjoyable? Chances are they had some kind of warm-up activity to get you thinking and pique your interest. As teachers, especially teaching English to foreigners, we need to get our students relaxed and thinking in English. Starting the class off with, “Open... - [Moving to Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/moving-to-madrid/): The first time I landed in Madrid was to study abroad for a semester in college, this was the start of a lot of firsts for me. First time I’d ever left the country, first time I’d ever been on a plane, first time English wouldn’t be my primary language. I remember sitting on the plane in Chicago and my friend looking over at me and saying “You are unusually calm given that this is your first plane ride, aside from the fact that we are going to live in another country.” I didn’t really have an answer then. I just... - [Travel tips: Do I need a visa to go there?](https://ttmadrid.com/travel-tips-do-i-need-a-visa-to-go-there/): Hello fellow expats! Many of us are starting to look toward making spring break plans and as I was thinking of places I’d like to go, I realized I had no idea if I’d need a visa to go to some of these places. Luckily the American Dept. of State passport office has a very easy-to-use site that breaks it down and also has any travel alerts posted. With your current NIE from Spain you should be fine traveling within the European Union, including countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement. For non-Americans, a quick Google search will bring you... - [Getting around Madrid - How do I get an abono monthly pass?](https://ttmadrid.com/getting-around-madrid-how-do-i-get-an-abono-monthly-pass/): I ran into some of my classmates from the TtMadrid TEFL course this past weekend and as a Madrid veteran, was asked a lot about how to get an abono monthly pass, so I’ll break it down for anyone else having trouble: If you are under 26 years old, you will get a youth (joven) card that is only 20€ a month and includes all zones for Madrid. If you are 26 years old or older, the price for zone A for a month pass is 54,60€. You can check all the prices on the official webpage. You can fill out an online... - [TtMadrid’s TEFL course: Days 17-20 (And DONE!!)](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrids-tefl-course-days-17-20-and-done/): So excited to be almost done with the TEFL course!! Day 17 Lots of grammar review today, but I needed it because the accreditation company wants us to be able to not only identify verb tenses, but to give definitions of them. The definitions parts I’m having trouble with because some are really close. I feel good about phonetics, but I’m sure I’ll make a mistake or two transcribing a word into the correct symbols. The other things like identifying all parts of the sentence I feel good about, so we’ll see how it goes tomorrow! Day 18 Grammar exam is... - [TtMadrid’s TEFL course: Days 14-16](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrids-tefl-course-days-14-16/): I’m learning so much at TtMadrid!! Day 14 Today was the first class I had to teach without any prior materials given to me; it was all original stuff that I found and created for my lesson. Overall it went well but as soon as I started the listening I could see from my student’s expression that it was  waaaaaay too fast. And then she made a comment that it was also hard to distinguish the two (male) voices. Crap! So, I had to amend that part of the lesson, but the rest of it went well and I got my... - [TtMadrid’s TEFL course: Days 11-13](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrids-tefl-course-days-11-13/): I can’t believe we’re already on Week 3 od TtMadrid’s TEFL course! Day 11 I had my second teaching lesson today and taught a C1 class. It went really well and I’m happy with the feedback. I have two more teaching lessons this week, one of which has a rough outline and the other I need to look up some information first. Our group project is due next Monday, but luckily my group has been on top of that. So, at the moment I feel good about the workload and feel on track with everything. I think once I get something... - [TtMadrid's TEFL course: Days 9-10](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrids-tefl-course-days-9-10/): Almost half way through TtMadrid’s TEFL course 🙂 Day 9 I wasn’t sure what to expect from Phonetics class, but it’s just clicking and I’m loving it! It’s like a puzzle…or using a different part of the brain…? Anyway, I don’t have it down after just two classes, but it’s so far been coming pretty easily. We met with our Learner Profilee to give the Needs Analysis questionnaire that we created and also a speaking test with questions that we created to help us analyze students’ levels. Luckily our student has a good level! Day 10 We spent a good part... - [TtMadrid's TEFL course: Days 4-6](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrids-tefl-course-days-4-6/): The TEFL course continues… Day 4: Things are clicking into place. It´s becoming more obvious where my fellow students and I have strengths and weaknesses. I feel really comfortable with the grammar classes (well, so far. I shouldn´t get over-confident). We’re putting into practice the method (theory) by reviewing the classes we’ve just had and writing an outline of what we’ve just learned into the lesson plan format. We were given our teaching schedule assignments and I only have one class next week, but three classes the third week. My last teaching class is the last hour of the last day!... - [TtMadrid's TEFL course: Days 1-3](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrids-tefl-course-days-1-3/): I’ve started the 4-week intensive TEFL course at TtMadrid and will be sharing my daily reflections. Feel free to ask any questions – or if you’ve completed the course, any advice! Day 1 So. Much. Information. I think it took about an hour for my head not to feel so numb. But, that normally happens on the first day of class or the first day of a new job. I’m a little overwhelmed with all of the paperwork. I knew we were going to have to prepare lessons and teach, but the theory that goes into the lesson plans is going... - [Best of Madrid Food](https://ttmadrid.com/best-of-madrid-food/): The Best of Madrid Food As much time as I have spent teaching English in Madrid; I have spent an equal amount of time trying to keep my favorite spots and restaurants a secret. I like having places I consider my own. I guess I always felt if the places I frequented ended up crowded with tourists, they would no longer have a local vibe to them or be special to me. It’s like telling someone the directions to the Holy Grail. But now that I am leaving Madrid I think it is pertinent that I share some of my ‘secret’... - [7 Questions That Prospective English Teachers Ask](https://ttmadrid.com/7-questions-that-prospective-english-teachers-ask/): If you’re a current English teacher in Spain, you’ve surely been asked these questions by friends who want to do the same thing. If you’re thinking of being an English teacher in Madrid, you probably have these questions. The lazy part of me decided to draw from my personal experience and write this so I won’t have to answer the same questions over and over. My fellow English teachers: if you’re that lazy person (like me) tired of answering the same questions, send this along to your friends. To those of you on-the-fence about teaching in Madrid, take a look (Note:... - [TEFL Teacher: Lisa](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-teacher-lisa/): Lisa is our new TEFL teacher, who will contribute to our Teaching English blog. She will be providing her adventures as an English Teacher/TEFL teacher in Madrid. Here is a little bit about her! A lot of people ask me, ¨Why did you want to move to Spain?¨ The answer goes back to when I was growing up and seeing the collection of figurines and other souvenirs from my grandma who has traveled all over the world, including her flamenco dolls and Don Quixote and Sancho Panza figurines. I wanted to see these places too. However, the thought of going so... - [The Good Life: Cultural Differences Between American and Spanish Schoolchildren](https://ttmadrid.com/the-good-life-cultural-differences-between-american-and-spanish-schoolchildre/): Spanish children have it made. Spanish children live a sweet life. There is no denying this fact. Don’t even try to argue with me because this whole article is going to prove you wrong point by point. Before embarking on this crazy adventure to teach English in Madrid, I considered many things. I wondered what the food would be like, if I would FINALLY get over my ex (and I did :-P!), if my Spanish would get better, if I would make enough money teaching English (I do), how often I would travel, what it would be like to be a... - [3 trips not to miss while teaching English in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/desirable-destinations-3-trips-not-to-miss-while-teaching-in-spain/):   One of the perks of teaching English in Spain is all the time I have to travel. Often English teachers have 4-day work schedules, teaching between 20 to 25 hours a week, and flights are pretty cheap from Madrid. Once you are done lesson planning you can focus on extracurricular activities like traveling!  I’ve been to Italy, Ireland, England, Germany, and France, not to mention all over Spain. There are three that top my list for easily accessible destinations from Madrid: Portugal, Morocco and Northern Spain. These are the perfect places to visit when there is a long weekend or on Christmas... - [Madrid Bucket List](https://ttmadrid.com/madrid-bucket-list/): My Madrid Bucket List I’m sure that those of you that have been living in Madrid for a couple years or longer, whether you are TEFL teachers, teaching English in Madrid as an assistant, studying, etc know the feeling of having “seen it all, done it all”. You have visited the museums and done the weekend day trips. You’ve spent hours in Templo Debod (or your preferred park) botellon-ing (a Spanish term which means -essentially getting your drink on with as many friends as possible in a public plaza, park, etc.), tanning (in my case, burning) and even exercising! Four years... - [I'm already TEFL certified and want to teach in Madrid... BUT HOW?](https://ttmadrid.com/im-already-tefl-certified-and-want-to-teach-in-madrid-but-how/): I’m already TEFL certified and want to teach in Madrid… BUT HOW? Many get TEFL or CELTA certified outside the country they would like to teach/live in. This is NO problem! If you do not carry an EU passport you are still able to teach, live and travel in Spain. Can I get a work visa to teach English? This is highly unlikely. To obtain a work visa you need to prove that your skill can not be done by a Spaniard or person in the EU. Teaching English often never falls in that category. So what can I do to teach and live... - [Meet Our TEFL grad, Jon!](https://ttmadrid.com/meet-our-tefld-teacher-jon/): Jon George, originally from San Francisco, U.S.A., is our recent TEFL grad from the course in August 2012, has found a special niche for himself in Madrid. His ‘Madrid’ story begins with his desire to create an adventure. After college the traditional 9 to 5 schedule was of little interest to him, he valued his youth and thought the better step after college was to create an adventure that would be more valuable than an entry level job.  With his sights set on teaching abroad, he searched for a teaching programs. With a friends recommendation he decided to look into TtMadrid. In... - [Wish you were here: 12 Last Minute Semana Santa Destinations](https://ttmadrid.com/wish-you-were-here-12-last-minute-semana-santa-destinations/): This time last year I remember going back and forth with my group of friends about one very important question: WHAT TO DO FOR SEMANA SANTA? On the beach in Malaga, Semana Santa 2012 In the last week leading up to our sweet vacay from teaching, we had landed on visiting old roommates in Paris, but still hadn’t bought our tickets. Then, a close friend from home, who was also teaching in Madrid, called and told me her mom surprised her with a FREE time share in Malaga and asked me to join her on the beach for the week. Why... - [Meet Our TEFL Course grad of the Month, Carolina!](https://ttmadrid.com/meet-our-tefld-teacher-of-the-month-carolina/): Meet our TEFL Course grad Carolina! Carolina is originally from Canterbury Kent in England and she completed her TEFL certification August 2012 course after being inspired by her cousin, who came to Madrid to teach English and had an amazing experience.  She was looking for the opportunity she hadn’t taken advantage of in university, to live abroad and hone another language. Prior to teaching, Carolina completed a few internships in factual television production in London before deciding to make the move to Madrid and signed up to TtMadrid. What ultimately attracted her specifically to TtMadrid was the welcoming and informational website... - [A TEFL Teacher's: Guide to El Rastro](https://ttmadrid.com/a-tefl-teachers-guide-to-el-rastro/): As a TEFL teacher in Madrid, an ABSOLUTE must do is visit El Rastro.  It’s a giant open-air flea market which stretches from neighborhood (barrio) Embajadores to La Latina and hosts approximately 3,500 stalls (casitas). It’s open every Sunday from 9am to 3pm.  Although it is now known as a place to find just about anything, it is believed to have began as a market for leather.  A slaughter house close by would sell leather and other animal products there on certain days of the week.  Over time the commercial activity and success attracted other vendors, which eventually made  ‘El Rastro’... - [A TEFL Teacher's: Guide to Public & Private Pools in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/a-tefl-teachers-guide-to-public-private-pools-in-madrid/): Madrid is a beautiful city and a very popular year-round holiday destination. People flock in hoards to the city for the beautiful architecture, lively culture, and wonderful weather.  However, there is one thing that all tourists and Spaniards understand; in the summer it gets HOT! Now that you’re living here teaching English and summer is fast approaching you’ll soon understand this as well. While there are many ways to beat the heat, one of the most refreshing activities is jumping into a pool of cool water.  Unless otherwise stated all pools are open on average between 10am – 9pm and cost... - [A TEFL Teacher's: Guide to Discounts in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/a-tefl-teachers-guide-to-discounts-in-madrid/): While Madrid is already far less expensive than other big cities such as London and NYC, things still add up. Fortunately for you, if you are teaching through the TtMadrid program, you will have a student ID card. If you flash it in the right places, it will save you tons!  Here at TtMadrid we have compiled a list of discounts in Madrid. Yay! Transportation Metro & Bus- If you are under the age of 26 you can apply for an Abono Joven.  It is 20 euro! Alsa- Offer discounted fairs to students and customers under the age of 25. Culture Museums... - [A TEFL Teacher's Quick Stress Busters for the Classroom](https://ttmadrid.com/a-tefl-teachers-quick-stress-busters-for-the-classroom/): Let’s face it.  As much as you love it…teaching abroad can be downright stressful!  We can’t always control what life throws at us but we can control how we react to it.  We all have those days where we’ve exhausted ourselves after preparing for a complex new lesson, just to get to class to find a room full of uninterested students. Maybe they’re being loud and antsy, or they just can’t seem to concentrate because they’ve got other things on their minds. This can be very discouraging and you may very well feel your blood pressure slowly rising.  Before you explode, use some of these... - [ESL Pronunciation s and z sounds](https://ttmadrid.com/esl-pronunciation/): Useful tips for pronunciation practice activities in the ESL classroom. This post focuses on the 's' and 'z' problems that ESL learners encounter when learning English - [TEFL and Technology](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-and-technology/): Using technology in the TEFL classroom, video, podcasts and interactive white boards - [In the TEFL classroom: level or competency?](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-in-the-classroom-level-or-competency/): TEFL and how to deal with confidence in the classroom. Looking at the different between level and competency. - [TEFL Resource Websites](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-resource-websites/): TEFL resources and websites that will make teaching more fun - [How can you know the TEFL course is legit?](https://ttmadrid.com/how-can-you-know-the-tefl-course-is-legit/): How to find a TEFL course that is legit. - [Who takes a TEFL course part 2](https://ttmadrid.com/who-takes-a-tefl-course-part-2/): A introduction to the types of people who take a TEFL course in Madrid Spain. - [Who takes a TEFL Course? Part 1](https://ttmadrid.com/who-takes-a-tefl-course-part-1/): Part 1 which gives insights into new university graduates who take a TEFL course in order to get TEFL jobs. - [TEFL Jobs Spain: Private Classes](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-jobs-spain-private-classes/): Tips for TEFL job in the private sector in Madrid and Spain - [Simple warmer for low level](https://ttmadrid.com/simple-warmer-low-level/): ‘Tell me about yourself’ is a simple warmer that most teachers use to start with a new group. However, it rarely ever gets an enthusiastic response as the students have done it a thousand times before. This is even more challenging when it’s a low level group such as elementary and pre-intermediate where you can’t have a discussion. If the students have a lower level, the ‘star gam’e can be a simple and effective warmer for a first class. To play, you draw a star on the board and at each point write some information about yourself. Example Natasha, Madrid, England 36, chocolate,... - [Tips for a Successful TEFL interview](https://ttmadrid.com/tips-for-a-successful-tefl-interview/): On the last day of the course you’ll go through a mock TEFL interview to get you ready for the real world as a newly certified English teacher. Woohoo! The interview lasts about 7 minutes and to help you improve you’ll get immediate feedback. The interview is part of your final grade. These are 3 tips that will help you ace it: Tip 1 On your TEFL course you will have completed a whole range of coursework and lesson plans. Take your best lesson plans with you and the materials you have created. Show the interviewer the type of lesson that... - [Day 4 TEFL Course](https://ttmadrid.com/day-4-tefl-course/): Day 4 TEFL course is a great day as the trainees get their first UNL class.  The Unknown Natural Language element of the course is for the trainees to understand what it is like to be an absolute beginner, how it feels and to see the methodology in practice. When I do the interviews for prospective trainees, they don’t understand how it is possible to teach English when they don’t know how to speak Spanish.  The UNL shows how this is done by only speaking the language they are learning with no English in the classroom. Today the trainees learnt Thai... - [Day 3 - TEFL Course](https://ttmadrid.com/day-3-tefl-course/): Day 3 in the TEFL course and it was time to do my display in class.  Business English has always been my specialty but over the years I have gained extensive experience teaching elementary groups.   They are a really rewarding level to teach and you see real progress every class. The hardest part about teaching this level with adults, is you are often teaching vocab that you would teach children, colours; animals; days of the week; etc.  The skill is teaching these topics in an adult way and creating a respectful and supportive atmosphere in the classroom. Again snow meant that my usual... - [Day 2 - TEFL Course](https://ttmadrid.com/day-2-tefl-course/): Day 2 is the day it dawns on our trainees that the ‘intensive’ bit we put in front of the name of our TEFL course, might actually mean ‘intensive’. The January group have really bonded and whilst there are only 2 guys on the course, they are certainly holding their own.  They go out for lunch together, go off to get their mobile phones and are becoming a very supportive team. Today was the day when the trainees got to see their first class. Megan did a display intermediate class and Temura a display pre-intermediate class.  There was certainly lots of... - [TEFL Course](https://ttmadrid.com/day-1-of-a-tefl-course/): On day one of the TEFL course, we jump straight in.  We have only 4 short weeks and there isn’t a minute to lose. The Director of Studies kicks off the day with a fun warmer (2 truths and a lie) which gives you some very funny insights to your new classmates and help get over the first-day nerves! We then move to the introduction to the school, the timetable and how the days will run.  We talk about the rules of the school which mainly are about respect for your peers, trainers and especially the students who attend the free... - [An Introduction to TEFL](https://ttmadrid.com/introduction-to-tefl/): When I signed up for my TEFL (oh so many moons ago), I had absolutely no idea what to expect.   These days there is much more information on the TEFL websites. Facebook and a whole range of forums talking about it but still trainees come to the course with very little idea about what they are in for! The next series of posts will track the progress of our current January course.  A mix of Americans, Brits, Irish, Dutch and Maltese, our own little United Nation.  They are between mid-twenties to mid-thirties. We introduced the group to each other last... - [TEFL websites and resources](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-websites-and-resources/): There are an amazing number of TEFL websites out there to help you prepare for teaching your English classes.  There are sites that give you step by step lesson plans and others that give you ideas, games and resources to complement your classes. Over the next few weeks, I will be  looking at a range of the websites available.  Today is a look  at www.onestopenglish.com . I personally think they have done a great job and the quality of their website is excellent and really easy to navigate. The site used to be completely free but now has paid sections (they... - [January is the time for TEFL](https://ttmadrid.com/january-is-the-time-for-tefl-2/): TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) has its own ebb and flow.  August for example in Madrid is a month for travelling, visiting friends and family or doing a TEFL course – it is not a time to start teaching. January however, is a great month for a new beginning.  Many companies start new programs, teachers have left during the Christmas break and their hours need covering, the private market has a boom as Spaniards decide their new year’s resolution is to improve their English.  All of these contribute to a booming teaching market. For newbies, it is a great... - [Can I teach Business English?](https://ttmadrid.com/teach-business-english/): Many ESL teachers are interested in expanding the types of classes they give but are quickly disheartened with the idea to teach Business English or Finance English as they don’t feel like they know enough about the topic. However, speaking from our vast experience in the English language sector in Madrid, we at TtMadrid can tell you – you do not need to be an expert in finance in order to teach finance English or an expert in business to teach Business English. English for Specific Purposes English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is an area of teaching & learning English that... - [5 Books to cause wanderlust](https://ttmadrid.com/blog-5-books-to-cause-wanderlust/): If you’re counting the days until your next trip or looking for some inspiration about where to travel next, here we give you a list of fantastic books to cause wanderlust.   The Alchemist: This classic by Paulo Coelho tells the story of an Andalusian shepherd who starts a journey that leads him to the most satisfying discoveries he could have ever imagined. Throughout his quest he learns how to listen to his heart, recognize opportunities and follow his dreams. A must read before starting your next adventure!     Eat, pray, love: This is the story of a woman who... - [Summer cinemas in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/summer-cinemas-in-madrid/): Not everyone gets the chance to go to the beach during the summer. Fortunately, the capital city of Spain offers lots of plans during this season for those who are staying. In this blog post, we will tell you about summer cinemas in Madrid, a great after work or weekend plan. Check them out! Cine de verano Malasaña From May until September, the Solar Maravillas will be showing movies every Thursday. During these dates, you will be able to enjoy movies such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, Selfie and Citizenfour, among many others. Check here the whole programme. “Cibeles de Cine”... - [Shared transport services in Madrid, Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/shared-transport-services-in-madrid-spain/): Shared transport services in Madrid has become one of the most popular services in the past years: why buy a car if you can rent one and pay by the minute, hour or day? Why take the metro to work if you can hop on an electric bike and be there in no time? Shared transport brands in Madrid Madrid is now full of different brands of shared transport services and in this post we are going to review some of the most popular ones, so that you can choose the one that suits your lifestyle the most. Keep on reading!... - [Top 5 public swimming pools in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/top-5-public-swimming-pools-in-madrid/): There are plenty of public swimming pools in Madrid to escape the summer heat and chill with your friends while going for a swim. You can spend the whole day there and even have lunch or a drink, since almost all of the have cafeterias for you to take a break from the sun. In this post, you’ll find information about the top five public swimming pools, when they open, prices and other useful information so you can make the most of the summer and escape from the city heat!   Piscina de Lago Tickets are 5€ per day and if... - [How to Prepare your ESL Students for the Cambridge Exams](https://ttmadrid.com/prepare-esl-students-for-the-cambridge-exams/): Preparing your students for the English exam is becoming a common request among the TEFL circles in Spain and elsewhere. It seems like there are tons of exams, for all ages and levels and learning how to prepare ESL Students for the Cambridge Exams can be quite daunting. Whether it’s First Certificate, Young Learners or some other seemingly invented combination of acronyms  (TOEFL? KET? Help!) preparing students of all levels and backgrounds is a huge chunk of the job market here in Spain and learning to do it well could really set you apart in your teaching career. With a bit... - [Low-cost airlines in Europe](https://ttmadrid.com/low-cost-airlines-in-europe/): One of the perks of living in Spain, or other European countries, is that you can travel quite inexpensively. Thanks to low-cost airlines, a weekend trip to a new country is easier and cheaper than ever. In this post, we will go through some of the best low-cost airlines in Europe so you can start planning your next getaway! Vueling This Spanish low-cost airline has the most amount of flights within Spain. In total, it flies to 133 destinations, including The Netherlands, Scotland, Morocco and the Canary Islands. Imagine leaving work and being on an Island beach in just a couple... - [Teaching A1 Students: an “Elementary Guide”](https://ttmadrid.com/teaching-a1-students-an-elementary-guide/): Beginner ESL students are sometimes the most challenging, especially if you use a complete immersion methodology and speak only in English during your class. How can you best teach A1 students without using their own language? Here we give you some great tips to help you become an expert at teaching A1 students! A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words If you are interested in learning more about teaching A1 students, check out our other blog. Pictures are a great tool for teachers in any level but for the very beginners they are more than just helpful, they are essential.  Even... - [Three easy ideas to use your TEFL in a new way!](https://ttmadrid.com/use-your-tefl-in-a-new-way/): We spend time and effort gaining our TEFL qualification to teach English around the world but there are plenty of ways to use your certification that move away from the typical classes in academies. Here we give you some easy ways to use your TEFL to do something a bit different! Become a Cambridge Examiner Cambridge Exams are huge in the ESL market and in addition to prepping your students for these big tests you can get in on the action by becoming a Cambridge examiner.  Depending on where you are located, this could involve correcting written work, proctoring the exam... - [Gyms in Madrid: TtMadrid's pick of one month options](https://ttmadrid.com/gyms-in-madrid/): If you’re looking to get in shape as the weather heats up, there’s plenty of gyms in Madrid for all budgets. Here we give you a list of fantastic gyms that you can sign up for just one month and see if it is what you are looking for. Keep on reading! Basic Fit This chain is well-known for offering cheap plans and a wide variety of classes. Open from Monday to Friday, from 7:00 to 22:30, and during the weekends, from 9:00 until 16:00, in Basic Fit you will be able to enjoy zumba, yoga, body pump, body combat and... - [Best live music in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/best-live-music-in-madrid/): Are you a huge fan of live music? Then you moved to the right city! There are loads of places to watch live music in Madrid so, no matter what your music taste is, you can be sure there’ll be a gig for you. In this blog post, we will go through the best music venues in Madrid so make sure to take note! Libertad 8 Located in the heart of Chueca, this bar started playing live music in 1976 and it still offers concerts every day. Here you’ll be able to listen to some of the most popular Spanish-speaking songwriters... - [Brexit and TEFL in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/brexit-you-are-still-in-time-to-move-to-spain/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Can Brits move to Spain and teach TEFL now that Britain has left the EU? The simple answer is YES! You can live and work in the EU but you will now be making the move as a non-EU citizen. Luckily we have been working with non-EU citizens for nearly 20 years, and have one of the most successful non-EU programs in Madrid, bringing hundreds of students to Madrid each year. Our program allows you to apply for a student visa, which means you can live here legally for a year – with the chance to renew if you want... - [Craft beer in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/craft-beer-in-spain/): In the last five years Spain has really upped their game when it comes to the craft beer scene. There are well established local beer brewers like La Virgen, Dougall’s and La Sagra as well as hundreds of small nomad breweries like Yakka that make fantastic beer on par with veteran craft beer countries like the US or Belgium. Besides this, there are several craft beer festivals and events celebrated year round like the Beermad, Barcelona Beer Festival and the Lavapiés Craft Beer Week where you will get to meet the brewers, enjoy beer tastings and attend workshops. Here are some... - [First date restaurants in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/first-date-restaurants-madrid/): With almost 6,000 restaurants in Madrid, this city might be one of the best places for a memorable first date. You might prefer something super romantic and intimate, or a swanky tapas bar that’s a bit more laid back; Madrid has it all and for every budget! Here we’ll give you a few recommendations that will make for a perfect first date spot… Come for the terrace, stay for the food Some of the best terraces the restaurants in Madrid have to offer   1. LATERAL Santa Ana Plaza de Santa Ana, 12. Metro: Tirso de Molina or Sol Let’s start... - [Things not to miss in Madrid 2018 - Part 2](https://ttmadrid.com/things-not-miss-madrid-2018-part-2/): It’s 2018 and Madrid has tons of exciting things to do this year that you just can’t miss! From traditional Spanish events to international festivals, the buzzing capital of Spain has something for everyone. Get these dates in your diary! Check out what you shouldn’t miss in Madrid 2018 – Part 1 HERE!  JULY 2018 Spain is well known for its great weather. July can be a great time to begin to enjoy more outdoors activities! Mad Cool Festival With capacity for 80,000 music lovers, Mad Cool’s 2018 offering promises to be its best ever. The 3-day music festival in the... - [Things not to miss in Madrid 2018 - Part 1](https://ttmadrid.com/things-not-miss-madrid-2018-part-1/): It’s 2018 and Madrid has tons of exciting things to do this year that you just can’t miss! From traditional Spanish events, to international festivals, the buzzing capital of Spain has something for everyone. Get these dates for Madrid 2018 on your calendar now! Check out what you shouldn’t miss in Madrid 2018 – Part 2 HERE! JANUARY 2018 Reyes Parade Did you know that in Spain, it’s not Santa that brings presents for children, it’s actually the three wise men and they arrive on the night of January 5th, celebrating el Día de los Reyes (the Epiphany) on the 6th!... - [Five reasons to begin an adventure abroad in 2022](https://ttmadrid.com/5-reasons-begin-adventure-abroad-2019/): If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to live an adventure and experience new things, then moving abroad could be the perfect solution! Is there anything better than getting to know other cultures? Travel? Meet new people? Learn new languages? In this blog post we’ll give you 5 reasons why 2019 should be the year when you finally achieve your New Year’s resolutions. Download The COMPLETE Guide to Living and Working in Spain HERE Learning a new language This is not only one of the most valued skills when it comes to finding a job, but it is also an... - [Christmas markets in Madrid 2017](https://ttmadrid.com/christmas-markets-madrid-2017/): Here we’ll give you all the info you need to be up to date with the Christmas markets in Madrid 2017. Some of the more traditional ones are Plaza Mayor, Plaza de España and Plaza Oriente while Ciento y Pico and New Town Market are more modern and hipster. Whatever your taste is, check out our list below! Check out Five Reasons to Spend Christmas in Madrid HERE Plaza Mayor (and Plaza de Santa Cruz) This is the most traditional market in Madrid. It’s perfect if you’re looking for figurines, Christmas decorations, or real Christmas trees. You will find some funny prank... - [Simple and effective warmers when teaching English](https://ttmadrid.com/simple-effective-warmers-teaching-english/): Warmers are a key ingredient to any successful English class. During a TEFL certificate course, you should be introduced to a range of warmers that you participate in but it’s easy to forget to do them once you get out there into the teaching world. Just as an athlete stretches before embarking on a run, the student needs to warm up the language part of the brain, their mouth, tongue and as the Spanish say ‘flick the switch’. This is never more important than when the student is living in a non English speaking country and their exposure to English is... - [Best places to visit in Spain in fall](https://ttmadrid.com/best-places-visit-spain-fall/): The weather is finally starting to turn autumnal in Madrid and it’s time to look forward to chilly mornings and beautiful fall colors. It’s the perfect time of year to see Spain without the intense heat of summer or the crispness of a winter day. In this post, we will review some of the perfect places to enjoy Spain in the fall: Fiestas in Zaragoza Did you know that the 12 of October is the day of Virgen del Pilar? That’s right! To celebrate, Zaragoza starts partying on the 8th of the month and offers all kinds of activities: concerts, sports... - [How to use The Hangover for an ESL activity](https://ttmadrid.com/bloghow-to-use-the-hangover-for-an-esl-activity/): The Hangover is a trilogy of iconic movies spanning from 2009 to 2013, which personified the ultimate guys’ getaway which many a person could fantasize about. It became a huge hit and is massively popular among 20-40-year-olds. This in mind, a film that dented itself so profoundly in modern day pop culture surely is a great forum for creating ESL classes, due to its popularity spanning further than merely English speaking countries. Ideas for PPP are varied, however, a great option is to have questions about hangovers for the gist questions, such as “Tell me about the last hangover you had?... - [The challenges of teaching English as a foreign language](https://ttmadrid.com/blogthe-challenges-of-teaching-english-as-a-foreign-language/): Teaching English is certainly a challenging and thoroughly rewarding experience, and one in which personal development takes place inside and outside of the classroom. From interpersonal skills through to organizational abilities, TEFL teaching requires so much more than just being able to speak English. Here we discuss some of the difficult elements of teaching English that have proved tough when embarking on this new career. You’re the boss Firstly, as a teacher you really are the only person in charge in the classroom. Even if you work somewhere with a strict curriculum; the activities, attitudes, morale and progress of the students... - [How to use Buzzfeed in the ESL Classroom: Intermediate and Upper levels](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-use-buzzfeed-in-the-esl-classroom/): Buzzfeed is one of the biggest online news providers and can provide the content for some magnificent English classes. Here we give you the key to unlocking millions of articles for lesson plans that will make the life of any ESL teacher easier! Most of the articles will have a topic and a numbered amount of supporting points, ‘e.g. 17 things to do in London with your gal pals’. Each of the supporting points comes with a picture and a line or two which means it is a very visual and user-friendly interface. It’s therefore refreshing for English students who are... - [How to be the top candidate for any ESL teacher position](https://ttmadrid.com/bloghow-to-be-the-top-candidate-for-any-esl-teacher-position/): What exactly are employers looking for in an ESL teacher? We asked our star trainer Rory, who has spent years teaching English in Madrid and has been head teacher of academies here in the capital, to give us an insider look at what employers are really looking for in an English teacher. Also, check out our blog post ‘How to write a resume that’ll guarantee you get the job!’ Having been at the heart of the teaching world in Madrid, how do you see it as a career or job? Teaching English in Madrid is a massive industry and shows no... - [Best Craft Beer in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/best-craft-beer-places-in-madrid/): Happy International Beer Day! Today, more than any other day, it’s extremely important to find a good bar with quality beer to celebrate the occasion. When it comes to craft beer in Madrid, five years ago you had to look far and wide to find it but now, a new bar or store opens up every month which is just fantastic for a true craft beer lover. We have suggested our best places to enjoy international and local craft beer in Madrid. Check them out! Toast Tavern The Toast Tavern is part of the Grupo Bang Bang restaurants, which offer an... - [The top 40 of Madrid blogs](https://ttmadrid.com/top-40-of-madrid-blogs/): Madrid is one of the liveliest cities in Europe and as it always has something to do, it’s easy to get an overwhelming attack of FOMO (fear of missing out). Since there is constant sunshine it’s easy to enjoy outside events like street markets, concerts, and drinks on a terrace but the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Madrid is infamous for its happening night life that goes on until the sun rises once again. No matter how long your time is here in Madrid, it offers lots of irresistible and unique experiences and people just love to write... - [Discover the San Juan reservoir and enjoy Madrid’s beach this summer!](https://ttmadrid.com/discover-san-juan-reservoir-and-enjoy-madrids-beach-this-summer/): The temperatures in summer in Madrid can spiral to up over 100 degrees (40ºC), so it’s important to stay cool and find somewhere to get some shade or take a dip. Madrid may not be on the coast of Spain but there are plenty of places to escape the heat. San Juan  reservoir is located 70km from Madrid and visitors can enjoy 14km of ‘beach’ and take part in some incredible outdoor adventure activities. How to get to the Pantano de San Juan from Madrid It’s really easy to get to from the center of Madrid by taking bus 551 from... - [How to go into your second year in Madrid like a boss](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-go-into-your-second-year-in-madrid-like-a-boss/): It comes as no surprise that the laid-back life of an English teacher in Madrid lures many people to want to stay for a second year. It’s even better the second time around: the nerves of being a new teacher, lesson planning, gaining rapport with your students and juggling teaching English while learning Spanish will have become child’s play. You’ll have got your foot well in the teaching door and you’ll be clued up as to what type of classes you want to teach, who you want to teach and what type of schedule you want. Here’s how to get the... - [Four of the best restaurants in Chueca](https://ttmadrid.com/five-of-the-best-restaurants-in-chueca/): Chueca is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Madrid, especially amongst the LBGT and LBGT-friendly community, and is renowned for its bars and clubs. To help you celebrate Pride, we’ve chosen some of the best restaurants in Chueca, so that you can charge your batteries before walking and dancing around the city. Keep on reading!   La Hummuseria If you are into healthy food, then this gastro bar located in Calle Hernán Cortés, 8 is the perfect place for you. Owned by two Israelis, this place offers amazing salads and different types of hummus. A great choice if you feel... - [Six things you can’t miss at Madrid’s World Pride Week 2017](https://ttmadrid.com/6-things-you-cant-miss-at-madrids-world-pride-week-2017/): The LGBT community is having its largest event of the year in Madrid: World Pride! World Pride 2017 will be celebrated in our city from June 23 to July 2 and is going to be a week to remember.  Below are 6 of the biggest events that you’ll not want to miss! 1. Chueca Neighborhood We can’t talk about gay-friendly Madrid and not mention the nucleus of the LGBT community, Chueca. Chueca is known for its buzzing night life and its eclectic range of eateries. Click here to see some of the best things that Chueca in Madrid has to offer.... - [Chueca: the heart of gay Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/chueca-the-heart-of-gay-madrid/): Madrid welcomes World Pride 2022 this month, and right at the heart of this international fiesta will be the diverse neighborhood of Chueca. Here our trainer, Rory, shares his views of gay Madrid and recommends lots of places in Chueca to make any night out a memorable one! “I’ve had the luck of living in two of the most gay-friendly cities in the UK, London and Birmingham, where both Old Compton Street and John Hurst Street respectively were the go-to places for diverse and fun nights out. These were places where you could let your hair down and boogie any night... - [The best bars in Chueca](https://ttmadrid.com/the-best-bars-in-chueca/): Madrid Pride usually kicks off in Madrid and since this neighborhood is the epicenter of gay-friendly Madrid, we’ve put together some of the best bars in Chueca you can find so that you celebrate in style. Room Mate Oscar Address: Plaza de Pedro Zerolo, 12 One of the trendiest and chic places in Chueca is the ground floor of the hotel Room Mate Oscar. It is one of the coolest places to go for a drink, and the perfect place for those who enjoy fashion and diversity. In this place you can also find a terrace with a pool and great... - [What it’s like to learn a foreign language from scratch](https://ttmadrid.com/what-its-like-to-learn-a-foreign-language-from-scratch/): It’s sometimes difficult to put ourselves in the place of our ESL students and understand what it’s like to learn a foreign language just using the L2. When teaching English in Spain, need you to be able to see it from the perspective of your student, which is no easy feat. Our trainer, Rory, looks back at his experience during TtMadrid’s TEFL course, when he had to learn Croatian to do just that:   Learning Croatian: UNL experience   I remember fondly waiting for my Croatian class back in week one of the August course many moons ago, that feeling of... - [A guide to the Camino de Santiago](https://ttmadrid.com/a-guide-to-the-camino-de-santiago/): You might have heard lots of people talking about doing the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Also known as St. James’s Way the ‘camino’ is the name of the routes that head towards the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. Many people follow the routes as a retreat for spiritual growth, but others do it to admire the beauty of the landscapes or as a physical challenge. The journey can be made by foot, cycling or horseback riding. No matter which one you choose, make sure you find as much information as possible so that the level of difficulty is... - [Playing ESL games in serious business settings](https://ttmadrid.com/playing-esl-games-in-serious-business-settings/): Teaching English as a foreign language at the highest level of business is often a daunting experience, especially when it comes to taking serious business professionals out of their comfort zone. You may have never stepped foot into a business environment in your life. The first class often includes hurrying into a stuffy business room sweating and stressed after getting lost in the maze of identical meeting rooms. Shirts tucked in and hair slicked back, the executives are calm, collected, and above all – serious. You look down at the lesson plan you’ve brought, a lesson plan you’ve adapted from a... - [10 tips to survive your TEFL course](https://ttmadrid.com/10-tips-survive-tefl-course/): Signing up for a TEFL course can be a daunting decision which requires months of research and planning. Choosing which city to do it in, researching the course contents and finding out about employment options where you want to live are just some of the considerations that may come into play. For many, the thought of spending four weeks in a classroom while learning something completely new can be very daunting. Throughout the five years I have spent as Director of Studies here at TtMadrid  I have seen it all and I know exactly what you need to survive your TEFL... - [BiciMAD: rates, how it works and everything else you need to know](https://ttmadrid.com/bicimad-rates-how-it-works-and-everything-else-you-need-to-know/):   Are you tired of taking the metro every day or being stuck in traffic? We’ve got the perfect solution for you! Have you ever heard of BiciMAD? Keep on reading to find out more! What is it? BiciMAD is a public transport system available in Madrid comprised of over 2000 electric bicycles. It is a practical and ecological system that allows you to move from one place to the other avoiding traffic and doing exercise in the meantime. Many of our graduates who are teaching English here in Madrid, use the bike to move around from class to class in... - [The best markets in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/the-best-markets-in-madrid/): As the days get longer in Madrid, there’s nothing better than going for a walk in the city centre and visiting the markets that are scattered around the different neighborboods. Many of the markets in Madrid were traditional fresh food markets and have now been converted into swanky gastro markets. If you still haven’t visited them, make sure you make the time to go and enjoy a nice meal or glass of wine with your friends or family. Keep on reading and learn about some of the most famous markets in Madrid! San Miguel   This iron and glass market located... - [Where to go to get the best out of the Madrid Nightlife](https://ttmadrid.com/where-to-go-to-get-the-best-out-of-the-madrid-nightlife/): Of all the cities that claim to never sleep, Madrid is up there among the best and most fiesta-driven of them. Madrid comes alive at night and has so many diverse “barrios” (neighborhoods) that it is sure to have something to cater to any and every taste! A classic heavy Spanish night out would consist of bar-hopping around your preferred neighborhood. It usually goes like this: Tapas restaurant –> bar –> nightclub –> after hours club …or as far down that sequence as you can handle! In this post you’ll find a short overview of the atmosphere and nightlife in the... - [Do you know the most common sound in English? The Schwa](https://ttmadrid.com/do-you-know-the-most-common-sound-in-english-schwa/): Teaching English as a Foreign Language has its challenges and of the greatest is teaching English pronunciation to non-natives. It is also often one of the most in-demand skills of ESL teachers.   Almost every non-native speaker strives to sound native-like. Even though it is not always achievable, your students can get to a certain level where their accent sounds neutral and natural. While working on consonants is important, what our students usually leave out is the ¨laziest sound¨ in the language: the schwa. The phonemic symbol for this sound is /ə/.   “Schwa is the name for the most common sound... - [Save the date in Madrid 2017](https://ttmadrid.com/save-the-date-in-madrid-2017/): If you are a culture vulture, then Madrid is the perfect city to visit or live in. In just the past decade, Madrid has opened new galleries and modernized and renovated some of its famous museums and the streets have filled with musicals and plays for all tastes. In this post we have put together some of the main cultural activities in Madrid 2017. Save them on your calendar and make sure you book tickets in advance so you don’t miss out! Exhibitions Some of the best exhibitions you will be able to enjoy in Madrid this year are: Houdini- Las... - [New life, new career: Teach English and discover a world of opportunity](https://ttmadrid.com/new-life-new-career-teach-english-and-discover-a-world-of-opportunity/): At some point in everyone’s life you get that moment when you wonder if you need a change. You might dream about travelling, expanding your horizons, learning about other cultures and getting out of your comfort zone, experience new things and to realize who you really are and what makes you truly happy. All this sounds great, until you realize that you can’t live on fresh air. How are you supposed to do all this without an income? Can you have both a professional career and get to see the world? It may seem like a tall order, but by teaching... - [How to write a resume that’ll guarantee you get the job!](https://ttmadrid.com/write-resume-thatll-guarantee-get-job/): Writing a resume/CV is never an easy task but it can be tough to know if you’re on the right track. Should I put this information? Should I take this out? What goes first? To help you write a resume we have come up with some tips that will make your life easier when it comes to selling yourself: Follow the standard structure When it comes to writing your resume, you can be more or less creative in the way you decide to do it but there are some aspects that all resumes should cover. These include: personal and contact information;... - [ESL Teacher Starter Kit](https://ttmadrid.com/esl-teachers-starter-kit/): Have you recently started working as an ESL teacher or planning on getting started soon? Don’t worry! We are here to make sure you have everything you need to start off on the right foot! Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE A watch: it is very important to keep track of time, especially at the beginning when you are not 100% sure how long an activity is going to take. Try to bring with you a watch that you can easily look at, since unblocking your phone, for example, to check the time, might be quite... - [Five Reasons to Spend Christmas in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/5-reasons-to-spend-christmas-in-madrid/): Christmas is a time when the cities are prettier, there are lights everywhere and people enjoy geting together with family and friends. Christmas in Madrid is well known for having festive activities and being one of the top destinations in Spain to celebrate. Here we give you five reasons to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year in Madrid. Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE Christmas Markets: Although northern Europe is famous for its Christmas markets, Madrid has a wide variety of styles of Christmas markets to offer with a magical Christmas atmosphere. Not only will you... - [Christmas markets in Madrid 2016](https://ttmadrid.com/christmas-markets-in-madrid-2016/): This year the trend is all about being cool, hip and creative when it comes to Christmas markets in Madrid. Of course, you can still find the traditional markets in Plaza Mayor, Plaza de España and Plaza Benavente, but now you can also find hipster markets, like Mercado de Diseño, Molly market and Ciento y Pico Market. Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE Whatever your preference, here you’ll find an extensive guide to the options in the capital to get you into the Spanish Christmas spirit: Plaza Mayor (and Plaza de Santa Cruz) This is the most... - [Why moving abroad is the best decision you’ll ever make](https://ttmadrid.com/moving-abroad-best-decision-youll-ever-make/): Imagine having 12 weeks every single year when you’re free to do whatever you want. What would you do with all that time? Would you travel and visit the places you’ve always dreamed of seeing? Would you spend days on end soaking up the sun on a beach with an ice-cold drink in your hand? Or maybe you’d spend it with friends seeking out the best rooftop terraces around town in order to find something new and exciting. In one way or another, your dream scenario probably involves something very simple: you want to have fun and enjoy your life and... - [Benefits of renting a classroom in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/benefits-renting-a-classroom-in-madrid/): Do you need a place to teach your business students? …Do a yoga workshop? …or even hold a seminar? If you’re trying to position yourself as offering a high standard of service, telling a client to come to your house for a class and having major distractions, like your dog barking in the next room or the phone ringing, will  feeling that the space just isn’t giving the right impression. Some of the benefits of renting a place for your business are: More flexibility: By having a space specifically rented for a business purpose, you can afford to increase the number... - [Impromptu Games for the ESL Classroom](https://ttmadrid.com/impromptu-games-esl-classroom/): We have all been in the situation as an ESL teacher where your perfectly planned material seems to run out quicker than expected. So what do we do when we have extra time in the ESL classroom? Whether it is 10 minutes or 60, these impromptu games are sure to get your students talking and make time fly. Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE Reverse Taboo: Choose one student to sit at the head of the class with their back to the board. Write something (word, name, phrase, sentence, etc.) on the board. The rest of... - [ESL Activities Part 3](https://ttmadrid.com/esl-activities-part-3/): Check out the third part of our series of ESL activities by the TtMadrid TEFL team. Your students will love them and learn a ton and they will make your classes even more dynamic and fun. Take a look at part 1 and part 2 as well! Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE 1. ESL activity: Christmas Clapping Song Level: Any Group size: Any Time: 20 minutes Preparation: Find a level appropriate Christmas carol and pick the vocabulary words. Instructions:  Choose a holiday song appropriate for the level of your students. Choose 7-10 vocab words from the song... - [What To (& What Not To) Bring To Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/what-to-what-not-to-bring-to-madrid-2/): Deciding to embark on an expat adventure is a major life decision – and a scary one at that! Once you’ve picked your destination, you’re thrown headfirst into the madness of planning for your new life. One thing that I wish I had known during this hectic time was exactly what to bring with me to Madrid. Although back then I thought my 20kgs were perfectly packed, my first few months in Madrid told me otherwise. Here’s what I wish I knew during those many hours of packing. Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE Do bring…... - [Ongoing Professional Development is a Must for ESL Teachers!](https://ttmadrid.com/ongoing-professional-development-is-a-must-for-esl-teachers/): While your TEFL course is excellent preparation when starting your career as an English teacher, many of the concepts you were introduced to during your program will require further study and practice before you fully master them. While you may think it’s enough to be getting first-hand experience teaching classes, ongoing professional development is necessary in any field, especially when it comes to the continuously changing world of learning a foreign language. Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE Here are a few ways you can ensure that you stay at the top of the ESL game:... - [Best Travel Apps in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/best-travel-apps-in-spain/): Have you started traveling and now can’t stop? Welcome to our world! Wanderlust is defined as a strong desire to travel and, once you’ve got it, it is difficult to shake. But then… why would you want to? Embrace your itchy feet and make the most of it! Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE In this post we recommend 7 travel apps and websites that will help you save money and time when traveling, making it even easier for you to explore the world while living in Spain: Blablacar This app connects you with other travelers... - [The Value of Traveling Cheaply](https://ttmadrid.com/the-value-of-traveling-cheaply/): It’s amazing how much money you can save while traveling if you’re willing to do inconvenient things. In fact, the entire purpose of money is to make life convenient. If we wanted, we could all live in the wilderness, building our own shelters and catching our own food, with no need for cash. But nowadays most of us prefer to make money so we can pay other people to do these things. That way, we have more time for Pokemon Go ;). Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE These boots are made for walking  When you’re... - [Phrasal verbs: help your students PICK them UP quickly!](https://ttmadrid.com/phrasal-verbs-help-your-students-pick-them-up-quickly/): One of the most dreaded topics for English learners is phrasal verbs. Why are they so afraid of them if we use them so much in our daily life? The answer is simple, their meaning isn’t always literal. For example, with verbs like ‘get up’, you can guess the direction and the type of the movement, but what about ‘turn out’?  Students get very confused about the use of those, so they just prefer to avoid them.  The question is what is the best way to break that fear and let the students enjoy learning new phrasal verbs? Download Your FREE... - [ESL Activities Part 2](https://ttmadrid.com/esl-activities-part-2-2/): Here’s the second part of our series of ESL activities, developed by the TtMadrid TEFL team. If you missed the first part of the series, check it out: ESL Activities Part 1. Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE Activity: Animals and Ailments Level: A2 & up Group size: 3+ Time: 5-10 minutes Preparation: Here is a really fun way to practice illness vocabulary. Make 2 lists, one of animals and the other of ailments and number each list 1 –20. Instructions:  Have one student come up and give you 2 numbers (e.g. 4 &17). You then... - [Five Tantalizing Reasons to Move to Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/5-tantalizing-reasons-to-move-to-madrid/): Are you considering moving abroad? You should definitely consider Madrid in that case! At TtMadrid we have had the pleasure to encounter hundreds of foreigners who come here to start from scratch and find a world of opportunities, adventures and success. Are you going to be the next one joining our community in Madrid? You should! You only live once and living abroad is a unique experience that will broaden your horizons in every single aspect and enhance your resume. Check out below why you need to move to Madrid! Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE... - [Requirements for a student visa in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/requirements-for-a-student-visa-in-spain/): If you plan on studying abroad, you need to make sure that the visa you choose is the correct one. This blog is aimed at Americans looking to study in Spain, and the visa that most fits this profile is the student visa. The student visa is for foreigners undertaking studies, research, training, student mobility, unpaid work experience, or voluntary work.  This is different from the Schengen visa which is the 90-day tourist visa to travel abroad to Europe.  Once you get a student visa, you can apply for authorization to work up to 20 hours a week as long it... - [TtMadrid Grad: “The perfect way to correct students’ errors”](https://ttmadrid.com/the-perfect-way-to-correct-students-errors/): TtMadrid’s method includes Error and Correction but in practice, after the course is over, do you sometimes find correction difficult to implement during classes? Do you feel like it can ruin the flow of conversation? Or simply don’t correct enough? Our grad, Christine Stallone, offers some top advice on the perfect way to correct students’ errors. Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE This is a proven and effective technique for classes from 1-5 students in just seven steps Bring one index card (or cut up pieces of paper) per student to class. As your students speak, write down any errors they... - [Lazy Day ESL activity](https://ttmadrid.com/lazy-day-esl-activity/): It is time to celebrate Lazy Day by doing just that, absolutely nothing. So relax and let us give you the perfect lazy day activity to do with your ESL students today. Did you know that self-confident people tend to be less lazy than people who are unconfident about themselves? According to Psychology today (print out article for each student and read), a person with self confidence is often thinking of what the outcomes of his or her actions might be if s/he decides to get tasks done and therefore is more capable to overcome natural laziness. For the rest of... - [8 Great Benefits of Being an ESL Teacher](https://ttmadrid.com/8-great-benefits-esl-teacher/): We are passionate about teaching English but if you needed any more reasons to take a TEFL Course and become a certified ESL Teacher then check out these 8 benefits of being an English teacher: Summers Off This is a major plus for teachers EVERYWHERE! You’ve worked hard all year putting in countless ‘extra hours’ and you deserve some time off in order to recharge your batteries. While other working professionals may think you just kick around beside the pool all summer, ESL teachers often keep quite busy working at camps, studying the language of their new host country, working as... - [ESL Activities Part 1](https://ttmadrid.com/esl-activities-part-1/): Check out the first part of our series of ESL activities, approved by the TtMadrid TEFL team. Not only will your students love them and learn a ton but they will make your classes even more dynamic and fun. ESL Activity: Do As I Say Not As I do Level: A2 Group size: Any Time: 5-10 minutes Instructions: This fun activity gets your students to practice their listening skills. Give instructions for students to touch parts of the body from your verbal directions (not visual directions!). Give the first example by saying ‘Touch your nose’ and touching your nose at the... - [Guide to Parks in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/guide-to-parks-in-madrid/): Nothing is more refreshing than enjoying a sunny afternoon at a park. Whether it’s going for a run or just hanging out with friends, here’s a simple guide of the main parks in Madrid. Parque del Capricho Parque del Capricho, which was finished in the year 1839, 5 years after the death of “Duquesa de Osuna” who dreamed of having a park to herself. Although she was not alive when the park was finished, her dream was to create a huge garden for her to socialize. She was born to a very rich family that had great wealth in Spain at... - [Seven Places to Get Free Tapas in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/7-places-get-free-tapas-in-madrid/): Summer in Madrid is an exciting place to be, filled with crowded, sunny terraces and good-looking people having a tinto de verano or a caña. Nonetheless, you will probably be planning some awesome trips so you’ll need to make the most of the free tapas. These 7 restaurants will help you keep the bill low. That’s right, these restaurants offer free tapas in Madrid when you order a drink. ¡Salud! Petisqueira This restaurant is known as one of the best places to enjoy a caña (a small draft beer) and get delicious food. The plates of food vary from mini hamburgers... - [Where to Travel in Spain in the Summer Part 2](https://ttmadrid.com/travel-spain-summer-part-2/): In part 1 of our blog post, we talked about some wonderful places to travel to in the North and South of Spain. We’ve really only made a small dent in your options because there is still so much more to say. The Mediterranean area is rich in prime beach real estate and, within a skip and a jump of Madrid, there are some great historical destinations to explore. So let’s get right to it and take a look at some wonderful places to travel in Spain. MEDITERRANEAN Valencia Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city and has the most astonishing architecture. You’ll... - [Five Fabulous ESL Websites to Help Inspire your Next Class](https://ttmadrid.com/five-fabulous-esl-websites-help-inspire-next-class/): As an ESL teacher we spend a LOT of time scouring the web for resources. As many of you know, finding good (AND FREE) materials online is like finding a polar bear in a snow storm, ridiculously time consuming and nearly impossible. Personally I’ve wasted countless hours looking for worksheets, activities etc. only to come out empty handed. Luckily, over my 5 years as a teacher, I’ve found a number of tried and true sites that I now swear by and constantly recommend. Before you embark on your own wild goose chase, check these ESL websites out first! I stumbled upon... - [Where to Travel in Spain in the Summer Part 1](https://ttmadrid.com/where-to-travel-in-spain-in-the-summer-part-1/): “Travel is the only thing that you spend money on that makes you richer”. Any wanderluster would agree. If you so happen to be planning to travel in Spain this summer, you’ll find that your options to explore the country are not only endless but also very different a lot from each other. Every region from Spain is very distinct with its own typical food, drink, sights, weather, music and even languages. In this two-part post, you’ll get a taste of the top places in Spain that are perfect to visit. NORTH OF SPAIN San Sebastián San Sebastián is one of the most famous destinations... - [How to Motivate Your Students to Write in English](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-motivate-your-students-to-write-in-english/): It seems to be a common theme (especially teaching English in Spain) that students want to run before they can walk. Practically every student I have met always wanted to start speaking before learning how to read, write or listen in English. I can definitely understand the intention, but our students usually underestimate how much they really need visual references and how beneficial writing things down could be for them. So, how do you motivate your students to write in English? The solution is pretty simple! First of all, make sure that your students are working together. Pair work is very important; your... - [Step Out of the ESL Classroom and Sneak Grammar into Your Off-site Class](https://ttmadrid.com/step-out-of-the-esl-classroom-and-sneak-grammar-into-your-offsite-class/): Spring is here and your ESL students are thinking more about enjoying the good weather than that fill in the gap you spent ages preparing. This time of year is when you need to be more creative and keep the students engaged and motivated by switching it up and subtly sneaking grammar into some fun activities out of the classroom. Here are a couple of great ideas for off-site learning: Take your students to a museum There are all sorts of exhibitions in Madrid. There are some great free museums, like the Matadero or Espacio Fundación Telefónica and you can enter into some of the more expensive centers for free... - [Where to Get a Good Burger in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/where-to-get-a-good-burger-in-madrid/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It wasn’t always easy to find a good burger in Madrid. My expat friends and I would often complain about missing this typical American delicacy but recently it seems like there’s a new place opening every month. As if you needed an excuse, May has been dubbed ‘burger month’ making it the perfect time to explore all your options. So, cave in to your burger cravings and check out these satisfying burger joints. Goiko Grill The masterminds of Goiko Grill are a Venezuelan family who tirelessly dedicates their time to delivering to their clients one of the best gourmet hamburgers in... - [Eight Rock Solid Activities that Boost Comprehension](https://ttmadrid.com/8-rock-solid-activities-boost-comprehension/): How often have you found yourself in class, feeling that both you and your students are getting a serious case of déjà vu from the repetition of the same old comprehension activities? Rather than always sticking to your one or two go-to exercises, in teaching it’s always the goal to keep your activities fresh and, in turn, keep your students engaged and interested. This is especially important for your long term classes which run over the course of a several months to a few years. To help you avoid planning stale classes, try switching up your activities and popping in a... - [Bringing Theatre into the Classroom](https://ttmadrid.com/bringing-theatre-into-the-classroom/): So, you’ve been teaching your current students for nearly a year now. You’ve gone through board games, dice games, card games… and more dice games. As a teacher, you feel you’ve exhausted your fun activities and your students are a bit… shall we say, wise, to your bag of tricks. You want to finish off the next couple of months before summer with a bang, so how do you do it? Incorporating more creative and active theatre-inspired games might be just the ticket! The best part? Many theatre games can be adapted to various levels and topics, giving you a new... - [The Secrets to Recycling in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/secrets-recycle-like-pro-spain/): Reduce, Reuse, Recycle are words many of us have heard since we were young. While the terminology may differ from country to country, the idea remains the same. Help the planet by recycling materials to be used in other forms in an effort to reduce the impact we each have on this big beautiful blue ball. In this blog we’ll guide you through recycling in Spain and will give you some ideas on how you can reuse some of the things we tend to throw away. Moving to Spain doesn’t mean that you have to stop reducing your carbon footprint! Recycling... - [How to Teach High Level ESL Students](https://ttmadrid.com/teach-high-level-esl-students/): It’s great when your students can maintain a conversation and talk about the same topic for hours but what do you think your students need when their level is so high? Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE Why is teaching high level ESL students challenging even for experienced teachers? The first challenge comes from the fact that teachers forget to re-evaluate their students’ needs every so often. When you have been teaching a class for a long time, your students might get tired of the same daily routine and feel that they are not being challenged enough. A great... - [All You Need is... Organization](https://ttmadrid.com/all-you-need-is-organization/): Let’s take a survey: Do you find yourself digging into your backpack and realizing that some parts of your class are missing? Are your papers so scrambled that giving them out would be an insult to your students? If you’ve answered ‘yes’ then this is the blog post for you. When I first started teaching, I didn’t know what the best way to keep track of all of my classes was. Get ready my little perfectionists, we are going to talk about stationery and organization To start with, when you are running all around the city and teaching in multiple locations, it... - [What makes pronunciation difficult for our students?](https://ttmadrid.com/makes-pronunciation-difficult-students/): Learning English can be frustrating for our students for several reasons: new vocabulary, different word order, lots of extra prepositions, and, of course, pronunciation! So what makes pronunciation difficult for our students? Well, think of the words: through, though, and tough. Even though they all contain “ough,” what do you notice about the vowel sounds in each? How can we help our students crack this code? Phonetics! Or rather: fəˈnetɪks! Suddenly, with phonetics, we can provide our students the key to unlocking the mystery of English pronunciation! through: /θru:/ though: /ðəɒ/ (/ðəʊ/) tough: /tʌf/ At the beginning, this can look strange... - [TEFL Summer Camp Jobs in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-summer-camp-jobs-in-spain/): About 3 years ago I accepted a wonderful position as the head English Teacher at a sleep-away summer camp for 8 weeks in the mountains outside of Burgos, Spain. It was a lot of hard work and long hours but the summer of fun, memories, adventures, and a solid tan more than made up for it! Since I was the only native teacher on-site, it was an amazing opportunity to not only share my culture but to get a more intimate glance into the vibrant culture of Spain as well. Our days were filled with every type of camp activity imaginable... - [Pardon my... Spanish!](https://ttmadrid.com/pardon-my-spanish/): We all know that in order to learn a new language you have make mistakes and prepare yourself to feel a bit embarrassed every now and again. Even though being an English teacher means that you may not have to risk a faux pas in front of an entire class of students, the streets are not such a safe haven. At Tt Towers we have heard plenty of hilarious anecdotes from our grads about their run ins with the Spanish language. Unsurprisingly, a lot of these revolve around “false friends”. These are word pairs (one Spanish word and one English) that... - [How to Have Fun in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-have-fun-in-madrid-2/): The best way to experience a city that never sleeps is with a group of friends who never sleep 😉 All of our graduates form great relationships during their TEFL course but after a few months most branch out and meet some locals as well. That is when you’ll start getting invited to dinner – at midnight! There are pub crawls, language exchanges (Intercambio), football games, dance clubs, themed nights, parties after work, and events specifically for foreigners. The list is never-ending…! If you want to enjoy the cultural experiences that Madrid has to offer, don’t miss the free cinema sessions,... - [Teach English as a non-native speaker](https://ttmadrid.com/teach-english-as-a-non-native-speaker/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you’re a non-native English speaker considering a career change or looking to travel while working, teaching English in Madrid could be the perfect opportunity for you. With its rich culture, vibrant lifestyle, and a growing demand for English teachers, Madrid offers an exciting environment for those eager to share their language skills. Why Teach English in Madrid as a Non-Native Speaker? Madrid is not only the capital of Spain but also a thriving hub for language learning. Here are some compelling reasons to consider teaching English in Madrid: Growing Demand: As more people in Spain seek to improve their English... - [How to stand out from the crowd as a TEFL teacher](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-stand-out-from-the-crowd-as-a-tefl-teacher/): Are you ready to get more high-quality classes and start building a name for yourself as a TEFL teacher? Most English teachers want to know the best ways to increase their timetable and make it more efficient but just don’t know how. TtMadrid’s owner, Natasha Mason, has a few words for all those teachers looking to get ahead of the competition: “If you were working in any other sector, the first thing you would do it establish a brand and get stuck into marketing. Why should teaching English be any different? While the TEFL teaching market is competitive, teachers tend to... - [¡Ya llegó la navidad! What to do in Madrid this Christmas](https://ttmadrid.com/ya-llego-la-navidad-what-to-do-in-madrid-this-christmas/): Madrid is decked in Christmas cheer and there is a ton of ways to enjoy it. If you’re staying in the city for the holidays and looking to take full advantage of your time here, you’ll love this list of  cool things to do in Madrid over the festive period: Christmas Markets Every year more and more fabulous Christmas markets pop up in Madrid where you can find unique presents, live music, and typical food. To get all the info on the different ones around town with schedules and locations check out our Complete Guide to Christmas Markets in Madrid. Nativity Scenes Nativity scenes... - [ESL Praising Students](https://ttmadrid.com/esl-praising-students/): As our graduates know, an important part of TtMadrid’s TEFL course involves positive reinforcement of their students; a process of continuous praise. This is one of the ways to ‘Lower the Affective Filter’, (one of the five hypothesis of Stephen Krashen’s monitor model) and it is recognized as one of the most important elements of second language acquisition. Some ways of praising students can be more effective than others, however. “Teachers are often puzzled about what to do when students don’t make an effort to learn, or when they become discouraged by setbacks or material they perceive to be too difficult […]... - [Are You a Wondtacular Teacher?](https://ttmadrid.com/are-you-a-wondtacular-teacher/): Every so often that one special, ‘wondtacular’ teacher comes along. We all remember the person that motivated us to excel in even the most difficult of subjects.  These teachers go above and beyond the curriculum and textbooks to really engage their students and make a real difference. Think you’re one of them? Teaching English as a foreign language, how many of these traits do you have? Imagination and creativity are a must. This particular type of teacher is constantly inspired by their environment. Whether it be a TV commercial, their colleague, or a simple walk in the park; they use fresh... - [The Complete Guide to Christmas Markets in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/the-complete-guide-to-christmas-markets-in-madrid-2015/): ‘Tis the season to be jolly and there is plenty to be to be jolly about with all the Christmas markets options in Madrid. Madrid’s markets are filled with authentic Spanish gifts and gourmet food and drink. Here I have put together an extensive guide to the options in the capital to get you into the Spanish Christmas spirit: 1. Plaza Mayor (and Plaza de Santa Cruz) This is the most traditional market in Madrid. It’s perfect if you’re looking for figurines, Christmas decorations, or real Christmas trees. You will find some funny prank gifts, as well, and a carousel for kids. Where: Plaza Mayor... - [Where to Buy all Your Thanksgiving Ingredients in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/where-to-get-all-your-thanksgiving-ingredients-in-madrid/): Madrid is an amazing place to live, but it’s impossible not to miss Thanksgiving as an American expat. I hosted my first Thanksgiving in Madrid six years ago and it turned into a scavenger hunt as it was near impossible to find all Thanksgiving ingredients in Madrid!  Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE With turkey day just around the corner, I’ve compiled a list on where to find those essential Thanksgiving ingredients that will make you miss home a little less during the holidays: Turkey For most of us, it just doesn’t feel like Thanksgiving without a real turkey! You might... - [Hiking in Madrid: One destination, endless options](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-teachers-guide-to-hiking-in-cercedilla/):   Madrid is a beautiful city with much to offer however if you’re looking for an escape from all of the hustle and bustle I highly recommend hiking in Cercedilla. Nestled in the picturesque mountains just northwest of the city, this town offers a wide variety of trails for hikers at every level. The trails are nicely maintained and autumn is one of the best seasons to visit with all of its fall colors in full swing. Download The COMPLETE Guide to Living and Working in Spain HERE Cercedilla is easily accessible by train (Cercanías) and bus. You can catch one... - [How to Prepare for Your First Day of Class](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-day-of-class/): You’ve been hired as an ESL teacher (congrats!) and now the time has come to put your skills to the test. What will your new students be like and, more importantly, how are you going to prepare for your first day of class? Don’t fret! We have some solid advice to make sure you’re first day at work goes like clockwork.   GET AS MUCH INFO AS POSSIBLE ABOUT THE CLASS Before you start, ask the director of studies some questions to understand the class better. Start with the basics: Will it be adults or children? What will the class size be?... - [5 Fail-Proof Games for Kids' English Classes](https://ttmadrid.com/5-fail-proof-games-for-kids-english-classes/):   The best way for children to learn is through kinesthetic activities, whether it’s singing and dancing, TPR, or traditional games. It’s an essential part to get and keep their attention in class. After six years of teaching ESL to children, I’ve tried out many different games with a range of ages and group sizes. These are my top 5 fail-proof games for kids’ English classes. I think that you’ll find that they’re engaging for almost every kind of level and type of student and adaptable to most group sizes. Hope it helps out! Find Your Twin Ahead of time, write the same... - [Who takes a TEFL course?](https://ttmadrid.com/who-takes-a-tefl-course/): If you’re interested in completing a TEFL course to be able to travel abroad to teach English as a second language, you might be wondering ‘Who takes a TEFL course?‘ All kinds of people, is the short answer. We’ve seen a huge range of people walk in through our doors. This includes people anywhere from 18 to 72 years old, English speaking natives and non-natives from all over the world, and with a variety of professional backgrounds. They usually have the same kinds of things in common like the desire to make a career change, to live an adventure, or to have the freedom to travel with... - [Language Show Live](https://ttmadrid.com/language-show-live/): We are pleased to announce that we will be attending and participating in Language Show Live in London held the 16th, 17th, and 18th of October. LSL is an annual expo specifically designed for language guru’s. Students, teachers, translators or whatever other language related job will find their special place at this festival! LAE Madrid and TtMadrid will be presenting at ‘TEFL Stand #45’. Don´t miss out on the opportunity to stop by and meet us! Natasha and Karmen will be there to greet and inform you about our TEFL course and Spanish classes here in Madrid as well as answer... - [Using Realia With Your Students](https://ttmadrid.com/using-realia-with-your-students/): Are you looking for ways to spruce up your ESL lessons? Have your students requested more practical lessons that will improve their understanding and level of conversational English? Why not use realia in your classes?! Don’t know what realia is? Fear not, we will introduce it to you and give you some ideas of how to incorporate it into your classroom. So what exactly is realia? Realia is everyday objects, such as newspapers and train tickets, used in the classroom to enhance the students´ learning process in the target language. These authentic materials aid the teacher in delivering the most realistic... - [Virtual tools to flip a classroom](https://ttmadrid.com/virtual-tools-to-flip-a-classroom/): In our latest post we spoke about how to flip a classroom . Here you will find some tools and examples to make this task easier and a lot of fun! Create Virtual Walls Padlet & Murally: Virtual walls that allow people to build up content on a common topic. It’s like an online canvas with personalized backgrounds were people (as many as you want to) can put images, videos, documents, text. Creating video lessons or interactive videos Edpuzzle: An absolutely amazing tool! Edpuzzle collaborates with brands such as Vimeo, TedEd, Youtube and you can choose any video you want, trim it, record... - [Flipping an ESL Class](https://ttmadrid.com/flipping-an-efl-class/): It’s not unusual to be reading an educational article and come across the concept of the “flipped classroom,” but… what does flipping an ESL class mean? A flipped class is one that modifies the traditional cycle of content acquisition and the way it’s applied so that students gain the necessary knowledge before class then the instructors encourage them to clarify and apply what they’ve learnt on practical activities during the class. What are the benefits?   It allows students to learn at their own pace. They can take as much time as they need to read an article or watch a... - [A grad's review](https://ttmadrid.com/a-students-review/): When you think about Spain, teaching English is definitely not the first thing that comes to mind. For me, these two things were always inseparable so naturally my path led me to Madrid a couple of months ago and now I’m a TtMadrid grad.  As a non-native speaker coming from a small country called Croatia, English has become my passport, which allowed me and  continues to allow me to travel around the world and experience different cultures and people.  The course here at Tt was something that excited me and something I dreaded at the same time. I dreaded an intensive... - [How to Succeed with Spanish!](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-succeed-with-spanish/): Moved to Spain yet you still can´t manage to string 3 sentences together in Spanish? We know lots of cases of expats who, despite living and working in Madrid for however long, have not learnt very much Spanish and are always left embarrassed when the waiter asks them something and all they can do is blush. Here are some ideas for you to make the most of your time living in Spain and to try and improve your Spanish in the most effective way possible. Make your world Spanish! Firstly, make your entire world Spanish. It seems obvious, but although you might... - [8 Things That Happen When You Return To the States After Living In Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/living-in-spain/): 8 Things That Happen When You Return To the States After Living In Spain When I first ventured to Spain in September 2011 to teach English, I had absolutely no idea what I was in for. My international travel experience was minimal at best and none of those trips included Europe. Over the last 3.5 years I´ve fallen in love with Spain and its culture. I actually didn´t realize how much so in fact until I went home for a visit after my first year. To say I had a bit of a culture shock would be a huge understatement! I´ve... - [7 Tips for nailing a TEFL Interview](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-nail-a-tefl-interview/): Attending an interview for a teaching job in the TEFL market is often a shock to graduates who have recently completed their TEFL certificate course. In many countries where the market is very buoyant, you can often wonder when the TEFL interview is going to start and they are already offering you hours. This was certainly the case in Madrid a couple of years ago. There was such a need for English teachers that you would often get phone calls offering your jobs without actually attending an interview. Whilst this was great, it also meant it was hard to control the... - [TEFL Teaching: Business English](https://ttmadrid.com/teaching-business-english/): TEFL Teaching: Business English This article is about teaching business English. From a personal point of view, this has always been my favourite form of teaching English. My experience is in Madrid, Spain but this advice covers most countries with teaching Business English. I was lucky to have a strong business background in law and HR so it felt like a natural route for me to take. However many of my graduates get very nervous about teaching business English, especially if they are new graduates with limited experience in the business world What are you teaching? The first thing to remember... - [Tips to teach ESL beginners](https://ttmadrid.com/tips-to-teach-esl-beginners/): The extremes are usually the most difficult. How do I teach students who know nothing or the students who know everything? What kind of activities to choose? What are the tricks? Probably the biggest fear of all teachers, who are just starting to teach, are absolute beginners. The questions that teachers usually ask are ¨what if they don´t understand me?¨ or ¨what if the lesson is too easy?¨. And these two are really valuable questions, because normally there is a huge variety within the level, some students already know how to conjugate the verb ¨to be¨ and some of them barely... - [Teacher assistant in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/teacher-assistant-in-madrid/): Sometimes I think a meme like this really does represent a lot of my life as an English teacher in Madrid. However, in my mind teaching is a mixture of “what my friends think I do” and “what I think I do”. The TRUTH is, sometimes life as a teacher assistant in Madrid can be challenging, but it is after a “stressful” week that I take the time to realize how lucky I am and that most of my problems are first world! For me, having a bad day here and there reminds me WHY I STILL LOVE BEING AN ENGLISH... - [Teaching Phonetics](https://ttmadrid.com/teaching-phonetics/): Most TEFL teachers don’t know where to start when it comes to teaching phonetics and pronunciation. Firstly, it’s important to remember that most of your students will love learning phonetics. It is as if you’ve given them the secret password to the complexities of the English spoken language! Over the next few blogs, we are going to cover the following: Getting started with phonetics Establishing your goals as a phonetics teacher How to introduce phonetics to lower levels How to introduce phonetics to higher levels The erotic sound of rhotic (American and Canadian English). Activities for lower levels Activities for higher... - [Most memorable experiences as Director Of Studies](https://ttmadrid.com/memorable-experiences-director-of-studies/): Since becoming Director of Studies in October 2013, there have been so many fun, hilarious, crazy, incredibly satisfying and unforgettable moments. Although I deliver the same course every month, the different individuals who walk through our door on day 1 of every course ensure that no two courses ever feel identical. After almost 18 months in the role, today I will be looking back at some of my most memorable experiences here at TtMadrid. Here at TtMadrid we are strong believers that solid planning will always stand you in very good stead. However, some of my most memorable moments are those... - [Who is waiting for you at TtMadrid?](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadridteam/): Who is waiting for you at TtMadrid? 2014 was a year of growth here at TtMadrid in every single aspect of the word. Another year brings new objectives, more experience, new anecdotes and memories. You, as a trainee, see in TtMadrid the opportunity to broaden your horizons and become certified English teachers. In order to achieve this, we are constantly seeking to meet and exceed your expectations, to prepare you to go out there and succeed. 2014 was a great year with lots of trainees, which required an expansion of our team! So… who is who in the office? Natasha is... - [Non-native and TEFL, yes!](https://ttmadrid.com/non-native-and-tefl-yes/): How difficult could it be? What should you expect if you are a non-native English speaker doing a TEFL course at TtMadrid? Being the only person whose mother language is not English in a course  of 19 it was quite intimidating at first, but with all the support and encouragement from my TtMadrid trainers, I managed to gain the necessary confidence. Before I joined the course I was level tested by the director of studies who kept reminding me that if my level of English was not good enough, they never would have admitted me. So, it was all about believing... - [How to have fun in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-have-fun-in-madrid/): Madrid is such a fun place, and you can fall into fun around every other corner, so we are not sure you even need an article about this! But for those of you who haven’t experienced Madrid – here are some sneek peeks at what fun you can have! The best way to experience a city that never sleeps is to visit with a bunch of friends that never sleep! All of our graduates find their new family on their TEFL course but after a few months most branch out and meet some locals as well. That is when you start... - [Types of ESL students](https://ttmadrid.com/types-of-esl-students/):   Having spent the last six years here in Madrid as a TEFL teacher and as the Director of Studies at TtMadrid, I frequently get asked what I love most about my job. Many people find it hard to believe that the passion to teach grammar, create lesson plans and prepare dynamic class activities is still sustaining my love for what I do! The answer to this question, however, is incredibly simple. The vast array of students that I have taught over the years makes it virtually impossible for any two classes to ever feel the same, meaning that my job... - [How to write a TEFL CV](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-write-a-tefl-cv/): A guide to getting new TEFL jobs in Spain with advice and tips - [How to sell yourself](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-sell-yourself/): How to sell yourself as a TEFL teacher in Spain Have you ever wondered how to get more high quality TEFL classes and start building a name for yourself? I think we’ve all been there; thinking and thinking some more about what to do to increase our timetable and fill in those gaps that sometimes feel like such a waste of time. Whilst the TEFL teaching market is competitive, teachers tend to be very low key about marketing themselves and seeing themselves as a brand.  This article gives you some tips to help you stand out from the crowd and build... - [TtMadrid TEFL Course](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrid-trainers/): Here’s a sneak peek into what it’s like to do the TtMadrid TEFL Course!         - [Outdoor Class Ideas](https://ttmadrid.com/outdoor-class-ideas/): Take advantage of the beautiful weather here in Madrid and expand your classroom to the outdoors! Here are a few game ideas for big groups that we have put together at TtMadrid.  Games are a great way to get your students active and excited about English. Point to remember when using games in the classroom: Modeling is key – less talk and more show. Keep your instructions as simple as you can without multi-layering. Commit to the game – go in confident when demonstrating the game and your students will take it just as seriously!   1.The mutiny of Esquilache (variation... - [A day in Toledo](https://ttmadrid.com/a-day-in-toledo/): Once the capital of Spain, Toledo is a cultural goldmine.  Because of its close proximity and it´s rich history, Toledo is a ¨must do¨ for every TEFL teacher in Madrid.  Having been around since the Bronze Age, Toledo is a living timeline of a plethora of cultures which ruled over hundreds of years. Examples can mainly be seen in the architecture but also in the food and traditions of the people today. Toledo is easily accessible by car, train, and bus. Car You can take the R-5 and AP-41 to get to Toledo.  The trip takes about one hour and both roads are toll... - [Tips for reducing TTT](https://ttmadrid.com/tips-for-reducing-ttt-teacher-talk-time-in-tefl-8/): Obviously as a teacher when you are teaching you need to teach which generally means talking!  However, if you speak too much you take away the opportunities for your students to peer teach, interact and practice their speaking skills.  Here are some basic tips for reducing TTT and increasing STT: Don’t read out the questions for them to answer from the worksheet. They can do that and gives you an opportunity to work on some pronunciation with them Have a list of eliciation questions ready to keep a discussion going If you have planned a pair work activity and have an... - [Life saving activities](https://ttmadrid.com/life-saving-activities-for-the-tefl-classroom/): Once I finished my TEFL program here in Madrid, I had to think of some life saving activities that could be applied to many grammar or vocabulary topics and are affordable. This is when I started collecting different objects and thinking of how I could use them in the class. Here’s a few examples of things I found and how I was able to adapt them to my lessons. Just about any random items you have laying around can be adapted to your class. All you need is a little imagination and creativity! The kit consisted of: 20 candles, a bottle... - [Autorización de Regreso](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-get-an-autorizacion-de-regreso-2/): You might have heard some of your fellow expats talking about an “autorización de regreso” and told that you should get one. So what is it exactly? (NOTE: I am not a lawyer! This advice is from my own personal experience. The autorización de regreso is a form you need to travel in and out of Spain if: a. Your TIE has expired and you’ve submitted documents to renew it b. You haven’t yet received a TIE because you are new to Spain, but have documents showing that you’ve submitted all of the paperwork, or c. You will be traveling outside... - [How to find an apartment in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-find-an-apartment/): Are you wondering how to find an apartment in Madrid right now? When deciding where to live in the Spanish capital, it can often be difficult to find the perfect mix of the right location, an affordable price and the type of flat you’re looking for.  We know everything there is to know about where to live and how to find the right ‘piso’ (Spanish for apartment) when moving to Madrid and here we give you a guide to how to find the perfect flat. What you will need: Access to a computer A separate email account from your personal account... - [How yo find an apartment in Madrid: Part 2](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-find-an-apartment-2/): How to find an apartment in Madrid: Part 2 After reading Part 1, you now have the tools you need to look for a piso. Now what? First, here are some phrases that will help you to find the right apartment for you. Vocabulary to know: habitación – room piso – apartment alquilar – to rent amueblado – furnished ascensor/ sin ascensor  – elevator/ no elevator fumador/ no fumador – smoking/ non-smoking calefacción – heating mascota/ sin mascota – pets/ no pets fianza – deposit gastos – utilities Phrases to know: ¿Hay internet/ calefacción/ aire acondicionado/ un ascensor? – Is there internet/... - [Why have a warmer?](https://ttmadrid.com/why-have-warmers/): I’ve come across a couple of good sites with warmer activities and wanted to share them as well as remember why we should include them. Remember when you were back — or event currently — in school. Which classes did you enjoy? Which teachers did you like? What was it about the teachers and their classes that made it enjoyable? Chances are they had some kind of warm-up activity to get you thinking and pique your interest. As teachers, especially teaching English to foreigners, we need to get our students relaxed and thinking in English. Starting the class off with, “Open... - [Moving to Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/moving-to-madrid/): The first time I landed in Madrid was to study abroad for a semester in college, this was the start of a lot of firsts for me. First time I’d ever left the country, first time I’d ever been on a plane, first time English wouldn’t be my primary language. I remember sitting on the plane in Chicago and my friend looking over at me and saying “You are unusually calm given that this is your first plane ride, aside from the fact that we are going to live in another country.” I didn’t really have an answer then. I just... - [Travel tips: Do I need a visa to go there?](https://ttmadrid.com/travel-tips-do-i-need-a-visa-to-go-there/): Hello fellow expats! Many of us are starting to look toward making spring break plans and as I was thinking of places I’d like to go, I realized I had no idea if I’d need a visa to go to some of these places. Luckily the American Dept. of State passport office has a very easy-to-use site that breaks it down and also has any travel alerts posted. With your current NIE from Spain you should be fine traveling within the European Union, including countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement. For non-Americans, a quick Google search will bring you... - [Getting around Madrid - How do I get an abono monthly pass?](https://ttmadrid.com/getting-around-madrid-how-do-i-get-an-abono-monthly-pass/): I ran into some of my classmates from the TtMadrid TEFL course this past weekend and as a Madrid veteran, was asked a lot about how to get an abono monthly pass, so I’ll break it down for anyone else having trouble: If you are under 26 years old, you will get a youth (joven) card that is only 20€ a month and includes all zones for Madrid. If you are 26 years old or older, the price for zone A for a month pass is 54,60€. You can check all the prices on the official webpage. You can fill out an online... - [TtMadrid’s TEFL course: Days 17-20 (And DONE!!)](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrids-tefl-course-days-17-20-and-done/): So excited to be almost done with the TEFL course!! Day 17 Lots of grammar review today, but I needed it because the accreditation company wants us to be able to not only identify verb tenses, but to give definitions of them. The definitions parts I’m having trouble with because some are really close. I feel good about phonetics, but I’m sure I’ll make a mistake or two transcribing a word into the correct symbols. The other things like identifying all parts of the sentence I feel good about, so we’ll see how it goes tomorrow! Day 18 Grammar exam is... - [TtMadrid’s TEFL course: Days 14-16](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrids-tefl-course-days-14-16/): I’m learning so much at TtMadrid!! Day 14 Today was the first class I had to teach without any prior materials given to me; it was all original stuff that I found and created for my lesson. Overall it went well but as soon as I started the listening I could see from my student’s expression that it was  waaaaaay too fast. And then she made a comment that it was also hard to distinguish the two (male) voices. Crap! So, I had to amend that part of the lesson, but the rest of it went well and I got my... - [TtMadrid’s TEFL course: Days 11-13](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrids-tefl-course-days-11-13/): I can’t believe we’re already on Week 3 od TtMadrid’s TEFL course! Day 11 I had my second teaching lesson today and taught a C1 class. It went really well and I’m happy with the feedback. I have two more teaching lessons this week, one of which has a rough outline and the other I need to look up some information first. Our group project is due next Monday, but luckily my group has been on top of that. So, at the moment I feel good about the workload and feel on track with everything. I think once I get something... - [TtMadrid's TEFL course: Days 9-10](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrids-tefl-course-days-9-10/): Almost half way through TtMadrid’s TEFL course 🙂 Day 9 I wasn’t sure what to expect from Phonetics class, but it’s just clicking and I’m loving it! It’s like a puzzle…or using a different part of the brain…? Anyway, I don’t have it down after just two classes, but it’s so far been coming pretty easily. We met with our Learner Profilee to give the Needs Analysis questionnaire that we created and also a speaking test with questions that we created to help us analyze students’ levels. Luckily our student has a good level! Day 10 We spent a good part... - [TtMadrid's TEFL course: Days 4-6](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrids-tefl-course-days-4-6/): The TEFL course continues… Day 4: Things are clicking into place. It´s becoming more obvious where my fellow students and I have strengths and weaknesses. I feel really comfortable with the grammar classes (well, so far. I shouldn´t get over-confident). We’re putting into practice the method (theory) by reviewing the classes we’ve just had and writing an outline of what we’ve just learned into the lesson plan format. We were given our teaching schedule assignments and I only have one class next week, but three classes the third week. My last teaching class is the last hour of the last day!... - [TtMadrid's TEFL course: Days 1-3](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrids-tefl-course-days-1-3/): I’ve started the 4-week intensive TEFL course at TtMadrid and will be sharing my daily reflections. Feel free to ask any questions – or if you’ve completed the course, any advice! Day 1 So. Much. Information. I think it took about an hour for my head not to feel so numb. But, that normally happens on the first day of class or the first day of a new job. I’m a little overwhelmed with all of the paperwork. I knew we were going to have to prepare lessons and teach, but the theory that goes into the lesson plans is going... - [Best of Madrid Food](https://ttmadrid.com/best-of-madrid-food/): The Best of Madrid Food As much time as I have spent teaching English in Madrid; I have spent an equal amount of time trying to keep my favorite spots and restaurants a secret. I like having places I consider my own. I guess I always felt if the places I frequented ended up crowded with tourists, they would no longer have a local vibe to them or be special to me. It’s like telling someone the directions to the Holy Grail. But now that I am leaving Madrid I think it is pertinent that I share some of my ‘secret’... - [7 Questions That Prospective English Teachers Ask](https://ttmadrid.com/7-questions-that-prospective-english-teachers-ask/): If you’re a current English teacher in Spain, you’ve surely been asked these questions by friends who want to do the same thing. If you’re thinking of being an English teacher in Madrid, you probably have these questions. The lazy part of me decided to draw from my personal experience and write this so I won’t have to answer the same questions over and over. My fellow English teachers: if you’re that lazy person (like me) tired of answering the same questions, send this along to your friends. To those of you on-the-fence about teaching in Madrid, take a look (Note:... - [TEFL Teacher: Lisa](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-teacher-lisa/): Lisa is our new TEFL teacher, who will contribute to our Teaching English blog. She will be providing her adventures as an English Teacher/TEFL teacher in Madrid. Here is a little bit about her! A lot of people ask me, ¨Why did you want to move to Spain?¨ The answer goes back to when I was growing up and seeing the collection of figurines and other souvenirs from my grandma who has traveled all over the world, including her flamenco dolls and Don Quixote and Sancho Panza figurines. I wanted to see these places too. However, the thought of going so... - [The Good Life: Cultural Differences Between American and Spanish Schoolchildren](https://ttmadrid.com/the-good-life-cultural-differences-between-american-and-spanish-schoolchildre/): Spanish children have it made. Spanish children live a sweet life. There is no denying this fact. Don’t even try to argue with me because this whole article is going to prove you wrong point by point. Before embarking on this crazy adventure to teach English in Madrid, I considered many things. I wondered what the food would be like, if I would FINALLY get over my ex (and I did :-P!), if my Spanish would get better, if I would make enough money teaching English (I do), how often I would travel, what it would be like to be a... - [3 trips not to miss while teaching English in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/desirable-destinations-3-trips-not-to-miss-while-teaching-in-spain/):   One of the perks of teaching English in Spain is all the time I have to travel. Often English teachers have 4-day work schedules, teaching between 20 to 25 hours a week, and flights are pretty cheap from Madrid. Once you are done lesson planning you can focus on extracurricular activities like traveling!  I’ve been to Italy, Ireland, England, Germany, and France, not to mention all over Spain. There are three that top my list for easily accessible destinations from Madrid: Portugal, Morocco and Northern Spain. These are the perfect places to visit when there is a long weekend or on Christmas... - [Madrid Bucket List](https://ttmadrid.com/madrid-bucket-list/): My Madrid Bucket List I’m sure that those of you that have been living in Madrid for a couple years or longer, whether you are TEFL teachers, teaching English in Madrid as an assistant, studying, etc know the feeling of having “seen it all, done it all”. You have visited the museums and done the weekend day trips. You’ve spent hours in Templo Debod (or your preferred park) botellon-ing (a Spanish term which means -essentially getting your drink on with as many friends as possible in a public plaza, park, etc.), tanning (in my case, burning) and even exercising! Four years... - [I'm already TEFL certified and want to teach in Madrid... BUT HOW?](https://ttmadrid.com/im-already-tefl-certified-and-want-to-teach-in-madrid-but-how/): I’m already TEFL certified and want to teach in Madrid… BUT HOW? Many get TEFL or CELTA certified outside the country they would like to teach/live in. This is NO problem! If you do not carry an EU passport you are still able to teach, live and travel in Spain. Can I get a work visa to teach English? This is highly unlikely. To obtain a work visa you need to prove that your skill can not be done by a Spaniard or person in the EU. Teaching English often never falls in that category. So what can I do to teach and live... - [Meet Our TEFL grad, Jon!](https://ttmadrid.com/meet-our-tefld-teacher-jon/): Jon George, originally from San Francisco, U.S.A., is our recent TEFL grad from the course in August 2012, has found a special niche for himself in Madrid. His ‘Madrid’ story begins with his desire to create an adventure. After college the traditional 9 to 5 schedule was of little interest to him, he valued his youth and thought the better step after college was to create an adventure that would be more valuable than an entry level job.  With his sights set on teaching abroad, he searched for a teaching programs. With a friends recommendation he decided to look into TtMadrid. In... - [Wish you were here: 12 Last Minute Semana Santa Destinations](https://ttmadrid.com/wish-you-were-here-12-last-minute-semana-santa-destinations/): This time last year I remember going back and forth with my group of friends about one very important question: WHAT TO DO FOR SEMANA SANTA? On the beach in Malaga, Semana Santa 2012 In the last week leading up to our sweet vacay from teaching, we had landed on visiting old roommates in Paris, but still hadn’t bought our tickets. Then, a close friend from home, who was also teaching in Madrid, called and told me her mom surprised her with a FREE time share in Malaga and asked me to join her on the beach for the week. Why... - [Meet Our TEFL Course grad of the Month, Carolina!](https://ttmadrid.com/meet-our-tefld-teacher-of-the-month-carolina/): Meet our TEFL Course grad Carolina! Carolina is originally from Canterbury Kent in England and she completed her TEFL certification August 2012 course after being inspired by her cousin, who came to Madrid to teach English and had an amazing experience.  She was looking for the opportunity she hadn’t taken advantage of in university, to live abroad and hone another language. Prior to teaching, Carolina completed a few internships in factual television production in London before deciding to make the move to Madrid and signed up to TtMadrid. What ultimately attracted her specifically to TtMadrid was the welcoming and informational website... - [A TEFL Teacher's: Guide to El Rastro](https://ttmadrid.com/a-tefl-teachers-guide-to-el-rastro/): As a TEFL teacher in Madrid, an ABSOLUTE must do is visit El Rastro.  It’s a giant open-air flea market which stretches from neighborhood (barrio) Embajadores to La Latina and hosts approximately 3,500 stalls (casitas). It’s open every Sunday from 9am to 3pm.  Although it is now known as a place to find just about anything, it is believed to have began as a market for leather.  A slaughter house close by would sell leather and other animal products there on certain days of the week.  Over time the commercial activity and success attracted other vendors, which eventually made  ‘El Rastro’... - [A TEFL Teacher's: Guide to Public & Private Pools in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/a-tefl-teachers-guide-to-public-private-pools-in-madrid/): Madrid is a beautiful city and a very popular year-round holiday destination. People flock in hoards to the city for the beautiful architecture, lively culture, and wonderful weather.  However, there is one thing that all tourists and Spaniards understand; in the summer it gets HOT! Now that you’re living here teaching English and summer is fast approaching you’ll soon understand this as well. While there are many ways to beat the heat, one of the most refreshing activities is jumping into a pool of cool water.  Unless otherwise stated all pools are open on average between 10am – 9pm and cost... - [A TEFL Teacher's: Guide to Discounts in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/a-tefl-teachers-guide-to-discounts-in-madrid/): While Madrid is already far less expensive than other big cities such as London and NYC, things still add up. Fortunately for you, if you are teaching through the TtMadrid program, you will have a student ID card. If you flash it in the right places, it will save you tons!  Here at TtMadrid we have compiled a list of discounts in Madrid. Yay! Transportation Metro & Bus- If you are under the age of 26 you can apply for an Abono Joven.  It is 20 euro! Alsa- Offer discounted fairs to students and customers under the age of 25. Culture Museums... - [A TEFL Teacher's Quick Stress Busters for the Classroom](https://ttmadrid.com/a-tefl-teachers-quick-stress-busters-for-the-classroom/): Let’s face it.  As much as you love it…teaching abroad can be downright stressful!  We can’t always control what life throws at us but we can control how we react to it.  We all have those days where we’ve exhausted ourselves after preparing for a complex new lesson, just to get to class to find a room full of uninterested students. Maybe they’re being loud and antsy, or they just can’t seem to concentrate because they’ve got other things on their minds. This can be very discouraging and you may very well feel your blood pressure slowly rising.  Before you explode, use some of these... - [ESL Pronunciation s and z sounds](https://ttmadrid.com/esl-pronunciation/): Useful tips for pronunciation practice activities in the ESL classroom. This post focuses on the 's' and 'z' problems that ESL learners encounter when learning English - [TEFL and Technology](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-and-technology/): Using technology in the TEFL classroom, video, podcasts and interactive white boards - [In the TEFL classroom: level or competency?](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-in-the-classroom-level-or-competency/): TEFL and how to deal with confidence in the classroom. Looking at the different between level and competency. - [TEFL Resource Websites](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-resource-websites/): TEFL resources and websites that will make teaching more fun - [How can you know the TEFL course is legit?](https://ttmadrid.com/how-can-you-know-the-tefl-course-is-legit/): How to find a TEFL course that is legit. - [Who takes a TEFL course part 2](https://ttmadrid.com/who-takes-a-tefl-course-part-2/): A introduction to the types of people who take a TEFL course in Madrid Spain. - [Who takes a TEFL Course? Part 1](https://ttmadrid.com/who-takes-a-tefl-course-part-1/): Part 1 which gives insights into new university graduates who take a TEFL course in order to get TEFL jobs. - [TEFL Jobs Spain: Private Classes](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-jobs-spain-private-classes/): Tips for TEFL job in the private sector in Madrid and Spain - [Simple warmer for low level](https://ttmadrid.com/simple-warmer-low-level/): ‘Tell me about yourself’ is a simple warmer that most teachers use to start with a new group. However, it rarely ever gets an enthusiastic response as the students have done it a thousand times before. This is even more challenging when it’s a low level group such as elementary and pre-intermediate where you can’t have a discussion. If the students have a lower level, the ‘star gam’e can be a simple and effective warmer for a first class. To play, you draw a star on the board and at each point write some information about yourself. Example Natasha, Madrid, England 36, chocolate,... - [Tips for a Successful TEFL interview](https://ttmadrid.com/tips-for-a-successful-tefl-interview/): On the last day of the course you’ll go through a mock TEFL interview to get you ready for the real world as a newly certified English teacher. Woohoo! The interview lasts about 7 minutes and to help you improve you’ll get immediate feedback. The interview is part of your final grade. These are 3 tips that will help you ace it: Tip 1 On your TEFL course you will have completed a whole range of coursework and lesson plans. Take your best lesson plans with you and the materials you have created. Show the interviewer the type of lesson that... - [Day 4 TEFL Course](https://ttmadrid.com/day-4-tefl-course/): Day 4 TEFL course is a great day as the trainees get their first UNL class.  The Unknown Natural Language element of the course is for the trainees to understand what it is like to be an absolute beginner, how it feels and to see the methodology in practice. When I do the interviews for prospective trainees, they don’t understand how it is possible to teach English when they don’t know how to speak Spanish.  The UNL shows how this is done by only speaking the language they are learning with no English in the classroom. Today the trainees learnt Thai... - [Day 3 - TEFL Course](https://ttmadrid.com/day-3-tefl-course/): Day 3 in the TEFL course and it was time to do my display in class.  Business English has always been my specialty but over the years I have gained extensive experience teaching elementary groups.   They are a really rewarding level to teach and you see real progress every class. The hardest part about teaching this level with adults, is you are often teaching vocab that you would teach children, colours; animals; days of the week; etc.  The skill is teaching these topics in an adult way and creating a respectful and supportive atmosphere in the classroom. Again snow meant that my usual... - [Day 2 - TEFL Course](https://ttmadrid.com/day-2-tefl-course/): Day 2 is the day it dawns on our trainees that the ‘intensive’ bit we put in front of the name of our TEFL course, might actually mean ‘intensive’. The January group have really bonded and whilst there are only 2 guys on the course, they are certainly holding their own.  They go out for lunch together, go off to get their mobile phones and are becoming a very supportive team. Today was the day when the trainees got to see their first class. Megan did a display intermediate class and Temura a display pre-intermediate class.  There was certainly lots of... - [TEFL Course](https://ttmadrid.com/day-1-of-a-tefl-course/): On day one of the TEFL course, we jump straight in.  We have only 4 short weeks and there isn’t a minute to lose. The Director of Studies kicks off the day with a fun warmer (2 truths and a lie) which gives you some very funny insights to your new classmates and help get over the first-day nerves! We then move to the introduction to the school, the timetable and how the days will run.  We talk about the rules of the school which mainly are about respect for your peers, trainers and especially the students who attend the free... - [An Introduction to TEFL](https://ttmadrid.com/introduction-to-tefl/): When I signed up for my TEFL (oh so many moons ago), I had absolutely no idea what to expect.   These days there is much more information on the TEFL websites. Facebook and a whole range of forums talking about it but still trainees come to the course with very little idea about what they are in for! The next series of posts will track the progress of our current January course.  A mix of Americans, Brits, Irish, Dutch and Maltese, our own little United Nation.  They are between mid-twenties to mid-thirties. We introduced the group to each other last... - [TEFL websites and resources](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-websites-and-resources/): There are an amazing number of TEFL websites out there to help you prepare for teaching your English classes.  There are sites that give you step by step lesson plans and others that give you ideas, games and resources to complement your classes. Over the next few weeks, I will be  looking at a range of the websites available.  Today is a look  at www.onestopenglish.com . I personally think they have done a great job and the quality of their website is excellent and really easy to navigate. The site used to be completely free but now has paid sections (they... - [January is the time for TEFL](https://ttmadrid.com/january-is-the-time-for-tefl-2/): TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) has its own ebb and flow.  August for example in Madrid is a month for travelling, visiting friends and family or doing a TEFL course – it is not a time to start teaching. January however, is a great month for a new beginning.  Many companies start new programs, teachers have left during the Christmas break and their hours need covering, the private market has a boom as Spaniards decide their new year’s resolution is to improve their English.  All of these contribute to a booming teaching market. For newbies, it is a great... - [Can I teach Business English?](https://ttmadrid.com/teach-business-english/): Many ESL teachers are interested in expanding the types of classes they give but are quickly disheartened with the idea to teach Business English or Finance English as they don’t feel like they know enough about the topic. However, speaking from our vast experience in the English language sector in Madrid, we at TtMadrid can tell you – you do not need to be an expert in finance in order to teach finance English or an expert in business to teach Business English. English for Specific Purposes English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is an area of teaching & learning English that... - [5 Books to cause wanderlust](https://ttmadrid.com/blog-5-books-to-cause-wanderlust/): If you’re counting the days until your next trip or looking for some inspiration about where to travel next, here we give you a list of fantastic books to cause wanderlust.   The Alchemist: This classic by Paulo Coelho tells the story of an Andalusian shepherd who starts a journey that leads him to the most satisfying discoveries he could have ever imagined. Throughout his quest he learns how to listen to his heart, recognize opportunities and follow his dreams. A must read before starting your next adventure!     Eat, pray, love: This is the story of a woman who... - [Summer cinemas in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/summer-cinemas-in-madrid/): Not everyone gets the chance to go to the beach during the summer. Fortunately, the capital city of Spain offers lots of plans during this season for those who are staying. In this blog post, we will tell you about summer cinemas in Madrid, a great after work or weekend plan. Check them out! Cine de verano Malasaña From May until September, the Solar Maravillas will be showing movies every Thursday. During these dates, you will be able to enjoy movies such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, Selfie and Citizenfour, among many others. Check here the whole programme. “Cibeles de Cine”... - [Shared transport services in Madrid, Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/shared-transport-services-in-madrid-spain/): Shared transport services in Madrid has become one of the most popular services in the past years: why buy a car if you can rent one and pay by the minute, hour or day? Why take the metro to work if you can hop on an electric bike and be there in no time? Shared transport brands in Madrid Madrid is now full of different brands of shared transport services and in this post we are going to review some of the most popular ones, so that you can choose the one that suits your lifestyle the most. Keep on reading!... - [Top 5 public swimming pools in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/top-5-public-swimming-pools-in-madrid/): There are plenty of public swimming pools in Madrid to escape the summer heat and chill with your friends while going for a swim. You can spend the whole day there and even have lunch or a drink, since almost all of the have cafeterias for you to take a break from the sun. In this post, you’ll find information about the top five public swimming pools, when they open, prices and other useful information so you can make the most of the summer and escape from the city heat!   Piscina de Lago Tickets are 5€ per day and if... - [How to Prepare your ESL Students for the Cambridge Exams](https://ttmadrid.com/prepare-esl-students-for-the-cambridge-exams/): Preparing your students for the English exam is becoming a common request among the TEFL circles in Spain and elsewhere. It seems like there are tons of exams, for all ages and levels and learning how to prepare ESL Students for the Cambridge Exams can be quite daunting. Whether it’s First Certificate, Young Learners or some other seemingly invented combination of acronyms  (TOEFL? KET? Help!) preparing students of all levels and backgrounds is a huge chunk of the job market here in Spain and learning to do it well could really set you apart in your teaching career. With a bit... - [Low-cost airlines in Europe](https://ttmadrid.com/low-cost-airlines-in-europe/): One of the perks of living in Spain, or other European countries, is that you can travel quite inexpensively. Thanks to low-cost airlines, a weekend trip to a new country is easier and cheaper than ever. In this post, we will go through some of the best low-cost airlines in Europe so you can start planning your next getaway! Vueling This Spanish low-cost airline has the most amount of flights within Spain. In total, it flies to 133 destinations, including The Netherlands, Scotland, Morocco and the Canary Islands. Imagine leaving work and being on an Island beach in just a couple... - [Teaching A1 Students: an “Elementary Guide”](https://ttmadrid.com/teaching-a1-students-an-elementary-guide/): Beginner ESL students are sometimes the most challenging, especially if you use a complete immersion methodology and speak only in English during your class. How can you best teach A1 students without using their own language? Here we give you some great tips to help you become an expert at teaching A1 students! A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words If you are interested in learning more about teaching A1 students, check out our other blog. Pictures are a great tool for teachers in any level but for the very beginners they are more than just helpful, they are essential.  Even... - [Three easy ideas to use your TEFL in a new way!](https://ttmadrid.com/use-your-tefl-in-a-new-way/): We spend time and effort gaining our TEFL qualification to teach English around the world but there are plenty of ways to use your certification that move away from the typical classes in academies. Here we give you some easy ways to use your TEFL to do something a bit different! Become a Cambridge Examiner Cambridge Exams are huge in the ESL market and in addition to prepping your students for these big tests you can get in on the action by becoming a Cambridge examiner.  Depending on where you are located, this could involve correcting written work, proctoring the exam... - [Gyms in Madrid: TtMadrid's pick of one month options](https://ttmadrid.com/gyms-in-madrid/): If you’re looking to get in shape as the weather heats up, there’s plenty of gyms in Madrid for all budgets. Here we give you a list of fantastic gyms that you can sign up for just one month and see if it is what you are looking for. Keep on reading! Basic Fit This chain is well-known for offering cheap plans and a wide variety of classes. Open from Monday to Friday, from 7:00 to 22:30, and during the weekends, from 9:00 until 16:00, in Basic Fit you will be able to enjoy zumba, yoga, body pump, body combat and... - [Best live music in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/best-live-music-in-madrid/): Are you a huge fan of live music? Then you moved to the right city! There are loads of places to watch live music in Madrid so, no matter what your music taste is, you can be sure there’ll be a gig for you. In this blog post, we will go through the best music venues in Madrid so make sure to take note! Libertad 8 Located in the heart of Chueca, this bar started playing live music in 1976 and it still offers concerts every day. Here you’ll be able to listen to some of the most popular Spanish-speaking songwriters... - [Brexit and TEFL in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/brexit-you-are-still-in-time-to-move-to-spain/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Can Brits move to Spain and teach TEFL now that Britain has left the EU? The simple answer is YES! You can live and work in the EU but you will now be making the move as a non-EU citizen. Luckily we have been working with non-EU citizens for nearly 20 years, and have one of the most successful non-EU programs in Madrid, bringing hundreds of students to Madrid each year. Our program allows you to apply for a student visa, which means you can live here legally for a year – with the chance to renew if you want... - [Craft beer in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/craft-beer-in-spain/): In the last five years Spain has really upped their game when it comes to the craft beer scene. There are well established local beer brewers like La Virgen, Dougall’s and La Sagra as well as hundreds of small nomad breweries like Yakka that make fantastic beer on par with veteran craft beer countries like the US or Belgium. Besides this, there are several craft beer festivals and events celebrated year round like the Beermad, Barcelona Beer Festival and the Lavapiés Craft Beer Week where you will get to meet the brewers, enjoy beer tastings and attend workshops. Here are some... - [First date restaurants in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/first-date-restaurants-madrid/): With almost 6,000 restaurants in Madrid, this city might be one of the best places for a memorable first date. You might prefer something super romantic and intimate, or a swanky tapas bar that’s a bit more laid back; Madrid has it all and for every budget! Here we’ll give you a few recommendations that will make for a perfect first date spot… Come for the terrace, stay for the food Some of the best terraces the restaurants in Madrid have to offer   1. LATERAL Santa Ana Plaza de Santa Ana, 12. Metro: Tirso de Molina or Sol Let’s start... - [Things not to miss in Madrid 2018 - Part 2](https://ttmadrid.com/things-not-miss-madrid-2018-part-2/): It’s 2018 and Madrid has tons of exciting things to do this year that you just can’t miss! From traditional Spanish events to international festivals, the buzzing capital of Spain has something for everyone. Get these dates in your diary! Check out what you shouldn’t miss in Madrid 2018 – Part 1 HERE!  JULY 2018 Spain is well known for its great weather. July can be a great time to begin to enjoy more outdoors activities! Mad Cool Festival With capacity for 80,000 music lovers, Mad Cool’s 2018 offering promises to be its best ever. The 3-day music festival in the... - [Things not to miss in Madrid 2018 - Part 1](https://ttmadrid.com/things-not-miss-madrid-2018-part-1/): It’s 2018 and Madrid has tons of exciting things to do this year that you just can’t miss! From traditional Spanish events, to international festivals, the buzzing capital of Spain has something for everyone. Get these dates for Madrid 2018 on your calendar now! Check out what you shouldn’t miss in Madrid 2018 – Part 2 HERE! JANUARY 2018 Reyes Parade Did you know that in Spain, it’s not Santa that brings presents for children, it’s actually the three wise men and they arrive on the night of January 5th, celebrating el Día de los Reyes (the Epiphany) on the 6th!... - [Five reasons to begin an adventure abroad in 2022](https://ttmadrid.com/5-reasons-begin-adventure-abroad-2019/): If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to live an adventure and experience new things, then moving abroad could be the perfect solution! Is there anything better than getting to know other cultures? Travel? Meet new people? Learn new languages? In this blog post we’ll give you 5 reasons why 2019 should be the year when you finally achieve your New Year’s resolutions. Download The COMPLETE Guide to Living and Working in Spain HERE Learning a new language This is not only one of the most valued skills when it comes to finding a job, but it is also an... - [Christmas markets in Madrid 2017](https://ttmadrid.com/christmas-markets-madrid-2017/): Here we’ll give you all the info you need to be up to date with the Christmas markets in Madrid 2017. Some of the more traditional ones are Plaza Mayor, Plaza de España and Plaza Oriente while Ciento y Pico and New Town Market are more modern and hipster. Whatever your taste is, check out our list below! Check out Five Reasons to Spend Christmas in Madrid HERE Plaza Mayor (and Plaza de Santa Cruz) This is the most traditional market in Madrid. It’s perfect if you’re looking for figurines, Christmas decorations, or real Christmas trees. You will find some funny prank... - [Simple and effective warmers when teaching English](https://ttmadrid.com/simple-effective-warmers-teaching-english/): Warmers are a key ingredient to any successful English class. During a TEFL certificate course, you should be introduced to a range of warmers that you participate in but it’s easy to forget to do them once you get out there into the teaching world. Just as an athlete stretches before embarking on a run, the student needs to warm up the language part of the brain, their mouth, tongue and as the Spanish say ‘flick the switch’. This is never more important than when the student is living in a non English speaking country and their exposure to English is... - [Best places to visit in Spain in fall](https://ttmadrid.com/best-places-visit-spain-fall/): The weather is finally starting to turn autumnal in Madrid and it’s time to look forward to chilly mornings and beautiful fall colors. It’s the perfect time of year to see Spain without the intense heat of summer or the crispness of a winter day. In this post, we will review some of the perfect places to enjoy Spain in the fall: Fiestas in Zaragoza Did you know that the 12 of October is the day of Virgen del Pilar? That’s right! To celebrate, Zaragoza starts partying on the 8th of the month and offers all kinds of activities: concerts, sports... - [How to use The Hangover for an ESL activity](https://ttmadrid.com/bloghow-to-use-the-hangover-for-an-esl-activity/): The Hangover is a trilogy of iconic movies spanning from 2009 to 2013, which personified the ultimate guys’ getaway which many a person could fantasize about. It became a huge hit and is massively popular among 20-40-year-olds. This in mind, a film that dented itself so profoundly in modern day pop culture surely is a great forum for creating ESL classes, due to its popularity spanning further than merely English speaking countries. Ideas for PPP are varied, however, a great option is to have questions about hangovers for the gist questions, such as “Tell me about the last hangover you had?... - [The challenges of teaching English as a foreign language](https://ttmadrid.com/blogthe-challenges-of-teaching-english-as-a-foreign-language/): Teaching English is certainly a challenging and thoroughly rewarding experience, and one in which personal development takes place inside and outside of the classroom. From interpersonal skills through to organizational abilities, TEFL teaching requires so much more than just being able to speak English. Here we discuss some of the difficult elements of teaching English that have proved tough when embarking on this new career. You’re the boss Firstly, as a teacher you really are the only person in charge in the classroom. Even if you work somewhere with a strict curriculum; the activities, attitudes, morale and progress of the students... - [How to use Buzzfeed in the ESL Classroom: Intermediate and Upper levels](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-use-buzzfeed-in-the-esl-classroom/): Buzzfeed is one of the biggest online news providers and can provide the content for some magnificent English classes. Here we give you the key to unlocking millions of articles for lesson plans that will make the life of any ESL teacher easier! Most of the articles will have a topic and a numbered amount of supporting points, ‘e.g. 17 things to do in London with your gal pals’. Each of the supporting points comes with a picture and a line or two which means it is a very visual and user-friendly interface. It’s therefore refreshing for English students who are... - [How to be the top candidate for any ESL teacher position](https://ttmadrid.com/bloghow-to-be-the-top-candidate-for-any-esl-teacher-position/): What exactly are employers looking for in an ESL teacher? We asked our star trainer Rory, who has spent years teaching English in Madrid and has been head teacher of academies here in the capital, to give us an insider look at what employers are really looking for in an English teacher. Also, check out our blog post ‘How to write a resume that’ll guarantee you get the job!’ Having been at the heart of the teaching world in Madrid, how do you see it as a career or job? Teaching English in Madrid is a massive industry and shows no... - [Best Craft Beer in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/best-craft-beer-places-in-madrid/): Happy International Beer Day! Today, more than any other day, it’s extremely important to find a good bar with quality beer to celebrate the occasion. When it comes to craft beer in Madrid, five years ago you had to look far and wide to find it but now, a new bar or store opens up every month which is just fantastic for a true craft beer lover. We have suggested our best places to enjoy international and local craft beer in Madrid. Check them out! Toast Tavern The Toast Tavern is part of the Grupo Bang Bang restaurants, which offer an... - [The top 40 of Madrid blogs](https://ttmadrid.com/top-40-of-madrid-blogs/): Madrid is one of the liveliest cities in Europe and as it always has something to do, it’s easy to get an overwhelming attack of FOMO (fear of missing out). Since there is constant sunshine it’s easy to enjoy outside events like street markets, concerts, and drinks on a terrace but the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Madrid is infamous for its happening night life that goes on until the sun rises once again. No matter how long your time is here in Madrid, it offers lots of irresistible and unique experiences and people just love to write... - [Discover the San Juan reservoir and enjoy Madrid’s beach this summer!](https://ttmadrid.com/discover-san-juan-reservoir-and-enjoy-madrids-beach-this-summer/): The temperatures in summer in Madrid can spiral to up over 100 degrees (40ºC), so it’s important to stay cool and find somewhere to get some shade or take a dip. Madrid may not be on the coast of Spain but there are plenty of places to escape the heat. San Juan  reservoir is located 70km from Madrid and visitors can enjoy 14km of ‘beach’ and take part in some incredible outdoor adventure activities. How to get to the Pantano de San Juan from Madrid It’s really easy to get to from the center of Madrid by taking bus 551 from... - [How to go into your second year in Madrid like a boss](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-go-into-your-second-year-in-madrid-like-a-boss/): It comes as no surprise that the laid-back life of an English teacher in Madrid lures many people to want to stay for a second year. It’s even better the second time around: the nerves of being a new teacher, lesson planning, gaining rapport with your students and juggling teaching English while learning Spanish will have become child’s play. You’ll have got your foot well in the teaching door and you’ll be clued up as to what type of classes you want to teach, who you want to teach and what type of schedule you want. Here’s how to get the... - [Four of the best restaurants in Chueca](https://ttmadrid.com/five-of-the-best-restaurants-in-chueca/): Chueca is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Madrid, especially amongst the LBGT and LBGT-friendly community, and is renowned for its bars and clubs. To help you celebrate Pride, we’ve chosen some of the best restaurants in Chueca, so that you can charge your batteries before walking and dancing around the city. Keep on reading!   La Hummuseria If you are into healthy food, then this gastro bar located in Calle Hernán Cortés, 8 is the perfect place for you. Owned by two Israelis, this place offers amazing salads and different types of hummus. A great choice if you feel... - [Six things you can’t miss at Madrid’s World Pride Week 2017](https://ttmadrid.com/6-things-you-cant-miss-at-madrids-world-pride-week-2017/): The LGBT community is having its largest event of the year in Madrid: World Pride! World Pride 2017 will be celebrated in our city from June 23 to July 2 and is going to be a week to remember.  Below are 6 of the biggest events that you’ll not want to miss! 1. Chueca Neighborhood We can’t talk about gay-friendly Madrid and not mention the nucleus of the LGBT community, Chueca. Chueca is known for its buzzing night life and its eclectic range of eateries. Click here to see some of the best things that Chueca in Madrid has to offer.... - [Chueca: the heart of gay Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/chueca-the-heart-of-gay-madrid/): Madrid welcomes World Pride 2022 this month, and right at the heart of this international fiesta will be the diverse neighborhood of Chueca. Here our trainer, Rory, shares his views of gay Madrid and recommends lots of places in Chueca to make any night out a memorable one! “I’ve had the luck of living in two of the most gay-friendly cities in the UK, London and Birmingham, where both Old Compton Street and John Hurst Street respectively were the go-to places for diverse and fun nights out. These were places where you could let your hair down and boogie any night... - [The best bars in Chueca](https://ttmadrid.com/the-best-bars-in-chueca/): Madrid Pride usually kicks off in Madrid and since this neighborhood is the epicenter of gay-friendly Madrid, we’ve put together some of the best bars in Chueca you can find so that you celebrate in style. Room Mate Oscar Address: Plaza de Pedro Zerolo, 12 One of the trendiest and chic places in Chueca is the ground floor of the hotel Room Mate Oscar. It is one of the coolest places to go for a drink, and the perfect place for those who enjoy fashion and diversity. In this place you can also find a terrace with a pool and great... - [What it’s like to learn a foreign language from scratch](https://ttmadrid.com/what-its-like-to-learn-a-foreign-language-from-scratch/): It’s sometimes difficult to put ourselves in the place of our ESL students and understand what it’s like to learn a foreign language just using the L2. When teaching English in Spain, need you to be able to see it from the perspective of your student, which is no easy feat. Our trainer, Rory, looks back at his experience during TtMadrid’s TEFL course, when he had to learn Croatian to do just that:   Learning Croatian: UNL experience   I remember fondly waiting for my Croatian class back in week one of the August course many moons ago, that feeling of... - [A guide to the Camino de Santiago](https://ttmadrid.com/a-guide-to-the-camino-de-santiago/): You might have heard lots of people talking about doing the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Also known as St. James’s Way the ‘camino’ is the name of the routes that head towards the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. Many people follow the routes as a retreat for spiritual growth, but others do it to admire the beauty of the landscapes or as a physical challenge. The journey can be made by foot, cycling or horseback riding. No matter which one you choose, make sure you find as much information as possible so that the level of difficulty is... - [Playing ESL games in serious business settings](https://ttmadrid.com/playing-esl-games-in-serious-business-settings/): Teaching English as a foreign language at the highest level of business is often a daunting experience, especially when it comes to taking serious business professionals out of their comfort zone. You may have never stepped foot into a business environment in your life. The first class often includes hurrying into a stuffy business room sweating and stressed after getting lost in the maze of identical meeting rooms. Shirts tucked in and hair slicked back, the executives are calm, collected, and above all – serious. You look down at the lesson plan you’ve brought, a lesson plan you’ve adapted from a... - [10 tips to survive your TEFL course](https://ttmadrid.com/10-tips-survive-tefl-course/): Signing up for a TEFL course can be a daunting decision which requires months of research and planning. Choosing which city to do it in, researching the course contents and finding out about employment options where you want to live are just some of the considerations that may come into play. For many, the thought of spending four weeks in a classroom while learning something completely new can be very daunting. Throughout the five years I have spent as Director of Studies here at TtMadrid  I have seen it all and I know exactly what you need to survive your TEFL... - [BiciMAD: rates, how it works and everything else you need to know](https://ttmadrid.com/bicimad-rates-how-it-works-and-everything-else-you-need-to-know/):   Are you tired of taking the metro every day or being stuck in traffic? We’ve got the perfect solution for you! Have you ever heard of BiciMAD? Keep on reading to find out more! What is it? BiciMAD is a public transport system available in Madrid comprised of over 2000 electric bicycles. It is a practical and ecological system that allows you to move from one place to the other avoiding traffic and doing exercise in the meantime. Many of our graduates who are teaching English here in Madrid, use the bike to move around from class to class in... - [The best markets in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/the-best-markets-in-madrid/): As the days get longer in Madrid, there’s nothing better than going for a walk in the city centre and visiting the markets that are scattered around the different neighborboods. Many of the markets in Madrid were traditional fresh food markets and have now been converted into swanky gastro markets. If you still haven’t visited them, make sure you make the time to go and enjoy a nice meal or glass of wine with your friends or family. Keep on reading and learn about some of the most famous markets in Madrid! San Miguel   This iron and glass market located... - [Where to go to get the best out of the Madrid Nightlife](https://ttmadrid.com/where-to-go-to-get-the-best-out-of-the-madrid-nightlife/): Of all the cities that claim to never sleep, Madrid is up there among the best and most fiesta-driven of them. Madrid comes alive at night and has so many diverse “barrios” (neighborhoods) that it is sure to have something to cater to any and every taste! A classic heavy Spanish night out would consist of bar-hopping around your preferred neighborhood. It usually goes like this: Tapas restaurant –> bar –> nightclub –> after hours club …or as far down that sequence as you can handle! In this post you’ll find a short overview of the atmosphere and nightlife in the... - [Do you know the most common sound in English? The Schwa](https://ttmadrid.com/do-you-know-the-most-common-sound-in-english-schwa/): Teaching English as a Foreign Language has its challenges and of the greatest is teaching English pronunciation to non-natives. It is also often one of the most in-demand skills of ESL teachers.   Almost every non-native speaker strives to sound native-like. Even though it is not always achievable, your students can get to a certain level where their accent sounds neutral and natural. While working on consonants is important, what our students usually leave out is the ¨laziest sound¨ in the language: the schwa. The phonemic symbol for this sound is /ə/.   “Schwa is the name for the most common sound... - [Save the date in Madrid 2017](https://ttmadrid.com/save-the-date-in-madrid-2017/): If you are a culture vulture, then Madrid is the perfect city to visit or live in. In just the past decade, Madrid has opened new galleries and modernized and renovated some of its famous museums and the streets have filled with musicals and plays for all tastes. In this post we have put together some of the main cultural activities in Madrid 2017. Save them on your calendar and make sure you book tickets in advance so you don’t miss out! Exhibitions Some of the best exhibitions you will be able to enjoy in Madrid this year are: Houdini- Las... - [New life, new career: Teach English and discover a world of opportunity](https://ttmadrid.com/new-life-new-career-teach-english-and-discover-a-world-of-opportunity/): At some point in everyone’s life you get that moment when you wonder if you need a change. You might dream about travelling, expanding your horizons, learning about other cultures and getting out of your comfort zone, experience new things and to realize who you really are and what makes you truly happy. All this sounds great, until you realize that you can’t live on fresh air. How are you supposed to do all this without an income? Can you have both a professional career and get to see the world? It may seem like a tall order, but by teaching... - [How to write a resume that’ll guarantee you get the job!](https://ttmadrid.com/write-resume-thatll-guarantee-get-job/): Writing a resume/CV is never an easy task but it can be tough to know if you’re on the right track. Should I put this information? Should I take this out? What goes first? To help you write a resume we have come up with some tips that will make your life easier when it comes to selling yourself: Follow the standard structure When it comes to writing your resume, you can be more or less creative in the way you decide to do it but there are some aspects that all resumes should cover. These include: personal and contact information;... - [ESL Teacher Starter Kit](https://ttmadrid.com/esl-teachers-starter-kit/): Have you recently started working as an ESL teacher or planning on getting started soon? Don’t worry! We are here to make sure you have everything you need to start off on the right foot! Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE A watch: it is very important to keep track of time, especially at the beginning when you are not 100% sure how long an activity is going to take. Try to bring with you a watch that you can easily look at, since unblocking your phone, for example, to check the time, might be quite... - [Five Reasons to Spend Christmas in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/5-reasons-to-spend-christmas-in-madrid/): Christmas is a time when the cities are prettier, there are lights everywhere and people enjoy geting together with family and friends. Christmas in Madrid is well known for having festive activities and being one of the top destinations in Spain to celebrate. Here we give you five reasons to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year in Madrid. Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE Christmas Markets: Although northern Europe is famous for its Christmas markets, Madrid has a wide variety of styles of Christmas markets to offer with a magical Christmas atmosphere. Not only will you... - [Christmas markets in Madrid 2016](https://ttmadrid.com/christmas-markets-in-madrid-2016/): This year the trend is all about being cool, hip and creative when it comes to Christmas markets in Madrid. Of course, you can still find the traditional markets in Plaza Mayor, Plaza de España and Plaza Benavente, but now you can also find hipster markets, like Mercado de Diseño, Molly market and Ciento y Pico Market. Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE Whatever your preference, here you’ll find an extensive guide to the options in the capital to get you into the Spanish Christmas spirit: Plaza Mayor (and Plaza de Santa Cruz) This is the most... - [Why moving abroad is the best decision you’ll ever make](https://ttmadrid.com/moving-abroad-best-decision-youll-ever-make/): Imagine having 12 weeks every single year when you’re free to do whatever you want. What would you do with all that time? Would you travel and visit the places you’ve always dreamed of seeing? Would you spend days on end soaking up the sun on a beach with an ice-cold drink in your hand? Or maybe you’d spend it with friends seeking out the best rooftop terraces around town in order to find something new and exciting. In one way or another, your dream scenario probably involves something very simple: you want to have fun and enjoy your life and... - [Benefits of renting a classroom in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/benefits-renting-a-classroom-in-madrid/): Do you need a place to teach your business students? …Do a yoga workshop? …or even hold a seminar? If you’re trying to position yourself as offering a high standard of service, telling a client to come to your house for a class and having major distractions, like your dog barking in the next room or the phone ringing, will  feeling that the space just isn’t giving the right impression. Some of the benefits of renting a place for your business are: More flexibility: By having a space specifically rented for a business purpose, you can afford to increase the number... - [Impromptu Games for the ESL Classroom](https://ttmadrid.com/impromptu-games-esl-classroom/): We have all been in the situation as an ESL teacher where your perfectly planned material seems to run out quicker than expected. So what do we do when we have extra time in the ESL classroom? Whether it is 10 minutes or 60, these impromptu games are sure to get your students talking and make time fly. Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE Reverse Taboo: Choose one student to sit at the head of the class with their back to the board. Write something (word, name, phrase, sentence, etc.) on the board. The rest of... - [ESL Activities Part 3](https://ttmadrid.com/esl-activities-part-3/): Check out the third part of our series of ESL activities by the TtMadrid TEFL team. Your students will love them and learn a ton and they will make your classes even more dynamic and fun. Take a look at part 1 and part 2 as well! Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE 1. ESL activity: Christmas Clapping Song Level: Any Group size: Any Time: 20 minutes Preparation: Find a level appropriate Christmas carol and pick the vocabulary words. Instructions:  Choose a holiday song appropriate for the level of your students. Choose 7-10 vocab words from the song... - [What To (& What Not To) Bring To Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/what-to-what-not-to-bring-to-madrid-2/): Deciding to embark on an expat adventure is a major life decision – and a scary one at that! Once you’ve picked your destination, you’re thrown headfirst into the madness of planning for your new life. One thing that I wish I had known during this hectic time was exactly what to bring with me to Madrid. Although back then I thought my 20kgs were perfectly packed, my first few months in Madrid told me otherwise. Here’s what I wish I knew during those many hours of packing. Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE Do bring…... - [Ongoing Professional Development is a Must for ESL Teachers!](https://ttmadrid.com/ongoing-professional-development-is-a-must-for-esl-teachers/): While your TEFL course is excellent preparation when starting your career as an English teacher, many of the concepts you were introduced to during your program will require further study and practice before you fully master them. While you may think it’s enough to be getting first-hand experience teaching classes, ongoing professional development is necessary in any field, especially when it comes to the continuously changing world of learning a foreign language. Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE Here are a few ways you can ensure that you stay at the top of the ESL game:... - [Best Travel Apps in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/best-travel-apps-in-spain/): Have you started traveling and now can’t stop? Welcome to our world! Wanderlust is defined as a strong desire to travel and, once you’ve got it, it is difficult to shake. But then… why would you want to? Embrace your itchy feet and make the most of it! Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE In this post we recommend 7 travel apps and websites that will help you save money and time when traveling, making it even easier for you to explore the world while living in Spain: Blablacar This app connects you with other travelers... - [The Value of Traveling Cheaply](https://ttmadrid.com/the-value-of-traveling-cheaply/): It’s amazing how much money you can save while traveling if you’re willing to do inconvenient things. In fact, the entire purpose of money is to make life convenient. If we wanted, we could all live in the wilderness, building our own shelters and catching our own food, with no need for cash. But nowadays most of us prefer to make money so we can pay other people to do these things. That way, we have more time for Pokemon Go ;). Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE These boots are made for walking  When you’re... - [Phrasal verbs: help your students PICK them UP quickly!](https://ttmadrid.com/phrasal-verbs-help-your-students-pick-them-up-quickly/): One of the most dreaded topics for English learners is phrasal verbs. Why are they so afraid of them if we use them so much in our daily life? The answer is simple, their meaning isn’t always literal. For example, with verbs like ‘get up’, you can guess the direction and the type of the movement, but what about ‘turn out’?  Students get very confused about the use of those, so they just prefer to avoid them.  The question is what is the best way to break that fear and let the students enjoy learning new phrasal verbs? Download Your FREE... - [ESL Activities Part 2](https://ttmadrid.com/esl-activities-part-2-2/): Here’s the second part of our series of ESL activities, developed by the TtMadrid TEFL team. If you missed the first part of the series, check it out: ESL Activities Part 1. Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE Activity: Animals and Ailments Level: A2 & up Group size: 3+ Time: 5-10 minutes Preparation: Here is a really fun way to practice illness vocabulary. Make 2 lists, one of animals and the other of ailments and number each list 1 –20. Instructions:  Have one student come up and give you 2 numbers (e.g. 4 &17). You then... - [Five Tantalizing Reasons to Move to Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/5-tantalizing-reasons-to-move-to-madrid/): Are you considering moving abroad? You should definitely consider Madrid in that case! At TtMadrid we have had the pleasure to encounter hundreds of foreigners who come here to start from scratch and find a world of opportunities, adventures and success. Are you going to be the next one joining our community in Madrid? You should! You only live once and living abroad is a unique experience that will broaden your horizons in every single aspect and enhance your resume. Check out below why you need to move to Madrid! Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE... - [Requirements for a student visa in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/requirements-for-a-student-visa-in-spain/): If you plan on studying abroad, you need to make sure that the visa you choose is the correct one. This blog is aimed at Americans looking to study in Spain, and the visa that most fits this profile is the student visa. The student visa is for foreigners undertaking studies, research, training, student mobility, unpaid work experience, or voluntary work.  This is different from the Schengen visa which is the 90-day tourist visa to travel abroad to Europe.  Once you get a student visa, you can apply for authorization to work up to 20 hours a week as long it... - [TtMadrid Grad: “The perfect way to correct students’ errors”](https://ttmadrid.com/the-perfect-way-to-correct-students-errors/): TtMadrid’s method includes Error and Correction but in practice, after the course is over, do you sometimes find correction difficult to implement during classes? Do you feel like it can ruin the flow of conversation? Or simply don’t correct enough? Our grad, Christine Stallone, offers some top advice on the perfect way to correct students’ errors. Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE This is a proven and effective technique for classes from 1-5 students in just seven steps Bring one index card (or cut up pieces of paper) per student to class. As your students speak, write down any errors they... - [Lazy Day ESL activity](https://ttmadrid.com/lazy-day-esl-activity/): It is time to celebrate Lazy Day by doing just that, absolutely nothing. So relax and let us give you the perfect lazy day activity to do with your ESL students today. Did you know that self-confident people tend to be less lazy than people who are unconfident about themselves? According to Psychology today (print out article for each student and read), a person with self confidence is often thinking of what the outcomes of his or her actions might be if s/he decides to get tasks done and therefore is more capable to overcome natural laziness. For the rest of... - [8 Great Benefits of Being an ESL Teacher](https://ttmadrid.com/8-great-benefits-esl-teacher/): We are passionate about teaching English but if you needed any more reasons to take a TEFL Course and become a certified ESL Teacher then check out these 8 benefits of being an English teacher: Summers Off This is a major plus for teachers EVERYWHERE! You’ve worked hard all year putting in countless ‘extra hours’ and you deserve some time off in order to recharge your batteries. While other working professionals may think you just kick around beside the pool all summer, ESL teachers often keep quite busy working at camps, studying the language of their new host country, working as... - [ESL Activities Part 1](https://ttmadrid.com/esl-activities-part-1/): Check out the first part of our series of ESL activities, approved by the TtMadrid TEFL team. Not only will your students love them and learn a ton but they will make your classes even more dynamic and fun. ESL Activity: Do As I Say Not As I do Level: A2 Group size: Any Time: 5-10 minutes Instructions: This fun activity gets your students to practice their listening skills. Give instructions for students to touch parts of the body from your verbal directions (not visual directions!). Give the first example by saying ‘Touch your nose’ and touching your nose at the... - [Guide to Parks in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/guide-to-parks-in-madrid/): Nothing is more refreshing than enjoying a sunny afternoon at a park. Whether it’s going for a run or just hanging out with friends, here’s a simple guide of the main parks in Madrid. Parque del Capricho Parque del Capricho, which was finished in the year 1839, 5 years after the death of “Duquesa de Osuna” who dreamed of having a park to herself. Although she was not alive when the park was finished, her dream was to create a huge garden for her to socialize. She was born to a very rich family that had great wealth in Spain at... - [Seven Places to Get Free Tapas in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/7-places-get-free-tapas-in-madrid/): Summer in Madrid is an exciting place to be, filled with crowded, sunny terraces and good-looking people having a tinto de verano or a caña. Nonetheless, you will probably be planning some awesome trips so you’ll need to make the most of the free tapas. These 7 restaurants will help you keep the bill low. That’s right, these restaurants offer free tapas in Madrid when you order a drink. ¡Salud! Petisqueira This restaurant is known as one of the best places to enjoy a caña (a small draft beer) and get delicious food. The plates of food vary from mini hamburgers... - [Where to Travel in Spain in the Summer Part 2](https://ttmadrid.com/travel-spain-summer-part-2/): In part 1 of our blog post, we talked about some wonderful places to travel to in the North and South of Spain. We’ve really only made a small dent in your options because there is still so much more to say. The Mediterranean area is rich in prime beach real estate and, within a skip and a jump of Madrid, there are some great historical destinations to explore. So let’s get right to it and take a look at some wonderful places to travel in Spain. MEDITERRANEAN Valencia Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city and has the most astonishing architecture. You’ll... - [Five Fabulous ESL Websites to Help Inspire your Next Class](https://ttmadrid.com/five-fabulous-esl-websites-help-inspire-next-class/): As an ESL teacher we spend a LOT of time scouring the web for resources. As many of you know, finding good (AND FREE) materials online is like finding a polar bear in a snow storm, ridiculously time consuming and nearly impossible. Personally I’ve wasted countless hours looking for worksheets, activities etc. only to come out empty handed. Luckily, over my 5 years as a teacher, I’ve found a number of tried and true sites that I now swear by and constantly recommend. Before you embark on your own wild goose chase, check these ESL websites out first! I stumbled upon... - [Where to Travel in Spain in the Summer Part 1](https://ttmadrid.com/where-to-travel-in-spain-in-the-summer-part-1/): “Travel is the only thing that you spend money on that makes you richer”. Any wanderluster would agree. If you so happen to be planning to travel in Spain this summer, you’ll find that your options to explore the country are not only endless but also very different a lot from each other. Every region from Spain is very distinct with its own typical food, drink, sights, weather, music and even languages. In this two-part post, you’ll get a taste of the top places in Spain that are perfect to visit. NORTH OF SPAIN San Sebastián San Sebastián is one of the most famous destinations... - [How to Motivate Your Students to Write in English](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-motivate-your-students-to-write-in-english/): It seems to be a common theme (especially teaching English in Spain) that students want to run before they can walk. Practically every student I have met always wanted to start speaking before learning how to read, write or listen in English. I can definitely understand the intention, but our students usually underestimate how much they really need visual references and how beneficial writing things down could be for them. So, how do you motivate your students to write in English? The solution is pretty simple! First of all, make sure that your students are working together. Pair work is very important; your... - [Step Out of the ESL Classroom and Sneak Grammar into Your Off-site Class](https://ttmadrid.com/step-out-of-the-esl-classroom-and-sneak-grammar-into-your-offsite-class/): Spring is here and your ESL students are thinking more about enjoying the good weather than that fill in the gap you spent ages preparing. This time of year is when you need to be more creative and keep the students engaged and motivated by switching it up and subtly sneaking grammar into some fun activities out of the classroom. Here are a couple of great ideas for off-site learning: Take your students to a museum There are all sorts of exhibitions in Madrid. There are some great free museums, like the Matadero or Espacio Fundación Telefónica and you can enter into some of the more expensive centers for free... - [Where to Get a Good Burger in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/where-to-get-a-good-burger-in-madrid/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It wasn’t always easy to find a good burger in Madrid. My expat friends and I would often complain about missing this typical American delicacy but recently it seems like there’s a new place opening every month. As if you needed an excuse, May has been dubbed ‘burger month’ making it the perfect time to explore all your options. So, cave in to your burger cravings and check out these satisfying burger joints. Goiko Grill The masterminds of Goiko Grill are a Venezuelan family who tirelessly dedicates their time to delivering to their clients one of the best gourmet hamburgers in... - [Eight Rock Solid Activities that Boost Comprehension](https://ttmadrid.com/8-rock-solid-activities-boost-comprehension/): How often have you found yourself in class, feeling that both you and your students are getting a serious case of déjà vu from the repetition of the same old comprehension activities? Rather than always sticking to your one or two go-to exercises, in teaching it’s always the goal to keep your activities fresh and, in turn, keep your students engaged and interested. This is especially important for your long term classes which run over the course of a several months to a few years. To help you avoid planning stale classes, try switching up your activities and popping in a... - [Bringing Theatre into the Classroom](https://ttmadrid.com/bringing-theatre-into-the-classroom/): So, you’ve been teaching your current students for nearly a year now. You’ve gone through board games, dice games, card games… and more dice games. As a teacher, you feel you’ve exhausted your fun activities and your students are a bit… shall we say, wise, to your bag of tricks. You want to finish off the next couple of months before summer with a bang, so how do you do it? Incorporating more creative and active theatre-inspired games might be just the ticket! The best part? Many theatre games can be adapted to various levels and topics, giving you a new... - [The Secrets to Recycling in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/secrets-recycle-like-pro-spain/): Reduce, Reuse, Recycle are words many of us have heard since we were young. While the terminology may differ from country to country, the idea remains the same. Help the planet by recycling materials to be used in other forms in an effort to reduce the impact we each have on this big beautiful blue ball. In this blog we’ll guide you through recycling in Spain and will give you some ideas on how you can reuse some of the things we tend to throw away. Moving to Spain doesn’t mean that you have to stop reducing your carbon footprint! Recycling... - [How to Teach High Level ESL Students](https://ttmadrid.com/teach-high-level-esl-students/): It’s great when your students can maintain a conversation and talk about the same topic for hours but what do you think your students need when their level is so high? Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE Why is teaching high level ESL students challenging even for experienced teachers? The first challenge comes from the fact that teachers forget to re-evaluate their students’ needs every so often. When you have been teaching a class for a long time, your students might get tired of the same daily routine and feel that they are not being challenged enough. A great... - [All You Need is... Organization](https://ttmadrid.com/all-you-need-is-organization/): Let’s take a survey: Do you find yourself digging into your backpack and realizing that some parts of your class are missing? Are your papers so scrambled that giving them out would be an insult to your students? If you’ve answered ‘yes’ then this is the blog post for you. When I first started teaching, I didn’t know what the best way to keep track of all of my classes was. Get ready my little perfectionists, we are going to talk about stationery and organization To start with, when you are running all around the city and teaching in multiple locations, it... - [What makes pronunciation difficult for our students?](https://ttmadrid.com/makes-pronunciation-difficult-students/): Learning English can be frustrating for our students for several reasons: new vocabulary, different word order, lots of extra prepositions, and, of course, pronunciation! So what makes pronunciation difficult for our students? Well, think of the words: through, though, and tough. Even though they all contain “ough,” what do you notice about the vowel sounds in each? How can we help our students crack this code? Phonetics! Or rather: fəˈnetɪks! Suddenly, with phonetics, we can provide our students the key to unlocking the mystery of English pronunciation! through: /θru:/ though: /ðəɒ/ (/ðəʊ/) tough: /tʌf/ At the beginning, this can look strange... - [TEFL Summer Camp Jobs in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-summer-camp-jobs-in-spain/): About 3 years ago I accepted a wonderful position as the head English Teacher at a sleep-away summer camp for 8 weeks in the mountains outside of Burgos, Spain. It was a lot of hard work and long hours but the summer of fun, memories, adventures, and a solid tan more than made up for it! Since I was the only native teacher on-site, it was an amazing opportunity to not only share my culture but to get a more intimate glance into the vibrant culture of Spain as well. Our days were filled with every type of camp activity imaginable... - [Pardon my... Spanish!](https://ttmadrid.com/pardon-my-spanish/): We all know that in order to learn a new language you have make mistakes and prepare yourself to feel a bit embarrassed every now and again. Even though being an English teacher means that you may not have to risk a faux pas in front of an entire class of students, the streets are not such a safe haven. At Tt Towers we have heard plenty of hilarious anecdotes from our grads about their run ins with the Spanish language. Unsurprisingly, a lot of these revolve around “false friends”. These are word pairs (one Spanish word and one English) that... - [How to Have Fun in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-have-fun-in-madrid-2/): The best way to experience a city that never sleeps is with a group of friends who never sleep 😉 All of our graduates form great relationships during their TEFL course but after a few months most branch out and meet some locals as well. That is when you’ll start getting invited to dinner – at midnight! There are pub crawls, language exchanges (Intercambio), football games, dance clubs, themed nights, parties after work, and events specifically for foreigners. The list is never-ending…! If you want to enjoy the cultural experiences that Madrid has to offer, don’t miss the free cinema sessions,... - [Teach English as a non-native speaker](https://ttmadrid.com/teach-english-as-a-non-native-speaker/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you’re a non-native English speaker considering a career change or looking to travel while working, teaching English in Madrid could be the perfect opportunity for you. With its rich culture, vibrant lifestyle, and a growing demand for English teachers, Madrid offers an exciting environment for those eager to share their language skills. Why Teach English in Madrid as a Non-Native Speaker? Madrid is not only the capital of Spain but also a thriving hub for language learning. Here are some compelling reasons to consider teaching English in Madrid: Growing Demand: As more people in Spain seek to improve their English... - [How to stand out from the crowd as a TEFL teacher](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-stand-out-from-the-crowd-as-a-tefl-teacher/): Are you ready to get more high-quality classes and start building a name for yourself as a TEFL teacher? Most English teachers want to know the best ways to increase their timetable and make it more efficient but just don’t know how. TtMadrid’s owner, Natasha Mason, has a few words for all those teachers looking to get ahead of the competition: “If you were working in any other sector, the first thing you would do it establish a brand and get stuck into marketing. Why should teaching English be any different? While the TEFL teaching market is competitive, teachers tend to... - [¡Ya llegó la navidad! What to do in Madrid this Christmas](https://ttmadrid.com/ya-llego-la-navidad-what-to-do-in-madrid-this-christmas/): Madrid is decked in Christmas cheer and there is a ton of ways to enjoy it. If you’re staying in the city for the holidays and looking to take full advantage of your time here, you’ll love this list of  cool things to do in Madrid over the festive period: Christmas Markets Every year more and more fabulous Christmas markets pop up in Madrid where you can find unique presents, live music, and typical food. To get all the info on the different ones around town with schedules and locations check out our Complete Guide to Christmas Markets in Madrid. Nativity Scenes Nativity scenes... - [ESL Praising Students](https://ttmadrid.com/esl-praising-students/): As our graduates know, an important part of TtMadrid’s TEFL course involves positive reinforcement of their students; a process of continuous praise. This is one of the ways to ‘Lower the Affective Filter’, (one of the five hypothesis of Stephen Krashen’s monitor model) and it is recognized as one of the most important elements of second language acquisition. Some ways of praising students can be more effective than others, however. “Teachers are often puzzled about what to do when students don’t make an effort to learn, or when they become discouraged by setbacks or material they perceive to be too difficult […]... - [Are You a Wondtacular Teacher?](https://ttmadrid.com/are-you-a-wondtacular-teacher/): Every so often that one special, ‘wondtacular’ teacher comes along. We all remember the person that motivated us to excel in even the most difficult of subjects.  These teachers go above and beyond the curriculum and textbooks to really engage their students and make a real difference. Think you’re one of them? Teaching English as a foreign language, how many of these traits do you have? Imagination and creativity are a must. This particular type of teacher is constantly inspired by their environment. Whether it be a TV commercial, their colleague, or a simple walk in the park; they use fresh... - [The Complete Guide to Christmas Markets in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/the-complete-guide-to-christmas-markets-in-madrid-2015/): ‘Tis the season to be jolly and there is plenty to be to be jolly about with all the Christmas markets options in Madrid. Madrid’s markets are filled with authentic Spanish gifts and gourmet food and drink. Here I have put together an extensive guide to the options in the capital to get you into the Spanish Christmas spirit: 1. Plaza Mayor (and Plaza de Santa Cruz) This is the most traditional market in Madrid. It’s perfect if you’re looking for figurines, Christmas decorations, or real Christmas trees. You will find some funny prank gifts, as well, and a carousel for kids. Where: Plaza Mayor... - [Where to Buy all Your Thanksgiving Ingredients in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/where-to-get-all-your-thanksgiving-ingredients-in-madrid/): Madrid is an amazing place to live, but it’s impossible not to miss Thanksgiving as an American expat. I hosted my first Thanksgiving in Madrid six years ago and it turned into a scavenger hunt as it was near impossible to find all Thanksgiving ingredients in Madrid!  Download Your FREE Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business English Skills HERE With turkey day just around the corner, I’ve compiled a list on where to find those essential Thanksgiving ingredients that will make you miss home a little less during the holidays: Turkey For most of us, it just doesn’t feel like Thanksgiving without a real turkey! You might... - [Hiking in Madrid: One destination, endless options](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-teachers-guide-to-hiking-in-cercedilla/):   Madrid is a beautiful city with much to offer however if you’re looking for an escape from all of the hustle and bustle I highly recommend hiking in Cercedilla. Nestled in the picturesque mountains just northwest of the city, this town offers a wide variety of trails for hikers at every level. The trails are nicely maintained and autumn is one of the best seasons to visit with all of its fall colors in full swing. Download The COMPLETE Guide to Living and Working in Spain HERE Cercedilla is easily accessible by train (Cercanías) and bus. You can catch one... - [How to Prepare for Your First Day of Class](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-day-of-class/): You’ve been hired as an ESL teacher (congrats!) and now the time has come to put your skills to the test. What will your new students be like and, more importantly, how are you going to prepare for your first day of class? Don’t fret! We have some solid advice to make sure you’re first day at work goes like clockwork.   GET AS MUCH INFO AS POSSIBLE ABOUT THE CLASS Before you start, ask the director of studies some questions to understand the class better. Start with the basics: Will it be adults or children? What will the class size be?... - [5 Fail-Proof Games for Kids' English Classes](https://ttmadrid.com/5-fail-proof-games-for-kids-english-classes/):   The best way for children to learn is through kinesthetic activities, whether it’s singing and dancing, TPR, or traditional games. It’s an essential part to get and keep their attention in class. After six years of teaching ESL to children, I’ve tried out many different games with a range of ages and group sizes. These are my top 5 fail-proof games for kids’ English classes. I think that you’ll find that they’re engaging for almost every kind of level and type of student and adaptable to most group sizes. Hope it helps out! Find Your Twin Ahead of time, write the same... - [Who takes a TEFL course?](https://ttmadrid.com/who-takes-a-tefl-course/): If you’re interested in completing a TEFL course to be able to travel abroad to teach English as a second language, you might be wondering ‘Who takes a TEFL course?‘ All kinds of people, is the short answer. We’ve seen a huge range of people walk in through our doors. This includes people anywhere from 18 to 72 years old, English speaking natives and non-natives from all over the world, and with a variety of professional backgrounds. They usually have the same kinds of things in common like the desire to make a career change, to live an adventure, or to have the freedom to travel with... - [Language Show Live](https://ttmadrid.com/language-show-live/): We are pleased to announce that we will be attending and participating in Language Show Live in London held the 16th, 17th, and 18th of October. LSL is an annual expo specifically designed for language guru’s. Students, teachers, translators or whatever other language related job will find their special place at this festival! LAE Madrid and TtMadrid will be presenting at ‘TEFL Stand #45’. Don´t miss out on the opportunity to stop by and meet us! Natasha and Karmen will be there to greet and inform you about our TEFL course and Spanish classes here in Madrid as well as answer... - [Using Realia With Your Students](https://ttmadrid.com/using-realia-with-your-students/): Are you looking for ways to spruce up your ESL lessons? Have your students requested more practical lessons that will improve their understanding and level of conversational English? Why not use realia in your classes?! Don’t know what realia is? Fear not, we will introduce it to you and give you some ideas of how to incorporate it into your classroom. So what exactly is realia? Realia is everyday objects, such as newspapers and train tickets, used in the classroom to enhance the students´ learning process in the target language. These authentic materials aid the teacher in delivering the most realistic... - [Virtual tools to flip a classroom](https://ttmadrid.com/virtual-tools-to-flip-a-classroom/): In our latest post we spoke about how to flip a classroom . Here you will find some tools and examples to make this task easier and a lot of fun! Create Virtual Walls Padlet & Murally: Virtual walls that allow people to build up content on a common topic. It’s like an online canvas with personalized backgrounds were people (as many as you want to) can put images, videos, documents, text. Creating video lessons or interactive videos Edpuzzle: An absolutely amazing tool! Edpuzzle collaborates with brands such as Vimeo, TedEd, Youtube and you can choose any video you want, trim it, record... - [Flipping an ESL Class](https://ttmadrid.com/flipping-an-efl-class/): It’s not unusual to be reading an educational article and come across the concept of the “flipped classroom,” but… what does flipping an ESL class mean? A flipped class is one that modifies the traditional cycle of content acquisition and the way it’s applied so that students gain the necessary knowledge before class then the instructors encourage them to clarify and apply what they’ve learnt on practical activities during the class. What are the benefits?   It allows students to learn at their own pace. They can take as much time as they need to read an article or watch a... - [A grad's review](https://ttmadrid.com/a-students-review/): When you think about Spain, teaching English is definitely not the first thing that comes to mind. For me, these two things were always inseparable so naturally my path led me to Madrid a couple of months ago and now I’m a TtMadrid grad.  As a non-native speaker coming from a small country called Croatia, English has become my passport, which allowed me and  continues to allow me to travel around the world and experience different cultures and people.  The course here at Tt was something that excited me and something I dreaded at the same time. I dreaded an intensive... - [How to Succeed with Spanish!](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-succeed-with-spanish/): Moved to Spain yet you still can´t manage to string 3 sentences together in Spanish? We know lots of cases of expats who, despite living and working in Madrid for however long, have not learnt very much Spanish and are always left embarrassed when the waiter asks them something and all they can do is blush. Here are some ideas for you to make the most of your time living in Spain and to try and improve your Spanish in the most effective way possible. Make your world Spanish! Firstly, make your entire world Spanish. It seems obvious, but although you might... - [8 Things That Happen When You Return To the States After Living In Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/living-in-spain/): 8 Things That Happen When You Return To the States After Living In Spain When I first ventured to Spain in September 2011 to teach English, I had absolutely no idea what I was in for. My international travel experience was minimal at best and none of those trips included Europe. Over the last 3.5 years I´ve fallen in love with Spain and its culture. I actually didn´t realize how much so in fact until I went home for a visit after my first year. To say I had a bit of a culture shock would be a huge understatement! I´ve... - [7 Tips for nailing a TEFL Interview](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-nail-a-tefl-interview/): Attending an interview for a teaching job in the TEFL market is often a shock to graduates who have recently completed their TEFL certificate course. In many countries where the market is very buoyant, you can often wonder when the TEFL interview is going to start and they are already offering you hours. This was certainly the case in Madrid a couple of years ago. There was such a need for English teachers that you would often get phone calls offering your jobs without actually attending an interview. Whilst this was great, it also meant it was hard to control the... - [TEFL Teaching: Business English](https://ttmadrid.com/teaching-business-english/): TEFL Teaching: Business English This article is about teaching business English. From a personal point of view, this has always been my favourite form of teaching English. My experience is in Madrid, Spain but this advice covers most countries with teaching Business English. I was lucky to have a strong business background in law and HR so it felt like a natural route for me to take. However many of my graduates get very nervous about teaching business English, especially if they are new graduates with limited experience in the business world What are you teaching? The first thing to remember... - [Tips to teach ESL beginners](https://ttmadrid.com/tips-to-teach-esl-beginners/): The extremes are usually the most difficult. How do I teach students who know nothing or the students who know everything? What kind of activities to choose? What are the tricks? Probably the biggest fear of all teachers, who are just starting to teach, are absolute beginners. The questions that teachers usually ask are ¨what if they don´t understand me?¨ or ¨what if the lesson is too easy?¨. And these two are really valuable questions, because normally there is a huge variety within the level, some students already know how to conjugate the verb ¨to be¨ and some of them barely... - [Teacher assistant in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/teacher-assistant-in-madrid/): Sometimes I think a meme like this really does represent a lot of my life as an English teacher in Madrid. However, in my mind teaching is a mixture of “what my friends think I do” and “what I think I do”. The TRUTH is, sometimes life as a teacher assistant in Madrid can be challenging, but it is after a “stressful” week that I take the time to realize how lucky I am and that most of my problems are first world! For me, having a bad day here and there reminds me WHY I STILL LOVE BEING AN ENGLISH... - [Teaching Phonetics](https://ttmadrid.com/teaching-phonetics/): Most TEFL teachers don’t know where to start when it comes to teaching phonetics and pronunciation. Firstly, it’s important to remember that most of your students will love learning phonetics. It is as if you’ve given them the secret password to the complexities of the English spoken language! Over the next few blogs, we are going to cover the following: Getting started with phonetics Establishing your goals as a phonetics teacher How to introduce phonetics to lower levels How to introduce phonetics to higher levels The erotic sound of rhotic (American and Canadian English). Activities for lower levels Activities for higher... - [Most memorable experiences as Director Of Studies](https://ttmadrid.com/memorable-experiences-director-of-studies/): Since becoming Director of Studies in October 2013, there have been so many fun, hilarious, crazy, incredibly satisfying and unforgettable moments. Although I deliver the same course every month, the different individuals who walk through our door on day 1 of every course ensure that no two courses ever feel identical. After almost 18 months in the role, today I will be looking back at some of my most memorable experiences here at TtMadrid. Here at TtMadrid we are strong believers that solid planning will always stand you in very good stead. However, some of my most memorable moments are those... - [Who is waiting for you at TtMadrid?](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadridteam/): Who is waiting for you at TtMadrid? 2014 was a year of growth here at TtMadrid in every single aspect of the word. Another year brings new objectives, more experience, new anecdotes and memories. You, as a trainee, see in TtMadrid the opportunity to broaden your horizons and become certified English teachers. In order to achieve this, we are constantly seeking to meet and exceed your expectations, to prepare you to go out there and succeed. 2014 was a great year with lots of trainees, which required an expansion of our team! So… who is who in the office? Natasha is... - [Non-native and TEFL, yes!](https://ttmadrid.com/non-native-and-tefl-yes/): How difficult could it be? What should you expect if you are a non-native English speaker doing a TEFL course at TtMadrid? Being the only person whose mother language is not English in a course  of 19 it was quite intimidating at first, but with all the support and encouragement from my TtMadrid trainers, I managed to gain the necessary confidence. Before I joined the course I was level tested by the director of studies who kept reminding me that if my level of English was not good enough, they never would have admitted me. So, it was all about believing... - [How to have fun in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-have-fun-in-madrid/): Madrid is such a fun place, and you can fall into fun around every other corner, so we are not sure you even need an article about this! But for those of you who haven’t experienced Madrid – here are some sneek peeks at what fun you can have! The best way to experience a city that never sleeps is to visit with a bunch of friends that never sleep! All of our graduates find their new family on their TEFL course but after a few months most branch out and meet some locals as well. That is when you start... - [Types of ESL students](https://ttmadrid.com/types-of-esl-students/):   Having spent the last six years here in Madrid as a TEFL teacher and as the Director of Studies at TtMadrid, I frequently get asked what I love most about my job. Many people find it hard to believe that the passion to teach grammar, create lesson plans and prepare dynamic class activities is still sustaining my love for what I do! The answer to this question, however, is incredibly simple. The vast array of students that I have taught over the years makes it virtually impossible for any two classes to ever feel the same, meaning that my job... - [How to write a TEFL CV](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-write-a-tefl-cv/): A guide to getting new TEFL jobs in Spain with advice and tips - [How to sell yourself](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-sell-yourself/): How to sell yourself as a TEFL teacher in Spain Have you ever wondered how to get more high quality TEFL classes and start building a name for yourself? I think we’ve all been there; thinking and thinking some more about what to do to increase our timetable and fill in those gaps that sometimes feel like such a waste of time. Whilst the TEFL teaching market is competitive, teachers tend to be very low key about marketing themselves and seeing themselves as a brand.  This article gives you some tips to help you stand out from the crowd and build... - [TtMadrid TEFL Course](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrid-trainers/): Here’s a sneak peek into what it’s like to do the TtMadrid TEFL Course!         - [Outdoor Class Ideas](https://ttmadrid.com/outdoor-class-ideas/): Take advantage of the beautiful weather here in Madrid and expand your classroom to the outdoors! Here are a few game ideas for big groups that we have put together at TtMadrid.  Games are a great way to get your students active and excited about English. Point to remember when using games in the classroom: Modeling is key – less talk and more show. Keep your instructions as simple as you can without multi-layering. Commit to the game – go in confident when demonstrating the game and your students will take it just as seriously!   1.The mutiny of Esquilache (variation... - [A day in Toledo](https://ttmadrid.com/a-day-in-toledo/): Once the capital of Spain, Toledo is a cultural goldmine.  Because of its close proximity and it´s rich history, Toledo is a ¨must do¨ for every TEFL teacher in Madrid.  Having been around since the Bronze Age, Toledo is a living timeline of a plethora of cultures which ruled over hundreds of years. Examples can mainly be seen in the architecture but also in the food and traditions of the people today. Toledo is easily accessible by car, train, and bus. Car You can take the R-5 and AP-41 to get to Toledo.  The trip takes about one hour and both roads are toll... - [Tips for reducing TTT](https://ttmadrid.com/tips-for-reducing-ttt-teacher-talk-time-in-tefl-8/): Obviously as a teacher when you are teaching you need to teach which generally means talking!  However, if you speak too much you take away the opportunities for your students to peer teach, interact and practice their speaking skills.  Here are some basic tips for reducing TTT and increasing STT: Don’t read out the questions for them to answer from the worksheet. They can do that and gives you an opportunity to work on some pronunciation with them Have a list of eliciation questions ready to keep a discussion going If you have planned a pair work activity and have an... - [Life saving activities](https://ttmadrid.com/life-saving-activities-for-the-tefl-classroom/): Once I finished my TEFL program here in Madrid, I had to think of some life saving activities that could be applied to many grammar or vocabulary topics and are affordable. This is when I started collecting different objects and thinking of how I could use them in the class. Here’s a few examples of things I found and how I was able to adapt them to my lessons. Just about any random items you have laying around can be adapted to your class. All you need is a little imagination and creativity! The kit consisted of: 20 candles, a bottle... - [Autorización de Regreso](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-get-an-autorizacion-de-regreso-2/): You might have heard some of your fellow expats talking about an “autorización de regreso” and told that you should get one. So what is it exactly? (NOTE: I am not a lawyer! This advice is from my own personal experience. The autorización de regreso is a form you need to travel in and out of Spain if: a. Your TIE has expired and you’ve submitted documents to renew it b. You haven’t yet received a TIE because you are new to Spain, but have documents showing that you’ve submitted all of the paperwork, or c. You will be traveling outside... - [How to find an apartment in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-find-an-apartment/): Are you wondering how to find an apartment in Madrid right now? When deciding where to live in the Spanish capital, it can often be difficult to find the perfect mix of the right location, an affordable price and the type of flat you’re looking for.  We know everything there is to know about where to live and how to find the right ‘piso’ (Spanish for apartment) when moving to Madrid and here we give you a guide to how to find the perfect flat. What you will need: Access to a computer A separate email account from your personal account... - [How yo find an apartment in Madrid: Part 2](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-find-an-apartment-2/): How to find an apartment in Madrid: Part 2 After reading Part 1, you now have the tools you need to look for a piso. Now what? First, here are some phrases that will help you to find the right apartment for you. Vocabulary to know: habitación – room piso – apartment alquilar – to rent amueblado – furnished ascensor/ sin ascensor  – elevator/ no elevator fumador/ no fumador – smoking/ non-smoking calefacción – heating mascota/ sin mascota – pets/ no pets fianza – deposit gastos – utilities Phrases to know: ¿Hay internet/ calefacción/ aire acondicionado/ un ascensor? – Is there internet/... - [Why have a warmer?](https://ttmadrid.com/why-have-warmers/): I’ve come across a couple of good sites with warmer activities and wanted to share them as well as remember why we should include them. Remember when you were back — or event currently — in school. Which classes did you enjoy? Which teachers did you like? What was it about the teachers and their classes that made it enjoyable? Chances are they had some kind of warm-up activity to get you thinking and pique your interest. As teachers, especially teaching English to foreigners, we need to get our students relaxed and thinking in English. Starting the class off with, “Open... - [Moving to Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/moving-to-madrid/): The first time I landed in Madrid was to study abroad for a semester in college, this was the start of a lot of firsts for me. First time I’d ever left the country, first time I’d ever been on a plane, first time English wouldn’t be my primary language. I remember sitting on the plane in Chicago and my friend looking over at me and saying “You are unusually calm given that this is your first plane ride, aside from the fact that we are going to live in another country.” I didn’t really have an answer then. I just... - [Travel tips: Do I need a visa to go there?](https://ttmadrid.com/travel-tips-do-i-need-a-visa-to-go-there/): Hello fellow expats! Many of us are starting to look toward making spring break plans and as I was thinking of places I’d like to go, I realized I had no idea if I’d need a visa to go to some of these places. Luckily the American Dept. of State passport office has a very easy-to-use site that breaks it down and also has any travel alerts posted. With your current NIE from Spain you should be fine traveling within the European Union, including countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement. For non-Americans, a quick Google search will bring you... - [Getting around Madrid - How do I get an abono monthly pass?](https://ttmadrid.com/getting-around-madrid-how-do-i-get-an-abono-monthly-pass/): I ran into some of my classmates from the TtMadrid TEFL course this past weekend and as a Madrid veteran, was asked a lot about how to get an abono monthly pass, so I’ll break it down for anyone else having trouble: If you are under 26 years old, you will get a youth (joven) card that is only 20€ a month and includes all zones for Madrid. If you are 26 years old or older, the price for zone A for a month pass is 54,60€. You can check all the prices on the official webpage. You can fill out an online... - [TtMadrid’s TEFL course: Days 17-20 (And DONE!!)](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrids-tefl-course-days-17-20-and-done/): So excited to be almost done with the TEFL course!! Day 17 Lots of grammar review today, but I needed it because the accreditation company wants us to be able to not only identify verb tenses, but to give definitions of them. The definitions parts I’m having trouble with because some are really close. I feel good about phonetics, but I’m sure I’ll make a mistake or two transcribing a word into the correct symbols. The other things like identifying all parts of the sentence I feel good about, so we’ll see how it goes tomorrow! Day 18 Grammar exam is... - [TtMadrid’s TEFL course: Days 14-16](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrids-tefl-course-days-14-16/): I’m learning so much at TtMadrid!! Day 14 Today was the first class I had to teach without any prior materials given to me; it was all original stuff that I found and created for my lesson. Overall it went well but as soon as I started the listening I could see from my student’s expression that it was  waaaaaay too fast. And then she made a comment that it was also hard to distinguish the two (male) voices. Crap! So, I had to amend that part of the lesson, but the rest of it went well and I got my... - [TtMadrid’s TEFL course: Days 11-13](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrids-tefl-course-days-11-13/): I can’t believe we’re already on Week 3 od TtMadrid’s TEFL course! Day 11 I had my second teaching lesson today and taught a C1 class. It went really well and I’m happy with the feedback. I have two more teaching lessons this week, one of which has a rough outline and the other I need to look up some information first. Our group project is due next Monday, but luckily my group has been on top of that. So, at the moment I feel good about the workload and feel on track with everything. I think once I get something... - [TtMadrid's TEFL course: Days 9-10](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrids-tefl-course-days-9-10/): Almost half way through TtMadrid’s TEFL course 🙂 Day 9 I wasn’t sure what to expect from Phonetics class, but it’s just clicking and I’m loving it! It’s like a puzzle…or using a different part of the brain…? Anyway, I don’t have it down after just two classes, but it’s so far been coming pretty easily. We met with our Learner Profilee to give the Needs Analysis questionnaire that we created and also a speaking test with questions that we created to help us analyze students’ levels. Luckily our student has a good level! Day 10 We spent a good part... - [TtMadrid's TEFL course: Days 4-6](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrids-tefl-course-days-4-6/): The TEFL course continues… Day 4: Things are clicking into place. It´s becoming more obvious where my fellow students and I have strengths and weaknesses. I feel really comfortable with the grammar classes (well, so far. I shouldn´t get over-confident). We’re putting into practice the method (theory) by reviewing the classes we’ve just had and writing an outline of what we’ve just learned into the lesson plan format. We were given our teaching schedule assignments and I only have one class next week, but three classes the third week. My last teaching class is the last hour of the last day!... - [TtMadrid's TEFL course: Days 1-3](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrids-tefl-course-days-1-3/): I’ve started the 4-week intensive TEFL course at TtMadrid and will be sharing my daily reflections. Feel free to ask any questions – or if you’ve completed the course, any advice! Day 1 So. Much. Information. I think it took about an hour for my head not to feel so numb. But, that normally happens on the first day of class or the first day of a new job. I’m a little overwhelmed with all of the paperwork. I knew we were going to have to prepare lessons and teach, but the theory that goes into the lesson plans is going... - [Best of Madrid Food](https://ttmadrid.com/best-of-madrid-food/): The Best of Madrid Food As much time as I have spent teaching English in Madrid; I have spent an equal amount of time trying to keep my favorite spots and restaurants a secret. I like having places I consider my own. I guess I always felt if the places I frequented ended up crowded with tourists, they would no longer have a local vibe to them or be special to me. It’s like telling someone the directions to the Holy Grail. But now that I am leaving Madrid I think it is pertinent that I share some of my ‘secret’... - [7 Questions That Prospective English Teachers Ask](https://ttmadrid.com/7-questions-that-prospective-english-teachers-ask/): If you’re a current English teacher in Spain, you’ve surely been asked these questions by friends who want to do the same thing. If you’re thinking of being an English teacher in Madrid, you probably have these questions. The lazy part of me decided to draw from my personal experience and write this so I won’t have to answer the same questions over and over. My fellow English teachers: if you’re that lazy person (like me) tired of answering the same questions, send this along to your friends. To those of you on-the-fence about teaching in Madrid, take a look (Note:... - [TEFL Teacher: Lisa](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-teacher-lisa/): Lisa is our new TEFL teacher, who will contribute to our Teaching English blog. She will be providing her adventures as an English Teacher/TEFL teacher in Madrid. Here is a little bit about her! A lot of people ask me, ¨Why did you want to move to Spain?¨ The answer goes back to when I was growing up and seeing the collection of figurines and other souvenirs from my grandma who has traveled all over the world, including her flamenco dolls and Don Quixote and Sancho Panza figurines. I wanted to see these places too. However, the thought of going so... - [The Good Life: Cultural Differences Between American and Spanish Schoolchildren](https://ttmadrid.com/the-good-life-cultural-differences-between-american-and-spanish-schoolchildre/): Spanish children have it made. Spanish children live a sweet life. There is no denying this fact. Don’t even try to argue with me because this whole article is going to prove you wrong point by point. Before embarking on this crazy adventure to teach English in Madrid, I considered many things. I wondered what the food would be like, if I would FINALLY get over my ex (and I did :-P!), if my Spanish would get better, if I would make enough money teaching English (I do), how often I would travel, what it would be like to be a... - [3 trips not to miss while teaching English in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/desirable-destinations-3-trips-not-to-miss-while-teaching-in-spain/):   One of the perks of teaching English in Spain is all the time I have to travel. Often English teachers have 4-day work schedules, teaching between 20 to 25 hours a week, and flights are pretty cheap from Madrid. Once you are done lesson planning you can focus on extracurricular activities like traveling!  I’ve been to Italy, Ireland, England, Germany, and France, not to mention all over Spain. There are three that top my list for easily accessible destinations from Madrid: Portugal, Morocco and Northern Spain. These are the perfect places to visit when there is a long weekend or on Christmas... - [Madrid Bucket List](https://ttmadrid.com/madrid-bucket-list/): My Madrid Bucket List I’m sure that those of you that have been living in Madrid for a couple years or longer, whether you are TEFL teachers, teaching English in Madrid as an assistant, studying, etc know the feeling of having “seen it all, done it all”. You have visited the museums and done the weekend day trips. You’ve spent hours in Templo Debod (or your preferred park) botellon-ing (a Spanish term which means -essentially getting your drink on with as many friends as possible in a public plaza, park, etc.), tanning (in my case, burning) and even exercising! Four years... - [I'm already TEFL certified and want to teach in Madrid... BUT HOW?](https://ttmadrid.com/im-already-tefl-certified-and-want-to-teach-in-madrid-but-how/): I’m already TEFL certified and want to teach in Madrid… BUT HOW? Many get TEFL or CELTA certified outside the country they would like to teach/live in. This is NO problem! If you do not carry an EU passport you are still able to teach, live and travel in Spain. Can I get a work visa to teach English? This is highly unlikely. To obtain a work visa you need to prove that your skill can not be done by a Spaniard or person in the EU. Teaching English often never falls in that category. So what can I do to teach and live... - [Meet Our TEFL grad, Jon!](https://ttmadrid.com/meet-our-tefld-teacher-jon/): Jon George, originally from San Francisco, U.S.A., is our recent TEFL grad from the course in August 2012, has found a special niche for himself in Madrid. His ‘Madrid’ story begins with his desire to create an adventure. After college the traditional 9 to 5 schedule was of little interest to him, he valued his youth and thought the better step after college was to create an adventure that would be more valuable than an entry level job.  With his sights set on teaching abroad, he searched for a teaching programs. With a friends recommendation he decided to look into TtMadrid. In... - [Wish you were here: 12 Last Minute Semana Santa Destinations](https://ttmadrid.com/wish-you-were-here-12-last-minute-semana-santa-destinations/): This time last year I remember going back and forth with my group of friends about one very important question: WHAT TO DO FOR SEMANA SANTA? On the beach in Malaga, Semana Santa 2012 In the last week leading up to our sweet vacay from teaching, we had landed on visiting old roommates in Paris, but still hadn’t bought our tickets. Then, a close friend from home, who was also teaching in Madrid, called and told me her mom surprised her with a FREE time share in Malaga and asked me to join her on the beach for the week. Why... - [Meet Our TEFL Course grad of the Month, Carolina!](https://ttmadrid.com/meet-our-tefld-teacher-of-the-month-carolina/): Meet our TEFL Course grad Carolina! Carolina is originally from Canterbury Kent in England and she completed her TEFL certification August 2012 course after being inspired by her cousin, who came to Madrid to teach English and had an amazing experience.  She was looking for the opportunity she hadn’t taken advantage of in university, to live abroad and hone another language. Prior to teaching, Carolina completed a few internships in factual television production in London before deciding to make the move to Madrid and signed up to TtMadrid. What ultimately attracted her specifically to TtMadrid was the welcoming and informational website... - [A TEFL Teacher's: Guide to El Rastro](https://ttmadrid.com/a-tefl-teachers-guide-to-el-rastro/): As a TEFL teacher in Madrid, an ABSOLUTE must do is visit El Rastro.  It’s a giant open-air flea market which stretches from neighborhood (barrio) Embajadores to La Latina and hosts approximately 3,500 stalls (casitas). It’s open every Sunday from 9am to 3pm.  Although it is now known as a place to find just about anything, it is believed to have began as a market for leather.  A slaughter house close by would sell leather and other animal products there on certain days of the week.  Over time the commercial activity and success attracted other vendors, which eventually made  ‘El Rastro’... - [A TEFL Teacher's: Guide to Public & Private Pools in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/a-tefl-teachers-guide-to-public-private-pools-in-madrid/): Madrid is a beautiful city and a very popular year-round holiday destination. People flock in hoards to the city for the beautiful architecture, lively culture, and wonderful weather.  However, there is one thing that all tourists and Spaniards understand; in the summer it gets HOT! Now that you’re living here teaching English and summer is fast approaching you’ll soon understand this as well. While there are many ways to beat the heat, one of the most refreshing activities is jumping into a pool of cool water.  Unless otherwise stated all pools are open on average between 10am – 9pm and cost... - [A TEFL Teacher's: Guide to Discounts in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/a-tefl-teachers-guide-to-discounts-in-madrid/): While Madrid is already far less expensive than other big cities such as London and NYC, things still add up. Fortunately for you, if you are teaching through the TtMadrid program, you will have a student ID card. If you flash it in the right places, it will save you tons!  Here at TtMadrid we have compiled a list of discounts in Madrid. Yay! Transportation Metro & Bus- If you are under the age of 26 you can apply for an Abono Joven.  It is 20 euro! Alsa- Offer discounted fairs to students and customers under the age of 25. Culture Museums... - [A TEFL Teacher's Quick Stress Busters for the Classroom](https://ttmadrid.com/a-tefl-teachers-quick-stress-busters-for-the-classroom/): Let’s face it.  As much as you love it…teaching abroad can be downright stressful!  We can’t always control what life throws at us but we can control how we react to it.  We all have those days where we’ve exhausted ourselves after preparing for a complex new lesson, just to get to class to find a room full of uninterested students. Maybe they’re being loud and antsy, or they just can’t seem to concentrate because they’ve got other things on their minds. This can be very discouraging and you may very well feel your blood pressure slowly rising.  Before you explode, use some of these... - [ESL Pronunciation s and z sounds](https://ttmadrid.com/esl-pronunciation/): Useful tips for pronunciation practice activities in the ESL classroom. This post focuses on the 's' and 'z' problems that ESL learners encounter when learning English - [TEFL and Technology](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-and-technology/): Using technology in the TEFL classroom, video, podcasts and interactive white boards - [In the TEFL classroom: level or competency?](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-in-the-classroom-level-or-competency/): TEFL and how to deal with confidence in the classroom. Looking at the different between level and competency. - [TEFL Resource Websites](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-resource-websites/): TEFL resources and websites that will make teaching more fun - [How can you know the TEFL course is legit?](https://ttmadrid.com/how-can-you-know-the-tefl-course-is-legit/): How to find a TEFL course that is legit. - [Who takes a TEFL course part 2](https://ttmadrid.com/who-takes-a-tefl-course-part-2/): A introduction to the types of people who take a TEFL course in Madrid Spain. - [Who takes a TEFL Course? Part 1](https://ttmadrid.com/who-takes-a-tefl-course-part-1/): Part 1 which gives insights into new university graduates who take a TEFL course in order to get TEFL jobs. - [TEFL Jobs Spain: Private Classes](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-jobs-spain-private-classes/): Tips for TEFL job in the private sector in Madrid and Spain - [Simple warmer for low level](https://ttmadrid.com/simple-warmer-low-level/): ‘Tell me about yourself’ is a simple warmer that most teachers use to start with a new group. However, it rarely ever gets an enthusiastic response as the students have done it a thousand times before. This is even more challenging when it’s a low level group such as elementary and pre-intermediate where you can’t have a discussion. If the students have a lower level, the ‘star gam’e can be a simple and effective warmer for a first class. To play, you draw a star on the board and at each point write some information about yourself. Example Natasha, Madrid, England 36, chocolate,... - [Tips for a Successful TEFL interview](https://ttmadrid.com/tips-for-a-successful-tefl-interview/): On the last day of the course you’ll go through a mock TEFL interview to get you ready for the real world as a newly certified English teacher. Woohoo! The interview lasts about 7 minutes and to help you improve you’ll get immediate feedback. The interview is part of your final grade. These are 3 tips that will help you ace it: Tip 1 On your TEFL course you will have completed a whole range of coursework and lesson plans. Take your best lesson plans with you and the materials you have created. Show the interviewer the type of lesson that... - [Day 4 TEFL Course](https://ttmadrid.com/day-4-tefl-course/): Day 4 TEFL course is a great day as the trainees get their first UNL class.  The Unknown Natural Language element of the course is for the trainees to understand what it is like to be an absolute beginner, how it feels and to see the methodology in practice. When I do the interviews for prospective trainees, they don’t understand how it is possible to teach English when they don’t know how to speak Spanish.  The UNL shows how this is done by only speaking the language they are learning with no English in the classroom. Today the trainees learnt Thai... - [Day 3 - TEFL Course](https://ttmadrid.com/day-3-tefl-course/): Day 3 in the TEFL course and it was time to do my display in class.  Business English has always been my specialty but over the years I have gained extensive experience teaching elementary groups.   They are a really rewarding level to teach and you see real progress every class. The hardest part about teaching this level with adults, is you are often teaching vocab that you would teach children, colours; animals; days of the week; etc.  The skill is teaching these topics in an adult way and creating a respectful and supportive atmosphere in the classroom. Again snow meant that my usual... - [Day 2 - TEFL Course](https://ttmadrid.com/day-2-tefl-course/): Day 2 is the day it dawns on our trainees that the ‘intensive’ bit we put in front of the name of our TEFL course, might actually mean ‘intensive’. The January group have really bonded and whilst there are only 2 guys on the course, they are certainly holding their own.  They go out for lunch together, go off to get their mobile phones and are becoming a very supportive team. Today was the day when the trainees got to see their first class. Megan did a display intermediate class and Temura a display pre-intermediate class.  There was certainly lots of... - [TEFL Course](https://ttmadrid.com/day-1-of-a-tefl-course/): On day one of the TEFL course, we jump straight in.  We have only 4 short weeks and there isn’t a minute to lose. The Director of Studies kicks off the day with a fun warmer (2 truths and a lie) which gives you some very funny insights to your new classmates and help get over the first-day nerves! We then move to the introduction to the school, the timetable and how the days will run.  We talk about the rules of the school which mainly are about respect for your peers, trainers and especially the students who attend the free... - [An Introduction to TEFL](https://ttmadrid.com/introduction-to-tefl/): When I signed up for my TEFL (oh so many moons ago), I had absolutely no idea what to expect.   These days there is much more information on the TEFL websites. Facebook and a whole range of forums talking about it but still trainees come to the course with very little idea about what they are in for! The next series of posts will track the progress of our current January course.  A mix of Americans, Brits, Irish, Dutch and Maltese, our own little United Nation.  They are between mid-twenties to mid-thirties. We introduced the group to each other last... - [TEFL websites and resources](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-websites-and-resources/): There are an amazing number of TEFL websites out there to help you prepare for teaching your English classes.  There are sites that give you step by step lesson plans and others that give you ideas, games and resources to complement your classes. Over the next few weeks, I will be  looking at a range of the websites available.  Today is a look  at www.onestopenglish.com . I personally think they have done a great job and the quality of their website is excellent and really easy to navigate. The site used to be completely free but now has paid sections (they... - [January is the time for TEFL](https://ttmadrid.com/january-is-the-time-for-tefl-2/): TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) has its own ebb and flow.  August for example in Madrid is a month for travelling, visiting friends and family or doing a TEFL course – it is not a time to start teaching. January however, is a great month for a new beginning.  Many companies start new programs, teachers have left during the Christmas break and their hours need covering, the private market has a boom as Spaniards decide their new year’s resolution is to improve their English.  All of these contribute to a booming teaching market. For newbies, it is a great... - [How to Start Your Spanish Student Visa Application](https://ttmadrid.com/spanish-student-visa-application/): Studying in Spain is more than a change of scenery. It can be the beginning of a completely new chapter: developing your Spanish, gaining international experience and building a life in a city such as Madrid. Before you start planning your arrival, however, there is one important process to understand: applying for your Spanish student visa. The exact student visa application process depends on where you live, your nationality, the length and type of your studies, and your personal circumstances. However, every application should begin in the same place: identifying the Spanish Consulate responsible for your address and reading its current... - [The Summer Lifestyle Hack: Why July is the Smartest Time to Plan Your TEFL in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/why-plan-tefl-course-madrid-july/): July is the Smartest Time to Plan Your TEFL in Madrid Most professionals looking to escape corporate burnout and pivot to a career change teach abroad adventure assume they have to wait until late autumn to make their move. They anchor their timelines to late September or October, thinking they need to land right when the traditional school year gets into full swing. But if you are sitting at your corporate desk in July, feeling the weight of another unfulfilling quarter, waiting until autumn is a massive tactical mistake. Here is the real secret of the Madrid expat market: Madrid’s English... - [NIE vs TIE in Spain: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Spanish Red Tape](https://ttmadrid.com/nie-vs-tie-in-spain-the-ultimate-guide-to-surviving-spanish-red-tape/): NIE vs TIE in Spain: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Spanish Red Tape Picture this: You have finally built up the courage to escape the corporate grind back home. You packed your life into two suitcases, whispered a sweet goodbye to your uninspiring desk job, and hopped on a flight to Madrid. You are ready for sun-drenched afternoons, vibrant tapas bars, and a meaningful new chapter teaching English. But then, you hit your very first bureaucratic brick wall. You start reading expat forums, and suddenly you are drowning in an alphabet soup of Spanish acronyms. Do I need a NIE? Wait,... - [Teaching English in Madrid: My Favorite Moments and Off-Script Debates](https://ttmadrid.com/teaching-english-madrid-real-moments/) - [Why Football Is the Fastest Conversation Starter in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/football-fastest-conversation-starter-madrid/): In Madrid, a football conversation doesn’t require a formal invitation. A match playing on a corner TV in a neighborhood taberna, a group of friends huddled over a phone screen on the Metro, or a casual exclamation about last night’s referee decision is all it takes to spark a 20-minute chat with a complete stranger. For anyone new to the city, sport is the ultimate social entry point. It is a ready-made piece of daily life that allows you to bypass the awkward small talk and step straight into the local rhythm. At TtMadrid, we remind our TEFL trainees that true... - [Beyond the Pitch: How the “Language of Sport” Is Your Secret Social Key to Life in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/football-connects-you-to-madrid/): In Madrid, the loudest conversations don’t happen in libraries or quiet offices; they happen in the three-foot space between two stools at a neighborhood taberna. As June 2026 approaches and the World Cup atmosphere begins to sizzle, a unique phenomenon takes over the city. It isn’t just about the scoreboard. In Madrid, sport is a social equalizer. It is a common vocabulary of emotion, routine, and belonging that transcends “perfect Spanish.” For a new English teacher arriving at TtMadrid, understanding this “Language of Sport” is the fastest way to turn a city of strangers into a neighborhood of friends. The Psychological... - [The Rhythm of Life in Madrid: How the City Brings People Together](https://ttmadrid.com/the-rhythm-of-life-in-madrid-how-the-city-brings-people-together/): The Rhythm of Life in Madrid: Finding Your Flow in the Heart of Spain Madrid is a city that doesn’t just move; it breathes. For those arriving from cultures driven by speed and productivity, the local pace can feel like a mystery at first. But understanding the rhythm of life in Madrid is the secret to moving from being a spectator to truly belonging. This isn’t about rushing to the next appointment; it’s about a flow that prioritizes connection, balance, and everyday human interaction. The Social Architecture of a Madrid Day Madrid’s rhythm is shaped by its unique timing and social... - [Why Teaching Gives Structure to Life Abroad](https://ttmadrid.com/why-teaching-gives-structure-to-life-abroad/): Moving abroad often sounds like freedom. More space. More possibility. A chance to start again. But psychologically, too much openness can feel unsettling. When everything is new, your mind is working harder than usual. You are making more decisions, reading unfamiliar social cues, and trying to feel steady in a place that still does not fully feel like yours. That is why the first stage of life abroad can feel exciting and disorienting at the same time. Teaching helps with that. Not because it removes uncertainty, but because it gives shape to it. It gives your week a rhythm, your energy... - [The First Time a Student Trusts You](https://ttmadrid.com/the-first-time-a-student-trusts-you/): Beyond the Lesson Plan When you start researching how to become an English teacher, you likely find yourself buried in technical terms. You see talk of phonemes, syntax, and structured lesson planners. These methods are important, and we certainly teach them at TtMadrid. However, if you are wondering if teaching is the right career for you, there is a much deeper element you need to consider: the human connection. The secret to a successful classroom is not actually your syllabus. It is trust. Before a student can learn the past tense or business idioms from you, they first have to feel... - [My Experience at TtMadrid: A Life-Changing Step Forward](https://ttmadrid.com/my-life-changing-tefl-journey/): Hola! Buenos Diasss! Moving to Madrid and enrolling at TtMadrid was one of the most courageous decisions I’ve ever made. I wasn’t just signing up for a TEFL course, I was stepping into a completely new chapter of my life. My first time to be away from family and ultimately my first trip to Europe. From the very beginning, it already felt that I was in the right place. The instructors are approachable, professional, knowledgeable, and committed to helping each student succeed. Their feedback was constructive and always delivered with the intention of helping us grow. They challenged me, but in... - [The Small Teaching Moments That Make It Worth It](https://ttmadrid.com/teaching-wins-madrid-life/): Beyond the Classroom: The Everyday Wins of Teaching in Madrid Big life changes (like moving to Spain) don’t actually happen the moment your plane touches down at Barajas. They happen in the quiet, unscripted moments of a Tuesday afternoon. At TtMadrid, we’ve seen thousands of graduates begin their journeys. We’ve realized that the most successful teachers aren’t just those who master grammar rules; they are the ones who embrace the small, everyday wins that quietly build a life of confidence, comfort, and belonging. Download the 50 Local Phrases & Cultural Hacks Guide!! Why Teaching is the Ultimate Bridge to Madrid Teaching... - [Teaching English as Cultural Exchange, Not Just Language](https://ttmadrid.com/teaching-english-cultural-exchange-madrid/): Teaching English as Cultural Exchange Starts from Day One For many teachers, teaching English as cultural exchange begins almost immediately after arriving in Madrid. Long before grammar points or lesson plans, there are conversations, questions, shared humour, and moments of curiosity. Teaching English here is not a one-way process. It’s an exchange of perspectives, habits, and ways of seeing the world. You bring your language, experiences, and background. Your students bring theirs. Somewhere in between, real connection happens. This is what makes the experience so different from teaching in isolation. Teaching Beyond the Classroom Walls One of the most rewarding aspects... - [Why Teaching English Is the Fastest Way to Meet People in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/teaching-english-meet-people-madrid/): Teaching English Creates an Instant Community When you teach English in Madrid, you are never starting from zero. From your first week, you are surrounded by people. You meet students, other teachers, academic coordinators, and professionals connected to schools and academies. This is what makes the TEFL Madrid community so strong. Relationships form through shared time, shared goals, and daily interaction. These are not quick, surface-level encounters. They are connections built naturally through routine and purpose. Why Teaching Makes Social Life Easier in Madrid Madrid is a social city, but most social life grows from regular routines. Teaching fits perfectly into... - [What Teaching English in Madrid Taught Me About the City](https://ttmadrid.com/what-teaching-english-in-madrid-taught-me/): When people imagine teaching English abroad, they often picture structured lessons, busy classrooms, and a clear divide between work and life. Add Madrid to the mix, and maybe tapas between classes or lively students come to mind. For Chevonne, a recent TT Madrid graduate, the reality turned out to be much more personal. From the moment she arrived, Madrid felt alive. People filled the streets. Conversations spilled out of cafés. Life happened outdoors and together. Almost immediately, Chevonne felt connected, not just to the city, but to its rhythm and openness. That sense of connection quickly found its way into the... - [Teaching as a Way to Connect with Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/teaching-as-a-way-to-connect-with-madrid/): Teaching Is More Personal Than You Expect Many people arrive in Spain imagining teaching English as a strictly structured job: lesson plans, classrooms, and professional boundaries. However, the TEFL Madrid experience is rarely that rigid. Teaching a language naturally invites deep conversation about daily routines, local frustrations, and weekend plans. In these moments, teaching stops being transactional and becomes human. Many of our graduates find that living in Madrid as a teacher is interactive, social, and genuinely fun. ✨ QUIZ: Will You Fall in Love with Madrid? Moving to a new city is about more than work; it’s about rhythm and... - [Is Teaching English in Madrid Worth It in 2026?](https://ttmadrid.com/teaching-english-in-madrid-worth-it-2026/): If you are thinking about teaching English abroad, Madrid is likely already on your radar. The Spanish capital consistently attracts aspiring teachers thanks to its culture, energy, and strong demand for English education. So the real question is not whether Madrid is a good option, but whether teaching English in Madrid in 2026 is the right step for you. The short answer is yes, especially if you are looking for meaningful work, lifestyle balance, and an international experience that opens new doors. Why Teaching English in Madrid Continues to Be a Strong Choice Madrid offers something rare. It combines the opportunities... - [What Qualifications Do You Need to Teach English in Madrid in 2026](https://ttmadrid.com/qualifications-teach-english-madrid-2026/): If you are planning to teach English in Madrid in 2026, understanding the qualifications you need is one of the most important first steps. Requirements vary depending on the type of job you want and, for non EU citizens, the visa route you use to work legally in Spain. The good news is that teaching English abroad remains accessible. With the right preparation, many career changers and recent graduates successfully start teaching in Madrid every year. This guide explains the qualifications needed to teach English in Madrid, how they relate to different jobs, and what you need to know about visas.... - [Teaching English in Madrid 2026 Why It Is a Prime Year to Start](https://ttmadrid.com/teaching-english-in-madrid-2026/): Madrid is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for English teachers. The city offers a unique combination of strong job demand, professional opportunities, and an exceptional quality of life. If you are considering teaching English abroad, 2026 is shaping up to be a particularly strong year to teach English in Madrid. Demand for qualified English teachers remains high and stable, supported by long term educational policies and a global economy where English proficiency continues to matter. This guide explains why teaching English in Madrid in 2026 is a smart move and what types of teaching jobs you can expect to find.... - [Why More Professionals Are Leaving Corporate Roles for TEFL](https://ttmadrid.com/why-more-professionals-are-leaving-corporate-roles-for-tefl/): Over the past several years, a noticeable trend has emerged across many industries: professionals with stable corporate jobs are choosing to leave their fields and transition into teaching English, often in countries where the demand is strong and the lifestyle is more sustainable. While this shift may seem surprising at first, it reflects a broader change in how people evaluate their work, their wellbeing, and the long-term direction of their careers. TEFL has become a practical, structured, and realistic alternative for adults who want meaningful work, a manageable pace of life, and a clearer sense of professional purpose. This blog explores... - [How TEFL Builds Confidence and Community for Career Changers](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-confidence-community-madrid/): How TEFL Helps You Build Confidence and Community For many adults considering a career change, teaching English offers a combination of professional clarity, structured entry into a new field, and a realistic path toward establishing a life abroad. While people often begin exploring TEFL because they want stable employment or a more sustainable pace of life, one of the most consistent outcomes they experience almost unexpectedly, is a steady rebuilding of confidence and the development of a supportive, international community. These two components make TEFL a practical and reliable transition, particularly for those relocating to a city like Madrid, where the... - [Why Teaching English is a Reliable Career Change in 2026](https://ttmadrid.com/why-teaching-english-is-a-reliable-career-change-in-2026/) - [The TtMadrid Story: Two Decades of Launching Global Careers](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrid-20-years-tefl-training-madrid/) - [Experience Madrid Like a Local: Our Favourite Spots in Barrio Salamanca](https://ttmadrid.com/experience-madrid-like-a-local-our-favourite-spots-in-barrio-salamanca/):   When you make the decision to teach English in Madrid, you are saying yes to more than a career change. You are choosing a lifestyle. A life where mornings might start with a café con leche in a bustling local bar, where the shopkeeper at the mercado knows your name, and where your free afternoons are spent wandering streets that feel like home. At TtMadrid, we help people make that transition, not just into a TEFL classroom, but into the daily rhythm of Spanish life. And the easiest place to start is right outside our doors. Our school is located... - [Program Options to teach English in Madrid 2025](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrid-best-option-to-teach-english-in-spain/) - [Starting Over in Spain: Allegra’s Journey from New Jersey to Madrid to Teach English](https://ttmadrid.com/starting-over-spain-teach-english/): When Allegra moved from New Jersey to Madrid to teach English, she wasn’t just chasing a career—she was finding freedom, community, and a life where she could truly be herself. - [Visa Options for Teaching English in Spain: A Complete Guide](https://ttmadrid.com/visa-options-for-teaching-english-in-spain/) - [Teaching Without a TEFL: Can You Still Find Work in Spain?](https://ttmadrid.com/teach-in-spain-without-tefl/) - [Top Websites and Platforms to Find English Teaching Jobs in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/top-websites-and-platforms-for-english-teacher-jobs-spain/) - [TEFL vs. CELTA: Which Certification is Right for Teaching in Spain?](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-vs-celta/) - [Visiting Madrid: 6 Essential Tips to prepare your trip](https://ttmadrid.com/visiting-madrid/) - [5 Benefits of Living in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/5-benefits-of-living-in-spain/): Are you looking for an exciting adventure and a new place to call home? You’re not the only one. Millions of visitors flock to Spain every year to take a break from their day-to-day lives and to enjoy the quality of life in Spain, be it for a short holiday or a permanent move. The quality of life in Spain is one of the best so it’s easy to see why people love it as much as they do. So keep reading to find out the top 5 benefits of living in Spain.   1. Madrid is one of the sunniest... - [Christmas in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/christmas-in-madrid/): Christmas is when the weather gets colder, the cities are prettier, there are lights everywhere and people enjoy getting together with family and friends. Christmas in Madrid is well known for having festive activities and being one of the top destinations in Spain to celebrate. Here we give you some reasons to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year in Madrid. Christmas Markets: Plaza Mayor Although it is not a European city that is widely known for its Christmas markets, Madrid does have a pretty spectacular one at Plaza Mayor and it is not to be missed. From November 26th... - [Concerts in Madrid 2022](https://ttmadrid.com/concerts-in-madrid-2022/): Now that the new year is just around the corner and normality is making a return, it’s the perfect time to start planning which concerts Madrid in 2022 you’ll be attending. Here we give you a list of what caught our eye as being the top picks for next year… The Lumineers  Sunday, Feburary 13th| Wizink Centre | 21:00 | €46.50 The Lumineers are an American folk-rock group from Denver, Colorado. The Lumineers broke through in 2012 to become one of the leads in the indie-folk genre with their smash hit “Ho Hey”. Their latest album dropped in 2019 and is... - [Halloween Plans in Madrid 2022](https://ttmadrid.com/halloween-plans-in-madrid/) - [Organize your online ESL classes like a pro](https://ttmadrid.com/online-esl-classes/) - [10 places to eat Torrijas in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/torrijas-in-madrid/) - [9 ESL Warmer Activities for online classes](https://ttmadrid.com/esl-warmer-activities/) - [Teaching ESL: Top Tips for improving English pronunciation](https://ttmadrid.com/english-pronunciation/): When teaching English pronunciation in ESL Classroom, how many times have you heard “I want to sound like a native!”? They are words that strike fear into the heart of any English teacher and, while accent and pronunciation in the ESL classroom are a huge part of a student’s journey when learning the language, we all know that there are lots of very important elements that contribute to great English speakers. As an ESL teacher, however, pronunciation is an essential skill that we must be able to help our students with, and the best English teachers will be able to really... - [5 Tools for teaching online](https://ttmadrid.com/teaching-online-tools/) - [Reading in the ESL classroom: how to get it right](https://ttmadrid.com/reading-in-the-esl-classroom/) - [How to succeed teaching English remotely](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-succeed-teaching-english-remotely/) - [Top 5 ways to use technology in the ESL classroom](https://ttmadrid.com/technology-in-the-esl-classroom/) - [Things to do in Madrid in Fall 2020](https://ttmadrid.com/things-to-do-in-madrid-in-fall-2020/): Madrid is stunning in any season, but in fall it really comes alive. The temperatures are perfect for taking a walk in one of the many parks in Madrid, or for hiding away in a cozy cafe, Autumn in the Spanish capital has tons of activities. We’ve done all the research you’ll need to fill up your calendar with this blog post so get ready to delve into culture, art and history this season! Exhibition: The beauty of the cosmos: Astronomicum Caesareum. Until January 9, 2021 the exhibition: The beauty of the Cosmos: Astronomicum Caesareum, published in 1540 and dedicated to... - [Top 5 ESL activities to teach grammar](https://ttmadrid.com/top-5-esl-activities-to-teach-grammar/): Teaching grammar is essential in ESL but is not always the most exciting for students. The TtMadrid team always has at least one trainer that is absolutely in love with grammar, but even they have found that trying to get their students to enjoy it as much as they do is no walk in the park. For us teachers, finding fun and engaging ways of teaching grammar can be difficult, because let’s be honest, no one enjoys endless drilling and worksheets. Here are top 5 ESL activities to teach grammar that will help you transform ‘’monotonous grammar’’ into ‘’enjoyable grammar’’. Kahoot... - [Teaching English in Madrid: 2020 and Coronavirus](https://ttmadrid.com/teaching-english-madrid-coronavirus/) - [Madrid Summer Plans 2020](https://ttmadrid.com/madrid-summer-plans-2020/): With Madrid getting a hang of the New Normal, there are a lot of activities happening in the city over the summer so that we can get back to enjoying what Madrid does best: culture. We’ve prepared some of the best so that you can make the best out of your Madrid Summer Plans! Free activities Las Perseidas, the most spectacular meteor shower Although summer nights in Madrid will become special for the next two months with Las Perseidas, meteor shower, the key nights to see them will be August 11 to 13 right after the sun goes down, when up... - [How TtMadrid will set you up to teach English online](https://ttmadrid.com/how-ttmadrid-will-set-you-up-to-teach-english-online/): Online learning has positively changed the TEFL market post COVID 19 and it seems like this trend is here to stay.  Online learning is convenient for students and gives teachers access to students from across the world and they can literally teach from anywhere! Many teachers first begin teaching English precisely because they are interested in traveling. Often, this also means you´ll be able to set your schedule and the type of classes you want to teach. Of course, there are major differences between online learning and face-to-face learning; however, our TEFL course has considered all of this in order to... - [The New Normal in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/the-new-normal-in-madrid/): At long last, Madrid has re-opened and what we now call “La Nueva Normalidad” (the New Normal) has taken full effect in Spain’s capital city.  But how does the so-called new normal in Madrid compare to the… old normal? Let’s take a look. Going Out It’s been said that Madrid has an overall buzz which can be enjoyed by anyone who cares to take to the streets and soak up the city, not associated with any particular world famous monument, castle or palace (though of course we also have all of these things). Though perhaps difficult to pinpoint the exact origin... - [Is the future of teaching English online?](https://ttmadrid.com/is-the-future-of-teaching-english-online/): In a lot of countries, quarantine has been going on for about a month and we’re not exactly sure if it ends in a few weeks or we’ll have to stay put for longer. At the same time, life doesn’t stop and a lot of schools and universities have already transferred all their activity online. Online education in a world that’s shying away from physical contact and in-person classroom-based learning is, without a doubt, going to boom in the next few months. This might be the ideal moment to start teaching English online and here’s why: Demand for English Teachers is still as high... - [Coronavirus: Now could be the perfect time to get your TEFL Certificate](https://ttmadrid.com/coronavirus-now-could-be-the-perfect-time-to-get-your-tefl-certificate/): The COVID-19 pandemic has changed pretty much everything about our lives and travel has become a dream that’s currently just out of reach. If you’ve been planning on getting your TEFL certificate but have never found the right time or been putting off changing your career and working remotely even, then it might be that destiny is knocking on your door. The rules have changed for work, education and travel in the last few weeks and the teaching English industry has got on board and is moving fast to make the most of any opportunities that come from such a universal... - [Tips for online teaching](https://ttmadrid.com/tips-for-online-teaching/): Teaching online has become so popular over the last few years as it gives teachers flexibility and is great if you’re living abroad or moving around a lot. It’s also great for ESL students as they don’t have to travel and can fit a class into their day-to-day life. Here at TtMadrid, we’re experts at teaching online and have tons of experience offering classes and helping our trainees prepare for their teaching career. We’ve put together our top 8 tips for online teaching 1. A welcome email is a great way to engage with your student, even before meeting each other.... - [Best bank accounts - living and working in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/best-bank-accounts-for-your-year-abroad-in-madrid/): It may seem a laborious task, however opening up a bank account in a foreign country is easier than you think! If you just started your adventure in the Spanish capital and are wondering about the process please don’t stress. There are plenty of banks to open an account with and we’ll explain you the best back accounts while you’re living in Madrid. Anybody can set up a bank account in Spain. All you need is your passport and usually about 30€ to put into the account to activate it. Non-residents are usually charged a small fee for the bank account.... - [Recommended TEFL Textbooks: Theory & Professional Development](https://ttmadrid.com/recommended-tefl-textbooks-theory-professional-development/): We’ve already talked about some of the best books for grammar & vocabulary and TEFL textbooks. Today we give some attention to Theory & Professional Development. If you´re the teacher that has mastered the PPP and has a perfect balance of technology and textbooks in the classroom, you may be looking for a further challenge. These books below will help give you inspiration on how to grow in the classroom as a teacher as well as a professional.   The Developing Teacher: Practical Activities for Professional Development This book is written by a well established ESL teacher trainer here in Spain,... - [Classroom Management Techniques: Teaching English to Children](https://ttmadrid.com/classroom-management-techniques-teaching-english-to-children/): Many new TEFL teachers, perhaps motivated by the prospect of tiny hugs and drawings, are delighted to take on the challenge of teaching English children. Soon these teachers learn that cute as they might be, little learners make for big headaches if your class gets out of control.  However, these classroom management techniques will allow you to channel their energy into positive learning. 1. Praise good behavior Even more than adults, children love positive attention.  While it may feel counter intuitive, zero in on the student who is behaving as instructed and praise how well they are doing in front of... - [Recommended TEFL Textbooks](https://ttmadrid.com/recommended-tefl-textbooks/): A few weeks back we’ve talked about some of the best TEFL books to teach grammar and vocabulary. Now it the time has come to give some attention to the TEFL textbooks. There are lots of those on the market, and you may feel a little bit lost where to begin and what textbook is good for what skills, below are some of the best and up to date books currently on the market. Stand Out This is a great book, coming in six levels, and focusing on real-life topics and themes that lend themselves to the National Geographic for its... - [Recommended TEFL books: grammar & vocabulary](https://ttmadrid.com/recommended-tefl-books-i/): While we are increasingly using technology in the classroom, there is still a demand and need for the twentieth-century marvel that is paper (books to be precise)! While we don’t recommend that these are your sole classroom tool, we do believe there are some great books on the market and we’ll take a closer look at these, dividing them into three sub-categories. These are our recommended TEFL books: Grammar & Vocabulary TEFL Books Grammar is arguably the backbone of language learning, and a lot of the time students, as well as teachers, want a go-to grammar TEFL books they can depend... - [Veranos de la Villa, the best summer event in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/veranos-de-la-villa-evento-en-madrid/):   Veranos de la Villa – one of the biggest summer parties in the city -returns to Madrid. The capital of Spain dresses up to host a summer event full of free cultural and leisure activities (music, dance, theater, circus, zarzuela, cabaret, performance, cinema, astronomy, fashion, fireworks, urban sports, itineraries….) We don’t want you to miss a thing so here is a list of the best thing to do in Veranos de la Villa; the best summer event in Madrid. Music Due to its good reception, for the fourth consecutive year Madrid Suena returns to the city. Madrid Suena is a... - [Top 5 No-Preparation ESL activities](https://ttmadrid.com/top-5-no-preparation-esl-activities-that-can-be-used-in-any-classroom-setting/): We all know that it’s necessary to have a good list of ESL activities that need zero preparation and can be used in any classroom setting. During the summer in Madrid, you’ll definitely want to be spending less time prepping your classes and more time enjoying the pool or a sunny terrace!  In this post we’ll give you the Top 5 No-Preparation ESL activities. They can be used as warmers or fillers and will boost your students’ energy levels and increase the amount of student talk time. They are great ESL activities that practice, improve and review vocabulary. This is not a... - [13 places you can visit with the "abono joven"](https://ttmadrid.com/13-places-you-can-visit-with-the-abono-joven/): The abono joven gives you the perfect opportunity to discover the culture and history of Madrid and Spain without spending a dime more than your monthly fare. If you don’t know how it works just take a quick look at our previous blog about Advantages and discounts with the “abono joven”, or the youth card, where we explain in deep detail what it is, how to get it, and how to use it.   Places you can visit outside the Community of Madrid with the “abono joven”   1. Toledo Toledo was declared a World Heritage Site with a mixture of... - [What to expect after your TEFL course: hours and pay](https://ttmadrid.com/what-to-expect-after-your-tefl-course-hours-and-pay/): For many people who take a TEFL course, they also have very little idea about what to expect when they graduate. My main experience is in Spain but from my discussions with my graduates who are now working around the world, Spain is quite a good example. 1-  WORKING HOURS: When I tell potential trainees that the normal working week is between 20 and 25 hours and often a four day week, they think – that sounds easy, sign me up!! What’s important to remember is that as well as teaching the hours, you have to add on travel time and... - [Moving to Spain - Make your transition as easy as possible](https://ttmadrid.com/transition-to-spain/): Moving to a new city can be both exciting and scary. Double that when you’re moving into a new culture with a different language. While moving to Spain can seem daunting at first, you can sleep easy knowing TtMadrid will make your transition to Madrid as easy as possible. As all our graduates can guarantee, integrating into a new society is much easier with a support structure around you. Let’s break it down. What do you need to get you started in Madrid?   Work All our graduates get work, it’s as simple as that, and we will make sure the same... - [Is TEFL for me? - Parents Teaching English](https://ttmadrid.com/is-tefl-for-me-parents-teaching-english/): Teaching English as Foreign Language is a great profession for moms in Madrid that want to mix a flexible timetable with a challenging career. It can often be difficult to go back to the long hours and stressful environment of pre-baby careers, yet parents, especially moms, crave the need for both financial and emotional independence. At TtMadrid we have seen plenty of new parents coming through our doors. For many, it could have been years since they had to focus on just themselves and responsibilities outside the home. For some, after trying to return to their old career, they realize that they need to... - [Money in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/money-in-spain/): The currency in Madrid is euros €. For exchange rate information see: www.xe.com/ucc/.   Normal credit cards are accepted, although you will find that Spain is a much more cash-orientated society. To use your credit card you will always need photo ID (passport, drivers license, etc).   There is a wealth of currency exchange bureaus in Madrid, but it is often more cost-effective to draw money out of a cash point (ATM). Check with your bank before you come about their exchange rates and charges. Do not carry around too much cash.   Anybody can set up a bank account here.... - [Advantages and discounts with the "abono joven"](https://ttmadrid.com/advantages-and-discounts-with-the-abono-joven/): The abono joven has tons of advantages and benefits! If you’re under 26 years old, the youth card or “Abono Joven” costs only 20 euros per month or 240 euros per year (there is currently a 50% discount on Madrid’s public transport services). It allows you to use all types of transportation including metro, bus, and commuter train (Cercanías). There are also lots of things you can do for free.  Not only you’ll be saving some money, but will significantly reduce your carbon footprint!  How to get Madrid’s public transport card? You can order it online or get an appointment in... - [Day-to-day life in Madrid as an English teacher](https://ttmadrid.com/day-to-day-life-in-madrid-as-an-english-teacher/): Our graduate, Steve, gives you an insight into his daily life as an English teacher in Madrid. You can read more about what brought Steve to Spain and a typical TEFL day here in the capital. Steve’s story Let me begin by introducing myself as a Midwest American. I grew up outside of Chicago and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in English and Cultural Studies Comparative Literature. Though it’s not a bad major and I’m rather passionate about literature, was I going to write a book? Unlikely. I had been working as a debt collector during the... - [Best affordable Spanish food restaurants](https://ttmadrid.com/best-affordable-spanish-food-restaurants/): Are you looking for authentic but affordable place to go for dinner while getting to know the city better? In order to write this post, we’ve visited several bars and restaurants around TtMadrid and the center of Madrid and picked five that offer good options for a casual evening out. Take a look!   Cheap places to eat near TtMadrid   Entre Cáceres y Badajoz If you are looking for a typical tapas restaurant, then this is definitely your place! Here you will get big portions of typical Spanish meals, such as huevos rotos, pimientos del padron or calamares, among others,... - [Weather in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/weather-in-spain/): The weather in Spain is amazing! Almost always sunny and winters not so cold. It is said that Madrid only has two seasons: summer and winter. This is not strictly true but autumn and spring are very short. Winter really is very cold with temperatures going as low as freezing. However, a big ball of sun and blue skies helps! From March to June the temperature is rising and it is warm and pleasant although it can still be chilly in the evenings. June to August is hot, hot, hot with temperatures reaching as high at 40°. Apart from the occasional... - [Travel Advice Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/travel-advice-spain/): Flights Once you have received confirmation from us securing your course place, we highly recommend you book your flight as soon as possible to minimize your costs. Flights fly directly from all over the world to Madrid Barajas. From Britain and Ireland there are direct flights from London Gatwick, London Stanstead, London Heathrow, London Luton, Bristol, Liverpool, Dublin, and Edinburgh to Madrid Barajas. See: www.cheapflights.com www.easyjet.co.uk www.opodo.co.uk www.iberia.com www.ba.com If flying in from North America, there are daily flights from a very wide variety of cities from the East to the West coast. Book early for the best deals. See: www.usairways.com... - [The tales of two TEFL Course graduates](https://ttmadrid.com/the-tales-of-two-tefl-course-graduates/) - [TEFL Teacher’s Adventures Around Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-teachers-adventures-around-spain/): Before I moved to Spain I worked in an office job in England for nearly 2 years after finishing University—and this was two years too many for me. Sitting at home in Manchester with the constant rain, clouds and freezing cold days was not what I had envisaged for my life. I wanted to travel, to explore the world and do something that made me happy. I wanted my job to be something that made me laugh every day, something where I could come home at night and tell my friends an interesting story, a job where I was constantly learning.... - [Teaching English in Madrid: Some Pros & Cons](https://ttmadrid.com/teaching-english-in-madrid-some-pros-cons/): Like any other job, teaching English in Madrid has its upside and its downside. Here are a few pros and cons for your consideration.   PRO: Teaching EFL is cool Your job is basically to form relationships with some awesome people and to think of fun and interesting things to listen to/watch/chat about in your native language. In addition to the standard text books, I’ve used BBC’s The Office, articles from The Onion and that classic 80’s pop song “Safety Dance” in my classes. And when you’ve had a really good class, everyone comes out smiling and you feel high as... - [Packing for your trip](https://ttmadrid.com/packing-for-your-trip/): There are many factors to consider while packing for Madrid. “Should I bring a winter gloves?” “Do I need to pack high heels?” “How many bathing suits?”. Here is a cheat sheet to help you in your transition. Madrid has some pretty extreme weather throughout the year: Summer: REALLY hot. The temperature can hit up to 38°C (100° F) or more in August, and the air is dry. Autumn: Mild weather, around 15°C (60° F). Not too rainy. Winter: cold but almost never below 0°C (32° F). It may snow but only for 1 or 2 days. Although there are mountains close... - [Teaching English and traveling](https://ttmadrid.com/lisettes-story/): One of our grads, Lisette, is telling her story about teaching English and traveling the world. It was a hugely defining moment when I came to Madrid from New York to study my TEFL certificate with TtMadrid. Overnight, my NYC clutches and stilettos turned to Madrid flats and a carry-on piece of luggage! One of the most liberating and exciting aspects of being a TEFL teacher is the flexibility in designing your ideal work schedule, or in my case the ideal travel schedule. In NYC it was so easy to get lost in the overtime hours. Working on the weekends and skipping... - [Doing TEFL as a teacher](https://ttmadrid.com/hitens-story/): If you’re already a teacher, but want to see a world and change something in your life, teaching English abroad might be exactly for you. Two of our grads, Hitten and Shannon will tell their story of doing TEFL as a teacher. Hitten’s story of doing TEFL as a teacher Hey! My name’s Hiten: and I’m a 25-year-old, passionate Londoner. I’m a Science teacher complete with deadpan humour and desperation to learn Spanish. After finishing a BSc in Neuroscience at the University of Bristol I took on the Teach First graduate scheme. Essentially I was placed in one of the bottom 5%... - [Stephanie’s experience traveling to Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/stephanies-experience/): My experience following my instincts and traveling to Spain Following a traditional life path was never really in the cards for me, so it’s not surprising that I ended up halfway across the world traveling to Spain. For as long as I can remember I’ve been moving all over the place. Bouncing around with schools, career paths and even states and countries. I grew up in the Chicago area but then lived a lot of my adult life in the San Francisco Bay Area. And what a better place to live than the Bay Area, right? But still something just didn’t... - [From a small town bubble to making Madrid home](https://ttmadrid.com/elsas-story/): Embarking on a TEFL course was the typical ‘now or never’ moment for me.  My degree was in Textiles, but I soon realised it wasn’t my passion, and I spent many hours in pointless jobs, thinking ‘what can I do that’s useful to someone?’ At 25, I had never really traveled before, and wanted to challenge myself, whilst young(ish) without commitments. Coming from a small town in Yorkshire, I felt a little closeted and wanted to broaden my horizons. That’s when I googled TEFL courses, and TtMadrid popped up. Little did I know the great things it would lead to! So... - [Downtown neighborhoods to live in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/downtown-neighborhoods-to-live-in-madrid/): If you’re looking for an apartment in Madrid and you’re not sure which neighborhood best represents you, fits your budget or even if is safe then look no further. Here we have a breakdown of all the downtown neighborhoods to live in Madrid: Salamanca Average rent per m2: 18,6€ This is one the most important shopping areas in the city as well as one of the most pleasant and luxurious. You will be able to find the most prestigious brands in fashion like Louis Vuitton, Carolina Herrera, Chanel, Gucci, Roberto Verino, and Tiffany & Co on the streets of Serrano, Claudio Coello... - [Rocking it as a non-native English teacher in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/alinas-story/): Being Romanian, I’ve been speaking English since I can remember and when I was looking for a change and a challenge, I thought that teaching ESL in a different country would be a good step. Applying to do a TEFL course as a non-native English speaker was a daunting prospect but I as soon as I walked into TtMadrid, I knew I had made the right decision. After a short interview to check my English level, I was signed up for the course and all I had to do was pack. During the course there were non-native trainers and plenty of... - [TtMadrid: TEFL course for parents!](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrid-tefl-course-for-parents/) - [How to empadronarse in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/how-to-empadronarse-in-madrid/): Every person who spends more than six months a year living in Madrid needs to “empadronarse” at their address, which basically means that you become part of the official list of residents. This procedure is mandatory and it will prove the amount of time that you’ve spent in Madrid. When searching for information, it sounds a lot more complicated than It really is, so we have simplified it so that you don’t stress over it and can get it done as soon as possible. Give an address To be able to “empadronarte”, you will need to provide an address. This doesn’t... - [A typical day of a TEFL teacher graduate](https://ttmadrid.com/a-typical-day-of-a-tefl-teacher-graduate/): Thursday is the new Friday – a day of a TEFL teacher By Matthew Johnson (Graduate)  Both of my phone alarms sound simultaneously, startling my head from the pillow. I hit the snooze button on each, a quick nine minute siesta, until my bare feet actually have to touch down on the cold floor of my room. The sun’s just started peeking through my shutters. It’s Thursday. As an English teacher in Madrid, Thursday is the new Friday. Wednesday, the new Thursday. No one works Fridays – a constant string of three day weekends stretch throughout our calendar year. I’m not... - [7 Steps to applying for a student visa at the Spanish Consulate](https://ttmadrid.com/7-steps-to-applying-for-a-student-visa-at-the-spanish-consulate/):   Here’s TtMadrid’s guide to applying for a student visa at the Spanish Consulate. 1 –  LOCATE Locate your Spanish Consulate.  In many countries your place of residence can affect the consulate you will be able to apply through. 2 –  REQUIREMENTS: Once you locate the consulate you will apply with, visit their OFFICIAL website and print off their most up to date visa requirements. Please be aware that information can be different for each one so only go by what they say on their site. TtTip: We often “buddy up” Alumni with incoming students. Please email Helen at helen@lets.education if you would... - [Is teaching for me?](https://ttmadrid.com/is-teaching-for-me/): “Is teaching for me?” Is this the question you ask yourself? Maybe, my story will help you decide! Hey! My name’s Laura. I am what I consider to be a typical 24-year-old girl from Glasgow in Scotland, except I am currently living and working as a TEFL teacher in Madrid, Spain. How did I get here? Good question! I had a typical upbringing and education. Nursery to primary, primary to high school, high school to university, and then . . . I hopped on a plane and moved country! Many factors led to this decision. The main one being I graduated... - [It's never too late to start an adventure](https://ttmadrid.com/its-never-too-late-to-start-an-adventure/): I was sitting at my desk at work in Brighton, England, one day, and I thought, “I need an adventure!” Life was good, but there was something missing. I had been in a long-distance relationship with a Spaniard for 2.5 years and we had been flying back and forth between Madrid and the UK visiting each other so the obvious answer was for me to move to Madrid! So after some thought and discussion with my partner, it was decided that I would move there. I knew and loved the city and I had no binding ties to keep me rooted... - [A story of an American teaching English](https://ttmadrid.com/should-i-really-give-it-all-up/): Once upon a time, there was a girl who had a great life. She lived in California just a few minutes from the beach, she had wonderful friends, she lived close (but not too close) to her family, and she was employed in her field (no small feat for someone with a theatre degree). And the girl was happy. Mostly, anyway. However, after two and a half years of working full time at a desk in non-profit theatre education, I needed something more. I had been employed full time in theatre education administration from the minute I graduated from my university... - [Pet-friendly places in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/pet-friendly-places-in-madrid/): If you are an animal lover, then you’ll definitely love Madrid! This city makes it easy for animal owners to enjoy themselves without leaving their pets behind. Every day there are more and more bars and restaurants that allow you to go with your dog as long as you’ve got a leash on them and they are constantly supervised. In the following post, we will tell you about some pet-friendly places in Madrid that you need to visit if you want to grab a drink and take your best furry friend with you! If you’re on a hunt for a great... - [Best places for brunch in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/best-places-for-brunch-in-madrid/): Are you a big fan of poached eggs, natural juice, bacon, avocado and cake to start your day? So are we! There’s probably nothing better than waking up on Saturday or Sunday after spending a week teaching English and heading for brunch with your friends or family and spending most of the morning eating! In this post, we’ve selected some of the best places for brunch in Madrid? Misión If you are picky when it comes to coffee, then this is probably the right place for you to go! At Misión you will be able to drinks lots of it and... - [Best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/best-vegetarian-and-vegan-restaurants-in-madrid/) - [Ways to teach English in Madrid  ](https://ttmadrid.com/ways-to-teach-english-in-madrid/): Have you always dreamt of moving abroad and would like to add international experience to your CV ? Are you tired of your job and want to change careers? Teaching English is a fantastic way of building a new life and experience new adventures. In Madrid and Spain, there is a huge demand for English teachers and you can choose between teaching kids, teenagers or adults, depending on what you like most. Not only you will get to meet lots of interesting people, but you will also be able to sort out your schedule so that it suits your lifestyle! Want... - [Advantages of living abroad for a year](https://ttmadrid.com/advantages-living-abroad/) - [Five reasons why non-native English teachers match up to natives](https://ttmadrid.com/5-reasons-why-non-native-english-teachers-match-up-to-natives/): It’s a conversation that has raged on throughout the last few years about whether non-native English teachers match up to natives. At TtMadrid, we train non-native teachers on practically each course and have seen time and time again that they make excellent teachers. Let’s take a look at why non-native English teachers can excel in the classroom: 1. Experience is the best teacher Non-native speakers have a better understanding of the learning process than native teachers, as they themselves have gone through it. They have made the mistakes and learnt from them so they are able to give their students advice... - [Best barber shops in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/best-barber-shops-in-madrid/): Every November lots of guys leave a moustache on because of Movember. But… do we even know what this means? In this article, we will go through the best barbers in Madrid so that you can get one or make sure yours gets properly trimmed, but before, let’s clarify the whole purpose of this movement: Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during a month to raise awareness of men’s health issues. It is not just fashion, it does not mean you are a hipster… it is about health! So, for all of you reading this, make sure... - [Most beautiful rural escapes close to Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/rural-escapes-close-to-madrid/): Even though we all love living in Madrid, sometimes getting away from the city for the weekend is a great way of disconnecting from our routine and recharging batteries. But… where can we go? In this post we will tell you about some rural escapes close to Madrid that are definitely worth visiting. Start planning a different weekend and check out our recommendations… Sierra de Guadarrama It is about 80km long and the perfect place to spend a nice day out hiking or having a picnic. There are several routes you can follow, depending on what you want to do and... - [TEFL Changed my life - Helen](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-changed-my-life-helen/): Tired of living to work instead of working to live? Helen tells us all about how the TEFL course in Spain changed her life for the better. This is a great way of living a life where you can do a job that you love and also have lots of free time to spend in yourself. The Spanish culture, sunny weather, and great food helped her decide to make this country her home! Nationality: British Studies: Degree in Optometry Years in Madrid: 9 years TtMadrid Course: January 2009 My life was completely different back in the UK. I worked as an... - [TEFL Changed my life - Spencer Ross](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-changed-my-life-spencer-ross/): Teaching English as a foreign language is a great way of exploring the world, meeting new people and improving your language skills. Read about how TEFL changed Spencer’s life! Name: Spencer Ross Nationality: American Studies: Marketing/Advertising Years in Madrid: 2 TtMadrid Course: August 2016 I worked in sales in the USA and, after having studied abroad a couple of times, I was looking to have more adventures before I settled down to a job and got myself into too many commitments. As well as that, my goal was to move to a country I had never been to and learn a new language. As Spanish... - [TEFL Changed my life - Nicky Vonk](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-changed-my-life-nicky-vonk/): Are you the adventurous type? Sitting on a desk for 8h every day is definitely not for everyone. Read about how the  TEFL course experience helped Nicky achieve the quality of life she always wanted! Name: Nicky Nationality: Dutch Studies: Degree in Hotel – and Event management Years in Madrid: 2 years TtMadrid Course: January 2016 I worked in marketing for a couple of years before realizing that I am definitely not made to work behind a computer all day and that I wanted to travel, meet new people, go on crazy adventures and find out what I really loved to... - [TEFL Changed my life - Dianne](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-changed-my-life-dianne/): The TEFL course is changing the lives of people from all around the globe! Now, we have Dianne who experienced a total life change after deciding to come over to Madrid to do  the TEFL. Name: Dianne Nationality: Connecticut, but grew up in Maryland, USA Studies: BA in English and a BS in Sociology/Criminal Justice, MAT in Secondary English and an MA in Literature (African American literature specifically) Years in Madrid: 1 TtMadrid Course: August 2017 After getting bitten by the travelling bug when visiting Rome, I decided I wanted to do a TEFL and live and work abroad. After a... - [TEFL Changed my life - Rory](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-changed-my-life-rory/): Have you always dreamed of learning another language? Rory tells us how TEFL helped him fulfill his dreams of becoming fluent in another language. The TEFL course apart from qualifying you to teach it will help you fulfil all your dreams! Name: Rory Nationality: British Studies: Sociology and Psychology Years in Madrid: 4 TtMadrid Course: August 2013 I worked as a mental health nurse for four years on acute psychiatric wards as well as working with older adults suffering from dementia. I wanted a change of scenery as I had got a bit burnt out from my job. The idea of... - [TEFL Changed my life - Hector](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-changed-my-life-hectors-story/): Name: Hector Nationality: Spanish (Tenerife) Studies: Degree in Translation and Interpreting English. Master’s in Teaching Spanish and other modern languages as a Foreign Language Years in Madrid: 4 years TtMadrid Course: Hector is Director of Studies for TtMadrid     I worked for several years as a Spanish teacher before I found TtMadrid and the world of TEFL. I was looking for a way to create long-term plans with my partner in Madrid and wanted to create a career out of my love of languages. After my TEFL course I worked my way up to be the first non-native Director of... - [TEFL Changed my life - Alinas Story](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-changed-my-life-alinas-story/): Name: Alina Nationality: Romanian Studies: Degree in Philology, English and Arabic and Master’s Degree in Intercultural Communication Years in Madrid: 3  TtMadrid Course: September 2015 I was already teaching back home in Romania and I really wanted to take things to the next level, travel and explore other cultures and languages. I knew some Spanish so I decided that Madrid would be the ideal place to start my new life with. After finishing my TEFL course, I worked as a kindergarten teacher, in companies and as a head teacher at an academy, before joining the team at TtMadrid. Being able to... ## Pages - [Free Download Madrid Summer Guide 2026](https://ttmadrid.com/free-download-summer-guide-2026/) - [Free Download 2026 World Cup Guide](https://ttmadrid.com/2026-world-cup-guide/) - [Diploma in Academic Management in ESL (Non-EU) 2nd Year](https://ttmadrid.com/course/diploma-academic-management-non-eu-2nd-year/) - [Diploma in Bilingual Education (Non-EU) 3rd Year](https://ttmadrid.com/course/diploma-bilingual-education-non-eu-3rd-year/) - [THE MADRID SURVIVAL & FLOW MANUAL](https://ttmadrid.com/survival_flow_manual/) - [50 Local Phrases & Cultural Hacks guide](https://ttmadrid.com/50-local-phrases-cultural-hacks-guide/) - [Teach English in Spain in 2026 with TtMadrid](https://ttmadrid.com/teach-english-madrid-2026-with-ttmadrid/) - [Thank you](https://ttmadrid.com/thank-you/) - [Thank you home](https://ttmadrid.com/thank-you-home/) - [Certificate in Spanish Culture and Advanced TEFL III (Non EU)](https://ttmadrid.com/course/spanish-culture-advanced-tefl-certificate/) - [Thank you - Teach Abroad Campaign](https://ttmadrid.com/thank-you-campaign/) - [Teach English in Madrid, Spain landing page - Campaign](https://ttmadrid.com/teach-abroad-campaign/) - [Thank you - Teach Abroad](https://ttmadrid.com/thank-you-teach-abroad/) - [Teach Abroad with TtMadrid](https://ttmadrid.com/teach-abroad/) - [Thank you - Study Abroad](https://ttmadrid.com/thank-you-study-abroad/) - [Study Abroad with TtMadrid](https://ttmadrid.com/study-abroad/) - [Thank you!](https://ttmadrid.com/thank-you-3/): Thanks for signing up! We will be in touch soon. Click the “Download” button below to get your TtMadrid’s Ultimate Guide to Teaching Business Communication Skills in English. [easy_media_download url=”https://ttmadrid.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Ultimate-guide-to-Teaching-Business-Communication-Skills-in-English.compressed.pdf” text=”Download” color=”blue_four” force_dl=”1″]   - [Christmas in Madrid: 6 Typical Spanish Activities](https://ttmadrid.com/christmas-in-madrid/): Christmas is when the weather gets colder, the cities are prettier, there are lights everywhere and people enjoy getting together with family and friends. Christmas in Madrid is well known for having festive activities and being one of the top destinations in Spain to celebrate. Here we give you some reasons to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year in Madrid. 1. Christmas Markets: Plaza Mayor Although it is not a European city that is widely known for its Christmas markets, Madrid does have a pretty spectacular one at Plaza Mayor and it is not to be missed. From November... - [Iframe page](https://ttmadrid.com/iframe-page/) - [TtMadrid: Our mission to become paperless](https://ttmadrid.com/ttmadrid-our-mission-to-become-paperless/): At TtMadrid, we work tirelessly to support projects and initiatives to help reduce our carbon footprint and recycle. One thing that we have struggled with over the years is reducing the amount of paper we use during our course due to the amount of information our trainees require during their four-week TEFL course. We are introducing a learning platform that will enable us to almost eliminate paper from our course materials and projects. We have been testing this platform for months and will continue to update, adjust and develop it to keep improving our student’s experience. What do we still need... - [Observed Teaching Practices at TtMadrid](https://ttmadrid.com/what-is-tefl/observed-teaching-practices-at-ttmadrid/) - [Master in TEFL and Spanish Language Teacher Training](https://ttmadrid.com/course/dual-teaching-certificate-program-english-spanish/) - [LifeStyle EU](https://ttmadrid.com/course/lifestyle-program-eu/) - [Certificate In Spanish Culture And Advanced TEFL II (Non-EU)](https://ttmadrid.com/course/certificate-in-spanish-culture-and-advanced-tefl-ii/) - [Certificate In Spanish Culture And Advanced TEFL (Non-EU)](https://ttmadrid.com/course/certificate-in-spanish-culture-and-advanced-tefl/) - [TEFL Certificate Program (EU Only)](https://ttmadrid.com/course/180-hour-tefl-course/) - [TtMadrid TEFL Courses](https://ttmadrid.com/course/) - [Kelele Africa's work in 2018](https://ttmadrid.com/kelele-africas-work-in-2018/): Last year TtMadrid partnered with Kelele Africa, the association dedicated to helping the Kasenda village in Uganda. We participated in one of their projects and awarded a scholarship to one of the local kids. You can find out more about it here. The team of Kelele Africa is back in Madrid after a wonderful summer spent in Uganda where two groups of volunteers organized activities, workshops and trainings for the local community. The organization has shared a lot of updates from the sights and once again we at TtMadrid feel incredibly honored to have an opportunity to participate in projects like... - [Teach English in Spain: The Ultimate Guide](https://ttmadrid.com/teach-english-in-spain/) - [Privacy policy](https://ttmadrid.com/privacy-policy/): Who we are TtMadrid, takes your privacy seriously and we are always keen to make sure that we look after our TtMadrid family right from the get-go. We would never sell your information to other businesses but we are 100% transparent so in this Privacy Policy we have included lots of detailed information about why, when and how we collect your personal information and then how we use it. It’s a bit of a long one so why don’t you sit back with a cup of tea and read on. What information do we collect? We collect information from you to... - [Rahul's Experience as an Indian living in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/rahuls-experience-in-madrid/): My experience of Living in Madrid The best thing about Madrid by far is how hospitable the people here are! I visited Madrid for the first time in 2014 while doing a Euro trip and was surprised by how at home I felt. There are plenty of cities with beautiful architecture and delicious gastronomy, as well as fantastic nightlife but what sets Madrid apart is that it has all of this and super friendly people. Coming from any big city in India you feel the array of cultural similarities that the Spanish people share with us. They are very social, love to talk a lot, are passionate... - [Giving back: TtMadrid’s partnership with Kelele Africa](https://ttmadrid.com/giving-back-ttmadrids-partnership-kelele-africa/) - [The COMPLETE Guide to Living and Working in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/complete-guide-living-working-spain/): What does The COMPLETE Guide to Living and Working in Spain include? Choosing your TEFL academy Hours and pay Public Transport explained Which neighborhood suits you best Applying for your student visa And other useful info to help you live and work in Spain When you sign up for our free guide you are subscribing to our email list where you’ll receive periodically our most popular blog posts and exclusive discounts, as well as info on TtMadrid. What are you waiting for!?! Get your hands on our COMPLETE Guide to Living and Working in Spain now!  Email Address Name Would you... - [Thank you page 2](https://ttmadrid.com/thank-you-2/): Thanks for getting in touch with TtMadrid. We will get back to you as soon as possible to talk about living and working in Spain. Go back Home - [Payment Information](https://ttmadrid.com/payment-successful/): Your payment was successful!   Go back home - [Payment Information](https://ttmadrid.com/payment-unsuccessful/): Sorry, your payment was unsuccessful!   Go back home - [Payment Confirmation](https://ttmadrid.com/payment-confirmation/) - [Why Madrid?](https://ttmadrid.com/why-madrid/) - [Meet our TEFL students](https://ttmadrid.com/past-tefl-students-stories/) - [What do our TEFL students say about TtMadrid?](https://ttmadrid.com/student-testimonials/) - [Downtown neighborhoods to live in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/downtown-neighborhoods-to-live-in-madrid/): If you’re looking for an apartment in Madrid and you’re not sure which neighborhood best represents you, fits your budget or even if is safe then look no further. Here we have a breakdown of all the downtown neighborhoods to live in Madrid: Salamanca Average rent for 2 bedroom apartment: 700€ This is one the most important shopping areas in the city as well as one of the most pleasant and luxurious. You will be able to find the most prestigious brands in fashion like Louis Vuitton, Carolina Herrera, Chanel, Gucci, Roberto Verino, and Tiffany & Co on the streets of Serrano,... - [What to expect after your TEFL course: hours and pay](https://ttmadrid.com/expect-tefl-course-hours-pay/): For many people who take a TEFL course, they also have very little idea about what to expect when they graduate. My main experience is in Spain but from my discussions with my graduates who are now working around the world, Spain is quite a good example. 1-  WORKING HOURS: When I tell potential trainees that the normal working week is between 20 and 25 hours and often a four day week, they think – that sounds easy, sign me up!! What’s important to remember is that as well as teaching the hours, you have to add on travel time and... - [Thank you!](https://ttmadrid.com/thanks/): Thank you for your enquiry. I will respond to you as quickly as possible. Helen TEFL Course Manager - [What is in the Teaching Business Communication Skills ebook?](https://ttmadrid.com/what-is-in-the-ebook/): In our FREE Teaching Business Communication Skills ebook you’ll find: How to prepare your student for job interviews and business meetings Tips on how to make business calls Key vocabulary for writing emails List of books that will make you sound look like a pro Business English resource websites And many more helpful tips that will impress and motivate your business English students When you sign up for the free ebook you subscribe to our email list where you’ll receive free teaching resources, TEFL and ESL info, the most popular blog posts on the TtMadrid website and exclusive discounts. We are... - [Blog](https://ttmadrid.com/blog/) - [How do you find a TEFL Course you can trust?](https://ttmadrid.com/what-is-tefl/how-do-i-find-a-tefl-course-i-can-trust1/) - [The TtMadrid TEFL Course](https://ttmadrid.com/the-ttmadrid-tefl-course/) - [Payments](https://ttmadrid.com/payments/) - [Our TEFL course in Madrid - +12 years training teachers!](https://ttmadrid.com/our-tefl-course-in-madrid/): What is a TEFL Certificate Course? A TEFL course is a 4-week (full-time) course to learn the skills to teach English to foreigners. An internationally accredited course usually has a minimum of 120 hours contact time with your trainers, 6 observed teaching practices and is accredited by an external education body. With all these ingredients, your certificate will be valid around the world—which our TEFL course in Madrid is! What can I expect on a TEFL course? A lot of hard work! It is an intensive course and in 4 short weeks you will be getting paid good money to teach children... - [General Information about Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/general-information-about-spain/) - [Spanish Classes in Madrid](https://ttmadrid.com/about-ttmadrid/spanish-classes-in-madrid/) - [Terms and Conditions](https://ttmadrid.com/terms-and-conditions/) - [UK Teach in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/work-opportunities-in-spain/uk-teach-in-spain/): It’s harder to live and work in Spain as a Brit since Brexit, but it’s not impossible. You can make the move with a visa, work and learn Spanish, all with a safety net! Teaching English in Madrid can do a lot for you and your CV. You will: Learn Spanish or improve your Spanish Work with lots of senior people in some of the top companies in the world Gain confidence in yourself Learn tangible skills and techniques that you can take with you into your next career Meet amazing people and have lots of fun! Whilst our course may... - [Natasha's story](https://ttmadrid.com/can-madrid-become-home/): My boyfriend had been living in Madrid for 5 years whilst I was in London. I was 28 and ready to know if it was meant to be or not. I was doing my Masters in Training and Development and working in HR and Legal but felt that this wasn’t what I was meant to do for the rest of my life. After a few bottles of wine with my girlfriends one night, I made the phone call to tell my boyfriend I was coming to live in Madrid. He responded with a slightly lukewarm response but that may have been... - [Discover the Benefits of Being a TtMadrid Student](https://ttmadrid.com/about-ttmadrid/discover-the-benefits-of-being-a-ttmadrid-student/) - [About TtMadrid and our TEFL Courses](https://ttmadrid.com/about-ttmadrid/) - [Work opportunities in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/work-opportunities-in-spain/) - [Insurance in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/about-ttmadrid/insurance-in-spain/): As part of the Student Visa application process, you are required to buy insurance that covers you for your entire stay in Madrid. Later on, you can get insurance in Spain, but you’ll need one for all the documentation. We currently work with HCC Medical Insurance Services, a company that offers protection while you travel abroad with benefits like emergency medical evacuation, hospital and ambulance coverage, and more. Many of our trainees buy insurance with them and they know what you need. To check in detail what the insurance in Spain includes and to get a quote, visit here. If you... - [TEFL Course FAQs | Teaching English in Madrid - TtMadrid](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-course-faqs/) - [Moving to Spain - Make your transition as easy as possible](https://ttmadrid.com/transition-to-spain/) - [About TQUK - our TEFL Course accreditation](https://ttmadrid.com/what-is-tefl/level-5-accredited-tquk-tefl/) - [What is TEFL Accreditation?](https://ttmadrid.com/what-is-tefl/what-is-tefl-accreditation/) - [TEFL Course Expectations](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-course-expectations/) - [Why Choose our TEFL Course?](https://ttmadrid.com/what-is-tefl/why-choose-our-tefl-course/) - [What is TEFL?](https://ttmadrid.com/what-is-tefl/) - [TEFL Course Application Process](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-course-application-process/) - [Finding work in Madrid with TtMadrid](https://ttmadrid.com/work-opportunities-in-spain/finding-work-after-graduation/) - [Types of TEFL Teaching Jobs in Spain](https://ttmadrid.com/work-opportunities-in-spain/tefl-spain/) - [Meet TtMadrid TEFL Team](https://ttmadrid.com/about-ttmadrid/meet-the-team/) - [TEFL Course Prices & Dates](https://ttmadrid.com/tefl-prices-and-dates/) - [https://ttmadrid.com/course/](https://ttmadrid.com/) ## Optional - [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/ttmadrid.com/mcp) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)