When Allegra packed her bags in New Jersey and boarded a flight to Madrid, she wasn’t just starting a new job, she was starting a new life. At just 23 years old, this recent college graduate made a bold decision: to move to Spain, get TEFL certified, and teach English in a city she had never visited, but always dreamed of calling home.

“I came to Madrid to teach English and start a newer life in a country where I feel safer to be myself,” Allegra shares.

Allegra is a trans woman, an educator, and a passionate learner who knew that staying in the U.S. wasn’t the right path for her. “I realized I didn’t want to teach in America. So I figured… why not explore the rest of the world?”

Why Madrid? A Place to Thrive

Madrid had always been high on Allegra’s list of dream destinations. Not only had she studied Spanish growing up, but she had also heard that the city offered a strong LGBTQ+ community and a vibrant atmosphere. “It felt like the kind of place where I would be able to thrive,” she explains.

She was right. Neighborhoods like Chueca immediately made her feel welcome, with open, inclusive spaces and a buzzing social scene. “I’m still meeting people,” she says, “but I do feel like I’ve been able to thrive here.” She’s made new friends, is exploring Madrid’s cafés and parks, and even joined dating apps to continue building her community.

Take a quick look at Chueca in this video to see why so many LGBTQ+ newcomers feel at home in Madrid.

The TT Madrid Experience: Learning, Support, and Belonging

Allegra found TT Madrid  while researching teaching programs abroad and was drawn to their in-person, hands-on TEFL course. With a background in education and a desire to travel, the school’s TEFL certification program stood out as the perfect launchpad.“

The in-person part was hard, but fun,” she admits. “I was up late making lesson plans and finishing assignments, but I really enjoyed connecting with people here. It made me feel more at home in this program and in this country.”

What stood out to her was the community and support. “I had people that I knew could help me. It helped me feel more comfortable asking for help, and that made a big difference,” she shares. From guidance on lesson planning to emotional support during the intense days of training, TT Madrid helped her feel grounded in a new country.

Navigating Visas and Housing With Help

Moving abroad isn’t easy, especially when paperwork gets in the way. “The visa was tough,” Allegra admits. “I showed up to my first appointment and they told me my federal background check wasn’t accepted.”

Despite the setback, TT Madrid supported her through every step. “They helped me find ways to get my documents processed really fast. They also booked my legal appointments, it made the whole process less stressful than it would normally be.”

Even after some housing issues required her to move apartments, Allegra says she feels more settled now – and grateful. “I like where I’m living now. It feels right.”

From accommodation support to legal appointments and beyond, TT Madrid’s student services made all the difference.

Building Skills and a Future

Allegra is currently job-hunting while awaiting her TIE residency card, but she’s confident that things will fall into place. With her TEFL certification complete, she’s already interviewing at academies across the city. “I know that as far as jobs go, things will work out the way they’re meant to,” she says.

She’s also leveling up her Spanish, now at a B1 level, thanks to immersive classes and real-life practice. “It kind of throws you face-first into the fire, but sometimes that’s the best way to grow,” she laughs. Whether roller skating with friends, navigating local shops, or watching her favorite show Cobra Kai with Spanish subtitles, Allegra is embracing the language and lifestyle head-on.

Advice for Future TEFL Teachers and Expats

When asked what she’d say to someone considering TT Madrid, Allegra doesn’t hesitate: “Go for it.”

“Even if you don’t want to be a teacher long-term, teaching English abroad helps you explore the world and learn who you are. It helped me get out of a country that wasn’t safe for me… and into a life that feels more like my own.”

Allegra is now actively job-hunting while improving her Spanish (currently B1 level), roller skating, and planning the next steps in her life abroad. Her dream as a teacher is crystal clear: “I want to connect with my students and help them grow into their happiest, most confident, most authentic selves.”

A Teacher Who Inspires

Allegra has a clear vision for the kind of educator she wants to be: one who brings out the best in her students. “I want to help them grow into their happiest, most confident, most authentic selves,” she says. “And I believe that with the right kind of education and classroom relationships, anyone can grow.”

Even if teaching isn’t your long-term goal, Allegra believes teaching abroad is a transformative experience. “It helped me get out of a country that wasn’t safe for me… and into a life that feels more like my own.”

Final Thoughts: Courage, Community, and Finding Home

Although starting over in a new country came with challenges, Allegra has found something invaluable in Madrid: safety, joy, and the freedom to be herself. “Even though it was weird at first, I still felt safe. I still felt at home. I still felt like I could be myself – and I’ll never take that for granted.”

Thinking about making a change?
If you’re considering teaching English abroad and building a life in Spain, explore TT Madrid’s TEFL programs and see how you can start your own story – just like Allegra did!