TEFL + visa program to teach English in Madrid, Spain

If you are already a teacher but not specifically an English language teacher, it’s important to recognize that teaching English presents unique challenges distinct from teaching other subjects like math or economics. Many people, including native speakers, may not have a strong grasp of the grammar rules of their own language. For instance, if you were asked to compare the present perfect and past simple tense in English, you might struggle to provide a precise answer.

Given the specialized nature of teaching English as a foreign language, the answer to whether you should take a TEFL course even if you are an experienced teacher in other subjects is still a resounding YES. TEFL courses not only cover language proficiency and grammar but also equip you with the pedagogical skills and strategies necessary for effective English language instruction. These courses provide valuable insights into language teaching methodologies, classroom management, and techniques for catering to diverse student needs. Therefore, even experienced educators can benefit significantly from a TEFL course when transitioning to English language teaching.

When evaluating the international recognition of a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate, it’s essential to focus on its accreditation rather than relying solely on marketing terms like “internationally recognized.” The key factor to consider is whether the TEFL course is accredited as a level 5 course, which is regarded as the gold standard within the TEFL industry.

Our TEFL course, for example, is accredited through TKUK. The accrediting body isn’t as crucial as the accreditation level itself, as long as it is a level 5 course. A level 5 accreditation signifies that the course is recognized by the British government and its education department, and it is listed on Ofqual, the official regulator for qualifications, examinations, and assessments in England. This registration on the Ofqual website serves as the benchmark for international recognition.

In essence, when choosing a TEFL course worldwide, it’s imperative to opt for one that holds a level 5 accreditation, as this standard is acknowledged by the UK government, and TEFL education originated in the UK, making it widely accepted and applicable worldwide, regardless of your chosen destination.

In our TEFL course at TtMadrid, we’ve designed a hybrid approach to provide you with a well-rounded learning experience that combines online and in-person components. While the online portion of our course is of high quality, comprehensive, and in-depth, we believe that the practical teaching experience you gain in a physical classroom setting is essential for your growth and success as a TEFL teacher.

After completing the online component, you’ll have the opportunity to come to Madrid for a couple of weeks. During this time, you will engage in teaching practices as an integral part of your training. We offer free English classes to the local community, which is an excellent chance for individuals who may not have access to English classes due to financial constraints to learn English while benefiting from your teaching expertise.

These local community members are the students you will practice teaching on. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement—you gain valuable teaching experience, and they receive English language instruction. Throughout this period, we closely support you by helping with lesson planning, providing feedback and critiques, and facilitating peer observations. You’ll participate in approximately 25 hours of actual classes with real students, including six hours of teaching and the remainder spent observing or engaging in different ways.

This hands-on experience exposes you to a wide range of class levels and real-life teaching scenarios, making it an invaluable aspect of our course that cannot be replicated by online TEFL programs. We are committed to maintaining this two-week, in-person teaching practice element because we believe it is fundamental to your success as a TEFL teacher.

Our TEFL hybrid course is structured into two distinct components: the online element and the in-person element. This hybrid approach is designed to accommodate candidates who are often going through the visa application process, which can take several months. Here’s an overview of how the course is structured:

1. Online Element: The online portion of the course is the first phase. It is designed to be flexible and part-time to cater to individuals with full-time jobs or limited weekly hours available for coursework. On average, it takes approximately 12 weeks to complete this online component. We have tailored the course to require about four to five hours of work per week. Throughout the course, we provide regular progress updates and milestones to keep you on track. If you find yourself falling behind, our Director of Studies will offer guidance and support to help you catch up. We also offer opportunities for co-working sessions via Zoom to facilitate coursework completion.

2. In-Person Element: Once you have obtained your visa and successfully completed the online section, you will join us for the two-week in-person component of the course at our headquater in Madrid. This phase includes essential teaching practices, interview preparation, job placement discussions, and connections with potential employers. It’s an intensive period, but it offers a unique opportunity to meet fellow students, our staff, and immerse yourself in Spanish language classes held at our sister school. This phase allows for a gradual transition into Spanish culture and provides continuous support to ensure your success.

The combination of these two components, the online and in-person elements, forms our hybrid TEFL course. This approach not only offers flexibility for those going through the visa process but also ensures a well-rounded and supportive experience as you prepare for a career in TEFL and adapt to life in Madrid.

Not speaking Spanish should not pose a problem when considering our TEFL course at TtMadrid. Many students initially worry about their lack of Spanish proficiency, but it’s important to note that you don’t need Spanish to teach English, especially within the TEFL community. In our classrooms, the expectation is to use English exclusively.

While you can certainly survive without speaking Spanish, we do offer Spanish classes to help you learn essential survival phrases and vocabulary. Moreover, being immersed in Spanish culture and daily life will naturally improve your language skills over time.

Don’t stress about your current level of Spanish. Embrace the experience, and your Spanish will gradually improve as you navigate daily life in Spain. We are here to support you with the language aspect, so rest assured that you can succeed in our TEFL course without Spanish proficiency.