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 skills for personal and professional reasons, the need for qualified teachers continues to rise.
- Cultural Experience: Teaching in Madrid allows you to immerse yourself in Spanish culture, cuisine, and traditions while sharing your own experiences as a non-native speaker.
- Diverse Opportunities: From private language schools to corporate training programs, there are numerous avenues for teaching English in Madrid.
Qualifications You Need
To teach English in Madrid as a non-native speaker, you typically need:
- A Bachelor’s Degree: While it doesn’t need to be in education or English, having a degree is often a requirement.
- TEFL Certification: Obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate is crucial. It should be at least a Level 5 TEFL qualification.
- Proficient English Skills: You should have a strong command of English grammar and vocabulary, which you likely possess as a non-native speaker who has learned the language.
Types of Teaching Opportunities
As a non-native speaker, you can find various teaching roles in Madrid:
- Language Academies: These schools cater to students of all ages and levels. Many academies value the unique perspective that non-native speakers bring to their teaching.
- Public Schools: Through programs like the Bilingual Assistant Program, you can work as an English language assistant in public schools across Madrid.
- Private Schools: International and private schools often seek native-level speakers for their English programs.
- Corporate Training: Many companies hire teachers to provide Business English training to employees looking to improve their professional communication skills.
- Private Tutoring: Offering one-on-one or small group lessons can be a flexible way to earn money while gaining experience.
Finding Jobs as a Non-Native Teacher
Securing a teaching position in Madrid can be straightforward if you know where to look:
- Online Job Boards: Websites dedicated to teaching jobs in Spain often list opportunities specifically for non-native speakers.
- Networking: Join expat groups or online forums where other teachers share job leads and advice.
- Direct Applications: Reach out directly to language schools and academies with your CV and cover letter. TtMadrid sends out our graduates’ CVs as soon as they finish the course. Our gold-plated seal of approval
The Non-Native Advantage
As a non-native speaker, you have unique advantages when teaching English:
- Empathy and Understanding: You can relate to your students’ challenges as they learn a new language, having gone through similar experiences yourself.
- Strong Grammar Knowledge: Your background means you likely have an excellent grasp of grammar rules and can explain them effectively from a learner’s perspective.
- Cultural Exchange: You can share insights from your own culture while also learning about Spanish culture from your students.
Support for Non-Native Teachers
We recognize the challenges that non-native speakers may face and offer additional support:
- Pronunciation support: We provide focused training on pronunciation and speaking skills.
- Mentorship Programs: We will help you with any specific gaps you might have so you can complete the course successfully.
TtMadrid has seen hundreds of non-native students achieve its TEFL Certificate, from all over the world, including Russia, Spain, Croatia and Holland.
Will I get a job as a non-native?
The answer is YES! You will find a job after the course. When you complete the course you have access to the agencies, academies and schools we work with. We have 100% successful job placement.
“Many people are worried that they won’t get a job after the course. After working in companies like Telefonica, Real Madrid, Thyssen Krupp, Deloitte and many others, I can assure you that there is a demand for non-natives in Madrid.” – TtMadrid graduate, Filip Liovic (Croatian).
What is my next step?
Contact our TEFL Course Manager and we’ll organize a time to have a chat with you and send you some more information.