Jireh came to TtMadrid from the Philippines, after spending time both there and in the USA with a background in entrepreneurship, a rather different career path than teaching! Jireh told us during the application stages that choosing to study in Spain and teach is an intentional and essential component of his professional growth. Transitioning to living and learning in Spain will not only enhance his linguistic proficiency but also allow him to experience the authentic daily life and cultural practices firsthand.

Jireh has aspired to be an educator who not only teaches language but also instills a deep appreciation
for cultural exchange.

Now he’s a qualified TEFL teacher, we’ve heard from Jireh as to how working as a teacher has been so far:

“Some of my favorite moments as a Business English teacher in Madrid aren’t the big milestones… they’re the tiny, unexpected wins that happen in the office or during online lessons.

It’s the student who finally says a full sentence without switching to Spanish… and then smiles like they just won the lottery.

It’s the random debates that go completely off-script but somehow turn into the best speaking practice of the week.

It’s the quiet student who barely spoke in September suddenly cracking jokes in March.

And honestly, I wouldn’t be experiencing any of this without TtMadrid, who helped me get started with my new life in Spain. They didn’t just help me find a job but they gave me the confidence, structure, and support to actually enjoy teaching. From day one, I felt prepared, backed, and part of something real.

If you’re thinking about teaching English in Madrid, just know that this is not just a job. It’s a collection of small, unforgettable moments that make every day worth it and having the right academy behind you makes all the difference!”

Jireh Garay

Madrid, June 2026