TEFL Course FAQs | Teaching English in Madrid – TtMadrid

TEFL COURSE RELATED QUESTIONS
  • What does TEFL mean?

    TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It involves teaching English to non-native speakers, typically in a country where English isn’t the primary language. TEFL courses equip individuals with the skills and methodologies required to effectively teach English to students of different ages and backgrounds. Learn more here.

  • Who is a TEFL course most suited to?

    A TEFL course is ideal for anyone interested in teaching English abroad, including recent graduates, individuals seeking a career change, or those wanting an international experience during a gap year. It’s also beneficial for current teachers looking to expand their qualifications and teaching capabilities. Visit our YouTube channel to listen to our latest TEFL graduates’ experiences.

  • What will I learn during the course?

    In a TEFL course, you’ll learn essential teaching skills such as lesson planning, classroom management, teaching grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, and adapting to different learning styles. The course also covers practical aspects of teaching, like creating engaging activities and using teaching aids effectively. Get in touch with us at [email protected] to find out what’s included in our TEFL course.

  • What are the eligibility requirements at TtMadrid?

    To enroll in our TEFL course at TtMadrid, applicants must meet the following criteria:

    1. Visa Requirements: Non-European applicants require a student visa to study and work with us. We offer a comprehensive one-year program designed to assist with this process.

    2. Educational Background: A Bachelors degree is necessary as our visa programs are postgraduate courses through our University.

    3. English Proficiency: A minimum C1 level in English is required. This high proficiency ensures our graduates are competitive and successful in the job market, as this level of fluency is often a prerequisite for English teaching positions.

    Our goal is to ensure all our graduates are well-prepared and highly qualified for teaching opportunities post-completion of our TEFL course. Check out more details in our application page.

  • Will I receive a TEFL certificate on completion of the course?

    Of course! Our accrediting body, TQUK, provides a certificate upon successful completion of the course. Each has a unique number so agencies and schools can check they are genuine. On request, we also write detailed references that are tailored to each individual trainee stating what you have achieved during the course and what your personal strengths are. Your Level 5 TEFL certificate is internationally recognised and accredited.

  • Is the TEFL certificate internationally recognized?

    Yes, our TEFL certificate holds international recognition, but it’s important to understand what this entails:

    1. Accreditation: Our Level 5 TEFL course is accredited through TQUK. A Level 5 course is recognized by the UK government and listed on the Ofqual registry.
    2. Global Standard: TEFL originated in the UK, and a Level 5 qualification is considered the gold standard worldwide.

    Choosing a Level 5 course ensures your certification is respected and valued globally, regardless of where your teaching career takes you.

  • Do I need to take a TEFL course If I'm already a qualified teacher?

    Even if you’re an experienced teacher in other subjects, teaching English as a foreign language has unique challenges:

    1. Grammar Expertise: Many native speakers are unfamiliar with the intricacies of English grammar required for TEFL.
    2. Full Immersion Teaching Style: TEFL is not taught through translation, so this is an unfamiliar teaching style to most professionals.
    3. Specialized Skills: TEFL teaching involves specific skills like phonology, language assessment, and exam preparation.
    4. Personal Growth: Our TEFL course offers valuable self-reflection and development opportunities, even for seasoned educators.

    Regardless of your background, our TEFL course equips you with the specialized skills needed for effective English language teaching.

  • Why do I need to learn business English?

    A large amount of the TEFL work that is available in Spain, and indeed in most countries globally, comes from in-company classes. Whilst you are not required to teach only business English, many of your students will ask for some business English during the course. This may be telephone English, attending meetings, or small talk. We study these elements in-depth during the course to make sure you are as prepared as possible for all the job opportunities that are available. The more experience you have teaching both general and business English, the more employable you are.

    You will also cover modules on teaching young learners in the course, so you’ll also gain knowledge in that area too. We can arrange for you to visit a local academy to observe children’s classes gain some real world practical insight. Learn more about Types of TEFL Teaching Jobs in Spain.

  • Will you help me find a teaching job?

    We will not only help you find a teaching job, we guarantee you job interviews with the top agencies in Madrid. We have helped all our trainees find work through our network of employers, and with the help of our premium CV service, we connect you with over 300 teaching agencies and academies. You are also welcome to use the resources at the school once you finish your course. We will help you plan those first few important lessons and you are able to use resources to send your CV/resume, any time. If you are not planning on staying in Madrid or Spain, we have a wealth of knowledge about teaching globally, and will tailor our advice to suit your personal ambitions. Learn more about Finding work in Madrid with TtMadrid.

  • How many teaching practices will I complete during the course?

    As part of our accreditation, we are obliged to offer 6 observed teaching practices; however, you will also take part in many other types of teaching during the course, such as working one-2-one with a student, conducting an online class and peer teaching. All your teaching practices are observed by one of our experienced trainers. After each class, you will meet together to discuss how the class went and look at areas for development. You will also be given written feedback so you can focus your next class on the right areas.

  • What is included in the price of the TEFL course?

    Your course fees include the following additional benefits:

    – 180-hour, Level 5 accredited TEFL certificate

    – Discount on Spanish classes at LAE Madrid

    – Guaranteed job interviews with the top agencies in Madrid

    – Our premium CV/resume service that connects you with over 300 agencies

    – Career advice, including our interviewing skills workshop

    – Welcome lunch and graduation

    – Internet and WIFI access

    – All course materials

    – Lifetime job support regardless of where you are in the world!

    – Use of facilities post-course

    – Support with organizing your legal paperwork on arrival

    – Organizing bank accounts, mobiles, etc.

    – Student card to take advantage of the discounts in the neighborhood

    Check out our TEFL courses and prices.

  • Do I need to speak a second language to become a TEFL teacher?

    TEFL is a full immersion style of teaching, meaning the methodology has been designed to be taught without translation. Therefore you don’t need to fluently speak the language of your student as you will learn all the skills and techniques needed to communicate without the use of a common language. During the course, you will actually observe a class in a language completely unknown to yourself so that you can experience firsthand how many of your students will feel, and how you can best deliver your own lessons.

  • Is Madrid/Spain expensive?

    Madrid is a capital city and is therefore more expensive than other cities in Spain. However, the cost of living in Spain and Madrid is still very reasonable, especially for food, drink, and travel compared to other capital cities in Europe. TEFL teaching salaries are enough to live a comfortable life, whilst still enjoying all Spain has to offer. You’ll never become a millionaire teaching English, however working 30 hours per week will provide a stable income. Read our Ultimate Guide to Teach English in Spain.

  • What should I expect to earn as a TEFL teacher in Spain?

    Most teachers work between 20 to 25 hours per week (Monday to Thursday). On average you should expect to be paid between 15-20 euros per hour with a TEFL Certificate qualification, approximately 9 euros without. Accommodation is approximately 500 euros for a room in a shared apartment. The monthly metro ticket is around 55 euros per month.

    If finances are a concern, email Charlie ([email protected]) and ask her to send you our fact file on ‘Financial Planning’ or sign up to receive our complete guide here.

  • What should I bring with me to Spain?

    English_teachers_TEFL_Madrid_SpainWith suitcase allowances becoming stricter and stricter, you should pack wisely. Madrid is very hot during the summer, so light clothing is essential, however it can be cold during the winter, so you’ll need a coat and warm clothing. When you transition into working, business/casual workwear including a shirt/trousers (no jeans) are required. You may also want to pack a pair of smart/dress shoes (not trainers/sneakers) for in-company classes. Madrid is well known for it’s shopping scene, so anything you don’t have you can easily pick up!

    For those coming from the States, please bring Natasha some peanut butter M&Ms (she will be very grateful!) ;).

  • Can I take the TEFL course if I don’t have a Bachelor's degree?

    If you are an EU passport holder, a Bachelor’s degree isn’t an entry requirement in order to join the TEFL only program. For all non EU passport holders who require a visa, then a degree is essential as all our year long visa programs are postgraduate University studies.

    Contact one of our Program Coordinators ([email protected]) and we can arrange for you to have a chat with us and answer any questions you have.

  • How does the hybrid element of the course work?

    We’ve designed the course in a hybrid format, meaning you can complete a lot of assignments before arrival, while applying for your visa and preparing to move to Spain!

    The course begins with assignments in our Google Classroom. This is all self paced and can be managed around full time work/studies. We estimate you’ll need to set aside approximately 4-5 hours per week if you follow the 10 week plan. We provide regular progress checks and opportunities for virtual co-working.

    Once you’ve finished all your assignments, you’ll then move onto the 2-week, intensive practicum in Madrid – this wraps up your TEFL certification and you’ll be confident and ready to conquer the teaching world!

Why you can trust our TEFL certificate...

  • Is the course externally moderated?

    Yes, of course! Each month we provide coursework and feedback for sampling, to our accreditation body TQUK. The constant feedback and monitoring of our course means it’s always at the highest of standards.

  • Can I speak to a graduate in order to get their feedback on your course?

    Our graduates are our greatest asset and can provide honest and unbiased answers to your questions. We’d be happy to put you in touch with someone, just let us know.

  • How many students are on each course date?

    We have a maximum of 16 trainees per intake. In quieter periods we may have 5-10 per course, and in busier months (September and January) we are at capacity. So don’t leave it too long to make a decision!

  • Do you provide ongoing support and advice after the course finishes?

    As a graduate of our school, you will be a member of a large family and will receive help and support as long as you want and need it. Our graduates are always come to the school to prepare their lessons, photocopy our resources or just have a chat. Our school is vibrant with activity – there is never a dull moment at TtMadrid.

  • Do you offer specialist courses in teaching young learners and business English?

    You’ll cover both of these aspects as a standard part of our course. We need you to be prepared as possible for the local market. If you are not sure whether teaching children is your thing, you can visit a local school that we work with to get a sense of what it would be like. By having both skills you can start teaching both adults and children when you graduate thus not narrowing your TEFL employment options.

  • What relationship do you have with employers in Madrid?

    We have an excellent relationship with the agencies and academies that will employ you, built over 20 years. We are very honest about your performance on our course, therefore we want to see that you are prepared to work hard and make steady progress. Our reputation has been built on the quality of our graduates, which is why we can guarantee work. The academies hire our teachers because they know that a pass on our course is a guarantee of excellence in teaching methodology and innovative lesson planning. We expect a lot from our graduates because they are our greatest ambassadors; we pride ourselves with the care and effort we put into training them.

Visit these pages for more information on our T&Cs and privacy policy.

Need more information on our courses? Have a look at the different TEFL/Lifestyle programs we offer here in Madrid, or see what our graduates say about us.

GET YOUR LEVEL 5 TEFL QUALIFICATION THIS YEAR! COURSE NUMBERS ARE LIMITED.