If you’re planning to come to Spain to teach English, you’ve probably looked at Meddeas, NALCAP or one of the other “auxiliar de conversación” programs. The language assistant programs have been common routes into the country for years for other profiles, but things have shifted for the 2025–2026 intake. Visa changes that have delayed applications, parts of the program collapsing, 2025 has seen the perfect storm. Many applicants are still waiting for a school placement. Some won’t get one at all. And the few who do will struggle to finalise visa paperwork in time to start the academic year.
TtMadrid attracts candidates who want more freedom, flexibility and independence, with a more stable long-term plan to build a life teaching English or living in Madrid. We’re always a strong alternative to the typical auxiliar de conversación programs.
This year, delays and restrictions have left a lot of people with no clear way forward. That’s where TtMadrid’s programs provide flexiility and stability. If you’ve been left without a placement or are simply looking for a more stable and career-focused option, TtMadrid is a better alternative to Meddeas and NALCAP.
We’re not a government program, but we are a fully accredited TEFL training centre based in Madrid, with a university-backed visa that gives you the freedom to live, work and grow professionally in Spain.
You don’t have to wait to get your visa. You can apply directly, submit your invitation letter, and use much of the same paperwork from your current visa application (if you don’t have your paperwork together, we suggest a 4 month lead time for students appplying from scratch). You will need to leave at least 60 days between your visa appointment and your arrival date. For example, if you can get your appointment in August or September, you still have time to arrive in Madrid by October or November.
Looking for something outside teaching?
You can sign up for one of the Master’s courses at BLC Spain with a start date of January 2026.
Work legally, without restrictions
One of the biggest drawbacks of the auxiliar programs is how limited the visa is for work and potential earnings. The visa only allows you to work within your assigned placement. That means you can’t legally teach extra hours elsewhere or earn extra income. Many people don’t realise that working outside the program, even privately, is illegal. It also leads to the “hustle”, where students have to piece together private classes all over the city to make some extra cash.
TtMadrid’s visa is tied to a Spanish university, not a single placement. It allows you to work up to 30 hours per week in a completely legal and flexible way. You choose your employer, your teaching format, your schedule, and your students. You can work in a language school, teach online, tutor privately or combine all three.
Stay longer, with legal support
One of the most overlooked limitations of the auxiliar visa is what happens after it ends. Many people want to stay longer in Spain but find themselves unable to renew their visa or switch to another status.
TtMadrid students can renew their visa through us for up to three years. And if you decide to stay long-term, you can modify your visa to a different type, such as a work permit. We’ve built a legal structure that supports people through their transition, and our team helps you prepare for renewals and modifications so you’re never navigating it alone.
Build something for yourself
We’ve seen graduates go in many directions. Some stay in Madrid, build up a freelance teaching schedule, and earn a full living doing what they love. Others go on to run academies, teach online, or return home with a stronger CV and broader career perspective. Some later enroll in a master’s program at BLC Spain to further expand their qualifications and open up new work opportunities once they have a clearer idea of the direction they want to go in.
No two stories are the same, but what they have in common is a foundation that started with real training, legal stability, and the freedom to grow on their own terms.
What should you do as an Auxililar who doesn’t have a placement for 2025-2026?
Government programs this year have faced serious administrative issues. School assignments are arriving late, and many accepted applicants are still waiting for updates. If you don’t receive your school placement in time, you can’t start the visa process at all.
TtMadrid gives you a clearer, more direct route. Once accepted, you receive a university-backed letter of invitation which allows you to begin your visa process immediately. If you’ve already gathered documents for another program, you can often reuse most of what you’ve prepared. Our admissions team will guide you through what’s needed and help make sure nothing gets lost in translation.
With a 60-day lead time before the course start date, there’s still time to begin the process and arrive this autumn. If you’re feeling stuck or at risk of missing the academic year, this could be your solution.
A final word for 2025 applicants
If you’ve been accepted into NALCAP or Meddeas but haven’t received a school yet, or if you’re feeling unsure about whether the placement will come through in time, you’re not alone. We’ve heard from many candidates in the same situation. You don’t have to give up on your plans.
With TtMadrid, you can still begin your teaching journey this fall. You’ll receive a recognised qualification, live in Madrid, work legally, and have a clear path forward. And if you’re thinking about staying longer or moving into higher education, we can help you transition into a master’s at BLC Spain as early as January.
If your goal is to teach, live, and thrive in Spain, this route is still open to you.
TtMadrid’s one year “Certificate in Spanish Culture and Advanced TEFL” course includes:
- A Level 5 (OFQUAL) accredited TEFL Course
- 4 weeks of Intensive Spanish classes at an Instituto Cervantes accredited Spanish School
- An Advanced TEFL Course
- 7 months of Evening Spanish Classes
- Support with visa and legal paperwork before and after arrival
- Ability to work 30 hours per week during your course
- Support in finding work (we have a 100% job success rate for our graduates)
- Option to modify your visa to work after completion, or renew for a second year.
PRICE: €3,950
If you’d like to see if you’re the right fit for our program, fill out the contact form with details of your profile and we’ll be in contact asap.
