TEFL Course Questions

Do I get a TEFL certificate?

Yes. IATQUO, our accrediting body, provide a certificate upon successful completion of the course. On request, we also write detailed references that are tailored to each individual trainee stating what you have achieved on the course and what your personal strengths are. As it is accredited, your TEFL certificate is valid not just in Spain but throughout the world.

Why do I need to learn business English?

A large amount of the TEFL work that is available in Spain and indeed most countries is 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.

Don't forget however that we run some inputs on teaching children so that you have some knowledge of that area too. We can also arrange for you to go to a local academy to observe children's classes to get a better feel for it.

Will you help me find an English teaching job?

We will not only help you find a teaching job, we will guarantee you job interviews with the top agencies in Madrid. Towards the end of the TEFL course, they will start to plan your timetable for when you finish the course. We have found all our trainees work through our network of agencies and with the help of our premium CV service that connects you with over 180 teaching agencies. 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 the computers to send off your CVs and application forms. If you are not planning on staying in Madrid or Spain, we have a wealth of knowledge about teaching around the world and will tailor our advice to suit your personal ambitions and give you all the contacts and information you need.

How much teaching practice will I receive on the course?

As part of our accreditation, we are obliged to offer 6 teaching practices; however you will also take part in many other types of teaching during the course; working one-2-one with a student; conducting a telephone 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?

As well as the 4 week course, your course fees includes the following additional benefits with a 
market value of 150€:

• Guaranteed job interviews
• Our premium CV service that connects you with over 230 agencies
• Careers advice
• 4 weeks free Spanish classes (2 evenings per week) at AIL
• Welcome lunch and farewell party
• Internet and wifi access
• Membership to TtRed
• 300 free photocopies and course materials
• Use of facilities post course
• All the love and support you could imagine!

Do I need to speak the language of my students?

No. The TEFL methodology has been designed to ensure that you do not need to speak the language of your students. You will learn all the skills and techniques needed during the course. You will also take part in two 1 hour Thai lessons. This gives you your first insight into how this method works.

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. On a teaching salary, you will have enough money to rent a nice shared apartment, take Spanish classes, go out and eat and drink with friends on a regular basis. You are not going to be a milionare teaching English, but you will work 4 days a week and have enough money to travel and live life to the full.

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 400 euros for a room in a shared apartment. The monthly metro ticket is around 45 euros per month.

If finances are a concern, email Lisette (info@ttmadrid.com) and ask her to send you our fact file on 'Planning a Stress Free Transition'.

What should I bring with me to Spain?

With suitcase allowances becoming stricter and stricter, you should pack wisely. Madrid is very hot during the Summer so light clothing is essential but it gets very cold during the Winter and you will need a coat and warm clothing. You do need to remember that you will be teaching in companies. Men should bring some smart trousers and shirts and women should bring trousers or skirts plus tops that have sleeves. You will also be required to wear smart/dress shoes (not trainers/sneakers) for in-company classes. There isn't really anything you can't buy here. There are American, Australian, British, Chinese, Japanese food stores, there are international and second hand bookshops and everything else available in Madrid. 

However, for those coming from the States, please bring Natasha some peanut butter M&Ms (she will be very grateful!) Whereas if you're coming from Australia Tem will kill for a tube of vegemite!

Do you help me get a job?

We certainly do. We work with over 230 teaching agencies in Spain that are waiting to receive your CV/resume once you have finished our course. We organise interviews for you with some of the best agencies and make sure you are prepared for them with our interviewing skills workshop. There has also been an increase in the private class market as many business professionals want to update their English skills to get that promotion or get ready for an interview.

We pass on all our knowledge that we have learnt through years of working in the industry in order for you to secure the best positions. There of course has to be effort on your side. Looking the part, following up with the interviews and posting your ads on line and in your local community will make sure that your get plenty of work.

I don't speak Spanish - will that be a problem?

Most Brits that come and do our course have little or no Spanish when they first come to Madrid. But Spain is a friendly place: come with an open mind and the desire to learn Spanish and the locals will take you into their hearts (even if they do laugh at you while they are doing it).

We also have one month's free Spanish classes after the course so you can get going. The school we work with have classes at all levels so there will be a group that is right for you. 

Can I do the course if I don't have a degree?

As a general rule we prefer you to have a degree but we deal with each person on a case by case basis. We fully understand that life and work experience, in many cases, more than makes up for a degree so don't be put off, contact Lisette (info@ttmadrid.com) and she will arrange for you to have a chat with us.

Name: Matt Johnson
Age: 54
Where are you from? Madrid, Spain
Quote: "Thanks very much for your patience, support and kindness. During yesterday's interview I put a lot of what you taught into practice."