Teaching English in Madrid: Tips for Expat Teachers

There’s a plethora of possible destinations for people who want to try a career in TEFL or TESL (teaching English as a second language). For non-Spanish educators thinking of teaching English, Madrid might be a place to consider doing that.

Being an English teacher in Spain's capital city can be an exhilarating experience. After all, for all its modernity Madrid is full of history and culture, an entrancing blend of the old and the new. But as a number of TEFL teachers working in Madrid can tell you, the going isn't always easy.

Here are some tips and information foreign English teachers have shared about their experiences in Spain. Perhaps they will help you adjust more easily to life as a TEFL instructor in Madrid.

Requirements for Work

Getting a work permit is no problem for those coming from Great Britain. American citizens, on the other hand, will need a work visa. Some American teachers teach English in Spain on a tourist visa; however, these have to be renewed every three months. If you don't mind doing a visa run every so often, that is, leave the country for a few days before coming back, then it would be not too much trouble for you. Some employers have even been known to help with the travel cost associated with a visa run.

They say it's fairly easy to get an English teaching job in Madrid, especially if you meet the requirements. These usually include a college degree, a TEFL certificate, or a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). The latter can be acquired in Spain.

The ability to speak Spanish is a huge plus since it will help your interactions with your students who are not yet fluent in English. Plus, it’s a major factor in appreciating and enjoying the local culture.

Economics of TEFL teaching in Madrid

Demand for English teachers is high in Madrid for several reasons. One: the country trails behind some of its neighbors when it comes to speaking English, a language that is necessary for international business and social relations. Two: the TEFL teacher turnover rate is high in the country, the main reason for which is the low salaries that English teachers usually earn. So, it would be better if you could find work as a private teacher to supplement your salary if you're planning on working for a company or academy since one-on-one lessons command a higher rate.

Another aspect to consider is the cost of living in Madrid. Rental rates are high even for small spaces, so some say what they earn from teaching is barely enough to cover their expenses there.

Student-Teacher Relationships

It's been said that Spanish students tend to expect ultra-fast results from their English lessons and can become discouraged if they don’t see the results immediately. To keep them motivated, an English teacher will need to make lessons creative and engaging. Patience, open-mindedness, and perseverance will serve you well here.

Whether you decide to stay for a long time or move to another location after teaching English in Madrid, the experience will surely be something to remember. Whether it's a bad or good experience overall remains to be seen, but we hope it's the latter!

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