Teaching English in Madrid, Spain is an excellent way for ex-pats and digital nomads to make some money while exploring the city. Unlike most of Western Europe, Spain, particularly its capital Madrid, has fewer English speakers, especially among the older population who didn’t grow up learning English. This has led to a significant demand for TEFL jobs in Madrid.
I spent a few months teaching English in Madrid while I was a student, which was a rewarding experience, and the extra income was much appreciated. If you’re looking to earn money while traveling or living abroad, Madrid is one of the best places to teach.
There are many opportunities to teach English in Madrid due to the high unemployment rates. Although employment data has improved over the years, many native Spaniards still aim to enhance their job prospects by learning English. There’s a strong emphasis on learning English both in schools and among working professionals, so you could be teaching any age group. Many programs have high turnover rates, so don’t worry if you don’t start at the beginning of the school year—you might get called in at any time. Check if your program or various schools have waiting lists you can join.
Living in Madrid means you’ll be surrounded by beautiful architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious tapas and wine in the evenings. Plus, you can enjoy many fun day trips from the city on your days off. You’ll make plenty of friends, both locals and fellow teachers, making your experience even more enjoyable.
Madrid, with a population of about 3.5 million, is quite large but still offers quiet places. As Spain’s economic, political, and cultural center, the cost of living in Madrid is affordable compared to other European capitals.
To get a TEFL job in Madrid, it’s fairly easy if you have a visa or student visa. You don’t necessarily need a four-year degree, except for specific programs, but a TEFL certification is required. This certification can be obtained through various short courses or classes.
For example, MyTEFL offers a 120-hour TEFL course that’s affordable, while the TEFL Academy provides a Level 5 course, often discounted by 60%. Uni-Prep offers a more in-depth, affordable course. I earned my certification through four in-person classes over two weeks. Note that on a student visa, you can’t work more than 20 hours per week. If you want to work more, you’ll need a working visa, unless you’re an EU citizen.
There are several ways to approach teaching in Madrid. The Spanish government offers the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP), which pays roughly €700 – €1,100 per month. While not enough to live without roommates, you can supplement this income with private tutoring. NALCAP assists with visa setup and fees.
Another option in Madrid is UCETAM, which offers various pay tiers depending on the hours you work. In this program, you won’t be the only teacher in the classroom, alleviating some pressure. Canterbury English is a popular choice and offered me a smooth start as they had an existing relationship with my study abroad program.
The International TEFL Academy, which covers more regions than just Spain, can also place you in Madrid or help you earn a TEFL certification. It’s highly acclaimed, and the Academy provides lots of resources throughout the TEFL process. Similarly, TEFL-Madrid offers a four-week on-site course that assists with paperwork and visa arrangements, partnering with a recruitment agency to guarantee job interviews.
CIEE is another option, though it requires more planning as it takes applications for the following year. Their standard course includes 130 hours online and 20 hours in-person.
In public school settings, you’ll likely be an assistant teacher to a Spanish-speaking teacher, handling fewer responsibilities like grading or disciplining students. Always research thoroughly before agreeing to a teaching position to ensure the company pays well and offers consistent work.
Typically, through NALCAP, you can earn €700 – €1,100 per month, tax-free due to it being a stipend. Adding private tutoring can increase your earnings. For instance, working 16 hours per week in a sponsored job and 4 additional hours tutoring could earn you about €1,420 per month.
Teaching English in Madrid can be a great choice. It allows you to live and work in a foreign country, with a manageable cost of living and ample job opportunities. You’ll also gain insight into local culture and have flexible working conditions. However, teaching does require certain skills, such as lesson planning and handling varying student abilities and motivation levels.
Commuting time and costs are also factors to consider. While it’s a good way to make money, it might not support a lavish lifestyle in Madrid.
Overall, teaching English in Madrid offers an exciting array of opportunities. With modest budgeting, you can enjoy most of what the city offers while maintaining a stable income. I wish you the best of luck on your journey!
