Well, in short, lots of different people.We´ve had students who are undertaking a gap year, graduates who want to broaden their horizons and make their resumes stand out from the crowd, mature adults who want a lifestyle change and students of Spanish who’d like the opportunity to improve their skills by living in Spain, but need to work to do so.
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and is an internationally recognised, communicative method of teaching. This means that the teacher and student only use English in the classroom and try to never use the student’s first language whether this is Spanish, Chinese, Russian etc. In Madrid the majority of classes take place in companies such as Siemans, KPMG, Santander etc, teaching groups and one to one classes or private classes in a student’s home. On the course we teach you lots of things including:
Grammar
Phonetics
Teaching skills
Lesson planning
Classroom management
Error and correction
Using materials and resources
Level testing and needs analysis
Business English skills
One to one teaching, telephone teaching, intensives; and
Observed teaching practices.
How do the teaching practices work?
We offer free English classes to our local community.The classes are attended by people from all walks of life; from university students to successful business people.Many of the attendees have been coming for over four years and are very committed to our school.They understand that many of our students have never taught before and are caring, supportive and encouraging as you get over your nervousness and teach for the first time.
Every class you teach will be observed by one of our senior trainers who will give you both written and verbal feedback at the end of your class.This is a very positive process designed to build your confidence and improve your skills.
So what happens after the course?Do you help me get work?
We certainly do. We work with over 180 teaching agencies that are waiting to receive your resume once you’ve 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 to secure the best positions. There of course has to be effort on your part and 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.
What should I expect to earn?
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.
My Spanish level will still be low – will that be a problem?
Most people that come and do our course have little or no Spanish when they first come to Spain. This reason we offer the combined Spanish/TEFL Course.The Spanish you learn in your first four weeks will ensure you know the basics that will allow you to get around.If you 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). However, in terms of teaching, the TEFL methodology is such that you don’t need to speak the students’ first language in order to teach.In fact, it’s better if you don’t as it only hinders, rather than helps their learning.
So, with your intensive Spanish course you will be off to a flying start.Most TEFL graduates continue learning Spanish throughout their time in Spain. It’s a once in a life time opportunity to master a second language which can only benefit you in the future for work, travel and communication.
What’s the difference between an accredited and an unaccredited TEFL course?
There are varying degrees of quality when it comes to TEFL certificates and courses. You can find one that is accredited and audited by a recognised external body, like ours, or you can find one that is unaccredited and try your luck.
Let me put it this way.Would you use an airline that sets its own safety standards or would you prefer an external organisation to do so; requiring that spot checks are carried out and maintenance be compiled with in accordance with best industry practices?Would you trust that an airline struggling in bad economic times wouldn’t find ways of cutting corners?Accreditation ensures that a TEFL school can cut those corners.
Hence, the TEFL course you complete will have a real bearing on the work you can get in the industry. Accreditation means your course is valid and that you have been taught what you need to know.This is even more important if you want to use your TEFL certificate in another city or country where your TEFL school is unknown.Our course is accredited by theInternational Accreditation of TESOL Qualifiying Organisations (IATQuO).
So what’s living in Madrid like?Is it expensive?
Madrid is a capital city and is therefore more expensive than other cities in Spain. However, the cost of living in 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 millionaire 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 bring with me?
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.
So how much and when?
The price of the combined Spanish/TEFL Course is 2000 euros. 2010 TEFL course dates are as follows:
11 January - 5 February 2010
8 February - 5 March 2010
8 March - 31 March 2010
5 April - 30 April 2010
3 May - 28 May 2010
31 May - 25 June 2010
2 August - 27 August 2010
6 September - 1 October 2010
4 October - 29 October 2010
8 November - 3 December 2010
How do I enrol?
Enrolling could not be easier. Please contact us and tell us the course dates you are interested in and we will get back to you straight away.
