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Sunny, Exciting Madrid Spain. Teachers Needed

Posted By: Canterbury English
Date: January 23, 2008

Sunny, Exciting Madrid Spain. Teachers Needed. Immediate Jobs. TEFL Certificate Program

THE CANTERBURY INTERNATIONAL TEFL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM AND GUARANTEED JOB:
The 120 hour Canterbury International TEFL Certificate includes a guaranteed teaching position with Canterbury English in Madrid throughout the school year. In addition, we supply summer teaching jobs throughout Spain in exotic locations as diverse as the beaches of Marbella to the Pyrenees mountains to students who have completed our TEFL program.

TEFL Program Cost: 759 euros

SEVERAL TEFL STUDENTS FROM THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS:

May 25, 2007
Dear TEFL Candidates:
I am writing this letter to ease anyone's fears of moving to Spain to start a new career teaching English as a foreign language, especially if you chose to do so with Canterbury English Academy. I'm a 30-something American from the great state of Iowa who came to Spain in January of 2007. Like many of the English professors I've met in Madrid, I had a good job in the US, but was looking for a change. As an individual with a major case of wanderlust, when I read about the opportunity to come to Spain and teach English with Canterbury, I knew I had found what I had been searching for.
Of course, before making the decision to leave for Spain I had many questions that I wanted answered. I'm one of those people that must have all those proverbial ducks in a row before I make certain decisions. I had never taught a lesson in my life, would I be prepared to do that? Where would I live? Would I make enough money to pay the rent, eat, and go out in the evenings? Would I be able to work during the summer months when Madrid is deserted? I fired off several emails to Canterbury in Madrid, and each was answered immediately with a detailed and helpful response (by the way the answers were, “Yes, yes, yes and yes.”). I had also sent similar messages to other English language academies in Madrid, and not one of them offered the same of level of service as Canterbury. So, I made the decision to make the leap, and I enrolled with Canterbury.
The month-long TEFL course was amazing! I learned so much each day. The fears of teaching in a classroom were quickly erased with the practice teaching in our daily classes. And believe me, practice teaching in front of your colleagues is far more frightening than teaching at any business, school or home in Spain! After only two weeks of the TEFL course, I had the opportunity to start teaching and I felt more than ready for anything that could be thrown at me. The excellent Canterbury staff also requires progress reviews for its professors, which further guarantees that you're receiving the assistance and guidance a new professor needs.
Canterbury also has one thing that the other English academies don't offer, The Canterbury Club. The Canterbury Club events are wonderful opportunities to catch up with other professors, and most importantly discuss where to meet for tapas. Aside from the socializing aspect, it's great to be able to meet in a social setting to network and discuss work ideas. I've also been able to see places in Spain I didn't even know existed through the Canterbury Club's weekend excursions.
The Canterbury English experience has far exceeded my expectations. I have a full schedule of classes with both business and private clients. There is such a demand for English in Madrid that I actually find myself turning down classes now. And the wanderlust? It's not gone, it's being fulfilled! I live in Spain and I have Europe at my doorstep! I'm extremely happy with the decision I made, and it wouldn't have been the same without Canterbury English.
Nate Hamrick - LeMars, Iowa
TEFL Class of January, 2007

May 11, 2007
Dear Prospective TEFL Teachers,
I am writing this letter to share with you my experience with the Canterbury English TEFL program. Simply put, it was fantastic. Before I came to Spain I was finishing my undergraduate studies, not sure of what I'd do with myself after graduation. My girlfriend, who had studied in Spain before, was given a teaching position near Madrid and she encouraged me to come with her. Not knowing the first thing about Spain and with an elementary (at best) level of Spanish, I was hesitant to take the plunge. We did know that teaching English would be my only option, so we started scouring the Internet, reading English teaching blogs and the like, when we found Canterbury's website. Something told me that this would be the easiest and most reliable way to find work as a teacher in Madrid and sure enough, when I signed up for the September 2006 course, I was not disappointed.
The TEFL course provided the structure and foundation I needed to prepare myself for the world of teaching English in Madrid. The course is such that you get equal time for learning and training in the techniques of both Business English and Children's English, which has given me flexibility in the types of classes I choose to teach. Of course, Canterbury stands out because of the paid internship, which gets you on the fast track to teaching real-life classes in the first few weeks. The Canterbury staff is extremely generous; they will bend over backwards to find you classes that suit your needs and the library is an invaluable resource for preparing and gathering materials.
In addition, the Canterbury Club offers many wonderful social events to its teachers. Every month they host several gatherings that take you both around and outside of Madrid. These excursions are a fantastic way to bond with your peers and to learn more about Spanish culture. From movie and pub nights in Madrid, to an outrageous grape harvest festival on the outskirts of the city, the Canterbury Club events have been among the highlights of my time in Spain.
Summing up, if you do decide to take the plunge and move to Madrid to teach, then the Canterbury TEFL program is definitely the surest bet you can make.
Good luck!
Chris Griffith - Coshocton, Ohio
TEFL Class of October, 2006

May 7, 2007
To all future TEFL candidates,
I am writing this letter to describe my experiences at Canterbury, which is the least I can do to repay the academy's sense of kindness and honesty. I freely admit that I have no experience of other academies, but am also very confident that I made the right decision in joining the Canterbury family. The combination of certificate, guaranteed work and social side were ideal for someone coming straight out of university needing to earn money and have plenty of fiestas at which to spend this money! The website will tell you all the major details of the course and work options, so here I will try not to regurgitate all that information.
I arrived in Madrid without a word of Spanish, not knowing anyone in the city, clutching a piece of paper with the address of a dubious looking hostel and having paid a deposit on a course that I could certainly have researched more. However, any potential fears I had were calmed by the knowledge that the following morning I would be attending the induction day at Canterbury and would be meeting some people with whom I could actually communicate. Indeed, the day itself was fantastic. Everything was explained in detail and this was followed by a brunch where I began to assess potential friends. The beauty of this situation is that you are automatically afforded numerous things in common: everyone is trying to improve their Spanish, looking for a flat, getting to know Madrid, learning how to teach, etc, etc. Therefore, making new friends is not difficult in a foreign land.
I found the course to be relatively straightforward and enjoyed the enthusiasm and effort that was patently evident from all of the instructors. This turned what could have been a dry and potentially tedious subject matter into something completely different - both interesting and, on occasion, downright silly.
The teaching itself is a very relaxed way of earning money and living in another country. Many classes take on the form of conversation classes, with the teacher simply providing the topics and prompting with questions and vocabulary. The one clear exception to this is the teaching of children. This involves a little more preparation but gives superb results when a new game is revealed and the child in question is so unbelievably excited that he begins to jump around the room, shouting in an unintelligible language, where the only decipherable word is “kangaroo”! Roman, aged seven, you're famous already.
Beyond all this the only other crucial piece of information you require from me is my promise to you that Madrid is bloody good fun. Whether you want to relax in beautiful parks, go sight-seeing to the Prado, watch a world class football match at the Bernabeu or go for one beer and some tapas that somehow ends up in breakfast at 8am and an almighty hangover! This is certainly a lively city and I hope you make the right decision to come and join me. If so, and you enjoy it, please feel free to buy me a copa at The Music Bar on Calle Huertas…….i'll be the one failing to attract the attentions of the ludicrously attractive Venezuelan bar-maid!
Alex Runham - Bradford, West Yorkshire, England
TEFL class of February, 2007

April 13, 2007
Hola!
I came to Spain with the purpose of taking a break between the typical 9-5 and graduate school, and I've gained more than words can express. With my time here winding down, I can't help but think about how different my experience in Madrid would have been without Canterbury. Doubtful as to whether Canterbury existed at all, I arrived in Spain with only the information provided on the website and my orientation letter. Besides the obvious facts that teaching English in Madrid provides an income while you enjoy the country's many festivals, and that the TEFL program prepares you to teach students of varying levels, the most important part of my experience in Madrid caught me by surprise. This is the place to be to learn about yourself. This is where you want to be if you want to become immersed in a beautiful, stress free culture that allows you to truly relax for the first time in your life; it puts everything into perspective. For me, and maybe for most, the best part about teaching is getting to know Spanish culture firsthand. It's hard to imagine getting paid to talk to people about the best wine and cheeses in Spain, the different festivals around the country, the best restaurants to go to, what makes the Spanish people sore, and what excites them. Canterbury's clients have been incredible people. And my experience here would be incomplete without them.
Best year of my life so far.
Alexandra Rivera - Carolina, Puerto Rico
TEFL Class of July, 2006

March 31, 2006
Hello Everyone,
I am 23 years old and I live in London. I recently spent four months living in Madrid and working as an English teacher with the Canterbury English Academy. I had a great time, and so much of that is thanks to Canterbury.
When I first arrived in Madrid I felt a bit lost as I did not know anybody, but that soon changed when I started my TEFL course. I immediately made many friends, people that I am still in touch with now. I took the TEFL course first, which I found to be incredibly useful and also very enjoyable. The course is very hands-on, it is designed so that there was maximum student-teacher interaction, and the teachers go out of their way to provide you with excellent theoretical and practical knowledge.
I was able to put this knowledge to use quite quickly, and started teaching in my third week of the course. After everything that we covered, I felt very comfortable going into teaching. And I didn't have to go far to get classes, I had about 10 students a week and it was all arranged by the fantastic administrative team at the academy.
In addition, I gained a great deal from what Canterbury had to offer by getting discount Spanish lessons with the Garcia Lorca Language Academy. I did not speak any Spanish when I arrived in Spain, so I started with the beginner's course. By the time I left I had also completed, and passed the intermediate course, so leaving Spain with an intermediate level was a great achievement for me.
Canterbury also offers organised nights in Madrid and trips outside of the city. Amongst others, I went to a grape harvest and to a tomato-throwing festival called La Tomatina. These were two of the most enjoyable days of my whole time in Spain, and they were things I might never have done had I not joined the academy.
All in all, Canterbury is a great package; not only do they offer a TEFL course with paid work at the end, but they also provide you with the chance to do new things and meet new people, all whilst living in an exciting European capital city. It is the chance of a lifetime to do something great!
Good luck,
Claire Barham - London, England
TEFL Class of September, 2005

February 21, 2006
To future TEFL students,
I am writing to give you a better perspective about Canterbury. Before I moved to Madrid I spent many hours surfing the web in order to find the perfect program to become TEFL certified. It is very difficult to decide after you have seen all the choices available at your fingertips. I chose Canterbury because of its uniqueness. You will not find another language school quite like this one.
The absolute best part of Canterbury is the guaranteed job. With Canterbury it is even possible to start teaching before you finish the TEFL program. This will save you a lot of stress. I had friends who worked for other companies and it took some of them almost a month to find enough work to survive.
Canterbury also provides you with free teaching resources that are easily available for your use, at anytime. The supplemental material they provide is for all ages and they even let you make free copies. This is unheard of in many other language schools. Many times you will have to purchase your own teaching materials and pay for copies at a local print shop.
Last but not least, my favorite aspects of Canterbury are the activities they plan twice a month. I have not missed one yet! If you decide to choose Canterbury you are automatically part of the Canterbury family. These planned activities are not only fun, but they also allow you to get to know all the other teachers from all parts of the world. With Canterbury I guarantee you will make great friends and have great memories!
Un saludo!
Michelle Cervantes - Denver, Colorado
TEFL Class of August, 2005

DESCRIPTION:
Romantic and poetic Spain is waiting for you to broaden your horizons, enhance your education and gain valuable experience for your career by teaching English in beautiful, sunny Madrid. Fun and excitement in the capital of Spain, where the night life is legendary. As the world renouned Spanish poet, Federico Garcia Lorca wrote, The air of Andalusia / gilded his head / where his smile was a flower of wit and intelligence. / What a great torero in the ring! / What a good farmer in the sierra! / How gentle with the wheat! / How hard with the spurs! / How tender with the dew! / How dazzling the fiesta! Spain and the Spanish are all this and more.

HIGHLIGHTS:
If you would really like to immerse yourself in the vividness of Spain and follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway, what could be better than earning a valuable TEFL Certificate and a job teaching English, as well as improving on or learning Spanish, in the vibrant, beating heart of downtown Madrid? The Canterbury International TEFL Certificate is part of Canterbury English, which is a member of both TESOL and the College of Teachers, with highly qualified and motivated trainers and staff, for which we have been awarded the Madrid City, Golden Laurel in 1999. Come to work and study with us, where the practical learn by doing approach is combined with the vivacious Spanish culture.

WHY SPAIN:
From its stunning beaches to its medieval castles, Spain is a country as diverse as the Roman, Jewish and Arab cultures that have influenced its art, architecture, music and lifestyle. It is a land where cathedrals, palaces, flamenco guitars and dancers, friendly tapas bars, famous museums and folklore festivals, make it a unique and enchanting place to work, study and enjoy the Spanish art of living.

WHY MADRID:
The Spanish coast and islands are the most popular vacation spots of Europe, while Madrid is the most exciting capital city of Europe. Rich in history and tradition, it provides the perfect surroundings to live and work. You will delight in discovering the world famous Prado and Reina Sofia Museum, the Plaza Mayor, the magnificent Retiro Park and Botancial Garden, as well as the Rastro, Madrid's famous street market. After these visits, we recommend going to any of Madrid's popular tascas (taverns), where you will find a vast array of tapas (canapes). Night owls can enjoy the many late night bars and terrace cafes that the city has to offer.

WHY CANTERBURY:
What distinguishes the highly selective Canterbury International TEFL Certificate is that all successful students are given a paid job teaching with Canterbury English in Madrid, upon completion of the course. The 120-hour course is highly intensive, with practical case studies and a learn-by-doing approach. Because you immediately become an integral part of our teaching services to clients, you are given high level support for all of your teaching needs. Our director of studies provides you with essential materials and experienced guidance for your immediate hands on teaching practice. In addition, we have an excellent, highly educated and experienced staff of TEFL trainers who teach the course. Moreover, you can learn or improve your Spanish in our intensive Spanish program that we organize for our English teachers, to fully integrate yourself into Spain and the Spanish culture. However, don't just take our word for it, please click on our webpage at www.canterburytefl.com and read the testimonials on our homepage. These clear, well thought out essays were written by past students (people just like you), describing their experiences at Canterbury. They enable you to obtain firsthand information about the program. In fact, most people who apply for the program check off “Word of Mouth” on the application form as to how they first found out about Canterbury.

THE CANTERBURY CLUB:
You are also warmly welcomed into the Canterbury Club, an association of professors and students from all over the world, which sponsors a variety of exciting cultural activities every month. A sample of some of the activities include: CULTURAL DAY TRIPS AROUND SPAIN: Wild Horse Round -Up in Galicia in July, La Tomatina in Buñol in August, Grape Picking & Stomping Party in El Molar in October, Don Quijote Road Trip in November, Day Hike in Patones in December, Ski Trip in the Local Sierra Mountains in January, Segobriga Roman Ruins Trip in February, Las Fallas of Valencia in March, La Feria of Seville in April, The Celtic Iberian town of Numancia and on the Trail of Dinosaurs in Soria in May. MADRID FIESTAS: Capea de Toros and Barbecue in May, Teachers of the Year Graduation & Pizza Party in May, Football Match (professors vs. students) & Pinic with Sangria in Retiro Park in June, Terraza Night in June, 50's Night & 4th of July Party, Outdoor Movie Night in August, Irish Pub Nights in September & October, Real Madrid Football Night in November, Thanksgiving Potluck Holiday Bash the fourth Thursday of November, Christmas Party in December, Bowling Night in January, Flamenco Night in February, Billards Tournament Night in March, and Karaoke Night in April. These events help form a part of the cultural vision of studying, teaching and having fun, which is very important at Canterbury.

YOUR JOB TEACHING:
Your classes will take place under the perennial blue-sky and sun of historic Madrid in businesses, schools and private homes. You will travel by metro or by bus to the client and in between classes you can enjoy the marvels of the Spanish capital, as well as reading or studying in coffee shops and internet cafes. Your students will be a mixture of children, teenagers, adults and professionals of all English levels. You will usually teach one to one as well as small groups (2-5 people), and occasionally big groups (6-20 people). You will travel to the homes, offices or schools where your students live or work throughout Madrid to teach these classes. You will also receive the essential guidance and experienced advice from our Director of Studies, as well as other TEFL trainers, faculty, and school staff. The Canterbury English offices are located in the heart of downtown Madrid, surrounded by beautiful buildings from the 18th century, very near to the famous Cibeles Square and the Banco de España metro station.

TEFL PROGRAM AND TEACHING POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
The requirements for the TEFL Certificate program and the teaching position (we can only guarantee jobs to students who have completed our TEFL program) is to be a native English speaker or fluent in English. In the application process, we will take into full account your higher education and prior work experience.

COURSE DATES:
The TEFL course usually begins on the Monday of the first week of every month of the year. See our web page for exact start dates and more details at www.canterburytefl.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Send us an E-mail to info@canterburytefl.com

OUR CONTACT INFORMATION:
Canterbury English
C/ Augusto Figueroa 47, 1º, Izq
28004 Madrid
Spain
Tel: +34 91 522 9898
Fax: +34 91 531 9278
Click to visit Canterbury English at www.canterburytefl.com
E-Mail: info@canterburytefl.com