8 August 2018

If you are looking for a change of pace or new scenery then Madrid is for you.  Whether you are right out of college looking for a year of travel or you want to change your career and start over in a new city, TEFL in Madrid and teaching English could be the perfect solution for you. There are TONS of opportunities to teach English all around the world, including Spain. Not only is there a demand to teach children English, but there is a demand to teach adults English. So even if kids are not your thing, becoming TEFL certified would allow you to teach in any environment you choose. In addition, you do not need a degree in education or any teaching experience to become an ESL teacher. Although there is no experience required, a TEFL certificate will help you have the requirements to be hired. Centrally Located Madrid is in a perfect location if you want to travel the world.  While teaching in Madrid you can save money to fund your travels. The relaxed schedule in Madrid will give you time to travel to your favorite places. It is common in Madrid when working as an English teacher to have Mondays or Fridays off, so traveling on the weekend will be no problem. With a bit of organization, you can have the best of both worlds: teaching and traveling. Along with Madrid’s central location, there are many ways to travel.  Trains and low cost airline are affordable and there are lots of routes to choose from. Living in Madrid Why Madrid? If you are going to move to a new country, you might as well go to a country totally unlike your own.  Madrid’s culture is one of a kind and the locals are really friendly and open minded. Coming to Madrid for TEFL is the ideal way to relax and settle into the Mediterranean lifestyle. A one to two hour lunch breaks will be a change from quickly eating lunch at your desk. Madrid will really help you find the perfect work-life balance and help you fall in love with life again.   Thinking about moving to Madrid? We can help! Get in touch with TEFL Connect and we will give you all the advice you need.

We know everything there is about living and working in the Spanish capital so here is a quick guide to the most important things you need to know if you’re thinking about moving to Madrid. Metro Monthly Pass The best way to travel around Madrid is on the metro. Setting up a monthly pass un abono during your stay in Madrid is a smart move. An monthly pass gives you unlimited metro rides for 30 days. The card also works on the city buses. To apply for an abono, you can order it online by uploading a passport-sized picture and paying four euros. The cost of public transport is really low. If you are 26 years old or younger the monthly youth pass is 20€ and includes all zones. If you are older than 26 years old, the price for zone A is 54,60€. Madrid’s Nightlife Madrid is a non-stop party city. There are tons of cubs, bars and alternative plans that suit all tastes. People usually eat dinner between 9pm-11pm, clubs do not close down until the early morning! So if you plan to have a night out on the town, drink another café con leche and maybe a redbull because you are in for a long night in Madrid! Food in Madrid Tapas, Tapas, Tapas! Tapas are small plates of food that are usually free when you order a drink in certain areas of Spain.  In Madrid there are some fantastic restaurants where you can sit back with a chilled glass of wine and some delicious traditional food. Say hi like a local Giving dos besos (two kisses) – one on each cheek – is absolutely normal in Spain and is the standard greeting when you meet someone new, or a friend – only men to women or women to women though. Men to men typically shake hands or hug, depending on how close they are. It can be slightly awkward if you’re new to Madrid and meeting a huge group of people for the first time but you’ll soon get the hang of it and you’ll wonder how on earth you ever said hi without it! If you have any more suggestions about what to know before coming to Madrid, let us know on Facebook and be sure to check out our TEFL Course in Madrid!

If you’re moving abroad and looking for culture, European charm and great weather, look no further than the Spanish capital: Madrid. Here we give you the top five places to visit in Madrid, whether you’re moving to teach English or just for a whistle-stop visit. Madrid’s Royal Palace The Royal Palace is one of the top destinations to visit while in Madrid. The Palacio Real as the Spanish would say, was built from 1738 to 1755 and was the official residence of the royal family. While the royal family no longer lives in the palace, it is used for state ceremonies and tours. In the palace, you can view a few of the 300 lavish rooms where the king dressed, ate, and ruled while also learning the history of each room. El Buen Retiro Park Retiro Park is the largest park in Madrid and one of the most popular places for tourist and locals alike. Right in the city center, this stunning oasis is 1.4 km or 350 acres of lush green grass and has over 15,000 trees. The park is home to an artificial lake where you can rent out romantic rowboats and take in the gorgeous views. Retiro Park is a great place for a stroll, picnic, or a day to soak up the sun and enjoy the European lifestyle. El Prado Museum The artwork at El Prado dates back to the 16th through the 19th century. The museum features some of the most prominent artists, such as Goya, Rubens, Rembrandt, and El Greco. It houses the most comprehensive collection of Spanish art, while also displaying the masterpieces of Flemish and Italian artists, with over 8,600 paintings and 700 sculptures and the museum is planning a 16% extension. The best-known work on display at the museum is Las Meninas by Velázquez. There’s plenty to see! Reina Sofia Museum The Reina Sofia is another museum that is a must-see. El Prado is made for history buffs, but the Reina Sofia is perfect for contemporary art fanatics. The 20th century art collection is divided into three sections: The Irruption of the 20th Century. Utopia and Conflict (1900-1945), Is the War Over? Art in a Divided World (1945-1968) and From Revolt to Postmodernity (1962-1982).  The Reina Sofia also houses Picasso’s famous masterpiece Guernica, which reflects the pain of the victims of the bombing of the Spanish city Guernica in 1937. El Rastro If you are in Madrid on a Sunday, El Rastro is the place to visit. It is a giant open-air market along the streets of the neighborhood Embajadores through the neighborhood of La Latina. The market is open from 9 am to 3 pm and houses 3500 stalls. The market sells everything from leather goods to trading cards, so you will be able to find everything you are looking for. If you have any recommendations on destinations to visit in Madrid, comment on our Facebook page and be sure to check out our TEFL Course in Madrid!