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TEFL Connect

Spain

TEFL destination
Cambodia, Costa Rica, Europe, France, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Toulouse, Vietnam

Which is the right TEFL destination for you?

There are 195 countries in the world… so where on Earth to begin your English teaching journey and what your ideal TEFL destination would be, quite literally?! There’s a huge demand worldwide for TEFL teachers, we know the best places to earn your TEFL certification, with plenty of job opportunities. So you can teach English abroad, for as long as your heart desires! You can pretty much rule out native English speaking countries. There are a few TEFL/ESL jobs out there, but competition is stiff and opportunities few and far between. After putting these nations to one side, you’re still left with global possibilities! Now all you need to do, is figure out what’s more important to you; salary, sunshine, a fast-paced environment, lush green parks, learning a new language… the list goes on! It’s no secret, jobs in Asia pay around double your living costs each month. So if you’re looking to save cash for another adventure, or pay off some of your student loan Thailand or Cambodia are great options. Not only that, both countries are full to bursting with places to go, and experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime. If vitamin D is your thing, Madrid and Barcelona, are some examples of the sunnier climates in Europe! Madrid alone boasts over 300 hours of sunshine per year. Coupled with green parks, super friendly locals and foodie heaven, it’s not hard to see why so many students choose Spain as their starting point! Florence and Prague house some of the oldest and most iconic landmarks in the world.. Imagine exploring the romantic art houses in Florence after a morning of teaching, then relaxing into the evening with the most delicious wine and pizza.. Explore a colonial castle on your way to the vibrant city centre in Prague, it’s medieval meets modernism at it’s finest! If a more relaxed vibe is your thing, where you can be at one with nature and make friends with the warm people of Latin America; there’s no contest! Costa Rica and Argentina will fill your soul with endless experiences and adventure. You’ll never earn megabucks, however you’ll always earn enough salary to live comfortably and explore your surroundings with no worries. Ultimately, no one can tell you where your spirit country is! Or where your journey should begin. Get in touch with so we could help point you in the right direction – to ultimately decide which TEFL destination is right for you!

Online or in-person TEFL - Teaching English without a degree
Europe, France, Italy, Spain

Teaching English in Europe as an American

Teaching English in Europe is one of the most interesting and rewarding careers you can have. Whether it’s for months or years, you’ll have a blast. Teaching does have its challenges, but the rewards greatly outweigh any hurdles you’ll meet on your way. As an American citizen, you’ll not automatically have the necessary visas to work in Europe legally, but it’s not actually as hard as it may seem. Here we’ll guide you through what you need to do, and how TEFL Connect can make your dream a reality! So, you’ve decided you want to teach English abroad – great! So where do you begin?! The first thing you’ll need is your passport. Since you’re considered a native English speaker it’s vital you have your passport with at least 6 months remaining – or if you’re planning to be abroad longer then, of course, you’ll need a year plus. Employers will want to see your passport, so it’s handy to make some certified photocopies if you can! If you have a Bachelors degree, great! Bring that and/or copies. Europe isn’t actually too strict with needing those, as you’ll already have your visa (that’s coming below!). Lastly, your “Golden Ticket” – your TEFL certificate… that’s where we come in! Employers in Europe favor presential TEFL courses, from reputable training schools. The training schools have close links and relationships with employers – they provide their teachers and know the requirements and needs of academies in the area. So taking a face to face course, with job placement assistance is the best possible route to teach in Europe. At TEFL Connect we’ve vetted all the training centers we partner with, know how the job placement works, have done all the research needed to get visas, have housing assistance and so on. We take the pain out of moving abroad! Visas are a common worry/fear for our teachers who don’t have an EU passport. How do you teach legally in Spain, for example?! For US citizens, you have 90 days entry into the EU member states, granted automatically on arrival. That’s the first 3 months taken care of! Following this, you’re not covered. The way most Americans teaching English in Europe overcome this is a study visa. So you enroll in an extra class for 6-9 months, which allows you to legally live and work in Spain/France/Italy. This is all taken care of before you arrive, and we offer you guidance throughout the process. Prague is slightly different, you can apply for a trade license when you arrive in the Czech Republic, providing you have the correct documents. This is for 1 year and can be renewed. The training team in Prague has an in-house visa company, so you have the correct up to date information! Again, you’re completely taken care of from start to finish. Finally, the job! Now you’ve got your visa, flown to the country of your choice, completed your TEFL course, all that’s left to do is fulfill the dream of teaching English in Europe! All the training teams we work with offer exceptional job assistance. The networks in the country are invaluable. You’ll have the very best certification, reference, and support. So you’ll be working in no time! You do have to put in efforts, such as attending an interview looking your best, but when you’ve been given the opportunity, you won’t want to waste it by turning up late! You’ll generally be teaching 20 hours per week – that’s the norm throughout the continent, with some time set aside to plan lessons. This will give you enough money each month to live comfortably and hopefully save for some travel time whilst you’re in Europe! All in all, it’s easier than it seems to become an English teacher in Europe. With the correct support and guidance, you can teach English in Europe as an American for as long as your heart desires. Take a look at our TEFL courses to choose the one that suits you best or leave. Follow our Facebook page to get more tips on moving to Europe.

Online or in-person TEFL - Teaching English without a degree
Cambodia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Vietnam

Teaching English without a degree

Did you know you could work as a TEFL teacher without a degree? A common misconception people make with TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) is that unless they are qualified teachers with a Bachelor’s degree they will not qualify for a job teaching English abroad. Maybe you only got as far as graduating high school, some college, or no further education at all.  In that case, we have great news, you absolutely can earn money teaching English without a degree! Of course, this depends largely on the country, however. In some countries it is easy to find a job with just a quality TEFL certificate, whereas in others it would be very difficult to find work without a university degree or even a Master’s degree.  We have made a series of blogs about the different continents where teaching English is the most popular so you can make your choice with all the information necessary. Experience is key Our TEFL partners look for more than just good grades and degrees, you are also assessed on your work experience and life experience. Any previous professional experience, however big or small, counts! Your TEFL Certificate will open doors You’ll want to find a TEFL program in the country where you will be teaching (at least initially). Each of our chosen TEFL providers knows everything there is to know about finding work where they’re located and many have fast-track application processes for jobs due to the quality of their courses and reputation in the local market. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of jobs for teachers without a Bachelor’s degree. You just need to know where to look. TEACHING TEFL IN ASIA WITHOUT A DEGREE TEACHING TEFL IN EUROPE WITHOUT A DEGREE TEACHING TEFL IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA WITHOUT A DEGREE Irrespective of where you want to ultimately teach, you can take any of the TEFL courses we offer as these are internationally recognized, accredited, and will ensure you can teach for life – wherever you are in the world! Contact us for more information.

TEFL Certificates - TEFL without a degree in Europe
Europe, France, Italy, Spain

Teaching TEFL without a degree in Europe

Learning English as a foreign language has always been popular in Europe and more recently it has become even more relevant with the growing importance of Europe in the global economy. In Europe, you will find a big TEFL market with plenty of job opportunities and competitive salaries. Is it possible to get TEFL without a degree in Europe? Here are the main things to keep in mind. As you will probably not be living in Europe with a work permit (most gain access via student visas), employers are more concerned with where you obtained your TEFL certificate, your employment background, and your overall performance at the interview! During your 4-week TEFL course, you are given all the tools, preparation and guidance you will need to wow prospective employers! All our teams have a network of job opportunities and are always ready to support you. Teaching English in Spain without a degree Most reputable employers in Spain usually pay a monthly salary between €1,300 to €1,500 gross to teach 24-26 hours per week. You may earn more or less depending on your individual school, your qualifications and experience, and the number of hours you teach. Working 24-26 hours a week leaves you plenty of time to relax, travel around and have a great time. With our TEFL course, you will have a certificate from the most prestigious TEFL schools in Madrid and your certificate will be enough to prove your worth to employers, as our TEFL partners have a rigorous application and interview process. Teaching in Spain can be a very rewarding experience as there is a huge amount of work for English teachers. Spain has made the learning of English a top priority for their students and employees. This is great news for anyone looking for an opportunity to live and work in Spain as an English teacher! Find out more information about our courses in Madrid here.

TEFL in Madrid
Spain

TEFL in Madrid

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.

TEFL destinations
Spain

Things to know before moving to Madrid

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!

Top five places to visit in Madrid
Spain

Top five places to visit 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!

Teaching English as a non-native speaker
Cambodia, Costa Rica, Europe, France, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Vietnam

Teaching English as a non-native speaker

“Can I teach English abroad, even though I am a non-native?” is something we at TEFL Connect get asked time and time again. Well, in short the answer is yes! Absolutely! Teaching English as a non-native speaker is practiced all over the world and in many cases they make some of the best teachers of English as a Foreign Language.   Why do non-native speakers make great English teachers? Well, you’ve already learnt English so you know exactly what the deal is when it comes to studying and learning the complexities of the English language. You’ll understand the challenges. The advantage you’ll have over a native English speaker is that you, yourself, have learned English as a second language. Meaning you already have the inside scoop on what challenges your students may be facing! You’ll have knowledge of sentence structure, effective ways of communicating ideas, grammar and so much more! This will often make you a more compassionate teacher since you’ve been in your student’s shoes. Will I struggle to get a TEFL certificate as a non-native speaker? Usually, you will have to pass an interview and maybe even a written grammar test to get onto a TEFL course if you’re non-native. Once you’re on, there are no additional TEFL modules, tests or exams to go through. You will have to pass the TEFL course just like everyone else! The courses are created so anyone can study TEFL teaching, as long as your level of spoken and written English is good.   Will I find work teaching English as a non-native speaker? You’ll find that job opportunities vary by country and continent. If you have a degree you’re guaranteed a job in Vietnam, but in Thailand, you’ll not be able to obtain a working permit without a passport from an English-speaking country. At TEFL Connect we can help guide you as a non-native English speaker as to where you should study your TEFL based on your specific profile so get in touch and ask.   There are so many opportunities for you to live and work abroad as an English teacher, so don’t be put off by any myths of ‘you’ll never find work after the TEFL course’ or ‘you won’t get paid to teach teach’ because they’re simply not true! So have faith in yourself and your level of English and pursue your dreams of living and working abroad teaching English. If you’re looking to get your TEFL certificate, contact us and we can help advise you on the best course for you.

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