7 of the Best TEFL Courses in Spain

If you don’t strike gold, consider working while you adventure. There are quite a few great ways to work while you travel abroad. Probably the most popular, and easiest if you lack fluent Spanish skills and/or an EU work permit, is teaching English abroad in Spain. As a native English speaker, you’re halfway to being qualified to teach English as a foreign language! Getting TEFL certified in Spain is the other piece. Native English speakers with the necessary certifications are in high demand in cities big and small across the country.

We asked, you shared. Here are the favorite TEFL certification classes in Spain to get you started:

The best TEFL courses in Spain this year

Editor’s note: This information on TEFL programs in Spain was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. The TEFL Academy

“During the course of doing my TEFL, I was able to freely access my course whenever I could and complete tasks when I had time to do so. Overall, the TEFL course provides a well rounded teaching course that looks at all the main points for becoming a teacher abroad and does it in a way that does not overwhelm you with information.”

Where? Barcelona
When? Year round
Why? If you want to teach English abroad but are nervous you'll never be ready for a real classroom, The TEFL Academy will put you at ease. At 168 hours, this is one of the most extensive TEFL courses around. The self-paced setting includes 10 hours of face-to-face teaching practice—which is helpful if you're applying for jobs in a country that doesn't accept solely online TEFL certification.
More info on The TEFL Academy

2. International TEFL Academy

“I've had an exceptional experience with ITA. Everyone helped me to the greatest of their abilities, despite me living in Canada at the time. Highly recommend this place to get a TEFL. They will help you, and you will succeed.”

Where? Barcelona & Madrid
When? Year round; 1-2 years; 3-6 months; 7-12 months; Summer
Why? The International TEFL Academy won GoAbroad’s 2018 People’s Choice Award for Best International Education Organization. With classes in Spain, online, and in 25 other locations around the world, ITA has a program to fit almost anyone’s needs and interests.
More info on International TEFL Academy

3. Oxford TEFL

“The CELTA course at Oxford TEFL in Barcelona was amazing. The program is well structured, very useful and interesting. The course is intensive but you get a lot of support from lovely tutors and other teachers. The careers service which the program offers is also really good. I would definitely recommend doing your CELTA course here. It is the perfect way to meet new people in a new city and to improve/develop your teaching skills...”

Where? Barcelona
When? Year round; 2-4 weeks
Why? The four-week intensive course leaves its participants with CELTA certification (recognized by Cambridge University). Oxford TEFL offers a professional and supportive learning environment, in addition to teaching resources, practical practice, and job seeking help.
More info on Oxford TEFL

4. The TEFL Institute

“After a long career in the financial markets and as a "senior" learner, I was a bit doubtful about whether I’d stay motivated enough or even be good enough to complete the course. However, from the very first module, I found myself enjoying it! The method was easy to follow, and the progress quizzes to move on to the next module were well thought out. The ability to retake the quizzes when making mistakes (which thankfully became less frequent as I progressed) was an excellent way to reinforce the knowledge. Overall, it’s a very impressive course, and you really need to know your stuff. Thank you!!”

Where? Online
When? Year round
Why? The 120-Hour Advanced TEFL Course from The TEFL Institute is an internationally accredited, self-paced program designed for aspiring teachers. No experience required—just a passion for teaching. Complete in 2–4 weeks and gain practical skills in lesson planning, classroom management, and more. Graduate with a globally recognized certificate and start your teaching journey worldwide!
More info on The TEFL Institute

5. TEFL Iberia

“The staff was so helpful in answering all my questions before I made the big move overseas and when I got there, I continued to feel supported. Everyone is kind and the trainee groups are small so you really feel like you get to know people on a personal level and make great friendships! During the course, you get to teach real students and receive really helpful feedback. Although you might feel nervous at first, the environment that TEFL Iberia creates will surely kick those nerves to the curb and help you feel confident in your teaching as the course progresses.”

Where? Barcelona
When? Year round: 1-2 years; 2-4 weeks; multiyear; summer
Why? The TEFL Iberia program offers the opportunity to do a one month intensive course, followed by 12 months of a Developing Teacher Course, qualifying you for a student visa in Spain. This can alleviate some of the pressure of finding a job while spending time in Barcelona, and the rest of Spain. The program also offers housing with other students and job placement support.
More info on TEFL Iberia

6. Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)

“I’ve been wanting to join this program for years, and I’m so glad I finally made it happen. Xplore Asia and especially Jordayne made the entire process of moving to Spain so much easier than I ever expected. I first tried to figure everything out on my own, but it was incredibly complicated. From the moment I reached out, this company guided me step-by-step, communicated clearly, and ensured I got to Spain on time with zero stress. What truly sets them apart is the support that continues even after arrival. They keep checking in, helping me with all the little things that come up when adjusting to a new country. Their kindness, patience, and genuine care have made such a difference. I’m now heading into my second year here in Spain, and I honestly don’t know how I would have done it without them."

Where? Barcelona
When? Year Around
Why? Xplore offers a globally recognized 160-hour TEFL/TESOL certification with expert support, job placement assistance in Spain, and lifetime opportunities. Based in Barcelona, you’ll gain valuable teaching experience, earn a sustainable income, and fully immerse yourself in Spanish culture while launching your international career.
More info on XploreAsia

7. The TEFL Institute of Ireland

"My experience with the TEFL Institute of Ireland so far has been excellent. From enrollment and access to the course materials, to having a tutor available as well as scheduled check-ins, the support and overall offering have been fantastic and of an exceptionally high quality. I have also had a few queries, and the customer support from Lisa Flynn has been exemplary... If you are considering taking an online TEFL course, I cannot recommend the TEFL Institute of Ireland highly enough."

Where? Online, Spain
When? Year round
Why? The TEFL Institute of Ireland approaches Spain with the question most course pages skip: which routes your passport actually opens. Spain's flagship assistantship, NALCAP, accepts applicants from the United States and Canada and closes in early April, while Irish and EU citizens qualify through different routes. The TEFL Institute of Ireland's Level 5 TEFL Diploma, regulated by Ofqual, is built for those routes. Its fortnightly briefing, The Hire Wire, checks every program's application window against the education ministry's own notices and prints the date it was last checked. Readers find out a window is closing before it shuts, rather than after.
More info on The TEFL Institute of Ireland

Browse ALL TEFL courses in Spain

You’re ready to get TEFL certified in Spain!

Change the lives of students as a teacher in Spain!

While deciding on the TEFL program that is right for you, remember you’ll need at least 120 hours to get certified. You’ll also want to make sure the program can help you with job placement after you’re finished. There is a wealth of job seeker information on the internet, but one of the perks to choosing to complete a TEFL course abroad is that you get connected to a network automatically. If you’re a non-EU citizen, you’ll need to make sure your visa covers you for the period of your program, as well as your time teaching in Spain. Once those pesky details are out of the way, you can focus on the fun part of picking a dream destination.

There are a lot of TEFL courses in Spain to choose from. With the majority of TEFL courses and jobs located in big cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville, do some research to figure out which one excites you most! Maybe it’s Madrid’s elegant boulevards, world-class museums, and gorgeous parks. Or are you drawn to get a TEFL in Barcelona thanks to its architecture and vibrant neighborhoods? Maybe you are on a mission to find Valencia’s best paella, or to learn flamenco in Seville. Spain has something for everyone, and there are enough TEFL programs in Spain to cater to just about everyone’s needs. Getting your TEFL abroad in Spain will open up doors that you never imagined!

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Jodi Suckle

Writer's Academy Team Member

Originally from New York, Jodi spent last year working, exploring, and traveling around Southeast Asia. After getting her master’s degree in international affairs from the New School in New York, Jodi has been inspiring and helping students to travel abroad in a variety of ways. In addition to traveling, she loves sailing, reading, taking pictures, and wandering.

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