What inspired you to travel abroad?
We’ve always had a passion for travel and experiencing new cultures, but we wanted to do something more meaningful than just being tourists.
Teaching English abroad felt like the perfect way to immerse ourselves in a new country while making a positive impact. The opportunity to grow professionally while starting this adventure together was what truly inspired us to take the leap.
Why did you choose TEFL Madrid Academy?
We chose TEFL Madrid Academy because of their excellent reputation for comprehensive training and job placement assistance.
As a couple, we needed a program that could support both of us, and TEFL Madrid delivered on every front. Their promise to help with legal paperwork and the personalized attention we received made us feel confident that we were making the right choice.
What was your favorite part about Madrid?
Our favorite part of Madrid was the city’s vibrant energy and welcoming atmosphere. Whether we were exploring the historic streets, enjoying tapas, or meeting new people, Madrid always had something exciting to offer.
The city's mix of rich history, stunning architecture, and lively culture made every day feel like an adventure, and we quickly felt at home.
Tim and Jennifer in a TEFL class with fellow participants in Madrid.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made our experience extraordinary was how smoothly everything went, thanks to the support of TEFL Madrid Academy.
We not only gained valuable teaching skills but also made lifelong friends from around the world. The combination of professional growth, exploring a beautiful country, and sharing these moments as a couple made our time abroad truly unforgettable.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The staff at TEFL Madrid were fantastic! They guided us through the entire process, from helping with visa applications to finding the perfect accommodation.
They were always available to answer questions, offer advice, and provide extra support whenever we needed it. Their genuine care and dedication made us feel supported every step of the way.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
If we could do one thing differently, we would have started learning Spanish before arriving.
While we picked up the basics quickly, having a better grasp of the language from the start would have made our transition even smoother. It would have allowed us to connect more deeply with the locals and feel more integrated right away.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day started with a morning coffee together at a local café before heading to our teaching assignments. We both taught different age groups, which made each day unique.
After work, we'd explore a new part of Madrid, visit a museum, or enjoy tapas with friends. Evenings were spent lesson planning or simply soaking in the vibrant nightlife of the city.
Hands-on learning during a TEFL training session.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
In our free time, we loved exploring Madrid’s diverse neighborhoods, trying different restaurants, and taking weekend trips to nearby cities.
We also enjoyed spending afternoons in the beautiful Retiro Park, relaxing with a book or having a picnic. Traveling around Spain was another highlight, allowing us to experience the country’s rich culture and history together.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
We stayed in a shared apartment provided by TEFL Madrid Academy, and it was perfect for us.
The best part was living with other teachers, which created a sense of community and made it easy to share experiences and advice. The location was central, allowing us to explore the city easily and make the most of our time in Madrid.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Future participants should know that the program is intense but incredibly rewarding. Be prepared to work hard during the training, but know that the support from TEFL Madrid is always there.
The academy genuinely cares about your success and will go the extra mile to help you with every aspect, from legal paperwork to job placement.
Would you recommend TEFL Madrid Academy to others? Why?
Absolutely! We would recommend TEFL Madrid Academy to anyone looking for a comprehensive, supportive, and effective TEFL program.
The training is excellent, the staff are incredibly helpful, and the job placement assistance is outstanding. They make sure you’re fully prepared to start your teaching journey, and you’ll feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Jennifer and Tim being interviewed for a YouTube video about their experience with TEFL Madrid.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
It pushes you out of your comfort zone, helps you develop adaptability, and opens your mind to new cultures and perspectives. We’ve gained valuable teaching experience, made lifelong friends, and shared incredible memories as a couple that we’ll cherish forever.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Our time abroad has made us more confident, adaptable, and open-minded.
It strengthened our relationship and gave us valuable teaching experience that will benefit us in the future. We’ve also developed a passion for travel and exploring new cultures, and we feel more prepared to take on any challenges that come our way.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means immersing yourself in a new culture, forming genuine connections with people, and giving back to the community.
It’s about more than just sightseeing – it’s about learning, growing, and making a positive impact. For us, meaningful travel was teaching English, building relationships, and experiencing Spain in a way that went beyond being tourists.
