Teach English in Madrid, Spain

Public schools vs. universities vs. tutoring centers. Individuals can teach English in Madrid at a private academy, international school, or language school most easily.

Short-term vs. long-term and job structure. Generally Spanish schools prefer hiring from within the European Union to avoid visa restriction complications, but there are still many programs out there that will help you bypass this process. The Spanish Ministry of Education itself runs a government sponsored program which provides fluent English speakers from North America the opportunity to temporarily teach in Madrid though. However, there are options for longer-term placements.

Teaching English vs. teaching other subjects. It is most common for foreign educators to teach English as a second language in Madrid, and within this field there are many routes you can go with. There are also teaching jobs in Madrid within other subject fields, if you do not desire to teach English abroad. If you are fluent in Spanish, then this opens up a whole new realm of possible teaching jobs in Madrid, such as those in teaching math, science, and history.

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The benefits of teaching in Spain go beyond gaining work experience in an international setting. You also have plenty of opportunities to experience unique traditions and cultures and enjoy world-class Spanish cuisine. And don’t forget fun trips to beautiful destinations throughout Spain and other European countries.

The Pros and Cons of Teaching English in Spain

The best first step to become an English teacher in Madrid is to decide where you want to teach. This way, you’ll know what are required and how you can prepare for the role. For example, most schools in Spain ask for at least a 120-hour TEFL certificate from an accredited provider. Then, use an online platform to search for teaching placements in Madrid and throughout the country.

10 Awesome Programs to Help You Become a Teacher in Spain

If you don’t have an EU passport, you’ll definitely need a work visa to teach English in Spain. You could also secure a student or working holiday visa rather than a work visa—it all depends on your citizenship. If you’re from the US or Canada, you can work under a government-led language and cultural program in Spain.

What Do I Need to Teach English in Spain?

The average monthly salary of full-time TEFL teachers in Madrid is €1,500 (estimated $1,644). This income might have a small difference against the cost of living in a big city, including rent and daily expenses. However, you’ll still earn enough to make the most of your stay and enjoy the good life in Madrid.

What to Expect from a Teaching Salary in Spain

Rent in Spain varies depending on your location. In Madrid, monthly rent starts at around €794 in simple neighborhoods and €1,180 in upscale areas. Large, cosmopolitan cities in Spain generally have more expensive rental prices than in smaller towns. The good news is that the cost of living is significantly lower than in other European countries, yet still offers a high standard of living.

8 Must-Ask Questions Before Teaching Jobs In Spain

Latest Program Reviews

Experience of a lifetime

September 30, 2025by: Brandon Smith - United StatesProgram: Teach English in a Homestay in Spain with Greenheart Travel

9

This program was everything that I had hoped it would be and more. The food was delicious, the culture and history of Spain was magnificent, and my host family was super kind and accommodating. Madrid itself was also very clean, full of friendly people, and the safest city I have ever lived in. You don't receive much guidance from the program in regards to teaching, navigating the city, or making friends, but I was able to overcome most of these challenges myself or with the help of my host family after sometime. Would highly recommend this program if you are looking for a change of pace.

Life-Changing Experience in Madrid!

August 24, 2024by: Carolina Aldax - United StatesProgram: TEFL Courses in Spain, Madrid: 100% Job Interviews Guarantee

10

My experience at TEFL Madrid was nothing short of transformative! From the very first day, the team at TEFL Madrid made me feel like I was part of a family. The course itself was rigorous and well-structured, covering everything from lesson planning to classroom management. I felt fully equipped with the skills I needed to step into a classroom and teach confidently. What truly sets TEFL Madrid apart, though, is their unwavering commitment to job placement. Before I even completed the course, they assured me that I would have a teaching position, and they absolutely delivered on that promise. Right after graduation, I was offered a teaching role at Exam Madrid, their own English academy in the heart of the city. It was the perfect environment to start my teaching journey, with supportive colleagues and eager students. But the support didn’t stop there. TEFL Madrid also connected me with another language school in the city, where I now teach a variety of classes. On top of that, they helped me set up private online lessons, which have been a fantastic way to supplement my income and reach students from all over Spain. The flexibility and diversity of teaching opportunities have been incredible. Living and working in Madrid has been a dream come true, and I owe so much of that to TEFL Madrid. The job placement guarantee they offer is 100% real, and they are with you every step of the way to ensure you land on your feet. If you’re considering a TEFL course and want the security of knowing you’ll have a job afterward, I can’t recommend TEFL Madrid highly enough. It’s been the best decision I’ve ever made. Carolina Emily Cody, USA

Experience of a lifetime

September 30, 2025by: Brandon Smith - United StatesProgram: Teach English in a Homestay in Spain with Greenheart Travel

9

This program was everything that I had hoped it would be and more. The food was delicious, the culture and history of Spain was magnificent, and my host family was super kind and accommodating. Madrid itself was also very clean, full of friendly people, and the safest city I have ever lived in. You don't receive much guidance from the program in regards to teaching, navigating the city, or making friends, but I was able to overcome most of these challenges myself or with the help of my host family after sometime. Would highly recommend this program if you are looking for a change of pace.

Life-Changing Experience in Madrid!

August 24, 2024by: Carolina Aldax - United StatesProgram: TEFL Courses in Spain, Madrid: 100% Job Interviews Guarantee

10

My experience at TEFL Madrid was nothing short of transformative! From the very first day, the team at TEFL Madrid made me feel like I was part of a family. The course itself was rigorous and well-structured, covering everything from lesson planning to classroom management. I felt fully equipped with the skills I needed to step into a classroom and teach confidently. What truly sets TEFL Madrid apart, though, is their unwavering commitment to job placement. Before I even completed the course, they assured me that I would have a teaching position, and they absolutely delivered on that promise. Right after graduation, I was offered a teaching role at Exam Madrid, their own English academy in the heart of the city. It was the perfect environment to start my teaching journey, with supportive colleagues and eager students. But the support didn’t stop there. TEFL Madrid also connected me with another language school in the city, where I now teach a variety of classes. On top of that, they helped me set up private online lessons, which have been a fantastic way to supplement my income and reach students from all over Spain. The flexibility and diversity of teaching opportunities have been incredible. Living and working in Madrid has been a dream come true, and I owe so much of that to TEFL Madrid. The job placement guarantee they offer is 100% real, and they are with you every step of the way to ensure you land on your feet. If you’re considering a TEFL course and want the security of knowing you’ll have a job afterward, I can’t recommend TEFL Madrid highly enough. It’s been the best decision I’ve ever made. Carolina Emily Cody, USA