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Sunny, Exciting Madrid Spain. Teachers Needed. Immediate Jobs. TEFL Certificate
Canterbury Consulting Spain
Sunny, Exciting Madrid Spain. Teachers Needed. Immediate Jobs. TEFL Certificate
THE CANTERBURY INTERNATIONAL TEFL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
AND GUARANTEED JOB:
The 120 hour Canterbury International TEFL Certificate, which is fully accredited by the College of Teachers in London, England, includes a guaranteed teaching position with Canterbury English in Madrid throughout the school year. In addition, we supply summer teaching jobs throughout Spain in exotic locations as diverse as the beaches of Marbella to the Pyrenees mountains to students who have completed our TEFL program. We also run an English Adventures Summer Camp and have set up a British/Spanish Student Exchange Program (BSSEP) with various schools in the United Kingdom and Spain.
TEFL Program Cost: 995 euros
IN ADDITION, WE ARE OFFERING A 30% DISCOUNT ON THE GARCIA LORCA SPANISH SCHOOL’S 80 HOUR INTENSIVE SPANISH COURSE FOR ALL OF OUR TEFL STUDENTS.
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION, CHECK OUT http://www.canterburytefl.com and http://www.lorcaspanishschool.com or send us an email at info@canterburytefl.com
VARIOUS TEFL STUDENTS FROM THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS:
July 10, 2011
Dear TEFL Candidate,
Are you considering working and living in Spain?
One of the opportunities is to be certified and work as an English teacher with Canterbury English in Madrid. I did so in 2011, to bridge the time without my wife, who was abroad for an extended period. The experience I had with Canterbury was – and still is – rewarding.
In an 80 hour program, spread over 4 weeks, you will complete the theory portion in order to be TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certified. Canterbury’s staff of instructors are knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, and these first four weeks definitely “got me spun up” to start teaching in Madrid. An additional advantage is the opportunity to take Spanish classes through a discounted program with Canterbury, in a 4-week program. It’s an excellent deal – you will not find better classes for less. I did not speak any Spanish when I arrived in Spain, and my Spanish was boosted to a level where I can have small, basic conversations. Especially for those that plan on staying in Spain for a longer period of time, this is the perfect basis for becoming (close to) fluent.
Canterbury also provides you with paid classes in which you teach English, during (for certification purposes) and after completion of the TEFL program. However, in order to “financially survive,” it is essential to have an entrepreneurial mindset. There are plenty of teaching/working opportunities in Spain, but this also requires an effort from your side. Another sidebar is that however helpful and professional the Canterbury staff is, these people do not work for customs or immigration services. For those that have no EU passport: invest some time in doing your homework and you will have a great time in Spain.
As rewarding as the “Canterbury experience” are the Spanish culture and travel opportunities that come with living in Spain. The Canterbury club is one way to take advantage of both, allowing you to make new friends along the way. Travel in Spain can be very affordable, using low-fare airlines or inexpensive bus tours. Don’t miss these chances – culture is rich, the climate is generally favorable and the food is great! Enjoy Madrid, but take time to see the rest of Spain!
I can look back on a great time, in which I learned a lot about Spain, about the world, and about myself.
Bram Wilens -- Haaksbergen, The Netherlands
TEFL Class of March, 2011
July 3, 2011
Dear TEFL Students,
I am a 24 year old American who completed the TEFL program in September of 2010 and taught for Canterbury for the past year. I strongly recommend this program to anyone wanting to teach English in Spain and not sure where to go! I will take so many great memories back home with me that would not have been possible if I had not done the Canterbury TEFL program.
First of all, Canterbury prepares you to teach both children’s and business classes. They also have a library staff there to help you if you are ever short on ideas or stumped for what to prepare for a class. I found the array of classes I had kept my teaching exciting and traveling to different locations for my classes helped me learn Madrid so much faster.
Coming to a foreign city, I was excited but also a bit unsure of what to expect. I did not know anyone nor had I ever been to Madrid. Canterbury helped ease my worries as I immediately had a group of friends to go through the experience with in my TEFL class. Furthermore, Canterbury plans excursions for you on the weekends. You have the opportunity to go to a grape harvest, the enchanting city of Segovia, a Real Madrid match and even a city-wide tomato-throwing fight.
Through the Canterbury TEFL program, I not only became certified in teaching English as a foreign language, but I was able to see parts of Madrid and Spain I wouldn’t have otherwise and made lasting friendships. I am so glad I did this program and can’t imagine anyone not enjoying it as well.
Good luck,
Joanna Rhoads -- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
TEFL Class of October, 2010
June 26, 2011
Dear Prospective TEFL Teachers,
My experience in Spain would not have been the same without Canterbury. I am a certified early childhood education teacher from the United States. After graduation I decided to take a step back and really ask myself if I was ready to become part of the 9 to 5 work day that immediately follows college. That is when I decided to research teaching English aboard.
Canterbury has given me an opportunity to make a difference and impact peoples lives in a way I never thought possible. Canterbury's classes are extremely helpful to anyone who has never taught. The classes are well organized, knowledgeable, and give you the foundation to understand the best ways to reach out to every type of student. The staff is friendly and always willing to answer questions about anything you may need help with to make your experience in Spain comfortable and memorable. There are organized events planned monthly for you to absorb the beautiful culture and people of Spain.
Taking Canterbury's TEFL class was one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made. The best feeling is knowing I wake up every morning doing something I absolutely love! -teaching English, learning Spanish, meeting people from around the world, and living in one of the greatest cities in the world just to name a few.
Best Wishes,
Margaret Sroka -- Richfield, Ohio
TEFL Class of September, 2010
June 1, 2010
Dear TEFL students,
Moving to a new country is a very exciting experience that involves learning a new language, experiencing a new culture, eating strange foods and so much more. However, it can also be very nerve-wracking at first because there’s always that big ´what if´ hanging over your head. You are unsure about what to expect because you have to find a place to stay, make new friends, meet new people you can trust, find a job that pays enough for you to be able to go out and enjoy a night on the town, and all of this can take the excitement out of what should be an exciting time for you.
When I first moved to Madrid I didn’t know what to expect. I had no friends or contacts and I was quite worried about finding a job. However, through a random stroke of luck I was fortunate enough to meet a girl who told me about Canterbury. I wasted no time, I got online, sent in an application and I haven’t looked back since.
Canterbury offers a one month intensive training programme for those who want to teach English as a foreign language. You will be provided with everything you need to get started… knowledge, material and most importantly confidence. The teachers are very friendly and approachable; you can go to them for just about any kind of assistance you should require. Canterbury will advise and assist you to find a place to stay and give you valuable information about what to expect in Spain. Once you are part of the Canterbury community you will also enjoy the fun outings and getaways they plan for students and teachers, this is a great time to socialize and meet new people and possibly make new friends for life. With Canterbury, you can begin teaching while you are studying, you can choose the kind of classes you want to teach and the timings are very flexible because it all depends on you. You can choose the timings that are most convenient to you. If you are not a morning person like me, you can choose to take afternoon or evening classes. This is great because it gives you the time to do the things that you want to do.
All in all being part of Canterbury has been a great experience for me as I’ve met some great people, made some great friends, and I have a great time teaching English. Oh, and yes, living in Spain is not so bad either!
Roopa Radhakrishnan – Bangalore, India
TEFL Class of December, 2009
May 28, 2010
To all TEFL candidates,
It gives me great pleasure to write about Canterbury and my overall experience in Spain as I reflect back on the program and my subsequent six months of teaching. My experience has been intense yet completely rewarding. I came to Spain with my husband who was pursuing an MBA. I wanted to make my time in Spain productive, fun, and professionally rewarding. I am now happy to write that at Canterbury, I have found them all.
Before Canterbury, I had no prior teaching experience nor did I major in English at university so I was very worried about my suitability as a teacher. However, I found the TEFL course to be both intensive and comprehensive. Between mock lessons, student teaching, and a thorough grammar review, I felt entirely confident with my newly acquired skills to embark on my career as a teacher.
Perhaps the greatest asset Canterbury has to offer is guaranteed work upon completion of the course. In fact, I was offered so many classes that I had to turn some down! Moreover, Canterbury offers both flexibility and variety. I have the freedom to control my schedule so I can ensure I still have time to enjoy the city. Additionally, between my children, adult, and business classes, there is always something new to teach.
Socially Canterbury offers you the best of both worlds. The Canterbury Club enables you to socialize with a network of people from diverse backgrounds. With their bi-monthly events, there is always something to look forward to. Alternatively, there is never any pressure to attend events, giving you the freedom to explore Spain and the rest of Europe on your own time.
In closing, I must say that teaching can be a demanding job; between the travel, preparation, and nontraditional working hours. However, the hard work has made the experience all the more gratifying. In fact, the greatest personal reward with teaching has been learning from my students. They are always enthusiastic about giving recommendations on where to go, what to do, and they provide a unique experience for me to learn about the real culture of Spain. In short, I have enjoyed my time with Canterbury and highly recommend this program to anyone who is looking for a demanding yet rewarding experience in Spain.
Devon Loback – Paradise Valley, Arizona USA
TEFL Class of December, 2009
May 28, 2010
Dear Prospective Canterbury Teachers,
My name is Sam Kass and roughly one year ago I was in the same position you are now. Like many, although certainly not all Canterbury Teachers, I had finished my college degree the spring before I decided to become a teacher with Canterbury. With five months out of college I had already held down three different jobs, two of which took place at odd hours—usually during the middle of the night. The third was an office job which I admittedly liked, but wasn’t ready to commit to. I decided that before I settled into whatever career was waiting for me, I wanted to strike out into the world one more time for an adventure the results of which I was unsure of. I figured that at the very least, being able to speak Spanish in the States couldn’t hurt.
My experience abroad over the past year was absolutely a positive one. And yes, I did learn Spanish (I had never taken a course in the language prior to my arrival in Madrid). I suppose that the most important thing for you to know if you are weighing the pros and cons of what you are imagining the program will be like is the fact that Canterbury as an organization keeps its word. You will have enough work. You will be able to support yourself.
You also have to be prepared to be proactive. The experience as part of the Canterbury Academy is very much as you make it (and I believe that this is absolutely a good thing). If you want to bring in lots of money every month you’re going to need to go out of your way to let people know that you want more work. However, Canterbury is easy to communicate with, and if you make an effort with them, they will happily work with you to see that you’re satisfied. They want you. Spain wants you. There is no shortage of jobs!
Canterbury also offers access to the entire community of teachers with organized events and field trips. Of course, all activities are optional so you can be as involved as you like or otherwise. Again, I believe that the fact that all socialization is voluntary creates a much better atmosphere in which to warm up to a new living environment. The majority of my own social network came directly out of my daily TEFL training courses during the first three weeks of my time in Madrid. I’ve read other letters on the website and many former teachers attest to the validity and helpfulness of the training program with regard to teaching. And yes, the course prepared me well for a job that otherwise would have been very difficult to break into. But equally, or perhaps a bit more important, is the immediate induction to a community of people who all speak English, have all just arrived in Spain for a significant amount of time, and meet daily for a period of weeks. When you’ve just walked off an airplane into a country that you’ve never seen before, being able to make a friend means all the difference in the world.
If you’re looking for an adventure—a chance to learn something new about both the world and yourself, and to do so in an environment that is both welcoming and reliable then I can confidently recommend the Canterbury TEFL program to you.
Good Luck,
Sam Kass – Monclair, New Jersey USA
TEFL Class of November, 2009
May 25, 2010
Dear TEFL Students,
In 2009 I decided to move to Spain to get to know its culture, traditions and to live new experiences. I grew up in a Spanish speaking country but I learned English because I have spent long periods of time in the USA every year and I had an excellent private English teacher, David Williams. He was a TEFL certified teacher and he was very proud of it, and he told me that I could teach too. He was my inspiration. I arrived to Madrid in September and my first thought was to look for an academy that could certify me as an English Teacher.
I chose Canterbury and it was a great choice. This prestigious academy has an excellent four week course in which you acquire all the tools and strategies that you need to be a well-prepared teacher. The knowledge of English grammar and workshops where everything is put into practice is the heart of the program. Also, Canterbury will book classes for you once you successfully complete the program.
In addition, there is the Canterbury Club that organizes activities every month with the purpose to immerse yourself into the Spanish traditions, visit new places and of course, meet new people. It is not a problem if you do not speak Spanish, Canterbury has Spanish classes for you too!
Stop thinking if this is the right place for you, come and live the experience, you won’t regret it! There is one word to describe life in Madrid: Fiesta. If you like parties, you need to come and live LA MARCHA MADRILENA!
Live the best time of your life and come to Madrid.
Victoria Cristina Salas – Caracas, Venezuela
TEFL Class of November, 2009
May 24, 2010
To all TEFL students:
My name is Jessica Smith and I am a 24-year-old American girl that moved to Spain in October of 2009. I am originally from South Dakota and decided that I wanted to travel. I had heard that teaching English was a way that I could support myself overseas while learning Spanish at the same time. I began searching the internet and found all kinds of schools that offered a TEFL certification in a Spanish environment. I was actually going to move to Costa Rica until I saw Canterbury’s website in Madrid. It was a school that advertised TEFL certification, a Spanish environment, and immediate job placement during or after the course. That was it- I decided that I wanted to move to Madrid, Spain and work at Canterbury.
Canterbury’s month long course definitely prepares you for teaching. There was a lot I didn’t know about the English language until I took this course. The course is divided into three parts: basic fundamentals of English, Business English, and English for children. All three parts of the course provide you with the necessary skills and confidence you need to teach English. I teach both Business English and English for children and I enjoy teaching both types of classes. As promised, Canterbury does provide you with an internship. You can begin working during or after the course. The “hands on” experience is intimidating at first but it quickly becomes like second nature.
The staff at Canterbury is very friendly and will help you with any questions that you may have. The library at Canterbury has a variety of materials that will you help you prepare for your classes. I use some of the books at the library as well as some English books that I brought from home. I recommend using Raymond Murphy’s textbooks and all levels of the English File textbooks.
There are also many activities and excursions that Canterbury plans. You are not obligated to go on any of these excursions but I must say that I recommend doing so.
If you are thinking about moving to Europe to teach English, there could be a position for you at Canterbury. You will meet life-long friends, have a stable job, and have an experience of a life-time.
Que te vaya bien,
Jessica Smith –Dell Rapids, South Dakota USA
TEFL Class of November, 2009
19 May 2010
Dear potential TEFL students,
I want to take the time to write and share my rewarding experiences with Canterbury English's TEFL Program. Without their assistance, I don't think I could have managed my transition to Spain so well. Based on my experience, I strongly believe that Canterbury English has something to offer many others like me.
I decided to come to Spain after working almost five years in a corporate environment in the United States. I needed a change, and I knew a few people in Madrid. I knew that my English background was strong, so I started to look around at the available schools for TEFL certification. After taking long looks at many different programs, I decided on Canterbury English's program, and I was extremely happy with the results.
I ultimately chose Canterbury English for many important reasons. First, their tuition rates were – and still are – very competitive with similar schools. Some schools were charging thousands of U.S. Dollars for their programs yet offering similar or even fewer benefits. Second, Canterbury English gave me the promise of paid teaching work immediately after or even during the course! This work additionally counted towards the impressive 40-hour teaching requirement of the school's program. Third, they offered a dizzying array of social events that students could attend. Through their years of experience in Spain, the school has set up a variety of interesting and entertaining events in locations all across the country. During these events, I was able to make connections and long-lasting friendships that have made living in Spain a much more relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Ultimately, Canterbury English gave me the peace of mind I needed to get the most out of working and living in Spain. With their friendly and knowledgeable staff, their offer of work, and their variety of social events, I was able to do what I came to Spain for originally; relax and have some fun teaching English.
Good fortune to you all in your future teaching endeavors!
Saludos,
Shawn Douglas – St. Louis, Missouri
TEFL Class of September, 2009
May 9, 2010
Hello prospective TEFL teachers,
It is my pleasure to tell you briefly about my experience teaching English in Madrid to help you consider your plans for the near future. The fact you are a proficient (and probably native) English speaker is an extremely valuable asset—especially if you learn how to use it to your advantage.
One way to make the most of your knowledge of English is to learn to teach people in other countries to communicate in English. I participated in the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Course at Canterbury English in June 2009. This course included 20 hours of instruction of how to teach children, 20 hours of instruction in teaching adult business students, 40 hours of instruction relating
AND GUARANTEED JOB:
The 120 hour Canterbury International TEFL Certificate, which is fully accredited by the College of Teachers in London, England, includes a guaranteed teaching position with Canterbury English in Madrid throughout the school year. In addition, we supply summer teaching jobs throughout Spain in exotic locations as diverse as the beaches of Marbella to the Pyrenees mountains to students who have completed our TEFL program. We also run an English Adventures Summer Camp and have set up a British/Spanish Student Exchange Program (BSSEP) with various schools in the United Kingdom and Spain.
TEFL Program Cost: 995 euros
IN ADDITION, WE ARE OFFERING A 30% DISCOUNT ON THE GARCIA LORCA SPANISH SCHOOL’S 80 HOUR INTENSIVE SPANISH COURSE FOR ALL OF OUR TEFL STUDENTS.
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION, CHECK OUT http://www.canterburytefl.com and http://www.lorcaspanishschool.com or send us an email at info@canterburytefl.com
VARIOUS TEFL STUDENTS FROM THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS:
July 10, 2011
Dear TEFL Candidate,
Are you considering working and living in Spain?
One of the opportunities is to be certified and work as an English teacher with Canterbury English in Madrid. I did so in 2011, to bridge the time without my wife, who was abroad for an extended period. The experience I had with Canterbury was – and still is – rewarding.
In an 80 hour program, spread over 4 weeks, you will complete the theory portion in order to be TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certified. Canterbury’s staff of instructors are knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, and these first four weeks definitely “got me spun up” to start teaching in Madrid. An additional advantage is the opportunity to take Spanish classes through a discounted program with Canterbury, in a 4-week program. It’s an excellent deal – you will not find better classes for less. I did not speak any Spanish when I arrived in Spain, and my Spanish was boosted to a level where I can have small, basic conversations. Especially for those that plan on staying in Spain for a longer period of time, this is the perfect basis for becoming (close to) fluent.
Canterbury also provides you with paid classes in which you teach English, during (for certification purposes) and after completion of the TEFL program. However, in order to “financially survive,” it is essential to have an entrepreneurial mindset. There are plenty of teaching/working opportunities in Spain, but this also requires an effort from your side. Another sidebar is that however helpful and professional the Canterbury staff is, these people do not work for customs or immigration services. For those that have no EU passport: invest some time in doing your homework and you will have a great time in Spain.
As rewarding as the “Canterbury experience” are the Spanish culture and travel opportunities that come with living in Spain. The Canterbury club is one way to take advantage of both, allowing you to make new friends along the way. Travel in Spain can be very affordable, using low-fare airlines or inexpensive bus tours. Don’t miss these chances – culture is rich, the climate is generally favorable and the food is great! Enjoy Madrid, but take time to see the rest of Spain!
I can look back on a great time, in which I learned a lot about Spain, about the world, and about myself.
Bram Wilens -- Haaksbergen, The Netherlands
TEFL Class of March, 2011
July 3, 2011
Dear TEFL Students,
I am a 24 year old American who completed the TEFL program in September of 2010 and taught for Canterbury for the past year. I strongly recommend this program to anyone wanting to teach English in Spain and not sure where to go! I will take so many great memories back home with me that would not have been possible if I had not done the Canterbury TEFL program.
First of all, Canterbury prepares you to teach both children’s and business classes. They also have a library staff there to help you if you are ever short on ideas or stumped for what to prepare for a class. I found the array of classes I had kept my teaching exciting and traveling to different locations for my classes helped me learn Madrid so much faster.
Coming to a foreign city, I was excited but also a bit unsure of what to expect. I did not know anyone nor had I ever been to Madrid. Canterbury helped ease my worries as I immediately had a group of friends to go through the experience with in my TEFL class. Furthermore, Canterbury plans excursions for you on the weekends. You have the opportunity to go to a grape harvest, the enchanting city of Segovia, a Real Madrid match and even a city-wide tomato-throwing fight.
Through the Canterbury TEFL program, I not only became certified in teaching English as a foreign language, but I was able to see parts of Madrid and Spain I wouldn’t have otherwise and made lasting friendships. I am so glad I did this program and can’t imagine anyone not enjoying it as well.
Good luck,
Joanna Rhoads -- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
TEFL Class of October, 2010
June 26, 2011
Dear Prospective TEFL Teachers,
My experience in Spain would not have been the same without Canterbury. I am a certified early childhood education teacher from the United States. After graduation I decided to take a step back and really ask myself if I was ready to become part of the 9 to 5 work day that immediately follows college. That is when I decided to research teaching English aboard.
Canterbury has given me an opportunity to make a difference and impact peoples lives in a way I never thought possible. Canterbury's classes are extremely helpful to anyone who has never taught. The classes are well organized, knowledgeable, and give you the foundation to understand the best ways to reach out to every type of student. The staff is friendly and always willing to answer questions about anything you may need help with to make your experience in Spain comfortable and memorable. There are organized events planned monthly for you to absorb the beautiful culture and people of Spain.
Taking Canterbury's TEFL class was one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made. The best feeling is knowing I wake up every morning doing something I absolutely love! -teaching English, learning Spanish, meeting people from around the world, and living in one of the greatest cities in the world just to name a few.
Best Wishes,
Margaret Sroka -- Richfield, Ohio
TEFL Class of September, 2010
June 1, 2010
Dear TEFL students,
Moving to a new country is a very exciting experience that involves learning a new language, experiencing a new culture, eating strange foods and so much more. However, it can also be very nerve-wracking at first because there’s always that big ´what if´ hanging over your head. You are unsure about what to expect because you have to find a place to stay, make new friends, meet new people you can trust, find a job that pays enough for you to be able to go out and enjoy a night on the town, and all of this can take the excitement out of what should be an exciting time for you.
When I first moved to Madrid I didn’t know what to expect. I had no friends or contacts and I was quite worried about finding a job. However, through a random stroke of luck I was fortunate enough to meet a girl who told me about Canterbury. I wasted no time, I got online, sent in an application and I haven’t looked back since.
Canterbury offers a one month intensive training programme for those who want to teach English as a foreign language. You will be provided with everything you need to get started… knowledge, material and most importantly confidence. The teachers are very friendly and approachable; you can go to them for just about any kind of assistance you should require. Canterbury will advise and assist you to find a place to stay and give you valuable information about what to expect in Spain. Once you are part of the Canterbury community you will also enjoy the fun outings and getaways they plan for students and teachers, this is a great time to socialize and meet new people and possibly make new friends for life. With Canterbury, you can begin teaching while you are studying, you can choose the kind of classes you want to teach and the timings are very flexible because it all depends on you. You can choose the timings that are most convenient to you. If you are not a morning person like me, you can choose to take afternoon or evening classes. This is great because it gives you the time to do the things that you want to do.
All in all being part of Canterbury has been a great experience for me as I’ve met some great people, made some great friends, and I have a great time teaching English. Oh, and yes, living in Spain is not so bad either!
Roopa Radhakrishnan – Bangalore, India
TEFL Class of December, 2009
May 28, 2010
To all TEFL candidates,
It gives me great pleasure to write about Canterbury and my overall experience in Spain as I reflect back on the program and my subsequent six months of teaching. My experience has been intense yet completely rewarding. I came to Spain with my husband who was pursuing an MBA. I wanted to make my time in Spain productive, fun, and professionally rewarding. I am now happy to write that at Canterbury, I have found them all.
Before Canterbury, I had no prior teaching experience nor did I major in English at university so I was very worried about my suitability as a teacher. However, I found the TEFL course to be both intensive and comprehensive. Between mock lessons, student teaching, and a thorough grammar review, I felt entirely confident with my newly acquired skills to embark on my career as a teacher.
Perhaps the greatest asset Canterbury has to offer is guaranteed work upon completion of the course. In fact, I was offered so many classes that I had to turn some down! Moreover, Canterbury offers both flexibility and variety. I have the freedom to control my schedule so I can ensure I still have time to enjoy the city. Additionally, between my children, adult, and business classes, there is always something new to teach.
Socially Canterbury offers you the best of both worlds. The Canterbury Club enables you to socialize with a network of people from diverse backgrounds. With their bi-monthly events, there is always something to look forward to. Alternatively, there is never any pressure to attend events, giving you the freedom to explore Spain and the rest of Europe on your own time.
In closing, I must say that teaching can be a demanding job; between the travel, preparation, and nontraditional working hours. However, the hard work has made the experience all the more gratifying. In fact, the greatest personal reward with teaching has been learning from my students. They are always enthusiastic about giving recommendations on where to go, what to do, and they provide a unique experience for me to learn about the real culture of Spain. In short, I have enjoyed my time with Canterbury and highly recommend this program to anyone who is looking for a demanding yet rewarding experience in Spain.
Devon Loback – Paradise Valley, Arizona USA
TEFL Class of December, 2009
May 28, 2010
Dear Prospective Canterbury Teachers,
My name is Sam Kass and roughly one year ago I was in the same position you are now. Like many, although certainly not all Canterbury Teachers, I had finished my college degree the spring before I decided to become a teacher with Canterbury. With five months out of college I had already held down three different jobs, two of which took place at odd hours—usually during the middle of the night. The third was an office job which I admittedly liked, but wasn’t ready to commit to. I decided that before I settled into whatever career was waiting for me, I wanted to strike out into the world one more time for an adventure the results of which I was unsure of. I figured that at the very least, being able to speak Spanish in the States couldn’t hurt.
My experience abroad over the past year was absolutely a positive one. And yes, I did learn Spanish (I had never taken a course in the language prior to my arrival in Madrid). I suppose that the most important thing for you to know if you are weighing the pros and cons of what you are imagining the program will be like is the fact that Canterbury as an organization keeps its word. You will have enough work. You will be able to support yourself.
You also have to be prepared to be proactive. The experience as part of the Canterbury Academy is very much as you make it (and I believe that this is absolutely a good thing). If you want to bring in lots of money every month you’re going to need to go out of your way to let people know that you want more work. However, Canterbury is easy to communicate with, and if you make an effort with them, they will happily work with you to see that you’re satisfied. They want you. Spain wants you. There is no shortage of jobs!
Canterbury also offers access to the entire community of teachers with organized events and field trips. Of course, all activities are optional so you can be as involved as you like or otherwise. Again, I believe that the fact that all socialization is voluntary creates a much better atmosphere in which to warm up to a new living environment. The majority of my own social network came directly out of my daily TEFL training courses during the first three weeks of my time in Madrid. I’ve read other letters on the website and many former teachers attest to the validity and helpfulness of the training program with regard to teaching. And yes, the course prepared me well for a job that otherwise would have been very difficult to break into. But equally, or perhaps a bit more important, is the immediate induction to a community of people who all speak English, have all just arrived in Spain for a significant amount of time, and meet daily for a period of weeks. When you’ve just walked off an airplane into a country that you’ve never seen before, being able to make a friend means all the difference in the world.
If you’re looking for an adventure—a chance to learn something new about both the world and yourself, and to do so in an environment that is both welcoming and reliable then I can confidently recommend the Canterbury TEFL program to you.
Good Luck,
Sam Kass – Monclair, New Jersey USA
TEFL Class of November, 2009
May 25, 2010
Dear TEFL Students,
In 2009 I decided to move to Spain to get to know its culture, traditions and to live new experiences. I grew up in a Spanish speaking country but I learned English because I have spent long periods of time in the USA every year and I had an excellent private English teacher, David Williams. He was a TEFL certified teacher and he was very proud of it, and he told me that I could teach too. He was my inspiration. I arrived to Madrid in September and my first thought was to look for an academy that could certify me as an English Teacher.
I chose Canterbury and it was a great choice. This prestigious academy has an excellent four week course in which you acquire all the tools and strategies that you need to be a well-prepared teacher. The knowledge of English grammar and workshops where everything is put into practice is the heart of the program. Also, Canterbury will book classes for you once you successfully complete the program.
In addition, there is the Canterbury Club that organizes activities every month with the purpose to immerse yourself into the Spanish traditions, visit new places and of course, meet new people. It is not a problem if you do not speak Spanish, Canterbury has Spanish classes for you too!
Stop thinking if this is the right place for you, come and live the experience, you won’t regret it! There is one word to describe life in Madrid: Fiesta. If you like parties, you need to come and live LA MARCHA MADRILENA!
Live the best time of your life and come to Madrid.
Victoria Cristina Salas – Caracas, Venezuela
TEFL Class of November, 2009
May 24, 2010
To all TEFL students:
My name is Jessica Smith and I am a 24-year-old American girl that moved to Spain in October of 2009. I am originally from South Dakota and decided that I wanted to travel. I had heard that teaching English was a way that I could support myself overseas while learning Spanish at the same time. I began searching the internet and found all kinds of schools that offered a TEFL certification in a Spanish environment. I was actually going to move to Costa Rica until I saw Canterbury’s website in Madrid. It was a school that advertised TEFL certification, a Spanish environment, and immediate job placement during or after the course. That was it- I decided that I wanted to move to Madrid, Spain and work at Canterbury.
Canterbury’s month long course definitely prepares you for teaching. There was a lot I didn’t know about the English language until I took this course. The course is divided into three parts: basic fundamentals of English, Business English, and English for children. All three parts of the course provide you with the necessary skills and confidence you need to teach English. I teach both Business English and English for children and I enjoy teaching both types of classes. As promised, Canterbury does provide you with an internship. You can begin working during or after the course. The “hands on” experience is intimidating at first but it quickly becomes like second nature.
The staff at Canterbury is very friendly and will help you with any questions that you may have. The library at Canterbury has a variety of materials that will you help you prepare for your classes. I use some of the books at the library as well as some English books that I brought from home. I recommend using Raymond Murphy’s textbooks and all levels of the English File textbooks.
There are also many activities and excursions that Canterbury plans. You are not obligated to go on any of these excursions but I must say that I recommend doing so.
If you are thinking about moving to Europe to teach English, there could be a position for you at Canterbury. You will meet life-long friends, have a stable job, and have an experience of a life-time.
Que te vaya bien,
Jessica Smith –Dell Rapids, South Dakota USA
TEFL Class of November, 2009
19 May 2010
Dear potential TEFL students,
I want to take the time to write and share my rewarding experiences with Canterbury English's TEFL Program. Without their assistance, I don't think I could have managed my transition to Spain so well. Based on my experience, I strongly believe that Canterbury English has something to offer many others like me.
I decided to come to Spain after working almost five years in a corporate environment in the United States. I needed a change, and I knew a few people in Madrid. I knew that my English background was strong, so I started to look around at the available schools for TEFL certification. After taking long looks at many different programs, I decided on Canterbury English's program, and I was extremely happy with the results.
I ultimately chose Canterbury English for many important reasons. First, their tuition rates were – and still are – very competitive with similar schools. Some schools were charging thousands of U.S. Dollars for their programs yet offering similar or even fewer benefits. Second, Canterbury English gave me the promise of paid teaching work immediately after or even during the course! This work additionally counted towards the impressive 40-hour teaching requirement of the school's program. Third, they offered a dizzying array of social events that students could attend. Through their years of experience in Spain, the school has set up a variety of interesting and entertaining events in locations all across the country. During these events, I was able to make connections and long-lasting friendships that have made living in Spain a much more relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Ultimately, Canterbury English gave me the peace of mind I needed to get the most out of working and living in Spain. With their friendly and knowledgeable staff, their offer of work, and their variety of social events, I was able to do what I came to Spain for originally; relax and have some fun teaching English.
Good fortune to you all in your future teaching endeavors!
Saludos,
Shawn Douglas – St. Louis, Missouri
TEFL Class of September, 2009
May 9, 2010
Hello prospective TEFL teachers,
It is my pleasure to tell you briefly about my experience teaching English in Madrid to help you consider your plans for the near future. The fact you are a proficient (and probably native) English speaker is an extremely valuable asset—especially if you learn how to use it to your advantage.
One way to make the most of your knowledge of English is to learn to teach people in other countries to communicate in English. I participated in the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Course at Canterbury English in June 2009. This course included 20 hours of instruction of how to teach children, 20 hours of instruction in teaching adult business students, 40 hours of instruction relating
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