Sunny, Exciting Madrid. TEFL Certificate Programme & GUARANTEED TEACHING JOBS

The 120 hour Canterbury International TEFL Certificate, which is fully accredited by the College of Teachers in London, England: http://www.collegeofteachers.ac.uk/ also includes a guaranteed teaching position with the parent language schools, Canterbury English and Canterbury Consulting Spain in Madrid during the school year.

We are currently accepting applications for the 2014 – 2015 school year. A university degree is preferred, but is not required to apply and be accepted into the programme.

Also, we supply student visas free of charge as well as summer teaching jobs throughout Spain in exotic locations as diverse as the beaches of Marbella to the Pyrenees mountains to all participants who have completed our TEFL programme.

Canterbury TEFL is directly involved in English langauge summer camps through it’s English Adventures Summer Camp as well as summer camps organised for The Madrid City Council. Please see http://www.englishadventures.com

In addition, we are actively involved in international education through our own programmes such as The British Spanish Schools Exchange Programme (BSSEP) and Outdoor Leadership programmes for high school students.

TEFL Program Cost: 995 euros

*** NEXT COURSE DATES ***

*** NOVEMBER 24 TO DECEMBER 19 ***

*** JANUARY 12, 2015 TO FEBRUARY 6, 2015 ***

MOREOVER, WE ARE CURRENTLY OFFERING A 30% DISCOUNT ON THE GARCIA LORCA SPANISH SCHOOL’S 80 HOUR INTENSIVE SPANISH COURSE FOR ONLY 499 EUROS TO ALL OF OUR TEFL STUDENTS.

***FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION, CHECK OUT :

http://www.canterburytefl.com or send us an email at info@canterburytefl.com

VARIOUS PAST TEFL GRADUATES SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS:

Dear Potential TEFL Teachers,

There are not many things in life that are more stressful than moving to a new country and looking for a way to make a living when you get there. I had searched for months for work and a legitimate way to live in Spain, but I kept running into dead ends. Then, I happened upon Canterbury’s website. I was skeptical at first; it seemed too good to be true. I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome though. Everything that was stated on their website is true. The people at Canterbury made this process very easy for me. After being denied so many times and jumping through some hoops, it was nice to find a group of people that followed through on what they said they were going to do. They were quick when responding to my emails and sending me all of the information that I requested to complete my visa process.

The professionalism did not stop there though. When I arrived in Madrid for my orientation they had information on apartments, banks, cell phones, and other things that anyone moving would need help with. The TEFL course is well taught and gives you the exact skills you need to successfully teach English. I am not a teacher by profession so I was very unsure how all this was going to play out. Canterbury has followed through on providing teaching hours, materials, and a good working environment. Now I am now making enough money to truly enjoy my time here in Spain. You have the flexibility to decide what classes you want to teach or not teach, which allows you to customize your schedule and how you spend your time abroad. I highly recommend Canterbury Consulting Spain to anyone interested in a very straight forward way to travel and work abroad. Teaching is something that I never knew I would enjoy, but thanks to Canterbury I do, and now I am certified to teach TEFL almost anywhere I want.

Sincerely,

Jason Shelley TEFL Class of October, 2013

Dear TEFL Teachers,

When I first decided to teach English abroad I knew I wanted to do as much research as possible on where I would get my certification. When I learned about Canterbury I soon found out that not only did their program meet all the standards of a recognized certification, they were also extremely helpful with assistance and advice. They helped me feel comfortable about making such a huge life transition. Once I started the program, I met a lot of awesome people that are still my close friends today. The TEFL course was extremely informative and John Bouse is an excellent teacher. I am very happy with my decision to certify through Canterbury and I enjoy working for the school to this day.

Also, I would be more than happy to communicate with any prospective TEFL students that are looking to speak with a former student.

Best,

Stephanie Davino TEFL Class of August, 2013

Hello,

My decision to attend Canterbury Consulting, to earn my TEFL was a good one, and has been very beneficial.

When searching for an academy to attend, I knew I specifically wanted actual teaching experience in the form of an internship. While other schools offered six-to-ten hours of training, Canterbury offered twenty hours of internship. Also, I read an independent review on one of their previous student’s blogs. This is what actually sold me.

The training was not what I expected. The two weeks of theory (grammar) were tough and eye opening. The four week class was quite challenging. It provided me with a base to be able to go out now with the confidence that I needed and teach English as a second language.

Romita Blackfeather TEFL Class of August, 2013

Dear Future TEFL Students:

I participated in the TEFL summer course with Canterbury Consulting Spain in the summer of 2013, and it was one of the best summers of my life. Unlike ordinary TEFL courses, this course provided the opportunity to receive real-life experience (and paid!) at a summer camp in Spain. The TEFL coursework in Madrid was greatly intensified, with classes lasting 8 hours a day and homework and projects due every day. While those two weeks were tough, I would not have been able to work at the camp without the knowledge and skills gained in those courses. Plus, the TEFL certificate earned in those courses and the subsequent internship give me the opportunity to travel and teach English anywhere in the world for the rest of my life.

Once we arrived at camp, I feel like my summer really began. I was placed at La Granja outside of Barcelona and quickly fell in love with the camp and the people who worked there. The first week the other Americans and I shadowed other counsellors to get used to the layout and the philosophy of the camp. La Granja focuses on emotional education, so we received several quick lessons on what emotional education is and how to incorporate it into all of the camp activities. The second week was a planning week in which we received the names and ages of our kids, the themes for every week, and the location of our classrooms. This week was dedicated to preparing lesson plans as we would be teaching English classes for an hour and a half every day. Although this was difficult as we did not know the level of English to prepare for, the preparations I made during this week were a lifesaver once camp started and life got hectic! The last five weeks of the summer I was a monitor for the English immersion day camp. I was responsible for 14 kids between the ages of 11 and 13, and I led those kids through their daily activities and taught an English class everyday. While this may seem intimidating because of the language barrier (even if you know Spanish, they speak Catalan and you're not allowed to speak in a language other than English to encourage the kids to speak English), we all had an assistant who spoke English, Spanish and Catalan. The summer flew by and I continue to keep in touch with many of my kids through Twitter and Facebook.

More than just the typical camp experience, I also gained lifelong friendships with many of the other monitors who work there and my assistant. Furthermore, I gained an appreciation for the region and the culture and was able to experience a part of the world in a real, non-touristy way. I would definitely recommend the summer program to anyone who is looking to immerse yourself in a new culture and gain TEFL experience working with kids.

Kerrie Holloway TEFL Class of June, 2013

Dear Potential TEFL Teachers,

The Canterbury Madrid summer (June) course was a memorable one. This course gives you the best of both worlds, the class and then the experience. It is a two week course, approx. 8 hour days of classes. This may seem a long time but after these two weeks you are given the opportunity to receive your teaching experience at summer camps in Spain.

During the two weeks you are taught the entire curriculum that will help you write lesson plans and then teach in a classroom. I felt 100% prepared to teach after two weeks. We worked hard and learned a lot! My professor, John Bouse will always be someone to remember. He is very inspirational and approachable person. He wants to make sure you have your best experience and become the teacher you want to be. I was very impressed with the everyday schedule of the class, steady breaks and movement within the class. You are able to interact with people you have never met in a foreign place. There is nothing more life changing than taking yourself outside of your comfort zone. Not only meeting new people, but also interacting with people of a different language. The class was well organized and we were given hand outs that I still use when I tutor here in the United States.

At Canterbury you are welcomed kindly and any questions you have are answered right away. After the two week classes are complete Canterbury places you in different camps which best fits you. After two weeks I moved to Barcelona with four other English teachers. We started our new journey at a summer camp, 40 minutes outside of the city in the beautiful mountains. The first two weeks you are training or student teaching. You are given this time period to get comfortable before the camp starts. You prepare for your classes, students and write two weeks worth of lesson plans to hand in for the completion of the course.

La Granja was one of the best experiences of my life. I spent 12 weeks with fifteen, 9-10 year olds. This camp was not only English class but also activities. We had two hours of English class daily and the other hours were spent instructing the students in different outdoor/indoor activities in English. We were given assistants who spoke both English and Spanish that helped us throughout the challenges.

The English teachers I went with are four individuals I still keep in touch with weekly. After learning many creative ways to teach English as a Second Language we had awesome ideas to teach and interact with the students every day. I have never been happier with an experience in my life. Two weeks in a classroom, working hard and learning everything you need to and then receiving the experience at the same time in one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. I am very pleased with Canterbury and would be willing you speak with anyone who is ever interested in joining this summer program. I am thankful for what they taught me and I plan on using my certification in the near future.

Sincerely,

Margaret Infantino TEFL Class of June, 2013

Dear Potential TEFL Teachers,

I participated in Canterbury Consulting’s 2013 Summer TEFL course and had an incredible experience. I cannot speak highly enough of the organization and the course. I had some concerns about finding housing for the training portion in Madrid and being in a new city alone, but the team was so helpful giving me suggestions on where to stay, what to bring, and what to expect. They helped make it a seamless transition so I could focus on the course and exploring all Madrid has to offer. The course itself was the perfect mix of theory and practical experience. I was nervous about being ready to handle kids at the summer camp after only two weeks of training, but their teachers more than prepared me for the challenge. Not only did they equip us with the tools to plan fun and effective lessons for all age groups, but they also gave us opportunities to practice and refine our new skills before heading off to camp. The teachers were experienced and genuinely cared about our success in and outside the classroom. For the post-course portion I was sent to the camp “La Espuela” in Avila where I was able to shadow counselors and learn about the responsibilities of working in a camp setting. By the end of the week I was confident enough to lead my own sessions and be an active member of the team. I could not have done it without Canterbury’s training. Their classroom to camp model is excellent and the staff is knowledgeable and dedicated to making it a rewarding experience. I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend the summer doing something new and exciting in a foreign city and know it would not have been possible without Canterbury. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to spend time teaching abroad, whether experienced and well traveled or not at all. You can’t go wrong!

Best,

Amanda Catalina TEFL Class of June, 2013

Dear Teachers,

I took the TEFL course with Canterbury Consulting and now I am a certified TEFL teacher. I have been teaching for 2 years with Canterbury Consulting and the experience has been amazing. The staff is professional, friendly and helpful with anything I need from asking for help with the extensive resources they offer at their library to a restaurant recommendation. They are always encouraging and provide excellent service. I always feel welcome and appreciated. The social events are great and I have met many teachers from all over the world. My experience with Canterbury Consulting has been very valuable and I know they are always there for support.

Rachel Gonzalez TEFL Class of August, 2012

Dear Potential TEFL Teachers,

My name is Marlowe Gregorio, a 24-year-old college graduate from California. I spent two amazing summers working with Canterbury English Adventures Camp, and also took their TEFL course back in June of 2012. I first heard about Canterbury during my senior year at university. With graduation approaching fast, I began looking into different ways of teaching English abroad – something that I’ve always wanted to do. I quickly found that Canterbury and its TEFL program seemed to be quite popular on Google. After taking a deeper look at the academy website and summer camp TEFL program in Spain, I immediately decided that this was the perfect opportunity for me. I followed all the necessary procedures to apply, and just two weeks after graduating in May, I was off to Madrid, where I would spend the next month in a TEFL intensive course.

The first two weeks of the course consisted of two main class sections. In the mornings, we had more children specific classes and workshops. We learned how to deal with all types of age groups and personalities, and did quite a lot of roleplaying in order to better prepare us for camp. We also learned a wide variety of games and activities that I still use in my classes today. After a quick lunch break, we continued the day with classes more geared toward adult students. Here, we focused more on theory and grammar. It also included a great refresher section on English grammar and other technicalities that I hadn’t really covered since the 6th grade. It’s honestly surprising how much you learn about your own native language once you begin teaching it. Here, we went over the various methods of teaching one to one classes, small and large group classes, and giving larger lectures and presentations. This part of the course was taken with eager students from all over the US, Canada, and the UK. I met a ton of people, and even though we had class every day, we made sure to make the most out of our time in Madrid and took in the sites and the city every chance we got. It helped that class was located in Malasaña, one of Madrid’s beautiful and vibrant central neighborhoods.

The second two weeks of the course consisted of practical internships at one of Canterbury’s many partner camps around Spain. Here, our class split up into various groups, getting intense training at camps in Madrid,Barcelona, Cuenca, and other cities. I ended up being trained at a fantastic multi-adventure camp at Cei El Jarama, just an hour outside of Madrid. Here, we got to see how everything is run from group level, and got paired with Spanish counselors, observing and helping them out throughout the day. It was a great way to see the logistical side of camp first hand. Seeing the various workshops, games, and activities really gave us some great ideas to bring to our own camp.

After a very packed and intensive June, we were finally prepared for our very own camp experience with English Adventures. We drove up to the site, located just outside of Cuenca, a few days early to set everything up before the kid’s arrival. With lush, green mountains, a bustling river, high-ropes course, and zip line, the last thing I could do was complain that this would be my workplace for the next month. The camp was divided into two sections, English workshops, and multi-adventure. While we had a separate, certified team running the various multi-adventure activities, such as paintball, kayaking, and zip lining, as English teachers, our team was in charge of running the various workshops. These included activities such as cooking, arts and crafts, film production, photography, health and wellness, and dance. While we did these workshops in smaller class groups, each typical day was accompanied by both afternoon and night activities that included the entire camp. These included a fashion show, casino night, disco night, Olympic games, water park day, and a Halloween carnival, just to name a few. My first month working with English Adventures flew by, and even though we were quite busy, the days always ended feeling fully satisfied and content with the day’s work and activities.

Participating in Canterbury’s TEFL Summer Camp Course was an amazing experience. Since I had such a wonderful time at camp and in Spain, I decided to continue living in Madrid, teaching English. I’m now going on my second year here, and it’s all thanks to my fantastic, first experiences and memories with Canterbury.

Sincerely,

Marlowe Gregorio TEFL Class of June, 2012

My name is Megan Dorris and in June and July of 2012, I participated in the Canterbury TEFL course and worked at the CanterburyEnglish Adventures Camp. I arrived at the beginning of June and studied for two weeks in Madrid. Our class was in the city center and I was easily able to find a hostel nearby to stay in for the duration of the course. Each day our classes started around 9 and ended at about 4 with a short break for lunch in the middle. My classes in the morning focused specifically on teaching English to children, while in the afternoon, we learned more about working with adults and teaching higher levels of English. We learned games to play with children, as well as simple grammar tips and tricks that could be used to teach adults. I also learned an amazing amount from my teachers about how to engage my students while maintaining control and command of the class at all times. Even as a native English speaker, I was able to learn a great deal about teaching sentence structure, parts of speech, and verb conjugation.

In class, I met other students from all over the United States, Canada, and the UK that were also enrolled in the courseand I explored the city with them each afternoon. Even with our busy class schedule, I still had plenty of time to see the sights in Madrid and enjoy my time in the city.

The first two weeks of the class went by quickly and we soon moved on to the second stage of the course. During the second half of June, I was placed in a camp for training. I worked about an hour outside of Madrid at a multi-adventure summer camp for kids. There, we were able to see a Spanish camp in action. We learned how activities were run, the role of the counselors, various camp games and activities, and what it was like to work with Spanish children. After two weeks of training, we were ready to begin working at English Adventures.

At the beginning of July, the Canterbury directors helped us gather our things and move to the English Adventures campsite. As counselors, we were given separate living courters from the children and a day or two to prepare before the campers arrived. Then, the next month was a whirlwind. We awoke around 8 each morning to eat breakfast with the campers and break into our separate groups. Each counselor was assigned different activities to lead throughout the day, ranging from sports, to arts and crafts, to cooking, to filming our own music videos with the children. The activities were conducted solely in English (with the help of a bit of miming and gestures sometimes) and were different each day. The counselors were given several short breaks throughout the day, but with the wide range of activities and never-ending energy of the children, the month of work at English Adventures flew by. We had dance parties, a carnival, hiking excursions, a bit of pool time each day, and even our own MTV-style video awards ceremony. The job requires a lot of enthusiasm, energy, and creativity, but it is an unforgettable experience.

Working with Canterbury through both the TEFL course and the English Adventures summer camp was an incredible experience that led not only to a TEFL certificate and a fun summer job, but also helped me make the decision to live in Madrid for the rest of the year. I have now returned to Spain for another year of teaching and couldn’t be happier with my decision.

Megan Dorris TEFL Class of June, 2012

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 2012, 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, 2012

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, 2011

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, 2011

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, 2011

Dear TEFL Students,

I am a 24 year old American who completed the TEFL program in October of 2011 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, 2011

Sean DiSesa - Greenwich, Connecticut

Dear Prospective TEFL Instructors,

If you are considering teaching English in Spain, you have come to the right place with the Canterbury TEFL program.

I arrived in Spain in September 2011 and taught English with Canterbury for over a year. Especially for someone coming from the United States, Canterbury makes moving to Spain extremely easy. Whether you are worried about your visa, finding an apartment, meeting new friends, or the language barrier, Canterbury has you covered. The staff and teachers are always willing to help new students in the TEFL program feel welcome in Madrid.

No matter your command of the English language, I promise that you will learn something new in your four week TEFL certification program. Once you are finished and earn your TEFL certificate, you are guaranteed to immediately start teaching classes and earning money. You can also rely on the wealth of resources available at the Canterbury offices to help you prepare for classes with your new students.

Canterbury makes life outside of the classroom fun as well with a non-stop calendar of social events. Every month there are pub nights, field trips, and other exciting group activities that will allow you to get to know your fellow teachers better and experience many of the great things that Spain has to offer.

If you want to move to Spain but are hesitant to make the leap, the Canterbury TEFL class is the way to do it. I wish you the best of luck during your time in Spain.

Sincerely,

Sean DiSesa - TEFL Class of September 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, 2011

Dear TEFL Students,

In 2010 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, 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 2010. 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, 2010

Simply put, Canterbury is your best choice for teaching English in Spain. Canterbury provides fantastic instruction and great support on both an academic and cultural level. I participated in the class of October 2010 and worked with Canterbury through 2011. I had to return to America to attend Medical School, but I would have happily stayed with Canterbury for longer. When I first arrived in Spain I knew no Spanish and little about teaching English. After only two weeks of the course I felt confident in teaching classes. By the time the course was finished I felt well equipped with the tools to be a great English teacher. The classes were interesting, informative, and, most importantly, practical.

Not only did I gain many skills through Canterbury, but I also met wonderful friends and forged relationships with talented teachers. Financially speaking Canterbury is very reasonably priced, and they allowed me to work as many hours as I wanted so that I could live comfortably in Madrid. The financial, social, and academic aspects of Canterbury helped me have an exceptional time abroad. If you have an interest in teaching English in Spain join Canterbury!

Thomas Blair – Washington, DC

TEFL Class of November, 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, 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 2010. 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 to English grammar and teaching methodology, and feedback regarding the first 100 hours of teaching. The TEFL instruction took place during one month, while the first 100 hours of teaching (for me) extended another 3 months. After completing the course, I received a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).

Though there are many places in Madrid (and in the world) to earn a TEFL certificate, I highly recommend considering attending the course at Canterbury. The instructors were knowledgeable of methodology, experienced and creative in their teaching, passionate about their jobs, and curious about Spanish culture. They worked well with the Canterbury English teachers (primarily TEFL course alumni), and their supervisors to transition students from the TEFL course to the English classroom. Canterbury staff offered teaching support, organized social and cultural experiences, lent technological and teaching materials, and established a welcoming atmosphere amidst a large, busy city. Perhaps even more impressive, Canterbury followed through on their commitment to provide all course alumni with employment during and upon course completion, for the length of the participant’s choosing.

Life, for me, as a teacher in Madrid had its pros and cons. The biggest pros of teaching in Madrid were that I was able to pay my rent and count on having work. I only had to work minimal hours each week, as 20 classroom hours is considered full time for TEFL teachers. This left time each week for planning lessons, traveling between classes, sightseeing and doing whatever else I wanted. I also had some flexibility to travel on long weekends and during vacations.

There are many people in Madrid who want to learn English: Parents who want to supplement what their children learn in school with private classes; adults who want to improve their abilities to speak English for fun, travel purposes, or work opportunities; or businesses that want their employees to learn relevant English communication. I enjoyed teaching a variety of types of classes and students. In general, I found the students to be highly motivated, interested, friendly and fun.

The cons of teaching English in Madrid minimized over the six months I spent in Madrid. At first I was extremely busy taking the TEFL class, teaching a few hours a week, and trying to get acclimated to a new city and culture. I also did not have experience or confidence in my ability to teach English, even though I spoke it natively. Although my actual working hours were few, my days were often filled with traveling to teach (up to 45 minutes to get to different parts of the city) and breaks of 1-4 hours between classes. The schedule and back-and-forth of commuting made maximizing the efficiency of those breaks and travel times difficult.

The biggest challenge for me was realizing that as I worked as an English teacher on a daily basis, my time to improve my Spanish was limited. If learning or improving your ability to use a second language is important to you as you travel, you should consider that your time spent teaching English will take away from your time available to study, read or speak with others in the foreign language.

Overall, the six months I spent in Madrid were extremely worthwhile and rewarding for me. As you think about your future plans teaching English and/or traveling, please feel free to contact me if I can be of any help.

Good luck to you!

Sincerely,

Amy Novikoff – Cleveland, Ohio USA

TEFL Class of June, 2010

Dear TEFL Students:

I completed my TEFL course in June of last year after completing my degree in the University College of Dublin. I immediately began the TEFL and remember being pleasantly surprised at the relaxed and friendly atmosphere in the class. The class and teachers gelled instantly thus making the five hours a day intensive classes feel more like a forum than a typical class about pedagogical theories and linguistics. I came to Madrid with the intention of teaching English, however having had no prior teaching experience I was a little apprehensive as to how the best way would be to go about conducting a successful English class. The teachers at Canterbury really helped to alleviate many of the anxieties I had about confronting a large group of adults, some of whom were twice my age.

I would like to thank the coordinator of the program for opening up the doors to the world of English grammar and helping to demystify all the linguistic terms I had long forgotten. The course was split into three different segments, which covered all the conceivable angles necessary to give proper classes. The three teachers touched on a broad range of topics, everything from, early child psychology, language acquisition, socio-linguistics, business English, and general English. We were provided with an in depth study of the key grammatical points which are absolutely fundamental for teachers to be familiar with if they seriously want to become successful English teachers. The majority of Spanish people have been studying English all their lives so don't be surprised to discover that many may have a better knowledge of the rules of your own language than you do!

For this reason, I would strongly recommend anyone who is considering teaching English as a foreign language to do a TEFL course. The people at Canterbury have a very well respected image in Madrid, therefore they have a broad circle of clients from across the spectrum of the Spanish society. They provided everyone on the course with classes immediately and pay specific attention to try and tailor the classes to your own personal requirements. The staff take a very personal and familiar approach to training their teachers and I was really made to feel at home there. The first job I obtained in Madrid was because of my having done the TEFL with Canterbury, the woman who gave me the job was fully aware of the caliber of the Canterbury TEFL course and hired me thereof.

Good Luck!

Joseph Brady – Dublin, Ireland

TEFL Class of June, 2010

Dear TEFL Students,

I completed the Canterbury course in April of 2010. I chose Canterbury based on recommendations from former students. I had no prior English teaching experience, and was unsure about taking a job in a foreign country. Canterbury did not disappoint. I emerged from this school fully prepared.

Presently, I live in Milan, Italy, and teach English full time. The TEFL certificate opened up a world I absolutely love. The concepts and tools taught by Canterbury have proven invaluable every day.

In addition to the practical aspects of the program, the Canterbury experience opened up amazing opportunities and a sense of connection along with new friends in a country where I initially didn’t know anyone. Students feel immediately welcome, and the staff is competent and helpful.

I am grateful for my experience at Canterbury. It facilitated a new and exciting life change. I learned that I really love teaching English, and I will be doing this for a long time.

Good luck on your adventure!

Lisanna McDermott -- Seattle, Washington

TEFL Class of April, 2010

To prospective Canterbury students:

My name is Nicole Bowers and I participated in the Canterbury TEFL course in April 2010. I am 23 years old and I have a degree in Translation. I wanted to do some travelling and I decided that teaching English would be a great way to see the world. I had a friend who was working at Canterbury and since I heard great comments from her about the program, I decided to go to Madrid and give it a try.

When I got to Madrid I attended a great welcome session and breakfast with the students who would be in my course, as well as our teachers. It was a great way to start off and get to know people.

As soon as the course started, we gave our availability and contact information to Canterbury so that we could start teaching as soon as possible. I started in my second week, so I finished my practice hours before the course was even over! The teachers at Canterbury were great at helping me with ideas and games, since I was teaching young children.

The course was very helpful, especially with lesson planning. We were taught great things about how to make our classes flow and how to make grammar lessons clear for the students. Lots of material was covered in one month—after the course I felt confident in planning my own lessons! Of course there was always someone in the Canterbury library happy to help me when I was on my own.

Canterbury was always very helpful in all aspects of my new life in Madrid. I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking to travel or make changes in their lives!

Good luck!

Nicole Bowers – Strathroy, Canada

TEFL Class of April, 2010

Dear TEFL Students,

When I started the Canterbury TEFL course about one year ago, I didn’t have any teaching experience apart from a few basic Spanish classes for tourists on holidays. While working as an entertainer in hotels on the Canary Islands I had found out that I enjoyed organising kids’ and adults’ activities more than pure office work. I had always been interested in language and culture and being a German native I had studied the English language quite well. I also realised that there were many teaching opportunities in English Academies in Spain, so why not become a teacher?

For me, Canterbury had the best TEFL course to offer on the Internet. Paying a part of the course by actually being paid for the practice classes which are part of the course was a great advantage and also encouraging for me.

The possibility of specialising in children’s and business classes seemed promising and has actually turned out to be very useful for any of the teaching jobs I have had since. From my experience, the demand for children’s and teenager classes is quite high and companies are important clients for language academies in Spain.

Doing the course just before the summer holidays, I took advantage of the possibility to gain more experience teaching in a summercamp offered by Canterbury in cooperation with a tour operator. This was a good follow-up of the practice classes I had done and allowed me to get more accustomed to the Spanish mentality.

Regarding the content, the course offers an ideal combination of theory and practice, providing the future teacher with the essential methodologies, planning lessons and ways of teaching first, and preparing for the next step - the classroom. It is intensive, clearly structured, with interesting classes that always refer to real-life teaching.

Not to forget the welcoming and friendly atmosphere at the office and at different Canterbury Club excursions with teachers and TEFL students.

Sometimes I am still amazed not only about how much I learned in a relatively short period of time (I started in May and finished in August), also how rewarding and enjoyable it finally was. I didn’t think that I would now be earning my living by teaching in both a private primary school and a language academy. Personally, it is the most safisfying job I have had.

And so I hope it will be for you!

Stefanie Lange – Grossrohrsclorf, Germany

TEFL Class of April, 2010

To all TEFL candidates,

I hope you find the following helpful to you when making your decision about coming to work and live in Spain.

I am a 24 year old British woman, and have been living and working in Madrid for almost a year, working with the academy Canterbury English. When I first arrived in Madrid naturally I was apprehensive about how I would be able to integrate within this country, especially as I did not speak a word of Spanish. Soon after arriving at and meeting with the staff at Canterbury English, I soon felt at ease. The people at Canterbury are very friendly and will assist you with anything you need, whether it be help to find accomodation, advice and info on employment or just expatriate advice in general.

The TEFL course itself is very insightful, challenging and engaging, and working intensively with an intimate sized group (sizes vary), you will soon find your comfort zone and discover that you have made friends for life. The course topics change daily, providing diversity and challenge, and instilling you with both the confidence and the skills to potentially become an outstanding teacher.

Although there are many reputable teaching academies in Madrid, Canterbury do differ in that they can guarantee you classes when you complete the course, (some even begin during the course) and not only are you paid for these classes but they also contribute toward your 20 hours of practice teaching, which is compulsory but possibly unpaid with other academies.

Another benefit with these classes is that you will be working in homes and offices in Madrid, which not only provide you with an opportunity to visit different areas of the city but also allows for a more flexible routine and can insure you more spare time!

Working with Canterbury, you will typically find yourself with a three day weekend, Friday to Sunday, which gives you a chance to explore the city, catch up with friends and party while still leaving time for lesson planning etc. Very often Canterbury provide day trips to various places and events which will not only allow you to really experience Spanish culture, but provide you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Kind Regards and ¡Buena suerte!

Lesley WInchester – Kirkcaldy, United Kingdom

TEFL Class of April, 2010

Dear Prospective TEFL Students,

I came to Madrid in February of 2010 and took the Canterbury TEFL course in April. Upon arriving in Madrid I was not sure what I was going to do for work and I did not have many friends. Taking the TEFL course not only prepared me for teaching, but helped me meet people in the same situation as I was in.

The course was instrumental in preparing me for teaching Business English. Canterbury provided me immediately with students to work with. The course helped me be prepared with lesson plans and gave me so many good ideas on how to make learning English interesting and fun for the students and myself.

Canterbury also provides regular outings for the teachers and the students. These outings are a great way to make friends while being in a foreign land.

Being an English teacher provided me with much needed income as well as a flexible schedule so I was able to travel around Spain and Europe while I was there. Another big advantage of being an English teacher is that by going to different companies around Madrid helped me learn the city. Also, the students that you work with as a teacher are a great source of information about where to go and what places and sites to see.

Taking the TEFL course and being an English teacher was the best thing I did when I came to Madrid. I would recommend anyone coming to Madrid to experience the culture and the city take this course and teach English. I learned more about the country, the city, the culture and the people by being an English teacher than any other activities I did while there.

Also, I would like to thank one of the trainers of the course, John Bouse, for sharing his wealth of knowledge with me!

Sincerely,

Stephen Buckel – Erie, Pennsylvania

TEFL Class of April, 2010

To all future TEFL candidates,

I am writing this letter to describe my experiences at Canterbury, which is the least I can do to repay the academy’s sense of kindness and honesty. I freely admit that I have no experience of other academies, but am also very confident that I made the right decision in joining the Canterbury family. The combination of certificate, guaranteed work and social side were ideal for someone coming straight out of university needing to earn money and have plenty of fiestas at which to spend this money! The website will tell you all the major details of the course and work options, so here I will try not to regurgitate all that information.

I arrived in Madrid without a word of Spanish, not knowing anyone in the city, clutching a piece of paper with the address of a dubious looking hostel and having paid a deposit on a course that I could certainly have researched more. However, any potential fears I had were calmed by the knowledge that the following morning I would be attending the induction day at Canterbury and would be meeting some people with whom I could actually communicate. Indeed, the day itself was fantastic. Everything was explained in detail and this was followed by a brunch where I began to assess potential friends. The beauty of this situation is that you are automatically afforded numerous things in common: everyone is trying to improve their Spanish, looking for a flat, getting to know Madrid, learning how to teach, etc, etc. Therefore, making new friends is not difficult in a foreign land.

I found the course to be relatively straightforward and enjoyed the enthusiasm and effort that was patently evident from all of the instructors. This turned what could have been a dry and potentially tedious subject matter into something completely different – both interesting and, on occasion, downright silly.

The teaching itself is a very relaxed way of earning money and living in another country. Many classes take on the form of conversation classes, with the teacher simply providing the topics and prompting with questions and vocabulary. The one clear exception to this is the teaching of children. This involves a little more preparation but gives superb results when a new game is revealed and the child in question is so unbelievably excited that he begins to jump around the room, shouting in an unintelligible language, where the only decipherable word is “kangaroo”! Roman, aged seven, you’re famous already.

Beyond all this the only other crucial piece of information you require from me is my promise to you that Madrid is bloody good fun. Whether you want to relax in beautiful parks, go sight-seeing to the Prado, watch a world class football match at the Bernabeu or go for one beer and some tapas that somehow ends up in breakfast at 8am and an almighty hangover! This is certainly a lively city and I hope you make the right decision to come and join me. If so, and you enjoy it, please feel free to buy me a copa at The Music Bar on Calle Huertas…….i’ll be the one failing to attract the attentions of the ludicrously attractive Venezuelan bar-maid!

Alex Runham – Bradford, West Yorkshire, England

TEFL class of February, 2008

Dear TEFL Candidates:

I am writing this letter to ease anyone’s fears of moving to Spain to start a new career teaching English as a foreign language, especially if you chose to do so with Canterbury English Academy. I’m a 30-so