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Being an English Language Assistant in Madrid: Megan’s Story
Having completed my 130-hour combined TEFL course back in 2013, I had my eyes set for sunny Spain and moved myself over to Madrid. Read Megan’s story.
4.6 out of 5 based on 9,817 reviews
How I became a TEFL teacher
Having completed my 130 hour combined TEFL course back in December 2013, I had my eyes set for sunny Spain and moved myself over to Madrid ASAP after graduation.
Where I went and what I did
I applied for the Language Assistant programme late so skipped the usual British Council or Meddeas agencies and sent my CV directly to the Madrid Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport. The programme was full, but by October 1st I was told there were always plenty of drop outs so they put me on a waiting list. As expected, I received a placement that day, and many other Auxilaires I met who had done the same all received placements within a week.
The job itself varies greatly amongst schools, but the gist of it is you are there to work alongside a co-teacher to help them with speaking and pronunciation. I was placed in a Primary school in a northern suburb of Madrid, and worked mostly with 6th graders by preparing them for their KET and PET Cambridge exams. Having worked in the private sector for academies that were turning over huge profits by cashing in on the faults of the public education system, it was an eye opener for me to exit the usual TEFL classroom and into the reality of language education for most students. I focused on building their confidence, and found it extremely rewarding seeing them enjoy alternative activities and witnessing them progress throughout the year.
During my time in Madrid I got to visit Toledo, Segovia, Granada, Brussels, Bruges, and Amsterdam all during the school year, and in the Summer break I interrailed through Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece.
Reflection and future plans
During my first year, I worked as an Au pair, taught private classes to all ages, worked at an after school club, and even utilised my teaching skills at a well renowned academy that specialised in immersive learning. I grew a lot as a teacher that year, which is why I decided to have a go in the public education system and applied to work as a Language Assistant (or Auxiliar de Conversación) for the Community of Madrid.
English classes may have been very grammar and vocabulary heavy during my time as a Language Assistant, but I was fortunately given creative freedom in my small group and used the TEFL methods I knew to be more effective. Overall the job was (in true moda espanola) incredibly laid back and stress free. As an assistant, you’re not over burdened with responsibilities.
A major factor that enhanced the Auxiliar experience was our free time. We only worked twenty hours a week, had three day weekends all year round, and puentes (bank holidays) a plenty. Private classes were also abundant and easy to find online via Lingobongo.com, tusclasesparticulares.com, or the bounty of Facebook groups for English teachers in Madrid.Madrid itself was a fantastic city that prided itself on its world-class nightlife, blue skies, and that kind of famous football club. So, even when you were staying in town for the weekend, you were never short of things to do.
So if you’re looking for a TEFL position that pays well, gives you an opportunity to work in public schools, and comes with heaps of time off to socialise and explore the region you’re in, I would highly recommend applying for the ELA Programme.
As mentioned, you can apply via the British Council or Meddeas. There is also a wealth of information to be found via Auxiliar facebook groups, where past and present Auxiliares can answer any of your questions.Inspired by Megan’s time in Madrid? Download our FREE guide to Europe to explore your options in Spain and beyond.
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The TEFL Org Guide to The World
In The TEFL Org Guide to the World you'll learn about more than 70 of the top TEFL destinations worldwide.
This guide is packed full of information about teaching in countries across Asia, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and more. Discover how much you could earn in each country, where to find jobs, what to expect from life as a TEFL teacher, as well as lots of helpful tips and insights.
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