The Best TEFL Courses in Spain: Ultimate Guide

If you're a first-time ESL teacher interested in teaching in Spain, getting TEFL certified is a must. Find the perfect programme for your teaching goals by comparing the 6 best TEFL courses in Spain in 2024!

Best TEFL courses in Spain

1. Trinity CertTESOL – TEFL Iberia 

TEFL Iberia’s Trinity CertTESOL course is recognised across the globe and offers the most complete course for new English teachers in Barcelona. Students learn from experienced teachers in 160 hours of tuition spread out over four weeks.

Key features

• An internationally recognised qualification – the CertTESOL is accepted across the globe, meaning TEFL students can teach English anywhere after getting qualified.
• 6+ hours of practical classroom experience – TEFL students build confidence and gain key classroom abilities by teaching groups of real students in a classroom setting.
• 12 students per group – classes feature a maximum of 12 students, the smallest TEFL course group size in Barcelona, giving students a focused, personalised educational experience.
• Relocation service – TEFL Iberia are experts at helping aspiring English teachers move to Barcelona, with a Student Visa Programme and accommodation service helping students settle into living and teaching in Barcelona. They also offer lots of support with tricky Spanish bureaucracy, including your TIE and empadronamiento.
• Enhanced post-graduate job prospects – TEFL Iberia’s dedicated career service offers students post-course preparation, including job market orientation, CV workshops and exclusive access to TEFL Iberia’s employer database. 
• Accredited – the Trinity CertTESOL course is fully accredited by Trinity College London.

Course details

• 160-hour course over four weeks.
• Courses running throughout the year.
• Trinity CertTESOL examination and certificate fees included.
• Expert tuition from experienced, professional teachers.
• On-site school library equipped with computers and high-speed internet
• More than six hours of observed teaching practice with real students.
• Accommodation service at an extra price
• Job contacts and placement help courtesy of the school’s career service.
• Dedicated course coordinator to deal with any issues that may arise.
• Student visas and support with bureaucracy.

Price

1,650€ full price, with a 1,550€ early-bird discount, if paid four weeks in advance.

Google reviews

4.9 stars from 139 reviews.

2. TtMadrid – TEFL Certificate Program

Madrid’s best TEFL school offers two separate courses for budding TEFL teachers. EU residents can apply for the intensive two-week TEFL Certificate Program, aimed at first-time teachers. Those from outside the EU (including the UK and US) can study this programme as part of the Certificate in Spanish Culture and Advanced TEFL, a dedicated year-long course that includes advanced learning and a visa, at a higher price point.

Key features  

• Hybrid structure – 50% online and 50% on campus in Madrid.
• EU only – only accepts applicants from within the EU; non-EU applicants need to apply for the year-long course.
• 6 hours of practical classroom experience – students get real classroom experience from a minimum of six hours observed teaching practice with real students.
• Small group sizes – class sizes are small, adding extra value to the learning experience.
• Accredited – the TEFL course is accredited by IATQUO.

Course details

• Intensive two-week course.
• Courses running throughout the year.
• Six teaching practice sessions with real students.
• Training for teaching adults and young learners.
• Welcome lunch and end-of-course party.
• Lifetime job support.

Price

1,375€

Google reviews

4.7 stars from 42 reviews.

3. CELTA – CLIC International House 

A four-week CELTA programme comprising 120 hours of learning, this course gives you the option to study in a lively modern language school with an international atmosphere in the heart of Seville or online.

Key features  

• An internationally recognised qualification – the CELTA qualification is recognised all over the world, allowing students to work and travel post graduation.
• 6 hours of practical classroom experience – students get real classroom experience from a minimum of six hours observed teaching practice with real students
• Small group sizes – class sizes are small, adding extra value to the learning experience.
• Online option – students can opt to take the CELTA via the Cambridge online learning platform.
• Accredited – the CELTA course is accredited by Cambridge English Language Assessment.

Course details

• 120-hour course
• Intensive in-person in Seville or part-time online.
• Courses running throughout the year.
• CELTA examination and certificate fees included.
• Early-bird discount available.
• Training for teaching adults and young learners.
• Six hours of observed teaching practice with real students.

Price

1,600€

Google reviews

4.8 stars from 43 reviews.

4. TEFL Certificate – International TEFL Academy Barcelona

The Barcelona wing of a worldwide TEFL franchise, International TEFL Academy Barcelona’s accredited four-week TEFL certificate prepares graduates to teach English internationally. 

Key features

• Internationally accredited TEFL qualification – Level 5 Certificate in TEFL (CELTA/Trinity equivalent), awarded by TQUK.
• 6 hours of practical classroom experience – students get real classroom experience with six classes of observed teaching practice with real students
• 10-12 students per group – classes feature a maximum of 12 students, adding extra value to the learning experience.
• Pre-course support – guidance before arriving in Barcelona, including help organising accommodation.
• Unknown foreign language training – TEFL teachers get the opportunity to see things from an English student’s perspective.
• Ongoing job guidance and an extensive ITA Alumni Network
• Student visa programme – EFL Academy Barcelona offers tailored student visa programmes.
• Online option – students can choose to take the TEFL Certificate course online.  

Course details  

• No written examinations. The theoretical side of the TEFL certificate involves continual assessment. 
• Observation of experienced teachers in the classroom.
• Professional, experienced teachers
• Accredited by TQUK.

Price

1,400€

Google reviews

4.6 stars from 9 reviews.

5. EBC International TEFL Certificate – EBC

A full-time, four week online course from Trinity College London accredited TEFL provider EBC, a language school based in Madrid and specialising in virtual language learning.  

Key features

• Internationally accredited TEFL qualification – Ofqual level 5 accredited, Trinity CertTESOL certification
• 6 hours of practical classroom experience – students get real classroom experience with six classes of observed teaching practice with real students
• Small group sizes – class sizes are small, adding extra value to the learning experience.
• Ongoing job guidance and an extensive alumni network 

Course details  

• Intensive online course over four weeks.
• Ofqual level 5 accredited Trinity CertTESOL course + worldwide, lifetime job placement
• Assistance entering work abroad programmes like EPIK and JET
• External exam moderator and certificate fees included.
• Worldwide, lifetime job placement assistance and dedicated career counselling
• Teaching practice with real English language learners.
• Observation of experienced teachers in the classroom.
• Free educational material includes books on English grammar and business English.

Price

• 1,390€

Google reviews

• 4.8 stars from 127 reviews.

6. CELTA – Oxford TEFL  

Part of Oxford House’s TEFL programme, the CELTA qualification is one of the most intense TEFL qualifications available in Barcelona. A four-week programme over 120 hours of learning.

Key features  

• An internationally recognised qualification – the CELTA qualification is recognised all over the world, allowing students to work and travel post graduation.
• 6 hours of practical classroom experience – students get real classroom experience from a minimum of six hours observed teaching practice with real students
• Small group sizes – class sizes are small, adding extra value to the learning experience.
• Student visa programme – Oxford TEFL assists aspiring English teachers with a student visa programme. 
• Online option – students can opt to take the CELTA via the Cambridge online learning platform.
• Accredited – the CELTA course is accredited by Cambridge English Language Assessment.

Course details

• 120-hour course over four weeks.
• Courses running throughout the year.
• CELTA examination and certificate fees included.
• Training for teaching adults and young learners.
• On-site school library, kitchen and garden.
• Up to six hours of observed teaching practice with real students.
• Careers advisors help students find jobs after graduation.

Price

1,625€

Google reviews

4.9 stars from 144 reviews.

TEFL courses in Spain: FAQs

Do you need a TEFL qualification to teach English in Spain?

Yes. You will need a TEFL certificate and a visa to teach English in Spain. Whether you want to work privately as an English teacher or within a school, college or university, having the foundational TEFL certificate is essential. 

Our entry-level TEFL course is made up of 160 hours of learning and can be completed in just four weeks. It’s perfect for first-time teachers and instils the foundational confidence and skills necessary to become an English teacher.

It’s also recognised across the globe. So once you've qualified, you can teach anywhere you like! 

Where is the best place to teach English in Spain?

When it comes to course quality and job prospects, the big cities are the best. In Barcelona and Madrid, English is a highly sought after skill and there are plenty of employment opportunities. To increase your chances of landing an English teacher role after graduating from a TEFL course, choose a TEFL academy that has a strong career service with lots of post-course support to help you settle into employment in the city. 

What qualifications do I need to take a TEFL course?

A degree is generally not required to get accepted onto a TEFL program, but you will need to demonstrate a sufficient level of academic qualifications or work experience to be able to take a TEFL course in Spain. 

You’ll also need to demonstrate an ability to effectively communicate in written and spoken English (many English teachers are non-native speakers), show a passion and enthusiasm for teaching and learning and have a positive attitude. 

What are the legal requirements for working in Spain?

To become a fully-fledged TEFL teacher in Spain you’ll need a residence permit (otherwise known as a TIE) and a visa. Navigating Spanish visa requirements can be tricky, but when signing up for a TEFL course, a good TEFL academy will take care of it for you.  

All the TEFL courses look similar. How do I choose?

It’s true that there are many elements of each course that are similar, and each offers a comparable amount of study and practice. So how do you choose between them? We recommend you consider the following:

• Do they run regular courses or are they only sporadic? Regular providers will offer a well-run course that’s backed up by experience and expertise. 
• Have you contacted them? Did you get a prompt, helpful reply? If not, you might want to consider looking elsewhere. 
• Do they have recent reviews online? Do they have reviews on other platforms, such as Go Abroad and Go Overseas?
• Have you checked their social media pages? Do you get a good vibe from them?
• Is their website up to date? 
• Do they provide detailed guides on visas and bureaucracy? 
• Can you see photos of the school online? Does it look inviting?
• Is the course accredited by a government body, or a private organisation?

How do we know which TEFL courses in Spain are the best? We’ve been in the TEFL industry in Spain for 12 years – today, we’re one of the highest ranked TEFL schools in the country.

We've built relationships with most of the providers and we closely follow everything that happens in the English teaching world in Spain. 

We’re also in touch with many schools and teachers and hear first-hand about the experiences of students who study TEFL courses all over Spain.

Want to find out more? Contact us at coordination@tefl-iberia.com or check out our courses on offer.