The Best TEFL Courses in Spain: Ultimate Guide

If you’re an aspiring English teacher interested in teaching in Spain, you’ll need the right preparations and qualifications before you enter the classroom. That’s why getting an official TEFL qualification is essential. 

TEFL certificates demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary skills and experience to teach English as a foreign language. Once you’ve passed a foundational TEFL course, you’re ready to start teaching.

But what are the best TEFL courses in Spain? Our in-depth guide takes you through the various TEFL course options for first-time students looking to teach English in Spain.

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.

Considered one of the best TEFL course providers in the whole of Spain, TEFL Iberia offers a whole range of complementary services to ensure students settle into life in Spain, including accommodation and post-course support services. They also have an excellent sister school, Iberia Language Academy, offering Spanish language lessons.

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 – the 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 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 program 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.

TtMadrid also provides accommodation support, a ‘buddy up’ system where alumni help new students settle into the city and assistance with obtaining residency cards, bank accounts, etc.

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, Malaga, or online.

CLIC International House also offers the more advanced Cambridge DELTA qualification for experienced teachers, either online as a part-time course or as part of a seven-week intensive course during the summer.

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, Malaga 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.

7. TEFL Certificate – TEFL International Barcelona

The TEFL International Barcelona course is a 120-hour, four-week course split across five main areas: teaching practice, foreign language experience, language awareness, student practice and teaching techniques.

Key features

• Accredited TEFL qualification – although not a widely internationally recognised qualification, the course is accredited.
• 6 classes of practical classroom experience – students get real classroom experience with six classes of observed teaching practice with real students.
• Small group size – 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. 

Course details  

• Assessment is 50% teaching practice, 30% written project work, attitude and participation, and 20% grammar and phonology.
• Professional, experienced teachers.
• Accredited by Lamar University, USA.

8. CELTA – Campbell College Valencia

Following the CELTA programme, Campbell College Valencia offers a 120- to 140-hour, four-week course, with a part-time option over three-and-a-half-months, focusing on reading, listening, speaking, writing and planning for different teaching contexts.

Key features

• Accredited TEFL qualification – the CELTA qualification is recognised all over the world, allowing students to work and travel post-graduation.
• Practical classroom experience – students get real classroom experience with six classes of observed teaching practice with real students.
• Accommodation service – flat share with English or Spanish speakers.

Course details  

• 120- to 140-hour course over four weeks.
• Courses running throughout the year.
• CELTA examination and certificate fees included.
• Training for teaching adults and young adult learners.
• On-site school library and study areas.
• Observed teaching practice with real students.

Other English teacher training courses in Spain

The courses listed above are the best TEFL courses in Spain, based on our experience in the industry. However, you might be able to find other highly ranked websites in Google offering TEFL courses. These are most likely resellers or TEFL agents – they don’t provide their own courses; instead, they point you in the direction of other TEFL courses, many of which are listed above.

The top TEFL resellers that you’ll find online include:

• TEFL Barcelona – an agency promoting TEFL Iberia, International TEFL Academy and TEFL International Barcelona
• ITTT – promotes TEFL International Barcelona, together with many TELF schools worldwide

Avoiding bad TEFL courses

There are plenty of bad TEFL schools out there offering below-par courses. Here’s how to avoid TEFL scams or signing up to a bad TEFL course:

• Cross-reference the address to make sure the company is a genuine TEFL course provider. Some might be working out of a co-working space, a sign that it’s not a reputable TEFL school.
• Keep an eye out for a lack of accreditation or accreditation claims that sound suspect. Read our accreditation guide for more information.
• Avoid courses that offer guaranteed jobs. This is not something that can legitimately be guaranteed. Instead, focus on courses that offer post-graduate support.
• Check the background of the school. The website is a great source of information when checking authenticity. Is there anything about the course tutors? Or how the school was founded? Are there testimonials from former students? If not, chances are, it’s not a respected TEFL course provider. 

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 in order 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 instills 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! 

What do I need to enroll in a TEFL course in Spain?

To sign up to a TEFL school in Spain, you’ll need to:

• Be 18 or older.
• Be fluent in English, both spoken and written. You don’t have to be a native speaker though… non-native English speakers can teach English in Spain.
• Show that you have a passion for teaching and learning.
• Be able to deal with a demanding workload.
• Be in good physical health.
• Have a positive attitude, including when it comes to living in Spain.

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 opportunities for employment. 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. 

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.  

How long does it take to get a student visa in Spain?

It generally takes up to 60 days to obtain a student visa in Spain. We advise all of our students to begin the visa application process at least three months before the start date of their TEFL course. That way, you’ve got plenty of time to process your visa application.

At TEFL Iberia, our dedicated Student Visa Programme helps our students secure visas, enabling them to work as English teachers in Spain for up to a year. Students from Australia, the USA and South Africa have been securing visas with our help for many years. Now, we also help students from the UK. And we’re experts at navigating the notorious Spanish bureaucratic system! We have a 96% success rate when it comes to obtaining visas for our students.

How much do you get paid for TEFL in Spain?

When teaching English in Spain, salaries can vary a lot. Many factors come into play, such as which city you’re teaching in, your experience, the type of company or institution you’re working for, and whether or not you have a TEFL qualification.

The average salary teaching English in language academies is around €15 to €17 per hour, or €1,000 to €1,5000 per month, before tax. In state schools, monthly salaries are between €700 and €1,000. 

You can also be hired to teach in-company classes. For this, you can expect to earn between €18 to €25 per hour.

Another option is to teach private English classes. Depending on experience, you can charge between €15 to €25 an hour. 

Is there demand for TEFL teachers in Spain?

Yes, there’s a large demand for English teachers in Spain. English is an increasingly sought-after skill in the country, meaning you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get a job after you graduate.

The best TEFL academies in Spain offer career services that will help you improve your chances of landing an English teacher role after completing your course. So, make sure you factor in post-course support when choosing your TEFL school.

Does TEFL provide accommodation in Spain?

The best TEFL schools provide an accommodation service for their students for an additional fee. Finding a place to live in Spain can be very tricky, as rental prices in big cities like Barcelona have gone through the roof in the last few years while there’s a huge demand for apartments in Spain.

At TEFL Iberia, we take all the stress out of the flat-finding process. We settle our students into the perfect home with our accommodation service, providing excellent-value accommodation close to the city centre and our campus.

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.