Teach English in Spain with CIEE | Guaranteed Placement in Madrid

Name: Teach English in Spain with CIEE | Guaranteed Placement in Madrid
Brand: CIEE Teach Abroad & TEFL
SKU: 29255
Rating: 4.63 (198 reviews)

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4.63 Rating

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Location

Spain
- Madrid

Length

52+ weeks

Classroom Audience

Early Childhood Pre-School Elementary Middle School High School

Payment plans

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Program Details

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree (in any field)
Native-level English fluency
U.S. Citizenship

Job Type

Government

Classroom Audience

Early Childhood Pre-School Elementary Middle School High School

Weekly Classroom Hours

Age Min.

Age Max

Pricing

Salary / Benefits

Monthly Stipend: 1000 Euros;
Temporary accommodations during orientation
Local health insurance coverage with $0 deductible
Ongoing support from CIEE staff in Madrid, including 24/7 availability for emergencies

Starting Price

2350

Price Details

Guaranteed placement as a Language and Culture Assistant in the region of Madrid
Pre-departure Preparation– including extensive visa guidance and resources for apartment hunting
Insurance with 24-hour emergency assistance
24/7 support from CIEE staff in Madrid
Airport pickup and transportation to your orientation hotel on arrival day
Four-day orientation in Madrid (with hotel) on topics including housing, banking, residency, health & safety, and more
Cultural activities during orientation with your new best friends

What's Included

Some Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Travel Insurance

What's Not Included

Accommodation Airfare Meals

What's Not Included (Extra)

Visa fee not included

Last Updated: Sep 11, 2024

Last Reviewed: Feb 19, 2025

Wish List

186 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

CIEE's Teach in Spain program offers guaranteed placement as a Language and Culture Assistant in the region of Madrid, and support through every step of your journey.

Before departure, CIEE will provide you with expert visa guidance, an online pre-departure course, regular communication, and help you find your community of like-minded teachers that will be heading to Madrid with you. After arrival, CIEE provides airport pick-up on arrival day, a comprehensive orientation, 4 nights of accommodation at orientation hotel, cultural activities, and 24/7 support from CIEE staff in Madrid so you'll be set up for success!

As a language assistant in Madrid, you'll spend 4 days a week in the classroom supporting local teachers and helping students practice conversational English. Your schedule will have a max of 16 in-classroom hours. With three-day weekends you'll have plenty of free time to travel or study Spanish.

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Video and Photos

CIEE Teach in Spain teachers at metro station in Madrid

CIEE Teach in Spain teachers at cafe in Madrid

CIEE Teach in Spain teachers at plaza in Madrid

CIEE Teach in Spain teacher a Retiro park in Madrid

CIEE Teacher in Spain teachers exploring Madrid

CIEE Teach in Spain teachers and friends on outing together

Bring joy and learning to classrooms of children in Madrid

CIEE Teach in Spain teachers at historical site in Madrid

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Program Highlights

Guaranteed placement as a Language and Culture Assistant in the region of Madrid
Airport pickup and 4 nights at orientation hotel in Madrid upon arrival
Network with other CIEE teachers before departure and at CIEE orientation in Madrid
Orientation in Madrid with cultural activities and workshops on housing, transportation, residency, and more
Optional: 2-4 weeks of Spanish language immersion course and homestay before starting teaching position

Program Reviews

4.63 Rating

based on 198 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Teach Gap Year TEFL

5 rating 72.22%
4 rating 22.73%
3 rating 3.03%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 2.02%

Benefits 4.2
Support 4.55
Fun 4.65
Facilities 4.25
Safety 4.75

Housing 5
Support 4
Fun 5
Value 5
Safety 5

Instruction 4.35
Support 5
Value 4
Academic Rigor 3
Job Assistance 3

Good for Solo Travelers, Adventure travelers, Building your resume

Showing 1 - 8 of 198 reviews

As someone who is not in any way close to being fluent in Spanish, everyday is a new adventure. CIEE has given me an opportunity to create new memories across the world, learn about different cultures along with a new language, and live to teach those who are excited to learn! I have easily made new friends, and grown relationships that previously existed. As someone who worked tirelessly to be able to do this program, I am finding my hours of hard work worth it. This is an adventure of a lifetime!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Be ready to get comfortable in the uncomfortable-ness! It’s the only way to grow, and in the end, it’s worth every moment of worry.

I would not complain about CIEE and never about the staff. Any problems that may be present has to do with the job opportunity you’re signing yourself up for and the staff does the best they can to help you navigate it all. But if you are not prepared yourself that’s where the trouble lies. Finding a place to live before arriving although not advised may eliminate a lot of stress factors when you first arrive. Just be sure you use a reputable site that has insurance on those kinds of things like housing anywhere.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

Arranging stay after the initial orientation week because so much was unknown and temporary airbnb are very expensive

Pros

Out of comfort zone
Great support system
Madrid is a very international city

Cons

Housing is difficult and expensive
School location is rarely convenient
Lots of unknowns

I was planning to become a language assistant for CIEE in Jan. As in I was already there, but due to my health circumstances things spiraled really quickly. I was already in Madrid for my orientation as in paid 2k and have my visa and everything. I ended up getting really sick from not sleeping for 7-8 days straight. I couldn't get out of my bed or walk at the hotel. I was so insanely surprised that CIEE didn't help or ask if I needed help during those 48 hours while I was in and out of the ER in Spain. All they could tell me was the people I reached out to were "contract workers" therefore they could not ask me how I was or help me. The people at the hotel were super rude as well. I knew Spain and the people their weren't my cup of tea within 2 days of being there, but the lack of how the Spain team handled all of it was the worst part.

This a is a very corporate company that will not care about your wellbeing while you're out there. They only care about your money. There are so many other programs that cost less to nothing that will do everything to help you while you're aboard. Asking for a refund was out of the question because programs like this will never have any other options or even want to give you a refund.

Please save your money. It's not worth it. They won't be pay for an uber or taxi from the airport or metro cards for orientation week. They do not care.

What was your funniest moment?

n/a

Response from CIEE Teach Abroad & TEFL

Hi Nikki, We’re sorry that the program did not meet your expectations and that you had to withdraw. It sounds like you were in touch with both our permanent staff in Madrid as well as the temporary staff we hire to help at orientations, whose support role is limited. We're glad you were able to get the medical care you needed. We know that moving abroad can be very stressful, so we share our pre-departure guides well before arrival, including details about transit cards and how to get to the orientation hotel if you miss our scheduled airport shuttle. It's true that we can't solve or prevent every problem, but our experienced and professional staff are there to give guidance so that participants can navigate the challenges. We wish you good luck in your next steps.

By CIEE Teach Abroad and CIEE TEFL on January 16, 2025

I taught in Madrid through CIEE from 2022-2023. I had an incredible experience teaching at an elementary school. While I experienced many challenges along the way, I am very grateful for the growth that this program instilled in me. The team at CIEE was incredibly helpful throughout the visa and orientation process, and the on-site team was wonderful to work with. The team answered all of my questions promptly and accurately, and really made me feel supported while I was there. The visa process can be rigorous and daunting, but the CIEE team had lots of guidance and was incredibly helpful.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

I think I would have a better plan for housing. I went into the experience hoping to find housing once I was there, which I did, but I think if I were to do it again, I would find a group of roommates on the Facebook group beforehand. It was hard to find a place, and it would've been nice to have a group of friends to work with, or have something lined up.

Pros

Low Cost of Living
Easy Access to Europe
Amazing Cultural Immersion

Cons

Housing Challenges
Leaving Family
Language Barriers

CIEE has helped make my dream of teaching abroad a reality. The transition to a new culture was aided by the orientation and all the resources CIEE provided with prior to leaving. Within this orientation, I was introduced to many like minded individuals who became fast friends and my home away from home. My school is very welcoming and the students make everyday that much better. Though there are difficulties in initially finding housing and adjusting to a new culture, I couldn’t be more thankful for this life changing experience.

What was your funniest moment?

I accidentally ordered “ocho” drinks instead of “otra” which was very confusing for both the waiter and I when he came over with multiple drinks.

Pros

Useful information provided prior
Introduction to new friends
Transitional period

Cons

Pay isn’t sustainable for long term

I have really enjoyed being an auxiliary because of the opportunities it has given me. I have met so many amazing teachers who have helped me integrate into the culture, for which I am really grateful. Teaching has become something I really enjoy because of the students. They make the job so much fun and exciting every day. I also have made many friends in the program and we get to experience Madrid and Europe together. I recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn about Spain!!

The program has been essential new language assistants in Spain, and they have cultivated an environment of suport within the community as well. My placement school has gone above and beyond to make myself, and other language assistants at the school, to feel welcomed and comfortable. I would recommend this program and placement to future assistants wishing to come to Spain. This experience is definitely life changing, and having a supportive community and program around you ensures a strong and memorizable experience

I was one of those people that debated doing CIEE vs. NALCAP because NALCAP is free to apply. However I am so glad I chose CIEE because I gained a community, support, and resources to help me not only before I even applied for my visa but once I arrived in Spain. It was worth every penny! Living in Madrid has been such a fun experience. This city truly has something for everyone, especially people in their twenties. This city is alive and teeming with activity at all times! Music, dancing, culture, art, food, nightlife, sports, etc

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Come into it with as few expectations as possible. You will be blown away. Don’t expect anything just give into the process and the city and let yourself be swept off your feet by this city’s charms!

Pros

Community
Amazing public transit
Lots of time off (three day weekends)

Cons

Low salary

Questions & Answers

Is it for native speakers only?

This program requires fluent English proficiency and citizenship from the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, or New Zealand.

By CIEE Teach Abroad and CIEE TEFL on January 6, 2022

Is it possible to live off 1000 euros a month? How much is average rent?

It’s definitely possible to live off 1000€/month! It’s actually way easier than I thought it would be. I live outside the city center and only pay 360€ a month including utilities and WiFi, but even if you’re in the city center, I think you can find a place for a reasonable price. Groceries and restaurants are way cheaper here than in the states, so cost of living in general is lower, I’d say...

By Derinn Wallace on March 24, 2020

See all 2 answers

What are the differences between TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA?

CELTA—administered by Cambridge Univ and respected worldwide. Must face students in classrooms and be evaluated by peers. The others? Can obtain online without ever meeting a student. Who would you hire?

By Brian Morris on March 18, 2020

See all 2 answers

Where are most opportunities available?

Hi, Clark! We have programs in many countries, take a look at our website to compare programs: https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/work/teach-english-abroad/pr…. You can reach out to our country coordinators using the 'contact us' tab at the top. Please feel free to reach out to us at teach@ciee.org. Looking forward to working with you! Teach Team

By CIEE Teach Abroad and CIEE TEFL on February 5, 2020

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Rachel Dietz

Program

Teach English in Spain with CIEE | Guaranteed Placement in Madrid

Rachel is a Minnesota native who is passionate about multiculturalism and international education. As a CIEE Teach Abroad participant, Rachel was able to live in Madrid, Spain and loved teaching English to students of all kinds. During her time abroad she really enjoyed things like trying all different types of Spanish cuisine, traveling to various cities within Spain and all over Europe, and increasing her vocabulary in Spanish.

Interview

Why did you choose this program?

I chose the CIEE Teach Abroad program in Madrid because I really wanted guaranteed placement in that region of Spain as well as support with the moving process (like the visa assistance). Additionally, I was traveling alone so I wanted to be connected with other people who were going to teach abroad making the in-country orientation another important factor so I could meet new people right away.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

CIEE assisted me with the visa application process and helped guide me to get all my paperwork in order before leaving the US. After arrival in Spain, I attended orientation with CIEE Staff where they covered information like what to expect for the teaching position, how to get your residency and metro cards, insurance and safety information, as well as planned cultural activities. Throughout my 2 years teaching in Madrid I was also invited to various events with CIEE staff. I didn't have to organize much on my own- CIEE was great about keeping me informed each step of the way on the tasks I needed to complete to successfully teach abroad in Spain. The most work I did was to find housing once I arrived in Madrid, but CIEE did offer advice to help me navigate that process as well.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

One thing I would tell people that are going to teach abroad in Madrid with CIEE is to do your research and plan your trip with adequate time. The earlier you apply to the CIEE program the better, as it allows for more time to save money, apply for your visa without stress, and to be able to source information about Madrid that will make your time in Spain easier. The research process should be thorough- what are the different neighborhoods and what do they offer? Where is your school placement and how would you get there on public transportation? What are the biggest national holidays and what are the local customs? What are cultural differences between US and Spanish schools? These are just some examples, but they are things that are important to know beforehand so that you can show up to your first day at work cool, calm, and collected.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

When I was teaching in Madrid I worked Monday-Thursday and I had 16 classes (all 1 hour each). I was usually at school from 9am-3pm and when I wasn't in class I was either prepping class materials in the staff lounge or in the cafeteria having a coffee and tostada with the other language assistants and the teachers that I had befriended at the school. After school I usually gave private tutoring lessons to make some extra cash and then weekends were for going out with friends, traveling throughout Spain and Europe, and time to relax.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear when going abroad was about being able to make friends. Having been abroad before, I knew that having a good support system of friends is important to avoid being homesick and to really make the most of your time living overseas. To overcome this fear, I decided to go through a program like CIEE because I knew that they would connect me with others who were going to teach in Spain. And from there I tried to take advantage of every opportunity I had to meet new people: I went to a meet-up in my hometown in the US with people from CIEE who I met on the CIEE Facebook group, I made plans to go out for drinks with people at orientation in Madrid, made sure to friend/follow people on social media to stay up to date, made an effort to get to know the other language assistants and teachers at my school placement, and attended all the events that I was invited to throughout the year by CIEE and other organizations.

What is the most important skill to work on if you want to be successful when teaching English abroad?

The most important skill is to be proactive. The process of moving abroad requires you to pay very close attention to various tasks and not doing so can delay or even terminate your plans to move abroad to teach English. Once you arrive, it's really important to be proactive about integrating into the culture and into your job, because you are a visitor, not the protagonist. This means you need to be the one to initiate learning the language, the cultural norms, the social interactions to help build trust, etc.- all of these things can help you to give a good first impressions and set the tone for a positive experience.

Jay Tipton

2019 Alum

Tracy Kuhle

2019 Alum

Valerie Sokolova

2018 Alum

Sebastian Wood

2018 Alum

David Mack

2016 Alum

Sarah Anderegg

2016 Alum

Mark Reese

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Lauren Massey

Program

Teach English in Spain with CIEE | Guaranteed Placement in Madrid

Job Title

Senior Coordinator, Teach Abroad in Spain

Lauren grew up in the Pacific Northwest and became interested in travelling while studying abroad in college. She taught English in South Korea for two years and later spent a year and a half in Thailand and Nepal during a career break. While not hiking, skiing, or camping near her home base now in Maine, she loves helping others navigate the process of moving abroad.

Interview

What is your favorite travel memory?

One of my favorite travel memories was heading to Japan for a long weekend when I was teaching in South Korea. We flew to Tokyo and spent the weekend planning our sunrise summit of Mt. Fuji at sunrise. It took multiple trains, buses, and taxis to get there, but it was a really unique experience to be able to summit this mountain in Japan with friends who were from Canada, Italy, and South Africa.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I think I've learned a lot about the process of moving abroad. Although I've done it twice since college, everyone has their own individual experience. Some people go right after college while others go during a career break. Some people have traveled extensively beforehand while others have just gotten their first passport. Everyone is from a different area of the world with different experiences leading up to this moment. No one has the exact same route or plan even if they're all going to teach in Spain. It's really fun to hear about everyone's individual passions and reason about why they want to go on this adventure and I've been learning so many unique stories along the way.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

That they're going to continue on and go to another CIEE Teach program in another country. Teaching abroad is addicting, so this actually happens quite often! I also know of a lot of stories and people who have met their partner abroad and are getting married. You never know what life will bring if you move across the world. It opens up endless possibilities.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would want to teach in China. I never had the chance to go there while living in Asia and think it would be fascinating to live there for a year or two. I really want to eat all the food, be there during Chinese New Year, hike parts of the Great Wall, learn a bit of the language, and see what it's like to really live there.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I love the support that CIEE offers to those looking to teach abroad. We connect with our teachers up to a year or even more before they depart. This gives us the ability to connect with people and offer individual guidance. Our team is really passionate about making this process smooth and we've all been through it, so we know what it's like. I'm always proud of my team! We get along and work well together while helping each other when needed.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

We all communicate really well and are all able to adapt and be flexible when things get busy. We don't only communicate well internally, but do our best to reach out to all our teachers very regularly and track down that they are going to successfully get abroad on time with the correct documents and preparation beforehand. We don't passively wait for challenges to come to us, but we anticipate new changes and plan out how to resolve them early on.

Miranda Rodway

Senior Coordinator, Teach in Spain Programs

Laura Canadillas

Teach in Spain Senior Program Coordinator

Location

Location:

Madrid

Currency:

Euro

Weather:

Jan-Mar

61 F / 34 F

Apr-Jun

82 F / 43 F

Jul-Sep

90 F / 57 F

Oct-Dec

68 F / 37 F

Airports:

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas

( MAD )

A world-class European capital city steeped in art, architecture, and history, Madrid is an affordable destination for students and tourists alike. Enjoy parks, museums, and bustling nightlife in this iconic Spanish city.

About CIEE Teach Abroad & TEFL

CIEE Teach Abroad & TEFL will support you through every step of your English teaching adventure, empowering you to explore new cultures, meet amazing people, and make a lasting impact on the lives of your students! CIEE TEFL's online courses will teach you everything you need to know to be a successful English teacher, from how to plan and deliver...