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Teach English in Spain with CIEE | Placement in Madrid

Teach English in Spain with CIEE | Placement in Madrid

Teach Abroad & TEFL
CIEE Teach Abroad & TEFL
4.63 · 208 reviews
Community Choice Award Winner
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CIEE Teach Abroad & TEFL

 4.63 · 208 reviews
Location
  • Spain
    • Madrid
Length
52+ weeks
Classroom Audience
Early Childhood Pre-School Elementary Middle School High School
Payment plans

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
16
Age Min.
20
Age Max
59

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
Job 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 reservation as an optional add on) 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

Jan 14, 2026
Feb 16, 2026
Wish List
204 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

CIEE's Teach in Spain program offers 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 (optional), 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.

It looks like this program may not be available right now, but don’t worry, CIEE Teach Abroad & TEFL has plenty of other amazing programs to check out!
COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

Reviews show the program offers strong visa and paperwork support, helpful orientation, and a supportive community, especially for first-timers.

AI-generated summary from verified community reviews Read reviews →

Program Highlights

  • Job 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

Video and Photos

Video thumbnail Play Video
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 Reviews

4.63 Rating
based on 208 reviews
Leave a Review
  • 5 rating 71.63%
  • 4 rating 23.56%
  • 3 rating 2.88%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 1.92%
  • Benefits 4.15
  • Support 4.55
  • Fun 4.65
  • Facilities 4.3
  • 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 17 - 24 of 208 reviews
Susannah
28
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Introduction to Spain

Dec 17, 2024

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

129 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
elena
26
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Worth the Money

Dec 17, 2024

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
118 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Hannah
24
Female
United States
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE 2024/25

Dec 17, 2024

I did this program because I really wanted the opportunity to live in Madrid, and was pretty unsure about the teaching aspect. I have really loved being a teacher and it has made my time here amazing because I feel connected to the wider community. Living in Madrid/Spain is amazing, but you defiantly have to be smart about budgeting--if I could change one thing I would have started saving money earlier. It is still a pretty awesome place to be broke in. I would also recommend really taking advantage of the orientation time: it's an amazing chance to make friends/meet roommates.

76 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Jonathan
26
Male
United States
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CIEE

Dec 12, 2024

I think that orientation could have included a few things that weren't in the power points online, as I felt I already knew what was covered during orientation week because of them. But, I loved the orientation groups and leaders and thought the experience was absolutely worth it, and I loved all the help going through the visa application process. But I loved that CIEE put together a group of like minded people together, it made finding roomates and making friends so much easier and I haven't once felt alone since being here.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
It's better to take your time finding housing then rush it, you definitely want to get a move on but be okay with living out of an airbnb for 2 weeks before finding something. And learn enough spanish to atleast get by!!
Pros
  • Application process for Visa guide/stress relief
  • immediate way to meet like minded people
  • helpful in tie process
Cons
  • orientation felt a bit repetetive
  • after orientation, ciee is pretty disconnected
  • price is definitely high
77 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Davis
24
Male
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life in Madrid as a LA

Dec 10, 2024

It has been such a pleasure working here in Madrid with my school. They have been nothing but amazing to me and cooperative, and I have been slowly immersing myself in the culture of Madrid. In the beginning, I was a bit nervous about how I would acclimate to the lifestyle here; however, this is not my first time in Europe for a long period of time. The first weeks coming into this program I was a bit nervous, but with the guidance of CIEE I was fitted with all the right tools to flourish in this beautiful city.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Cheaper housing and going out to meet more locals.
Pros
  • Culture
  • Food
  • Work-Life balance
Cons
  • Not knowing the language
  • Missing my family
  • Sleep schedule
73 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Brody
25
Male
United States
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

American teaching English in Spain

Dec 5, 2024

I wanted to use this program as a gap year between undergrad and medical school, and I am really glad that I did. This program has let me live in and explore Spain as well as the rest of Europe while I am here. While I don't want to be a teacher, I have really enjoyed the job so far. Being a teacher is a great way to make an impact on so many people's education, and this experience has taught me a lot about myself and what it means to be a teacher. Additionally, this entire experience has taught me so much, and I am excited since I am only half way through!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Since I am living in Spain for 10 months, I had to get a foreign citizen idenification card. That process was stressful because I had to go to the police station twice, and since I didn't know a lot of Spanish at the time, I was very thankful when that was over.
Pros
  • Travel Ease
  • Culturally Immersion
  • Food and Fun
Cons
  • Expensive Rent
  • Culture Shock
73 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Tobias
25
Male
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Toby's CIEE Review

Dec 4, 2024

Overall, I'm very happy with the support I received from the CIEE staff during my move to Madrid. I encountered many challenges while completing the move, ranging from housing to socializing, and the staff were always there to lend me a hand and make me feel supported. I truly cannot thank them enough for all the support they gave me before, during, and after in-person orientation to ensure my transition to Madrid went as smoothly as possible. I highly recommend the program because of them and the support they give!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers would be to view every challenge you face as an opportunity to prove your belief(s) in your abilities wrong. There were many times during the program where I felt overwhelmed and unsure of my ability to complete tasks (i.e. funding housing) in an environment outside of my home in the U.S. However, with all of the support I received from the staff and other participants, I dug deep and found the confidence within me to complete tasks that I thought I could never accomplish in a foreign country.
Pros
  • Effective, available, and supportive staff members.
  • Sufficient amount of reliable information to refer to throughout the program via Canvas.
  • Extremely supportive environment during in-person orientation!
Cons
  • Slow email response time from staff members (at times).
  • Not enough information provided about life in the classroom itself.
73 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Grace
25
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Such a comfort!

Dec 4, 2024

The CIEE program was such a comfort and support for me when making this life changing transition. It is still a comfort to me now, knowing they are there to support me with anything I need even though I am fully adjusted and settled in! They were very helpful with the Visa and TIE process. I would not have been able to do it without their guidance! Also being provided with both medical and travel insurance by the program was game changer. The insurance provider has English speakers to support you as well which gave me peace mind!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make the most of every opportunity! Tutor, go on field trips, meet new people, travel, try Spanish foods, and learn Bachata! I am already three months in and it has gone by so fast!
Pros
  • Visa and TIE support
  • Orientation week in Madrid
  • Insurances provided
Cons
  • Program fee but it covers so much!
72 people found this review helpful.
Helpful

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
View All Questions

Alumni Interviews

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

Ezekiel Soignier

Program
Teach English in Spain with CIEE | Placement in Madrid
Group of students in a park in Madrid

Alumni Spotlight: Ezekiel

Why did you choose this program?

CIEE had everything I was looking for in living abroad. They are always available to answer any questions you have, and they offer a week long orietiontation as soon as you arrive. During the orientation, they gave me the resources to obtain a bank account, apply for a foreign identity card, and contact my school to get set up in Spain.
 

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

As mentioned above. They provided me with questions I needed answers to, including how to apply and set up housing. The next steps were entirely on my own. Finding housing took me about 3 weeks. Getting my TIE card has taken about 2 months or so. They give the information; its up to you to complete it.
 

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

Something I wish I knew ahead of time was a better understanding of the language. There have been moments when I wish I knew Spanish better. I´m still learning and taking classes, but that is something that would have really saved me time and trouble. Another piece of advice is to pack lighter than you think.
 

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

I go to work at my school Monday through Thursday, starting at 9 am and getting off at 2 pm. If there is a day you know you will miss, you must notify the director so you can make up the day by going in on a Friday. My commute each morning is about 1.5 hours via train. Each class is about 45 minutes, and each teacher has a different style.
 

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 was not knowing anyone and finding friends. Luckily, there are many ways to fix this. I´ve been going to language exchanges to practice Spanish, and my fellow TAs are always up for a nice chat every break time. Also, I occasionally keep up with some TA´s from orientation. We did a friendsgiving that was fun.
 

What was the craziest thing that happened to you while abroad in Spain so far?

It was definitely the time when I called an Uber to the wrong school on the first day. Here in Spain, the train system is the most common way to travel. I didn´t know this, and decided to take an Uber on my first day at my assigned school. I ended up in a random town very far from where I was supposed to be. The next day, I decided that my only option was to walk 2 hours to the town where my school was!

Staff Interviews

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

Lauren Massey

Program
Teach English in Spain with CIEE | 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.
Lauren Massey

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.

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.

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