Madrid is a great city to teach English because it offers a perfect mix of old and new. The metro is designed to connect you to major sites quickly, and the city has excellent accessibility to other large cities in Spain and the rest of Europe. Teaching English in Madrid is a great way to learn Spanish, experience Spain's outgoing culture, and travel cheaply. As the capital, Madrid offers a wide range of opportunities for English language teachers — you can teach kids, business professionals, or give private lessons to university students.
A small city with a big heart
At around 3.5 million people, Madrid remains small compared with other European capitals — and that has its benefits. OnTESOL graduates teaching here often find several metro stops within walking distance of their apartment and school. Madrid is also a great walking city, known for beautiful streets where you can admire the architecture or people-watch over a tapa on a terrace.
Spend a day off wandering the Gran Vía, the city's main artery, lined with shops and home to the famous Plaza de España. For something more intimate, head to El Rastro, the oldest and most iconic flea market in Madrid — vinyl records, jewelry, antiques, a little bit of everything.
Finding your home in Madrid
Most schools are located centrally, so it's best to find an apartment in the core. It may be noisy, but sharing a flat is worth it to save money — check out idealista to search listings. Brush up on your Spanish, because not many people speak English in Madrid — which is part of why the city is such an excellent place to learn the language.
The TEFL certification Spanish academies ask for
Spanish academies and the Auxiliares de Conversación program both expect a 120-hour TEFL/TESOL. OnTESOL's 120-hr course is TESL Canada recognized and ACCET accredited — the documentation Spanish employers expect on your CV. Pair it with the TEYL specialist for the kids' market or the Business English specialist for Madrid's large corporate market.
View TEFL Course →Join the TESOL community in Madrid
Madrid has Spain's largest TESOL community, with hundreds of academias across the city and a thriving private-lesson market. For non-EU teachers, the Auxiliares de Conversación program is the most reliable visa-friendly route — the Spanish government places native English speakers as language assistants in public schools for 12–16 hours per week, leaving room for private clients on the side. TESOL-Spain hosts a national convention each year (often in Madrid) with access to a wide range of resources and publications — well worth attending if you plan to stay long-term.
Most teachers settle into neighbourhoods like Malasaña (young, lively), La Latina (tapas-heavy), or Chamberí (quieter, more residential). For private clients, post on Tus Clases Particulares — the standard hub for ESL teachers building a private practice in Spain.