I had an amazing experience with the TEFL Iberia teacher training program. As a person who had zero previous experience with teaching in front of a classroom, I was definitely a bit nervous for the first day. We began the first day by learning a bit of grammar and then observing one of the teachers teach a 45 minute class. We followed that up with each student teaching a 15 minute icebreaking activity, which I think was a great way to help us aclimate and shake the initial teaching nerves. From here as the class progressed, each week we taught for a bit more time until we were finally comfortable teaching for a full hour (which is generally the length of a normal class, if not longer.) Throughout the duration of the class I definitely noticed that I was a little rusty in certain areas of grammar, however they provided us with PLENTY of materials months in advanced and REALLY urged us to study them in order to be prepared- so any lack of preparation or confusion involving grammar would be at the fault of the teacher trainee, not the instructor. By far one of the best parts of this experience was the staff. I had Joanna as my main teacher throughout the entire month and I had so much fun working with her and receiving her feedback. I still remember observing her on the first day and being in awe of how good she was at her job. Throughout the entire program she was always very supportive and very honest with her feedback, and she definitely knows what she's talking about. Richard helped me in getting started with the program and was always SO helpful with answering any questions we had- I think he sets a record for quickest e-mail responses. In addition, he was happy to answer questions and help us out even after the training program was finished. The rest of the staff was just the same- extremely kind and helpful and supportive. They each knew us all by name and I really felt like I was part of a little family at TEFL Iberia. By far one of my favorite experiences here in Barcelona was taking this course and meeting this great group of people. I know there are many different TEFL programs offered in the area, but if you're looking for one with a great teacher to student ratio where you'll feel appreciated and supported as an individual, while ALSO creating friendships and spending time with great people, TEFL Iberia is the place for you!!! read more

I'll be the first to admit that I was more than a little nervous when moving to Barcelona, Spain. I was moving to a country I had never been to, that spoke a language I barely understood, to teach a subject I have been familiar with my entire life, but had never even considered teaching to others; I can say for sure my confidence was at an all time high. However, with help from Richard and the rest of TEFL Iberia, my transition was made infinitely smoother and many of my worries were placated. From the Skype interview and my acceptance into the month-long intensive course to the pre-course emails, all the way to the end of the course Richard & Co. were there to help and guide me both on my transition to a brand new country as well as on my journey to become a teacher. Days being with lectures in the morning, during which lecturers such as Joanna impart wisdom of teaching principle and grammar. (Pro-tip: The style the lecturers use is often an example of just how we should be teaching. It's pretty meta, I know). The lectures are fun, engaging and start late enough in the morning for a quick cafe run on your way to school. After lunch, the afternoons are reserved for lesson planning and teaching practice. With guidance from the TEFL Iberia staff you will create your very own lesson plans around a given grammatical or vocabulary focus. Then it's on to teach real, live Spanish adults. I was immensely nervous for my first few lessons, but with tips and instructions from professionals like Joanna & Rosie (as well as a few pre-teaching cookies, because why not?) I was able to give the lessons my all (and not faint in front of the class). As the weeks progressed I grew more and more confident in my teaching and as the knowledge and experiences (including a one-to-one private lesson and assessing a video of myself teaching) piled up I evolved into a competent teacher of English. Barcelona is a beautiful city, but you don't have to take my word for it, a quick Google Images search should confirm that. However you can take my word that TEFL Iberia is a great company, filled with staff that will do everything they can to help you and advise you in a fun and comfortable environment, on your way to becoming a teacher of English as a foreign language. read more

I did the month long course at TEFL Iberia and really enjoyed it. You teach from day one and while this is initially slightly terrifying it is great practice. The school has excellent resources and you also learn how to use an interactive white board (very high tech!). The tutors were very knowledgeable and provided a lot of guidance and help, especially when lesson planning. The feedback after lessons was constructive and there were real goals to work towards from class to class. On the last day of the course Jade from the Barcelona TEFL Teachers Association came to speak to us about finding teaching jobs in Barcelona and gave us great tips and advice, all of which I found very helpful. I found work almost immediately after the course. I'm really glad that I invested in this course and I would recommend it to anyone thinking about teaching English in Barcelona. read more