Finding My Niche

I started small, teaching English to Spanish friends in Barcelona. This early experience did wonders for my confidence and helped me build out my skillset. One of these friends needed English for a job opportunity, which pushed me into the niche of business English.

To develop personalised lessons for his needs, I drew on free online resources like the Market Leader and Business Result workbooks (both easy to find as PDFs), focusing especially on sales language and pitching. This friend became my first loyal student, and the six-month deadline he set for himself kept me motivated to deliver real results.

Moving to Online Tutoring Platforms

With this experience under my belt, I applied to online tutoring platforms like Preply and iTalki, using business English as my selling point while still teaching general English to students who wanted it. Students came from all over the world, and as I built up reviews, my profile gained more visibility – creating a kind of snowball effect toward steady bookings.

Don’t Undervalue Yourself Early On

If there’s one piece of advice I’d give anyone starting out, it’s this: don’t work for less than you’re worth.

Platforms like Preply already take a significant cut when you’re starting (commission begins at 33%). So if you’re charging their recommended $10/hour, you’re really only earning around $7/hour. Depending on where you live, that might be workable. But after moving back to the UK, that translated to roughly £5/hour — a fraction of the UK’s minimum wage of just under £13/hour.

Your progress may feel slower than other tutors’ at first, but I’d strongly recommend setting your prices at a rate you’re actually comfortable with from day one, rather than underselling yourself to rack up reviews. If you don’t make this change early, you risk resenting your first students – their rate stays locked in at whatever you originally charged (say, $10), even as your listed price rises, unless you renegotiate. And renegotiating comes with its own risk: losing students who can’t afford the new rate.

Going Independent

Once you’ve built a solid client base and developed real relationships with your students, it’s worth considering a shift to private tutoring outside these platforms. Technically, this isn’t allowed under sites like Preply’s terms – but in practice, as long as you have a way of contacting your students directly, you won’t run into trouble for going independent.

Making this move myself was the best decision I made for my financial success. It let me escape the high commission rates and build a client base made up entirely of loyal, direct students.

Building Toward Freedom

From there, the path is about growth – branching into new markets and niches until you’re earning enough to work as a full-time, self-employed tutor, on your own terms, at your own rates, and on your own schedule.

This kind of freedom is something more people are chasing every day, as digital nomad living and remote work become increasingly suited to modern life. If that’s the kind of freedom you’ve been looking for, it all starts with a TEFL course.

The post How To Start Your Online TEFL Business appeared first on TEFL Barcelona - TEFL Spain.

If you’re considering becoming an English teacher, you might wonder if it’s worth investing time and money in a TEFL course. The short answer: absolutely! Let’s break down why this path is worth exploring and how it can help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

Why Become an English Teacher?

1.- Endless Travel Opportunities One of the biggest attractions of becoming an English teacher is the chance to live and work in different countries. English is the world’s most widely spoken second language, meaning there’s a high demand for teachers in countries like Spain, Japan, South Korea, and many more.

Teaching English abroad gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures, learn new languages, and explore the world, all while earning a salary.

2.- Flexibility and Freedom Beyond teaching in traditional schools, English teachers have the flexibility to work online. Online teaching has skyrocketed in recent years, with many teachers offering private lessons or working for established platforms from the comfort of their homes.

This flexibility allows teachers to create their own schedules, take on as many students as they want, and enjoy the freedom to work from anywhere with an internet connection.

3.- Making a Real Impact Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions, and teaching English is no exception. You get to help students improve their language skills, which can open doors for them in terms of education, career opportunities, and personal growth. Many English learners are motivated to learn for job promotions, study abroad, or connect with people globally.

As a teacher, you get to be a part of their journey and make a meaningful impact on their lives.

4.- A Growing Demand for English Teachers The demand for qualified English teachers continues to grow. With globalization and international business communication heavily relying on English, more schools, language institutions, and online platforms are hiring TEFL-certified teachers to meet the need.

Whether you’re in a major city or a more remote location, there’s always a need for English teachers, ensuring job security and consistent opportunities.

The Value of TEFL Certification

Now that you understand the perks of teaching English, let’s talk about how a TEFL course can help you get there. TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is essential for anyone who wants to teach English abroad or online. It equips you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in the classroom.

Here are some reasons why investing in a TEFL course is worth it:

1.- Gain Teaching Skills While you may already be fluent in English, teaching the language is a completely different skill. A TEFL course helps you understand how to create effective lesson plans, manage a classroom, teach grammar, and develop engaging activities for students.

You’ll learn techniques to motivate learners, assess their progress, and provide meaningful feedback.

2.- Hands-On Experience Most reputable TEFL courses include practical teaching components. At TEFL Barcelona, for instance, we offer hands-on teaching practice with real students. This allows you to gain valuable experience and build your confidence before stepping into a full-time teaching role.

Our courses include at least seven hours of face-to-face teaching practice, so you’ll leave feeling ready to take on the classroom.

3.- Internationally Recognized Certification A TEFL certification is recognized worldwide, making it your passport to teaching opportunities across the globe. Whether you want to work in Asia, Europe, or Latin America, a TEFL certificate opens doors to well-paying jobs in various countries.

At TEFL Barcelona, we offer internationally recognized certifications such as the 120-hour TEFL course accredited by Lamar University, the 160-hour Trinity CertTESOL course accredited by Trinity College London, and the 190-hour TQUK Level 5 Award in TESOL.

4.- Job Support Completing a TEFL course doesn’t just give you a certificate—it provides you with access to career support and job placement assistance.

At TEFL Barcelona, we go the extra mile to support our graduates in finding teaching jobs after they complete their courses. Our network of schools, agencies, and private clients around Barcelona ensures that our trainees can quickly secure teaching positions.

5.- Work in Amazing Locations With a TEFL certificate, you can work in beautiful destinations like Spain, Thailand, or Costa Rica. In Spain, for example, English teachers are highly sought after, especially in cities like Barcelona.

By completing a TEFL course with us in Barcelona, you’ll not only get to live in one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of the high demand for English teachers in the region.

Why Choose TEFL Barcelona?

TEFL Barcelona offers beginner-friendly courses that are accessible to anyone with a passion for teaching, regardless of prior experience. Our courses are designed to provide personalized support with small class sizes, ensuring you get the attention you need to succeed.

Here’s what makes our courses stand out:

• Small Group Sizes: With a maximum of 12 trainees per class, we provide individual attention to help you develop your teaching skills.
• Practical Experience: Our courses include hands-on teaching practice with real students, giving you the confidence to lead your own classroom.
• Ongoing Career Support: Our alumni enjoy continued access to career guidance and job placement assistance. Whether you want to teach in Spain or another country, we’re here to help you find the perfect job.
• Spanish Visa Assistance: If you’re planning to live in Spain long-term, our TEFL courses can be followed by optional Spanish classes and visa support, helping you transition smoothly into your new life as an English teacher in Spain.

Advantages of Studying in Spain:

• Cultural Immersion: Studying TEFL in Spain allows you to fully immerse yourself in a vibrant, dynamic culture. You’ll experience Spanish traditions, enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle, and even learn Spanish alongside your TEFL training, making it a richer experience.
• Travel Opportunities: Spain is well-connected to other European countries, making it easy to travel during weekends or holidays. Whether it’s exploring the beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava, skiing in the Pyrenees, or hopping over to Italy or France, your time studying in Spain will be packed with adventure.
• High Demand for English Teachers: Spain has a growing demand for English teachers, especially in cities like Barcelona. Studying and earning your TEFL certification in Spain puts you in the perfect position to take advantage of the local job market, with many opportunities to teach both adults and young learners.
• Student Visa Benefits: When you enroll in a TEFL course in Spain, you may qualify for a Spanish Student Visa, which allows you to work part-time while studying. This visa can also be extended if you decide to continue studying or working in Spain after your course.
• Affordable Living Costs: Compared to other European countries, Spain offers a relatively low cost of living, especially for students. Whether it’s enjoying local tapas, finding affordable accommodation, or accessing public transport, Spain is a great place to study without breaking the bank.
• Beautiful Weather and Lifestyle: With its sunny climate, relaxed atmosphere, and friendly people, Spain offers a high quality of life. Studying in Spain means you can enjoy a pleasant environment while focusing on your studies, making your time here as enjoyable as it is educational.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. Studying a TEFL course is an investment in your future. Whether you want to teach abroad, work online, or simply gain new skills, TEFL certification provides endless opportunities. You’ll have the chance to travel, earn a steady income, and make a real difference in students’ lives. Plus, with TEFL Barcelona’s hands-on approach and career support, you’ll be fully prepared to take on the world of English teaching.

Contact us today! 

The post Is it Worth Studying a TEFL Course? Exploring the Benefits of Teaching English appeared first on TEFL Barcelona - TEFL Spain.

As an Edinburgh lad who moved from Scotland to Australia at the age of 11, I managed to experience a completely different culture on the other side of the world.

That first Stepping Stone gave me a taste for travelling and getting to know other people from other parts of the globe which has ultimately led me to Madrid, Spain. It all started in Barcelona when I decided to do the TEFL Barcelona course which gave me 120 hours of methodology and teaching skills as well as nine hours of teaching practice.

I thoroughly enjoyed the foreign language classes in Spanish and Czech, which were designed to help us tap into how students might feel when learning a new language as a beginner. The guidance I was given by all of the staff at TEFL Barcelona was crucial to my development as a New Teacher on the Block! I did the course in January 2011 but I was also looking around to see what jobs could potentially open up for me in February.

I thought it would be more interesting to honour my traveller’s badge and move to a remote part of Spain to learn ‘Castellano’ in true fashion, so I did. I worked for The English Academy in Peralta where I cut my teeth and learnt more and more each day with a lovely family running a great little school up in the Navarra Hills!

In hindsight, there is no other possible way I could have spent 6 months in such a place without being a TEFL teacher and that’s what I love about this job.

You are free to decide where you would like to live and on your terms. Peralta served its purpose and I started stringing sentences together in Spanish but I started to realise that there were plenty of opportunities around the entire country, especially if you send off emails around Spring or Summer.

I decided on Huelva, which is a small city in the south of Spain. Andalusia lured me in on account of its arts culture, not to mention the sunny weather and a generous coastline that reminds me of Australia at times. Whilst in Huelva, I worked for Centro Edimburgo which is quite fitting as I’m from Edinburgh!

There are lots of academies and cities to choose from and you’re spoilt for choice really. I would be careful though, due to a few incidents I’ve had (throughout Spain) where employers try and get you to work (off the books) for a soul-destroying amount of hours. A normal week should be anywhere from 24 to 30 hours in an academy. Some places were offering me 50 hours and wanted to pay me under the table!

This might seem appealing to someone who just wants a job quickly, but I recommend holding on until you find an honest company who are financially transparent. In 2013, I went back to where it all began and got a job at Wellington House Idiomas in Barcelona.

Wellington House pays very well compared to other academies and always had my back in times of need so I appreciated that. I grew as a teacher in this academy and learnt about higher levels which increased my confidence in the classroom and made me more attractive to future employers as I had more experience. I was also playing in a rock band at this time and found myself flying from Barcelona to Seville every fortnight for gigs, festivals, photoshoots and whatever else.

With the flexibility one usually has as an English Teacher in Spain, I moved to Seville in 2014 in order to live closer to the band I was in at the time. It was there that I started working for one of the best academies in the city, The British Institute.

The professional development here is second to none and I dare to say that the talented Hannah Beardsworth is a key influence in my teaching today. She taught me how to turn a bland activity into a fun one with some imagination and positivity. Attitude is everything!

Despite the fact that I had an easy and workable set up in Seville, I developed a growing desire for a place with more opportunities music-wise. In the summer of 2016, I moved to Madrid, where I still reside in today. As I’ve been writing this article, I can’t help but feel nostalgic but also positive about my choice to become a TEFL teacher. It’s given me something that I didn’t have before and that is the freedom to throw a dart at a map and to be able to find a job where the dart lands quite easily.

I enjoy what I do. I like my Mondays! I can take 3 months off a year if I choose to do so. This gives me time to work on other projects and that is something I’ve been taking full advantage of. I currently play in a pop band called Indigo Drone and we have just started playing shows around Madrid. We have released two records which you can listen to on Spotify, iTunes or on whatever floats your boat. Find INDIGO DRONE on Spotify.

In a nutshell, I would say that the perfect formula is to have a steady income at an academy which will give you around 24 hours a week and paid holidays. Once you have that, start looking for Business classes as they pay much more!

The only drawback is that you can only work freelance through these companies which means you won’t be getting paid over the Easter or Christmas holidays, nor will you see any money if you need to take a day off.

Private classes are a good way of making some extra money on the side but be careful with students who cancel too much as time is money! I suggest a strict policy such as charging them if they cancel in less than 24 hours. As it stands, I work for Cambridge House and Speak English and have managed to find the perfect balance between my academy and business classes.

I have enough time to work on other projects such as Indigo Drone and that is a luxury I will never take for granted. I’ve decided to hang up my travelling badge for a while as I’ve just become a father and I’m more than happy where I am right now.

Doing that TEFL course back in 2011 gave me a life outside the box, more options and most importantly it gave me a genuine sense of liberty.

The post A Genuine Sense of Liberty – Teaching English in Barcelona appeared first on TEFL Barcelona - TEFL Spain.