Job Discussion Forums

[carrizales]

Hi, I was shopping around at schools for get my TEFL ceritificate and I came across this school. They're actually advertised at the bottom of the this very same page. They're based out of Spain. I was just wondering if anyone here has any experience with them or has heard anything? Any information whatsoever would be helpful.
I was thinking of taking the course this summer in Cusco, Peru.

[mozzar]

I took the February - April course in Madrid and was very pleased. The teacher was very knowledgeable both about the grammar and how to teach it. Everyone was supportive and there was a good atmosphere in the class. We had eight hours of practice teaching time, had lesson plans marked, and had a ten lesson individual assignment marked (although we didn't teach it).

Since leaving i've managed to get a job that pays 15 euro an hour with 20 hours a week. I can't say how much that was down to the course but they were certainly useful in sending out our cvs to all the companies in Madrid.

[sammie08]

I got my TEFL from EBC in Buenos Aires. I found it to be a great group. I liked my teacher, she was very experienced in actually teaching--not just teaching how to teach. I have dealt with the head office in Madrid a number of times since I left and they have always been prompt and thorough and helpful.
At the end of my program, that final Friday, my phone was ringing off the hook with job offers in BsAs to the point where I had to turn off the ringer to get through that last day. I have since moved to Hanoi, Vietnam and had no problem getting work whatsoever.
I can't remember how I found my current job, but EBC does have a pretty good list of schools on their website listed by country and city. It isn't comprehensive or that up to date, but it was a great resource to start off with when looking for work in a new country.
I feel EBC was definitely money well spent.

[taramaria]

This school looks fantastic and the job placement program makes it a really attractive option. I'd not heard of it before but did some looking into it after I read your posts so thank you for bringing it to my attention (!).

I've a question slightly off the topic but thought I'd ask here because I'm thinking of it in relation to doing the TEFL through EBC in Madrid... How much money do you recommend should be taken with someone who's going to do the TEFL through EBC and start job searching thereafter? The obvious answer is as much as possible but what is the minimum that one can survive on? And how many months, after the TEFL course, will you need to live without a salary?

EBC has some accommodation options which look good... Any comments on that?

Mozzar, did you have an EU passport or did you need to go the whole travel visa, sponsorship route?

Thanks so much, again, for bringing this to my attention and for your help!

[teryndactyl]

Hi. I am taking the EBC Madrid course right now. My first week has just finished. I took my time deciding which course to go for and in the end EBC had the most positive feed back on the web. The teacher is great, the classes are well ogranised, everything is very professional. I started on Monday and have already taught a beginners and an advanced class. The course is certainly 'intense' 10-5 every day, and I am usually up til 11.30pm finishing lesson plans, so I haven't even been able to discover the city yet! I think all courses are intense though for month long TESL and if they're not then they're probably not worth much. It's only week one and I feel I will easily be ready to teach after 4 weeks. message me if you want more exact info.

[Glenlivet]

[taramaria]

Teryndactyl, I see you're Australian... What are you doing about a work permit? EBC has advised that I come do the Madrid course on a tourist visa which is fine but then what do you do thereafter?... You can't work on a tourist visa and I'm told that chances of getting sponsorship for a work permit immediately after the course are pretty much slim to none. They're willing to hire you, just not with the right papers... I'm planning on coming to Spain around Sep/Oct but am a bit stressed about a work permit... Any advice?...

[teryndactyl]

Yes I certainly am Australian but I can�t really advise on visas, sorry; I have an EU passport and can legally work in Spain. I know of people who are planning on teaching English without a visa, and people who are doing it now. However my flatmate works for a company which organises lessons for individuals and businesses and says that they have cut right down on hiring anyone with out the correct papers because of the crisis....and the HUGE fines they will get if caught out. Im sure you could get work without a visa, but it might not be a great quality establishment. If you do decide to come without a visa, you have to buy a return ticket or you could be stopped at the airport, especially if you come via England I think..

[spiral78]

Eventually, you can be stopped at the airport when you're trying to leave Europe if you've stayed over 90 days. They'll let you go, but the possible penalty is the big red stamp in your passport banning you from the Schengen zone for 10 years.

teryndactyl, thanks for the practical, on-the-ground, current info. That's exactly what newbies contemplating making the investment in time and money need to know to make realistic decisions.

[mozzar]