Teach English in Spain with CIEE | Guaranteed Placement in Madrid

Receiving guidance from the beginning and step by step instructions made for a much less stressful process and more confidence to pursue the program. The in person orientation was helpful for a hands on experience and getting to meet other people who are in or have been in your exact shoes. Don’t let housing scare you - just be persistent. My school, teachers, and students are amazing. Be confident and use Spanish as much as you can, even if it’s scary. Try new things and don’t forget to get out of the city center at times.

The initial price tag threw me off a bit, but after doing the program, I'm glad that I did go with CIEE for its comprehensive assistance with learning how to work abroad legally. As someone who has never lived abroad, their comprehensive support through the Visa, legal, and other processes was very valuable. I also felt supported throughout the whole process. One thing to know is that there isn't as much support for being a language assistant itself. You get some, but if you haven't taught before (Also know: you ARENT A TEACHER through this program), you should do their TEFL program.

I signed up for this program back in March 2024, have spent the summer preparing for it, and now have been in Spain for almost 6 weeks. I think CIEE does a good job of helping you prepare for the travel experience and completing tasks/errands necessary to work/live in another country. The most helpful part was the Visa guide they provided. I would have been extremely stressed and confused without it. I also really enjoy them having advisors that you can text and/or call with personalized questions and they will get back to you in a timely manner. However, I think the upfront fee that we paid was quite expensive (I believe it was more than the value of the help we were receiving from them). But they are still the program that helps guide you the most through the whole process which I appreciate.

Teaching abroad in Madrid has been a life changing experience that I will value forever. The job is reflectively low stress, however I still feel the difference in each student’s life that i’m making every day. CIEE was so helpful in finding a placement in Madrid, and answered every question I had along the way, from visa questions to advice on what area to live in in order to have an easier commute. I felt more than ready to start my new life in Madrid thanks to CIEE, and now I don’t see myself ever wanting to leave!

Choosing CIEE to help me teach abroad was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Everyone at CIEE is incredibly helpful, caring, and knowledgeable about the city. Before I even arrived in Madrid, I felt fully prepared for the experience. CIEE provided a detailed Canvas course that outlined all the appointments I needed to schedule and everything I had to do. They also offered several webinars leading up to the in-person orientation, including sessions on housing, healthcare, and pre-departure tips. It was a great opportunity to hear from people who had taught in Spain in previous years, sharing their advice and personal experiences about where to live and what to expect.
One of the biggest benefits of choosing CIEE was the seamless health insurance enrollment. We were automatically signed up with ASISA, a great provider with a large network and helpful support available at any time. Another highlight was my school placement—I couldn't have asked for a better one. My coworkers and students are amazing; it is truly a dream come true.
CIEE also organized a week-long orientation in Madrid before school started, which was such a valuable experience. It gave everyone in the program a chance to meet and make connections, and we were paired with Orientation Leaders who guided us throughout. My orientation leader, Lauren D., was fantastic—well-informed, inspiring, kind, and incredibly helpful. She made my group feel at home and showed us some of the best spots in the city. The friendships I made during orientation have been so meaningful, and I’m grateful to now be part of such a wonderful community.

Through the whole process, CIEE has been responsive and sent several emails reminding about important dates for applying for your visa, etc. They also provide excellent online materials to help you through the different things you need to take care of before in Spain and while in Spain. The school placement was great. It's a newish school in a good area with access to the metro system. Being an auxiliar (language assistant teacher) is an interesting experience that I'll remember for the rest of my life. Being in Madrid gives easy access to tons of destinations both in Spain and Europe on weekends and holiday breaks from school.

That said, there are some things to keep in mind: the immigration processes are long, illogical, and bureaucratic, e.g. applying for the visa requires an appointment which may take weeks before an appointment shows up on their website only to be snatched up by someone else, the same jumping-through-hoops exercise with applying for the residency card (TIE) while in Spain, and then the same thing to make an appointment to pick up your residency card which for some reason takes the Spain government 30-45 days to make -- why can't they just mail it to me? These aren't issues with CIEE but rather the Spanish government. I think CIEE does everything in their power to share clear instructions and share insider information that they've learned over the years and for the current year from other applicants in your shoes which makes things easier -- but it's still a pain to go through it all. Definitely worth it though for the whole experience. Recommended.

Commiting to this program was the best decision i've made. They hold your hand through the visa process and make you feel at ease with your transition. They are very helpful with navigating you through the TIE process when you land. The orientation week is a great way to meet so many people in such a short amount of time. I teach five and six year olds. Everyday I go to work im excited. The first few weeks in Madrid can be tough for some because you are still getting settled. Try to take everything one step and a time and everything will fall into place :)

CIEE guides you through the entire process. From getting a visa, to applying to be a Spanish resident they assist you through emery thing. Even advice on being a successful teacher! I recommend this program is you want the best support socially and logistically throughout the entire year! The support team, orientation leaders, and fellow participants are here for a great time and the energy is always positive! I know of other auxiliares de conversación who applied through NALCAP and the ministerio and they all always say how they are jealous of CIEE participant for the support and social aspect.