26 December 2014 / by Elena Riches

Hola Barcelona!

Having lived in Cyprus for 16 years and getting fed up with it (particularly since the launch of the euro!) I started toying with the idea of moving and began thinking long and hard about where I would move to. After much deliberation (and encouragement from people who have been there) I decided on Barcelona. So, I sold my car, rented my flat out, packed my bags and here I am.

Now, you may think that was a brave (or stupid!) thing for me to do but, I didn't just up and leave, I did do my research and part of that research was looking for a job and being a non-Spanish speaker I came across obstacles. However, that didn't deter me. So, I hit the internet and discovered that if I took a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course and gained the relevant certificate, I could teach English.

The next step on my quest was to find a TEFL course that wasn't too expensive, as my funds were limited and one where the company could possibly help me to get a job should I complete the course successfully and decide that teaching is what I wanted to do. My research took me to the OxbridgeTEFL site so, I clicked the link and arranged a Skype interview.

The day of the interview arrived and being slightly nervous (having had no teaching experience whatsoever and a slight fear of being rejected) I was soon put at ease by the young lady who interviewed me since she told me that no experience was necessary - yippee - and that I wasn't obliged to take it further. Once my interview was over I was advised that the company would be in touch within a couple of days to advise of my acceptance. Sure enough, an email arrived with the details of the course and when I could start.

The first week of the course (for me) was the hardest as it involved how you would teach phonology, morphology and syntax which, while my grammar is impeccable, having to relay this to a third party non-English speaker means you have to know what you're talking about. The subsequent weeks were easier.

While taking the course I was living with a few other teachers who had taken a TEFL course with other organizations in Spain and upon viewing my course work claimed that it was one of the best courses they'd seen. Not only does it enable you to teach real classes but, if you happen to fail any of the exams, you can re-sit them at no extra cost. This was very encouraging.

Anyway, the bottom line is, I am now teaching English in Barcelona and I absolutely love it!

27

October 2017
The teachers are in the epicentre of the Oxinity growth model
by Jonatan Buxeda
Today I'd like to share what we have...

17

October 2017
Frustration of Students: Common Scenarios and How to Manage Them
by Jushua Cutts
‘’Mistakes are he portals to discovery’’ Frustration is defined as the feeling of being upset or annoyed as a result of being unable to change or achieve something. This is a common feeling that ...

06

October 2017
Teaching kids: challenges and winning strategies
by Gabriel Ekoe González
In an increasing demand for English classes,  important points to consider when teaching kids are how to teach also what makes a good kids’ activity. Perhaps the most important thing to consider when teaching kids is their attenti...

04

July 2017
10 Real Reasons to do a TEFL Course in Spain
by Radmila Gurkova
TEFL Course in Spain - The time is now! July and August are the best months to decide to make the step into sunshine by signing yourself up to a TEFL course in September here in Spain. It's the perfect time to start something new. If you are a native English speaker or bilingual and you have an upbeat,...

04

July 2017
7 Tips on Giving Feedback to ESL Teachers
by Peter Nesbitt
Giving feedback to ESL teachers can be tricky, particularly when you have something critical to say. But yet it is also important, as without it, how can people learn? Sure, they can rely on their own self-evaluation of how they are doing, but if you have ever watched any TV talent show, you will see that a lot of people just aren't very good...

21

June 2017
Teacher Talks - Sharing expertise and experience
by Ryan Beaudelaire
Teacher Talks - Sharing expertise and experiences Things worth sharing We´ve had something up our sleeve for the last few weeks and we´re ready to do what we love and sha...

06

June 2017
Level testing: How to test a student's level?
by Ryan Beaudelaire
Level testing: How do you do it? Level testing...... Ooooh, lets talk! Unless you've been asked that awkward question outright: 'What level am I?' You won't know what's it like to to be a deer in the headlights and respond with something really daft in a high pitched voice like.... 'Yeah, really good!' Li...

02

June 2017
Teaching beginners: is translating really necessary?
by Radmila Gurkova
A big debate around teaching beginners has always been whether it is necessary or not to translate into the learners' mother tongue. Opinions are split and vary from definitely not to maybe sometimes yes or, in the other extreme, of course yes, translating is fast and effective. Translating seems straightforward and historically it has bee...

18

May 2017
Masterclass in ESL at Oxbridge to share and learn about expertise areas
by Gracia Guzmán
The Oxbridge English Teaching System (OETS) is made out of a wide and wide community of teachers from different countries and backgrounds. Offering a masterclass in ESL for different areas of expertise was necessary and easy at the same time, having in mind the richness of profiles of our community members. This is why we are currently devoti...

02

May 2017
Move to Spain - Have my life! It´s easy
by Ryan Beaudelaire
Move to Spain - Have my life! It´s easy! Last Sunday, this is how we spent our Sunday afternoon, chillin' up the Mountain at Montserrat! Just another mountaintop Benedictine monastery you know! ...