Madrid to send English teachers abroad to improve their skills

MADRID is aiming to improve its teachers’ English by sending them to the UK and the US on two to seven-week training courses.

The regional government has launched an English Language Training Scheme, which will offer teachers that work (or hope to work) at bilingual public schools in Madrid the chance to improve their English language and teaching skills.

Places are available for 1,625 teachers, 472 of which will visit universities in Canada, the US and the UK, including Edinburgh College, Leeds Beckett University and Canterbury Christ Church University, among others.

Those who do not go abroad will receive training at Madrid public universities, British Council and Foundation of International Studies centres.

A total budget of €1.8 million has been allotted to the scheme, which will cover training costs, cultural activities, plane tickets and accommodation, while teachers will only be expected to pay for their meals.