From Engineer to Educator: My Journey with CIEE’s Teach in Spain Program

“El mundo es demasiado grande para quedarme en un solo lugar.”
 “The world is too big for me to stay in just one place.”

That single thought kept replaying in my head as I started to imagine a different kind of life: one filled with culture, growth, and purpose beyond what I had known in Texas. 

I'm Zachary Bolds, a 26-year-old from the Dallas Fort Worth area, and I’m getting ready to begin my journey as an English language assistant in Madrid through CIEE’s Teach in Spain program.

Before making this leap, I earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and spent the past 2.5 years working in software sales. While that path brought valuable lessons, I always knew I wanted more. CIEE gave me the chance to pursue something bigger: to explore the world, grow personally and professionally, and give back through education.

I’ll be teaching for two semesters, from September through late June 2026.

Why I Chose to Get TEFL Certified

To prepare for this journey, I completed CIEE’s 150 Hour TEFL Certification course. My mindset has always been that if I’m going to learn something new or sharpen an existing skill, I want proper training. Teaching is already a challenge. Doing it in a new country with students who don’t speak your language makes it even more important to be prepared.

The certification gave me the tools and confidence I needed. It is thorough, flexible, and once you complete it, you are certified for life. 

I highly recommend this course to anyone thinking about teaching English: it is an investment in yourself you will never regret.

A Skill That Changed My Perspective

The most valuable skill I gained from the TEFL course was learning to stay adaptable and open minded. That might sound simple, but it has made all the difference. The course challenged us to think creatively and problem solve, especially when faced with real classroom scenarios.

I remember one assignment where we had to adapt a grammar lesson for visual learners. That moment helped me understand that teaching is not one size fits all. It takes planning, flexibility, and awareness to truly connect with different types of students. 

Sometimes you will need to stick to the plan. Other times, you will need to pause, reassess, and pivot. That balance is key.

Why I Chose CIEE

When I first started researching teach abroad programs, I quickly realized there were a lot of options. Some were cheaper. Some had different destinations. But none of them felt as reliable or well structured as CIEE.

Their webinars, social media content, and student reviews made me feel confident that they knew what they were doing. I especially appreciated the ability to schedule a one on one call with an advisor before applying. That personal touch continued after I was accepted. Their team has been quick to respond and genuinely helpful at every step of the process. 

And for something as stressful as relocating across the world, this level of support can’t be beat.

My Advice for Future Teachers

The best advice I can give is simple but powerful.
“Give yourself permission to be a beginner — in the course and in the classroom.”

As someone who used to be a perfectionist, I know how frustrating it can be when things don’t go exactly how you pictured them. But the truth is, you cannot expect perfection from yourself when you are doing something entirely new. 

Everyone who has made this decision has felt what you are feeling. You are not alone.

Any new journey requires a new version of you — one you haven’t even met yet. The good news is you get better every day. And along the way, you are surrounded by people who have done it before or are doing it alongside you. So take it one step at a time. You’ve got this.

Would I Recommend the TEFL Course

Without a doubt, yes.

CIEE’s 150-Hour TEFL course gave me way more than I expected. It’s clear they put a lot of thought into how each lesson is structured — things actually build in a way that makes sense and doesn’t feel overwhelming. 

The weekly live sessions with a professor were one of my favorite parts. It felt good to talk through the material, get real advice, and know I wasn’t doing this alone.

What stood out most was how practical everything was. You’re not just reading about teaching — you’re learning how to teach. 

It really prepared me to walk into a classroom and adjust when things don’t go as planned. If you’re considering this path, take the course. 

It’s worth it.

What I Hope to Gain from This Experience

Honestly, I just want to grow — as a person and a teacher.

I want to learn how to adapt, how to lead with more confidence, and how to really connect with people from different walks of life.

Living and teaching in Spain is going to stretch me in the best way possible. It’s exciting and nerve-racking, but that’s part of why I’m doing it.

I hope I walk away more open-minded, more flexible, and more grounded in who I am. Whether I keep teaching, dive into creative work, or explore something totally new, this experience is going to change how I show up in the world. 

That’s the goal: not just to travel or work abroad, but to leave better than I came.

Thinking about teaching abroad?

If this opportunity is on your heart, take the leap. 

You never know how much your life might change when you do.