Teacher Testimonials

Ruby Hind

Working at ELA has been such a rewarding experience that has really helped me grow as a teacher. You get to work as part of such a supportive team will Paul, Ben, and Camilla always available for advice and assistance whenever you need it. Because of this, and so much more, the decision to leave was a difficult one. I doubt that any academy in Spain compares when it comes to the guidance offered, the opportunity for individual professional development, and the support network that comes from being a part of ELA. If you have any questions, please email me at rubyhind@gmail.com

- Taught at ELA,

October 2017 - March 2019

Geraldine McIlwaine

It was a great experience working at ELA, so much so that it was a difficult decision to leave. There are many reasons why I think it has to be one of the best academies to work for in Spain. Having a modern purpose-built school means that your classroom facilities are second to none. However, the very best thing about working at ELA is the support you have. From the office staff to the management team, everyone does their best to help you. Paul, Camilla and Ben have all made me a better teacher and I learned a lot in my four years at the academy. ELA offers a really good balance for teachers whether they are starting out or are later in their career. You have opportunities for professional development through subsidised conferences and in-house training. They treat you as an individual and you are encouraged to pursue what interests you which I think has made it such a rewarding time for me.

- Taught at ELA,

October 2014 - June 2018

Mhairi McFarlane

I have really enjoyed working at ELA over the last nine months and think I have improved a lot as a teacher. It´s great to have my own classroom and the freedom to adapt it in anyway I see fit in order to suit the needs of both myself and my students. I enjoy having freedom in my classes to teach in my own style but have support available to me when I need it. I have decided to leave ELA for a bigger, busier city in Spain. If you have any questions please email me, mhairianne@hotmail.co.uk

- Taught at ELA,

October 2016 - June 2017

Bobby Park

It is with heavy hearts that my wife, my dogs and I have decided to leave Ubeda after two great years. We settled in to Andalusian life straight away and felt very welcomed by the friendly locals, enjoyed many a beer with free tapas and felt part of the large (not the dogs, they’re all tiny) dog walking community. As for ELA, I don’t think it’s possible to find a better English Academy in Spain, which is why I’ve decided not to bother looking for one. Paul is a fantastic boss who has created a fun, friendly, family like atmosphere and from day one I felt part of the team. When we arrived my wife needed help with her residency as a non EU citizen. Paul went out of his way to help us and without him we’d have been lost. It’s simply due to my wife’s inability to find work here that we feel we have to move to pastures new, or old for me, as we’re off to try our luck in the UK. We’ll definitely be back some day; hasta luega ELA and Ubeda.

- Taught at ELA,

October 2015 - June 2017

Paul Haggerty

In my time as a teacher at ELA, I always felt very well supported and trusted as a teacher. The school also has excellent resources such as teaching literature, games etc. There is also the opportunity to attend various ACEIA conferences which have proven helpful for my professional development. With a small, friendly team of teachers and management, it is a good alternative to the sometimes anonymous structure of larger centres or companies. Being an ACEIA affiliated school, there is a high standard of professionalism and organization which means that you have the same classes consistently and your own classroom with an IWB and other utilities. You can concentrate fully on your own lessons and you will likely have quite a variety of ages and exam/non exam classes. This means that most days vary quite a bit and don’t get too monotonous.

- Taught at ELA,

October 2016 - June 2017

Sarah Boville

I came to ELA practically straight off my CELTA, and I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive work environment. If I ever had a question or a query, I felt completely comfortable speaking to any of the teachers, and I learned so much about teaching in the two years I spent there. The word ‘Úbeda’ has actually been banned by my current colleagues becaue I talk about the great time I’ve had there too often! I feel confident in saying it will be difficult to find such a god academy elsewhere – everything is above board, and exactly what it says on the tin. The fact that I’ve left the academy now is in no way a reflection on the school, how it’s run, nor Úbeda itself. It’s a charming little city which is stunningly beautiful and with really kind and generous people. I had an amazing two years, but in the end wanted somewhere slightly bigger, but for anyone who’d like a genuine Spanish experience, this is the idea place for you.

- Taught at ELA,

October 2014 - June 2016

Gail Patrick

When I came to ELA in Ubeda, I said to myself that it would only be for a year’. Not only have I said this plenty of times, but I’ve heard it plenty, too. I have finally gone searching for new teaching challenges but it was a very difficult decision to make. I had seven years of varied and stimulating teaching at ELA; interesting and fun students, many of whom I’m still in contact with; good training opportunities and above all, I made good friends.

ELA is the kind of language academy that is the best of both worlds. It’s a one-off private language school, so there’s no long chain of command and you get answers quickly. It’s also big enough to have a team of staff with different areas of expertise, to share experiences and get support. I think the majority of my teaching ideas have started life during a coffee break natter there. Ubeda is similar in that it’s big enough to meet different people, but small enough to meet them again. It’s also a very very pretty town with free food, welcoming people and lots of proper Andalusian culture. I miss it greatly.

Wherever the next bit of life takes me, I’ll always take the experiences and confidence that ELA has given me in my back pocket. I reckon that will get me anywhere.

- Taught at ELA,

October 2009 - June 2016

Seamus Shortt

ELA has been run by Paul Hilman for over 20 years. The English Language Academy is recognised, both regionally and nationally, for the high quality and professional standards of its teaching. Working here for the past three year has been an excellent experience.

- Taught at ELA,

April 2014 - June 2017

Simon Hawkins

Working at ELA was my first full-time teaching job and I can honestly say that I couldn’t have imagined a more supportive and enjoyable experience as an introduction to teaching English. The assistance of the other staff really helped me to settle in immediately and this continued throughout my time in Úbeda. This sense of community made such a difference to my life and this positive atmosphere extended to the students as well. The facilities were excellent, as were the opportunities for training and development – I learnt so much at ELA and am very grateful for this. I still have many friends at ELA, and in Úbeda and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

- Taught at ELA,

October 2011 - June 2013