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EFL/ESL teachers are in high
demand world-wide. You have peace of mind in knowing that if you are a native
English speaker and hold a degree we can offer you a Guaranteed Teaching
Position after successful completion of both our 4-week TEFL training course
and a subsquent one month volunteer teaching assignment (Package B).
If you don’t have a degree and
whether you opt for Package A or Package B your job prospects are still
excellent. A TEFL (Teaching English as a
Foreign Language) certificate is one of the main qualifications required by
learning institutions to teach EFL in a non-English speaking country, or ESL in
an English speaking country. Wherever you decide to teach, your internationally
recognised Island TEFL certificate will provide you with the credentials
required to work as a TEFL teacher abroad or at home.
It is worth keeping in mind that
many schools are now not accepting online TEFL/TESL qualifications (unless
there has been a practical teaching component included), or certificates from
TEFL/TESL courses of less than 4 weeks duration. Some schools/institutes will
also require a degree.
TEFL teaching positions are
available in government and public schools, colleges, universities, language
schools, kindergartens, businesses, the tourism industry, as well as
volunteering and one-to-one tutoring opportunities.
Here is a list of some of the
countries where your internationally recognised TEFL certificate can assist you
to find TEFL teaching employment. (Please note we have tried to be as accurate
as possible but details may change slightly depending on the institution within
each country.)
TEACHING ENGLISH IN ASIA:
For a qualified TEFL teacher,
Asia offers a diverse range of teaching opportunities and experiences. There is
a huge demand for native English speaking TEFL teachers, so there is never a
shortage of jobs, and salaries are amongst the highest in the industry. If you
hold a degree (not specifically a teaching degree) and a TEFL certificate, you
will find it incredibly easy to obtain a position in the country of your
choice.
Some countries and cities such as
Bangkok Thailand, KL Malaysia, Jakarta Indonesia and Ho chi min Vietnam
“overlook” the need for a degree, and focus more on a TEFL qualification,
provided it is not an online qualification or from a TEFL course of less than 4
weeks’ duration. Salaries for TEFL
teachers vary from country to country, depending largely on the cost of living. However, no matter where you teach, you will
always find a great variety of cultural experiences. Asia has something for everyone – from the
hustle and bustle of the big cities, to the peace and tranquility of the rural
areas. Teachers are held in high regard
in Asia, and students are very respectful.
In some of the poorer countries
and regions, paid TEFL teaching employment is scarce and most teachers in those
locations are there on voluntary placements.
Basic accommodation and meals are sometimes provided.
TEFL in Thailand
• Average TEFL teacher salary:
25,000-55,000 Baht/mth
• Main TEFL locations: Bangkok, Chiang
Mai, Hat Yai, Suratthani, Ayudhya, Khon Kean
• TEFL job opportunities: Thailand is
alive with TEFL teaching opportunities and is without doubt one of the easiest
places in Asia to find TEFL teaching work. The demand for English remains
extremely high. A degree is usually asked for, but in reality, there are many
TEFL positions available to anyone with an internationally recognised TEFL
certificate.
• Opportunities exist in a number of areas:
Government and private schools, universities, colleges, private language
schools, international schools, businesses, the tourism industry. TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT, SAT and other such
test-preparation classes are also very popular.
Private tutoring is also in high demand, and can be a great income
supplement to the TEFL teacher.
• Thai
students are extremely motivated to learn, and hold teachers in high
esteem. Their sense of fun makes
teaching in Thailand a very satisfying and rewarding experience. The beauty and mystique of this country are
the main reasons that it is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in
the world, and a focal point for TEFL teachers.
TEFL in China
• Average TEFL teacher salary: Vary enormously. RMB3,000-RMB8,500/mth
• Main TEFL locations: Nationwide
• TEFL job opportunities: One of the
largest and most densely-populated countries in the world, China is home to a
variety of mysterious and influential cultures and exotic religions – all along
with a colourful and engaging history. Its beauty and diversity make China a
popular destination for TEFL teachers. A country looking to the future, but
never forgetting its past, China is the perfect place for those looking to
begin their TEFL teaching career.
• Generally,
TEFL teachers receiving visas through a school in China are not permitted to
teach outside of that school. However, this is usually not a problem, since the
cost of living in China is very low. Therefore, TEFL teachers in China should
be able to live very comfortably on their salaries.
• Most
TEFL teachers arrange jobs before arriving in China, normally by contacting
recruitment agencies or individual employers. Positions in public colleges and
universities are often pre-arranged by applying to Chinese embassies or
consulates overseas, or to the International Employment Office in Beijing. It
is also possible to apply to the provincial Education offices or directly to
the institutes themselves (addressed to the Foreign Affairs Office, or Waiban).
With China now engaged in huge levels of international trade, there is a great
demand for Business English in the Chinese Commercial sector. Many companies
are now setting up their own in-house English teaching programs, and recruit
either from the ExPat community, or from overseas.
TEFL in Indonesia
• Average TEFL teacher salary: 6,000,000-8,000,000
Rupiah/mth (in the big cities)
• Main TEFL locations: Jakarta, Surabaya,
Bandung, Yogyakarta, Solo
• TEFL job opportunities: Indonesia is
one of the most beautiful, fascinating and culturally absorbing nations in the
world. The world’s fifth most populous
nation, it has been rapidly recovering from the political and economic
instability that rocked the country at the end of the 1990s. The major language
schools survived the crisis and continue to be staffed by foreign teachers.
• The
best TEFL teaching prospects in Indonesia are for those who have completed TEFL
training and are willing to sign a 12- or 18-month contract. Most jobs are in
Jakarta, though there are also schools in Surabaya, Bandung, Yogayakarta, and
Solo (among others).
• Visas
are an issue whatever the nationality. Work permit regulations are rigidly
adhered to in Indonesia, and all the established schools will apply for a visa
permit on your behalf. TEFL teachers must have English as their first language
and be nationals of the U.S., Canada, Britain, Australia, or New Zealand. With
more informal teaching positions, it is necessary to leave the country every
two months.
TEFL in Japan
• Average TEFL teacher salary: ¥220,000 –
¥320,000 per month
• Main TEFL locations: Tokyo, Osaka
• TEFL job opportunities: The prospect of
working in Japan attracts thousands of TEFL teachers each year. The demand for
English remains strong, although recession in the late 1990s resulted in the
closure of some major companies, when fewer Japanese people were willing to pay
for expensive English lessons. Consequently, competition for teaching jobs has
become more acute. Be prepared to spend a sizeable sum of money while
conducting the job hunt, because of the high cost of living in Japanese cities.
Once established, the financial rewards can be considerable.
• There
are several different options open to people looking for a TEFL teaching job:
eikaiwa schools, the JET program and private primary, secondary and third-level
schools. Once you’ve got yourself established with a job and a valid visa
status, there is also the possibility of teaching lessons privately.
• The
most common means of recruitment after the internet is by advertising in
English language newspapers. A
university degree is a requirement in order to obtain a work permit to teach.
TEFL in South Korea
• Average TEFL teacher salary: 1.8 – 2.5
million Won/Month (Approx $1500-$3000 USD / Month)
• Main TEFL locations: Seoul, Pusan
• TEFL job opportunities: South Korea now
rivals Japan as one of the busiest TEFL teaching destinations in Asia. With an
estimated 100,000 institutes offering English lessons of some sort, the demand
for native-speaking English teachers is huge. TEFL teachers should be careful
about accepting the first Korean job offer that comes their way. While Korea
boasts some of the most attractive TEFL teaching positions anywhere in the
world, it is gaining a reputation for some of the worst. Most teaching
opportunities exist in Private Language Institutes (Hakwons), and conditions,
contracts and salaries vary enormously between employers. The number of Hakwons
that close within a few weeks of opening is alarming, as is the number of
teachers leaving Korea with stories of contract and pay hassles. A degree and a TEFL certificate are required.
• TEFL
teaching opportunities can also be found in corporate in-house language
programs, universities, public relations and advertising companies, and of
course, private tutoring.
• Korea
is a fascinating country in which to spend a year or two teaching English. And
while most teachers experience serious culture-shock on arrival, they generally
return home with very positive memories.
TEFL in Taiwan
• Average TEFL teacher salary:
NT$40,000-NT$60,000/mth
• Main TEFL locations: Taipei
• TEFL job opportunities: Until the early
’90s, Taiwan was a place where just about anyone could find a well-paid TEFL
teaching job. Private language schools (or ‘Buhsibans’), which cram students
for university entrance, were on every Taipei street corner. The situation
changed when a combination of new government legislation on teachers working
illegally, regional economic factors, and the devastating earthquake of October
1999 contrived to dampen the market for English, putting many Buhsibans out of
business. But there is still a significant demand for native-speaking TEFL
teachers in Taiwan, with many of the TEFL positions involving teaching younger
learners. Most Taiwanese employers prefer to recruit locally, and few advertise
overseas. The majority require teachers to have at least some kind of TEFL
qualification.
• Taiwan
might not have quite the allure for teachers it used to, but it remains a
fascinating and rewarding place to spend time teaching English.
TEFL in Singapore
• Average TEFL teacher salary:
S$2500-S$5000/mth
• Main TEFL locations: Statewide
• TEFL job opportunities: Teaching EFL in
Singapore is comparable to teaching EFL in other Asian countries like Taiwan
and Korea, with the exception that it is not as lucrative. TEFL teaching
positions are available in both private and government schools. The difference
between Singapore and other Asian countries is that Singapore is supposedly an
English speaking country. Singlish (Singaporean English) is widely spoken, but
is so grammatically different to International English, that it may as well be
a separate language. Many students in private language schools attend classes
not to learn English, but to learn correct grammar and improve their
pronunciation. International schools pay well, but only hire qualified and
experienced teachers. A degree and a
TEFL certificate are required.
• The
cost of living in Singapore is quite high, so it’s not a place where TEFL
teachers can save money.
TEFL in Malaysia
• Average TEFL teacher salary: R2,000 –
R4,000/mth
• Main TEFL locations: Kuala Lumpur, Penang
• TEFL job opportunities: Malaysia has a
well-established and generally high-quality TEFL market, which provides good
pay rates and conditions for teachers who manage to secure work there.
Unfortunately, tight work visa regulations have made it difficult for TEFL
teachers who do not hold an MA to find work in Malaysia. English is taught as a
second language in all Primary and Secondary schools (often as early as Year
1), so many Malaysian teenagers and young adults have a relatively good command
of the language.
• A
lot of the TEFL teaching is only part-time, which normally means teachers have
to supplement their income with private lessons. These are easy to find, as
there are plenty of Malaysians who dream of studying at university in the US,
Australia or the UK.
TEFL in Vietnam
• Average TEFL teacher salary:
US$15-$25/hr, in a good school or university (normally requiring teachers to
have an internationally recognized TEFL qualification and a degree).
NB: Salaries may be significantly
lower outside HCMC and Hanoi.
• Main TEFL locations: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi
• TEFL job opportunities:Vietnam is one
of the hidden jewels of the TEFL teaching world. English language learning, like tourism, has
been late coming to Vietnam, but spurred on by the needs of its rapidly growing
tourism industry, and by the possibilities of international trade in the
region, the demand for English has never been greater. TEFL teaching positions can be obtained quite
easily for anyone with a TEFL certificate, however more recently, degrees are
becoming necessary for a visa. Obtaining
a visa can be a frustrating process.
Most TEFL teachers arrive on a tourist visa, then once a teaching
position has been obtained, the school sponsors the teacher in order to obtain
a working visa.
• Most
of the TEFL teaching jobs are in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, in language
schools, teaching students of all ages.
There is also work in universities, but the pay is generally lower than
in language schools. Your money goes a
long way in Vietnam, so TEFL teachers find that they can easily save money and
enjoy the lifestyle.
TEFL in Laos
• Average TEFL teacher salary:
US$10-US$13/hr
• Main TEFL
locations: Vientiane, Luang Prabang
• TEFL job opportunities: Laos’
country-feel is very friendly and accommodating. The people are warm and
hospitable and life here is very comfortable. In the past few years many
language institutes have popped up Vientiane, and to a lesser extent, Luang Prabang.
These schools generally pay well, on a per hour basis, but it is difficult to
get full time work. They also don’t supply housing, and sometimes don’t supply
a work visa.
• Another
option is to work at one of the bilingual schools (there are quite a few), and
the pay ranges from US$600-US$1000/mth. The lower paying jobs usually provide
free housing and a work visa is provided by all.
• There
are many TEFL teachers volunteering in the more rural areas of the country,
where paid TEFL positions are rare. The
experience alone is more than enough reward.
TEFL in Cambodia
• Average TEFL teacher salary:
US$7-US$12/hr
• Main TEFL locations: Phnom Penh
• TEFL job opportunities: TEFL teaching
opportunities in Cambodia are similar to that of Laos. Language institutes and universities in Phnom
Penh are the main sources of TEFL teaching jobs. A TEFL certificate and a
degree are requirements. A teaching certificate is highly recommended, though
not required. Very few contracts exist;
schools rarely recruit online; and most interviews are conducted in person.
• Again,
many TEFL teachers choose to volunteer in the poorer regions.
TEFL in Hong Kong
• Average TEFL teacher salary: Private
Sector: HK$20,000-$50,000/mth. State Sector: HK$205,000-$557,000/yr (+ HK$13,000
special allowance). Freelance Teachers can earn: HK$200-$600/hr.
• Main TEFL locations: Hong Kong
• TEFL job opportunities: Hong Kong
offers some of the best paid TEFL teaching jobs in the world. But the island’s
frenetic pace and 24/7 timetable is not for the faint-hearted. Learning English, more than ever, is on
everyone’s agenda. There is even a move to eliminate Cantonese and to establish
English and Putonghua (modern Standard Chinese) as the only two languages of
instruction in the Hong Kong Education system.
• Opportunities
for TEFL teachers abound in English language schools, English-medium schools
and universities. The British Council in Hong Kong employs a significant number
of TEFL-certified teachers on its summer programs. The Hong Kong Government’s Native-speaking
English Teacher (NET) scheme is another source of well-paid TEFL teaching work
for teachers interested in working for 2 years in one of the island’s Public
Secondary Schools. The ‘Enhanced NET Scheme’, in operation since 1988/9, annually
undertakes to place one native-speaking English teacher in every Public Sector
Secondary school with fewer than 40 classes, and two teachers in every
Secondary School with more than 40 classes. The Government has also recently
decided to employ 400 native-speaking English teachers in the island’s Primary
school sector. There are very few
opportunities for TEFL teachers who do not have at least 2 years’ teaching
experience and an internationally recognized TEFL Certificate. Many
institutions now stipulate that applicants must have a TEFL Diploma or a higher
level qualification such as an MA TEFL.
TEFL in Nepal
• Average TEFL teacher salary: Low, unless employed by British Council or
language schools.
• Main TEFL locations: Kathmandu, Patan, Bhakatpur
• TEFL job opportunities: Nepal may not
be the most obvious place for a TEFL job search, but you’d be surprised. There
are quite a few opportunities for TEFL teachers with an open mind and an
interest in the rich cultural experience this country has to offer. There is a
significant demand for teachers who have experience teaching younger learners,
with numerous positions, many of them voluntary, in State and Private school
sectors.
• Volunteer
placement organizations such as the Peace Corps, the Fulbright Commission and
the Voluntary Services Organization (VSO) are very active out here, and the
British Council has a teaching operation in Kathmandu. The natural beauty of the surrounding
landscape, the jostling crowds, the bullock carts and the noisy street markets
are more than enough to render a teaching stint in Nepal one of the most
memorable of your career – not to mention the delightful Nepalese students.
TEFL in India
• Average TEFL teacher salary:
10,000–13,000 rupees/mth
• Main TEFL locations: Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore
• TEFL job
opportunities: India is the third largest English speaking country in the
world and the language is quickly becoming essential to the business community.
Demand for TEFL teachers is therefore becoming relatively high, but the market
can be competitive. There are quite a
few language schools opening up in the major cities, and TEFL teaching
opportunities abound within the business sector.
• India’s
sprawling cities offer a unique and unforgettable experience to TEFL teachers,
one that you’ll never forget.
TEACHING ENGLISH IN AFRICA:
The EFL teaching situation in
most parts of Africa is minimal. Many ex-colonies of Britain use English as the
medium of instruction in state schools and so most teachers are locals. In North Africa, most TEFL jobs are in Egypt
and Morocco, although you sometimes also see jobs in available in Tunisia. In
both Egypt and Morocco, the only jobs worth considering are with universities
or with American and British language schools. In Egypt, there are good schools
in Cairo and Alexandria, while in Morocco there are schools in most major
cities. Most jobs allow a comfortable lifestyle but no real savings.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is
extremely difficult to find TEFL jobs. Very experienced and qualified EFL
teachers may be able to find jobs in US language institutes. For other
teachers, the only jobs worth considering are those arranged through aid
organizations/programs.
TEFL and degree qualifications
are pre-requisites for teaching at the university level; requirements for
teaching experience depend on the particular institution or country. The demand
is high for instructors who are qualified to teach English for academic
purposes and technical and business English, as well as for specialists in
curriculum design, teacher training, material development, and administration.
Salaries are modest and vary according to the type of teaching institution.
There is some work available in
South Africa, but as many of their citizens speak English as a native language,
opportunities for non-South Africans are somewhat limited.
Some opportunities exist in
almost all countries, but the only African nations where there is any
significant scope for working in private language schools, or institutes, are
detailed below:
TEFL in Egypt
• Average TEFL teacher salary:
US$5-US$15/hr
• Main TEFL locations: Cairo, Alexandria, Heliopolis, Maadi, Zamalek
• TEFL job opportunities: As an EFL
teaching destination, Egypt has a lot to offer. Historically and
archeologically, it has few equals. From
an EFL teaching perspective, it represents some of the best paid teaching
positions in North Africa – particularly in the Sinai Desert. Big cities such as Cairo and Alexandria also
offer plenty of job opportunities for the EFL teacher. Most institutions require
an internationally recognized TEFL Certificate, and teachers who have taught
Business English or younger learners should have no problem finding work.
• The
British Council has offices in Cairo and Alexandria, and other reputable
institutions such as International House and the American University are also
present out here.
• In
prosperous residential areas like Heliopolis, Maadi, and Zamalek anyone who can
cultivate contacts can set up private lessons.
• There
are far fewer restrictions for women in Egypt than in many of the other Muslim
countries of North Africa and the Middle East, which makes this land of the
Pharaohs, the Pyramids and the Sphinx a viable proposition for any EFL teacher
looking for an exotic teaching assignment in an unforgettable place.
TEFL in Kenya
• Average TEFL teacher salary: KS450-KS500/hr
• Main TEFL locations: Nairobi
• TEFL job opportunities: By far, the
majority of EFL opportunities in Kenya are through volunteer placement schemes,
where a “local” salary may be provided.
Some higher paying EFL jobs can be found in the limited language
schools, and government schools and institutes.
Salaries are quite low compared to other countries, but are sufficient
to lead a comfortable life.
• Many
EFL teachers working in Kenya see it as more of a life experience and an opportunity
to help in the poor regions of the country, rather than an opportunity to make
money.
TEFL in Morocco
• Average TEFL teacher salary:
9,000-11,000 dirham/mth
• Main TEFL locations: Rabat, Tangier, Agadir, Casablanca, Fez
• TEFL job opportunities: The first
language in Morocco is Arabic, but French is also used. In recent times
however, English has gained in popularity, especially when it comes to
business. There are dozens of private English schools that hire Native English
teachers in all the major cities in Morocco, meaning there is a good choice for
interested EFL Teachers.
• Morocco
is a popular destination for tourists, although their have been some views by
teachers teaching at the private language schools, that you need to be careful
with money (wages) and make sure you have the proper visas and contract in
place. If you are prepared and have your
street smarts, none of this should be a problem at all, and you can enjoy
teaching English in an exotically beaufitul and freindly country. Moroccan
English schools require TEFL/TESOL qualifications.
TEFL in Tunisia
• Average TEFL teacher salary: 15-20
dinars/hr
• Main TEFL locations: Tunis + tourist destinations
• TEFL job
opportunities: Similar to its neighbour Morocco, Tunisia does not consider
English as its second language. However,
many Tunisians are starting to learn English for study and work purposes, and
as a result there is a reasonably good demand for EFL teachers, particularly in
the capital and areas with a high level of employment in the tourism
industry. Opportunities also exist
within the business sector.
TEACHING ENGLISH IN WESTERN EUROPE
Historically viewed as the hub of
the developed world, Western Europe holds a great many attractions for
prospective EFL teachers with an interest in European art, history,
architecture and culture. The countries of Western Europe, and in particular
those with a Latin influence, remain some of the most popular destinations for
qualified EFL teachers, and competition for places in Spain and Italy is
fierce.
Work is almost always in private
language academies. Pay and benefits in Germany, Spain and Italy are often the
best in Western Europe. Between 10 to 15 Euros an hour is the average rate of
pay. However, 25 Euros or more is not unheard of, especially after a few years
experience. Germany is a highly urbanized country with language academies in
just about every city and town. Spain and Italy may not match Germany in pay
and benefits, but the quality of life is great and the amount of sunshine can’t
be beaten! In Italy, hourly wages may range from 8 to 12 Euros an hour.
Depending on the TEFL market in the city or town where you are, EFL teachers
may charge between 14 and 18 Euros an hour for private lessons. Private
teachers in places like Rome tend to charge more.
With the advent of the new EU
Labour Law, it is difficult for EFL teachers who do not hold an EU passport to
find EFL teaching positions. However,
non-EU citizens can still theoretically apply to work in the EU. After they have accepted a job offer, it is
then the employer’s responsibility to apply for the necessary work permit and
residence visa that will allow non-EU EFL teachers to reside and work legally
in Western Europe. But in reality though, a lot of European employers would
rather avoid the expense of hiring non-EU EFL teachers when they can hire
fellow EU citizens from the UK or Ireland without having to worry about
applying for work permits and residence visas for them.
TEFL in Austria
• Average TEFL teacher salary: 18-20
euros/hr
• Main TEFL locations: Vienna
• TEFL job
opportunities: Austria, situated in the centre of Europe, can be a great
place to teach English. Most EFL
teaching is done on a freelance basis, teaching in the business sector in
Vienna (where the cost of living is quite high).
• Native
speakers with a TEFL qualification can often find work giving private English
lessons, and at adult education institutes (Volkhochschulen). You will find
these listed in the local telephone book or by visiting the website of the
Verband Österreichischer Volkshochschulen, association of Austrian adult
education institutes. A list of private language schools is available on the
website of the British Council Austria.
TEFL in Belgium
• Average TEFL teacher
salary: 18-38 EUR/hr (depending on qualifications & experience)
• Main TEFL locations: Brussels and other major cities
• TEFL job opportunities: If you are
looking at teaching in Europe, Belgium could be the place for you. With the
European commission, EU Parliment and associated organisations, and many MN
companies located in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, it is a mixing pot of
different nationalities with a strong multi-national feel to it.
• As
a result there are many jobs available for EFL teachers, including language
schools, teaching private lessons or teaching at government schools and
universities (the latter 2 require a Masters degree and experience).
• Daily
living expenses are reasonably low, making Belgium a good option for teaching
English.
TEFL in France
• Average TEFL teacher salary: Vary
enormously. Contract teachers can expect a net salary of
EUR1,400-EUR1,800/mth Freelance teachers
should not be working for less than EUR15-18/hr.
• Main TEFL locations: Paris and major cities
• TEFL job opportunities: France, in
general – and Paris, in particular – has long been an obvious choice for EFL
teachers looking for overseas teaching experience in a country with seemingly
everything to offer. In reality, the supply of work has not always been able to
keep up with the demand among the thousands of EFL teachers who head for France
every year seeking work. But the last few years have seen a reversal of this
trend, with many English language schools now experiencing critical shortages
of teachers.
• By
law, French companies are required to spend 1% of their salary budget on
vocational training for their employees. English lessons are an obvious choice
for many companies, particularly with France being such a key player in the
European Union. The need for Business English is particularly apparent, with
many language schools specializing in this area. ‘Telephone lessons’ are very
popular among French businessmen and women, who may not have time in their busy
schedules for a 2-hour face-to-face lesson, but can generally squeeze in a
30-minute cours par téléphone a couple of times a week with a native English
teacher. Teachers with Business English experience and knowledge of French will
have the pick of the jobs. More and more English language schools are
stipulating that teachers have an internationally recognized TEFL Certificate.
Along with the hundreds of private language schools in Paris, English lessons
are frequently organized through the municipal City Halls and through the
Chamber of Commerce in most French towns.
• Teachers
who do not hold an EU passport may have trouble finding work legally in France.
TEFL in Germany
• Average TEFL teacher salary:
EUR11-30/hr
• Main TEFL locations: Berlin and other major cities
• TEFL job opportunities: For EFL
teachers who do not hold an EU Passport, Germany offers some of the best
prospects for working legally in continental Europe.
• As
the driving force behind the European Union, Germans have a very real need to
learn English – which the German government addresses well. The high quality of
education in the State system has meant that few young adult Germans possess
less than a working knowledge of English. Government incentives also exist for
Private companies to offer ‘training holidays’ for their employees. These
training courses frequently mean intensive English lessons.
• Most
German institutions will not employ EFL teachers who do not to have an
internationally recognized TEFL certificate. Commercial/Business experience and
a working knowledge of German will greatly help your chances of securing work.
• Invariably,
EFL teachers in Germany end up working on a freelance basis for 2 or 3
different schools.
TEFL in Greece
• Average TEFL teacher salary: EUR450-EUR750/mth
• Main TEFL locations: All large cities
• TEFL job opportunities: There are over
ten thousand English schools in Greece, and a large percentage of these employ
TEFL teachers from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia or South
Africa. Most of the EFL students at
English schools are children, attending English lessons in the afternoon after
their regular school. There are also numerous opportunities to teach adults, as
there is a strong demand in Greece for ESP (English for Special Purposes),
particularly Business English, English for Academic Purposes and English for
Tourism.
• In
order to be registered as a teacher with the Greek Ministry of Education, you
need a university degree. Schools are
sometimes willing to overlook this, as they’re more interested in interpersonal
skills and teaching ability. The Ministry doesn’t insist on a TEFL certificate
for graduates, but most schools require that you have one.
TEFL in Italy
• Average TEFL teacher salary:
EUR650-EUR1300/mth
• Main TEFL locations: All cities
• TEFL job opportunities: Italy – like
France – is an obvious choice for many EFL teachers looking for work in Europe.
Italy’s popularity as a teaching destination has meant that finding EFL work is
not always as easy as might have been hoped. An internationally recognized TEFL
Certificate is a minimum requirement; the ability to speak Italian will also
boost your chances of finding work considerably.
• Teachers
are generally employed as ‘Contract workers’ or ‘Freelance workers’. Italy’s
corporate legislation on Social Security payments has made it more attractive
for Private Language schools to take on freelance teachers, as teachers who
fall into this category must make their own Social Security payments. But many
schools do employ teachers on contracts, and a significant number of contracts
are given out each year to native English language teachers in the State
Primary and Secondary schools.
