Teach English in Europe

Cities with elegant architecture, valleys laden with castles and monasteries, the proximity to other European nations. It’s easy to see why Europe is a popular destination for teachers. You can find jobs throughout Eastern and Western Europe.

Teaching Jobs in Europe

Destinations

Some of the best and most popular countries for paid English teaching jobs in Europe include: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK.

Other countries you might also want to consider include: Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Finland, Hungary, Iceland, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Sweden and Ukraine.

Teaching Jobs in Western Europe

Western Europe is one of the most desirable locations on the planet to live and work, with historic countries, a high quality of living and lots of positions for English teachers. Salaries are high, but the cost of living is also higher in hotspots like London, Paris and Barcelona. Schools, colleges, universities, companies and language schools hire teachers to work in Western Europe all year round.

There is a very good TEFL market throughout Western Europe, with the best prospects in Germany, Spain and Italy. Work is almost always in private language academies. Pay and benefits 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.

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!

Teaching Jobs in Eastern Europe

The walls have tumbled and continue to fall down. Imagine a firsthand experience in Eastern Europe! Go Find Programs can provide this for you!

As the market economy strengthens in many parts of this region, so has the demand for English language and other specialty subject teachers. Many Eastern European nations wish to expand their economic opportunities and knowledge by working alongside Western countries, particularly in the business sector; thus, they accept foreigners to train them. Note that there are some nations that have difficulty accepting certain nationalities based on political views and/or visa regulations.

The level of salary is relatively low, but so is the cost of living. Most teachers are able to enjoy a comfortable standard of local living. You should expect to teach an average of 15-30 hours a week, with students ranging from private academies, universities, and businesses.

Classroom experience and foreign language knowledge are helpful, but not required. To boost your employment prospects you could take a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course. The course has two main components: Teaching Skills and Language Awareness. The Teaching Skills component develops the techniques and skills required in the classroom, while the Language Awareness component provides a solid foundation in English grammar.

Teach Abroad Programs in Europe for Non-EU Citizens

Teaching English in Europe can be difficult for American citizens. This is because English speakers from all over the EU are able to work legally and easily in any other EU country. So, much of the demand for native English speakers / teachers was covered by the UK.

But since Brexit, it is now easier for foreigners to get a job teaching jobs in Europe, but it’s not as easy as teaching English in Asia.

The first step is to ensure that you are well qualified to teach abroad. Get your college degree (any major will do), then get a CELTA certificate. CELTA is probably the best way to go because they are widely recognized. Also, a TEFL or TESL cert will really help you to get your foot in the door. If you want to teach in Europe, you’ll need some kind of certification or a graduate degree in international education – a bit experience couldn’t hurt either.

Some European countries make it easier to get work permits (and thus, get work) than others.

If you’ve got another location in mind, consider freelancing as a English teacher / tutor. Many expat teachers find work from locals and businesses who are looking to improve their English. You can call companies who do international trade, and companies who deal with tourists to find some businesses to work with, and you can place ads on college and high school campuses for your tutoring services.

Teaching English abroad in Europe is certainly a possibility, for Americans and non-EU citizens looking to teach English overseas, but it won’t be as easy as securing a teaching job in other worldwide locations.

Teaching in Europe FAQ

Reasons to Teach in Europe
Choice of destinations, high salaries, great lifestyle and high quality of life. One of the added bonuses of teaching in Europe is the proximity to neighboring countries. With cheap airline carriers and train options available, you will be spending many of your weekends hearing new languages, trying new foods, and exploring new countries.

Requirements
While teaching in Europe may seem like a hard-to-reach dream for many, with a little planning it can be turned into a reality. While many countries in Europe prefer to hire teachers who hold an EU passport (visa sponsorship can be tricky), not all hope is lost for the rest of us. Many countries in Europe have working holiday visas for people under thirty.

There are certain restrictions with these visas, which vary from country to country; some may not allow you to exceed a certain number of working hours per week, while others may not allow you to exceed a certain salary. Either way, this should be just enough to allow you to teach English.

Other options to consider include government sponsored cultural exchanges and volunteer teaching opportunities. If you live outside the EU some companies and schools will be able to sponsor your visa.

Program Highlights and Benefits
Working in Europe offers:
• The satisfaction of helping others
• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
• An economical way to live and travel abroad
• An opportunity to participate in and learn local cultural activities (e.g.: language, music, cooking)
• Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about
• The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe
• A valuable work experience that strengthens your resume
• A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills