Teaching jobs in Europe
TEFL Jobs in Austria: Austria is one of the most delightful countries in Europe with stunning landscapes and a pleasant, orderly urban environment. TEFL salaries are high but so are living costs. However, an excellent standard of living is possible for native English speakers. Geography: Austria is a German-speaking country in Central Europe, characterized by its mountain villages, baroque city architecture, Imperial history and rugged alpine terrain. Vienna, its Danube River capital, is home to the Schonbrunn and Hofburg palaces, and has counted Mozart, Strauss and Sigmund Freud among its residents. The country’s other notable regions include the northern Bohemian Forest, Lake Traun and eastern hillside vineyards.
TEFL Jobs in Belgium: As the capital of the EU, Brussels is an exciting, vibrant city in which to teach. The level of demand for native speakers in Belgium as a whole is moderate although teachers without plenty of experience – and preferably a relevant MA qualification – may find well-paid opportunities very limited. For the experienced, TEFL salaries can be very good but living costs in Belgium (particularly in Brussels) are high. Geography: Belgium, a country in Western Europe, is known for its medieval old towns, Flemish Renaissance architecture and international headquarters of the European Union and NATO. The country is divided into 2 distinctive multilingual regions: Dutch-speaking Flanders to the north and French-speaking Wallonia to the south. The bilingual capital, Brussels, is home to ornate guildhalls at Grand-Place and an art nouveau-influenced European Quarter.
TEFL Jobs in Bulgaria: Located at the crossroads of various different cultures, Bulgaria is one of the most fascinating countries in Europe. It’s also one of the most beautiful – home to no less than nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. TEFL salaries are not very high but living costs are lower than in Western Europe so a reasonable standard of living is possible for native English speakers. Geography: Bulgaria is a Balkan nation with diverse terrain encompassing Black Sea coastline, rivers, including the Danube, and a mountainous interior. A cultural melting pot with Greek, Slavic, Ottoman and Persian influences, it has a rich heritage of traditional dance, music, costumes and crafts. At the foot of domed Vitosha mountain is its capital, Sofia, dating to the 5th century B.C.E.
TEFL Jobs in the Czech Republic: The capital city of Prague is famous as one of the most popular TEFL destinations in the world. This is good and bad. Good because there are lots of opportunities and plenty of other teachers to socialise with. Bad because the competition keeps starting salaries rather low, especially in view of accommodation costs. It remains an excellent choice for first-timers, and those with considerable experience can earn a good salary. Geography: The Czech Republic, in Central Europe, is known for its ornate castles, native beers and long history – from the Celtic and Germanic tribes of its founding to the Protestant Reformation and Communism. Prague, the capital, is home to a 9th-century castle, preserved medieval Old Town and statue-lined Charles Bridge. Český Krumlov is a living gallery of Renaissance-era buildings housing restaurants and shops.
TEFL Jobs in Denmark: The level of English is very high in Denmark so there is not a great demand for English tuition from the local population. However, limited opportunities to teach Advanced and Business English classes do exist in Copenhagen and these are popular with foreigners working in Denmark. Salaries are relatively low although it can be very lucrative for EU nationals to open up their own language schools if they wish to make Denmark a long-term home. If you are able to find work then Denmark is a delightful country to explore. Geography: Denmark is a country comprising the Jutland peninsula and its offshore islands, linking Northern Europe and Scandinavia via the Öresund bridge. On Zealand, the capital, Copenhagen is home to the rococo Frederiksstaden district and its royal palaces, Tivoli pleasure gardens and the “Little Mermaid” statue. On neighboring Funen is Odense, storyteller Hans Christian Andersen’s hometown, with a medieval core of cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses.
TEFL Jobs in Estonia: The level of demand for native speakers in Estonia is reasonably high and growing all the time. Salaries are not high but, as is the case in most countries, the more experience you have the better salary you will be able to negotiate. Tallinn itself is a fascinating city complete with medieval city walls and is where most of the opportunities are. Despite the harsh winters, Estonia is a great place to live and looks set for further growth as a popular tourist destination over the coming years. Geography: Estonia, a country in Northern Europe, faces the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland. Including more than 1,500 islands, its diverse terrain spans rocky beaches, old-growth forest and many lakes. Formerly part of the Soviet Union, it's dotted with castles, churches and hilltop fortresses. The capital, Tallinn, is known for its preserved Old Town and museums
TEFL Jobs in Finland: Finland is not a popular destination for TEFL teachers but there are more opportunities than you might expect. Many Finnish people take extra English classes and there is reasonable demand for English for a Specific Purpose (medical, finance, etc.) and Business English tuition. Very few opportunities are advertised online so you will probably have to start your search once you have arrived. Many people are put off by the long Scandinavian winters but Finland is a paradise for those who love the great outdoors and a great choice for TEFL teachers who can locate work easily. Geography: Finland is a Northern European nation bordering Sweden and Russia. Its capital, Helsinki, sits on a peninsula and coastal islands in the Baltic Sea, and is home to the 18th-century fortress Suomenlinna, the Seurasaari open-air museum and a neoclassical cathedral. The Northern Lights can be seen from its Arctic Lapland province, also home to the country’s main ski resorts.
TEFL Jobs in France: There are plenty of TEFL opportunities in most French cities and only a small percentage are widely-advertised. Private language centres offer generous salaries. Be warned that you may find it a rather isolating experience unless you can speak intermediate level French. Geography: France, in Western Europe, encompasses medieval and port cities, tranquil villages, mountains and Mediterranean beaches. Paris, its capital, is known worldwide for its couture fashion houses, classical art museums including the Louvre and monuments like the Eiffel Tower. The country is also renowned for its sophisticated cuisine and its wines. Lascaux’s ancient cave drawings, Lyon’s Roman theater and the immense Palace of Versailles are testaments to its long history.
TEFL Jobs in Germany: Germany is an excellent place to teach English although in places such as Berlin there are many, many other native speakers who drive the prices down somewhat. Business English and English for a Specific Purpose classes pay the most and experienced teachers with initiative and focus can, with effort, find pleasant working conditions and a decent salary. Outside of work you will be in one of the most incredible nations on the planet when it comes to culture. Expect fascinating, intellectual conversations with people on a daily basis. Geography: Germany is a Western European country with a terrain of vast forests, rivers and mountain ranges, and 2 millennia of history. Berlin, its capital, is home to thriving art and nightlife scenes, iconic Brandenburg Gate and many sites relating to WWII. Munich is known for its Oktoberfest and cavernous beer halls, including 16th-century Hofbräuhaus. Frankfurt, with its skyscrapers, houses the European Central Bank.
TEFL Jobs in Greece: What better place to go to teach than the land that gave us Socrates, Plato and Aristotle? When combined with the wonderful people, culture, cuisine and weather it can seem like the perfect destination. In many ways it is, but salaries are not huge and opportunities for professional development are fairly slim. A new law requiring all teachers to pass a Greek language exam has made things rather more difficult but this could be overturned at any moment by the EU. TEFL teachers in Greece have mixed experiences when it comes to dealing with employers of language centres. Needless to say, it pays to do your research before signing anything. Geography: Greece is a country in southeastern Europe consisting of 2 mainland peninsulas and thousands of islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas. It's often called the birthplace of Western civilization, and Athens, its capital, retains ancient landmarks including the 5th-century-B.C.E. Acropolis citadel and Parthenon temple. Greece is also known for its beaches, from the black sands of Santorini to the party resorts of Mykonos.
TEFL Jobs in Hungary: Budapest used to be a great place to teach English. Unfortunately the demand has declined over the last few years and it is becoming harder to find employment on anything other than a freelance basis. However, few vacancies are advertised so if you are intent on working in Hungary then you will certainly find work, even if the working conditions and pay are not quite what you had hoped for. Hungary is full of wonderful architecture, art and music so culture vultures will feel very much at home here. Geography: Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe. Its capital, Budapest, is bisected by the Danube River and famed for its dramatic cityscape studded with architectural landmarks from Buda’s medieval Castle Hill and the grand neoclassical buildings along Pest’s Andrássy Avenue to the 19th-century Chain Bridge. The country has a long, rich history, and its culture reflects Roman, Turkish, Slavic and Magyar influences.
TEFL Jobs in Ibiza: Very popular as a TEFL destination, especially with Brits looking for a less stressful lifestyle, Ibiza is actually a very mixed bag. However, most teachers speak of great weather, lovely beaches, nice people and a reasonable salary. One of the smallest Balearic Islands, Ibiza is home to a rich culture which takes the best from Spain and blends it with its own unique Balearic way of life. Inland you can enjoy lushly vegetated landscapes, whilst along the coast you can explore endless sun-drenched beaches. What more could you ask for? The salary for English Teachers is fairly high but keep in mind that living in Ibiza comes along with higher living expenses as well - it is advisable to look out for schools who provide Teachers with free housing or accommodation.
TEFL Jobs in Iceland: The level of English is very high in Iceland so there is not a great demand for English tuition from the local population. However, limited opportunities to teach Advanced and Business English classes do exist in Reykjavik and these are popular with foreigners working in Iceland. Salaries are relatively low although it can be very lucrative for EU nationals to open up their own language schools if they wish to make Iceland a long-term home. If you are able to find work then Iceland is a delightful country to explore. Geography: Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is defined by its dramatic volcanic landscape of geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, glaciers and black-sand beaches. The capital, Reykjavik, home to the majority of the population, runs on geothermal power and offers a renowned nightlife scene as well as Viking history museums. The glaciers in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsnes national parks are popular for ice climbing, hiking and snowmobiling.
TEFL Jobs in Italy: There is high demand for English tuition in Italy. As one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, and boasting some of the world’s finest cuisine, it is a popular destination for TEFL teachers. Be warned that you will not become rich teaching English here and may need to take on more than one job to pay the high city rents and taxes. As usual in Western Europe, it is much easier for English-speaking EU nationals (i.e British and Irish) to find work due to European bureaucracy. Geography: Italy, commanding a long Mediterranean coastline, has left a powerful mark on Western culture and cuisine. Its capital, Rome, is home to the Vatican as well as landmark art and ancient ruins. Other major cities include Florence, with Renaissance treasures such as Michelangelo’s "David" and its leather and paper artisans; Venice, the sinking city of canals; and Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.
TEFL Jobs in Malta: Despite English being one of Malta’s two official languages there is still considerable demand for English tuition from native speakers. Like the islands of Greece, Malta offers a relaxed pace of life and gorgeous scenery and weather. You are supposed to apply for jobs well in advance and then obtain the work permit but in reality it is much easier to find work if you are already in Malta (and are from the UK or Ireland). Most TEFL jobs offer an hourly rate of pay so it is important to negotiate for as many benefits as possible before you sign contracts. You should also remember to take your original TEFL and CELTA certificates with you. Geography: Malta, an archipelago in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast, is a nation known for historic sites related to a succession of rulers including the Romans, Moors, Knights of St. John, French and British. It has numerous fortresses, megalithic temples and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a subterranean complex of halls and burial chambers dating to 3600 B.C.E.
TEFL Jobs in Mallorca: Very popular as a TEFL destination, especially with Brits looking for a less stressful lifestyle, Mallorca is actually a very mixed bag. However, most teachers speak of great weather, lovely beaches, nice people and a reasonable salary. The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is a perfect holiday destination. The islands has become more popular among English Teachers in recent years due to the high demand for locals with conversational skills in the English language. Packed with a wealth of activities to enjoy and places to explore. When you arrive, pick up a car at the airport – it’s an easy 40-minute drive to the north, with the mountains along the west coast providing a stunning backdrop. You’ll then have the freedom to explore the island as and when you wish. The capital city of Palma offers visitors plenty of historic and cultural attractions.
TEFL Jobs in the Netherlands: The level of English is very high in the Netherlands so there is not a great demand for English tuition from the local population. However, limited opportunities to teach Advanced and Business English classes do exist in The Hague and Amsterdam and these are popular with foreigners working in the Netherlands. Salaries are relatively low when compared to living costs although it can be very lucrative for EU nationals to open up their own language schools if they wish to make Holland a long-term home. If you are able to find work then it is a delightful country to explore. Geography: The Netherlands, a country in northwestern Europe, is known for its flat landscape, canals, tulip fields, windmills and cycling routes. Amsterdam, the capital, is home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, the house where Jewish diarist Anne Frank hid during WWII and a red light district. Canalside mansions and a trove of works from artists including Rembrandt and Vermeer remain from the 17th-century "Golden Age".
TEFL Jobs in Norway: Despite the generally excellent English language skills of the Norwegian people there is still some demand for tuition in the land of the midnight sun. This demand is usually created by foreign workers needing to learn English for a Specific Purpose (medical, finance, etc.) and Business English tuition. Geography: Norway is a Scandinavian country encompassing mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. Oslo, the capital, is a city of green spaces and museums. Preserved 9th-century Viking ships are displayed at Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum. Bergen, with colorful wooden houses, is the starting point for cruises to the dramatic Sognefjord. Norway is also known for fishing, hiking and skiing, notably at Lillehammer’s Olympic resort.
TEFL Jobs in Poland: Poland is an increasingly popular TEFL destination for first-time teachers. Students tend to be attentive and eager to learn as English can vastly improve their career prospects. There are many, many vacancies for native speakers so finding a decent position even without experience should not be difficult at all. As may be expected, it is much easier for EU nationals to find jobs because of European bureaucracy. Geography: Poland is an eastern European country on the Baltic Sea known for its medieval architecture, Jewish heritage and hearty cuisine. In the city of Krakow, 14th-century Wawel Castle rises above the medieval Old Town, home to Cloth Hall, a Renaissance trading post in Rynek Glówny (market square). Nearby is the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp memorial, and Wieliczka Salt Mine, with tunnels to explore.
TEFL Jobs in Portugal: There is high demand for English tuition in Portugal even though the language is spoken to a high level by many citizens. As one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, with great weather and fabulous beaches, it is a popular destination for TEFL teachers. Be warned that you will not become rich teaching English here and may need to take on more than one job to pay for the rising cost of living. As usual in Western Europe, it is much easier for English-speaking EU nationals (i.e British and Irish) to find work due to European bureaucracy. Geography: Portugal is a southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. Its oceanside location influences many aspects of its culture – salt cod and grilled sardines are national dishes, the Algarve's beaches are a major tourist destination and much of the nation’s architecture dates to the 1500s-1800s, when Portugal had a maritime empire/ As usual in Western Europe, it is much easier for English-speaking EU nationals (i.e British and Irish) to find work due to European bureaucracy.
TEFL Jobs in Romania: Romania is one of the most pleasant countries in Eastern Europe, with great natural beauty including the famous Transylvania region. Unfortunately, TEFL salaries are not very high and living costs are surprisingly high. You may need to share accommodation with another teacher. As per usual, it is difficult for non-EU nationals to find work here due to legal regulations (unless they happen to be married to a local person!) However, there is growing demand for classes with native speakers. Geography: Romania is a central European country known for the forested region of Transylvania, preserved medieval towns such as Sighişoara and many fortified churches and castles, notably clifftop Bran Castle, long associated with the Dracula legend. The area is ringed by the Carpathian Mountains, which are popular for trekking, climbing, skiing and bathing in natural thermal spas.
TEFL Jobs in Spain: Very popular as a TEFL destination, especially with Brits looking for a less stressful lifestyle, Spain is actually a very mixed bag. Some teachers speak of great weather, lovely beaches, nice people and a reasonable salary. Others complain of exploitation by language schools, atrocious wages, hopelessly disorganized employers and nationalism. Therefore you need to be really careful which company you decide to work for. Whatever you do, you are not likely to have much spare cash at the end of the month and for anyone wishing to stay for a long period it would be a much better idea to set up your own language centre. Needless to say, this takes time and contacts and is only really applicable to EU citizens or those married to Spaniards. The capital, Madrid, is home to the Royal Palace and singular Prado museum, housing works by European masters, and Segovia to the north has a fairy-tale medieval castle and Roman aqueduct. Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona, is defined by Antoni Gaudí’s quirky modernist architecture, including the Sagrada Família basilica.
TEFL Jobs in Sweden: Despite the generally excellent English language skills of the Swedish people there is still some demand for tuition in the land of the midnight sun. This demand is usually created by foreign workers needing to learn English for a Specific Purpose (medical, finance, etc.) and Business English tuition. Very few opportunities are advertised online so you will probably have to start your search once you have arrived. This makes it very difficult for those who do not hold an EU passport (unless they already have the essential contacts in Sweden). Note that salaries are relatively low when compared to the high living costs. Geography: Sweden is a Scandinavian nation of thousands of coastal islands, inland lakes, forests and mountains. Its principal cities, eastern capital Stockholm and southwestern Gothenburg and Malmö, are all on the sea. Stockholm is home to royal palaces, parkland and museums such as open-air Skansen. Its 13th-century old town, Gamla Stan, is set on islands joined by bridges and ferries.
TEFL Jobs in Switzerland: Switzerland is one of the most delightful countries in Europe with stunning landscapes and a pleasant, orderly urban environment. TEFL salaries are high but so are living costs. However, an excellent standard of living is possible for native English speakers. As per usual, it is difficult for non-EU nationals to find work here due to legal regulations (unless they happen to be married to a Swiss national) There is considerable demand for Business English classes with native speakers. Geography: Switzerland is a mountainous Central European country, home to numerous lakes, villages and the high peaks of the Alps. Old Towns within its cities contain medieval landmarks like capital Bern’s Zytglogge clock tower and Cathedral of Bern. The country is also a destination for its ski resorts and hiking trails. Banking and finance are key industries, and Swiss watches and chocolate are renowned.
