Teaching in Europe

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Teaching in Europe

Europe is often overlooked by new TEFL teachers, but it remains one of the strongest TEFL markets in the world. Its close proximity to the UK makes it an attractive option for those looking to stay closer to home while still immersing themselves in a new culture.

English teachers earn a comfortable wage in most European countries.

The teaching English market in Europe is one of the most developed in the world. With strong cultural and business ties to the English-speaking world, learning English is taken very seriously in Europe. Children tend to start learning English from a very young age, however there remains a large market in teaching English to adults in many European countries.

The main hiring season starts at the end of summer in preparation for September term time. Interviewing is often carried out closer to the beginning of terms than many other regions. There is a secondary hiring season after Christmas in January.

English teachers earn a comfortable wage in most European countries. Europe can be a good choice for newly qualified TEFL teachers from the UK, as you will always feel close to home and there are significant cultural similarities.

Teaching requirements by country

Country Degree Requirement Typical Contract Length Peak Hiring Seasons Visa Info Typical Students Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency
Austria
 BA/BS required 6 - 12 months October - June EU citizenship or work visa Business professionals, children 1,100 - 2,800 EUR (930 - 2,350 GBP) 1,100 - 2,800 EUR (930 - 2,350 GBP)
Belgium
 BA/BS required 12 months September/October and January EU citizenship or work visa Business professionals, children 1,500 - 2,000 EUR (1,555 - 1,670 GBP) 1,500 - 2,000 EUR (1,555 - 1,670 GBP)
Croatia
 BA/ BS degree required 12 – 24 months year-round work visa unless EU national children, adults 3 500 – 5 000 HKR (400 – 570 GBP) 8 000 – 10 000 HKR (920 – 1 100 GBP)
Czech Republic
 BA/BS required 6 – 12 months August, September and January, February Work permit or EU passport Students, professionals CZK 8000 – CZK 15 000 (£210 – £ 400) CZK 20 000 – CZK 30 000 (£530 – £ 800)
Finland
 BA/BS required 6 – 12 months August, December Residence permit based on employment or EU passport Students, professionals EUR 1 200 – EUR 1 500 (£865 – £1 000) EUR 1 200 – EUR 2 500 (£865 – £1 800)
France
 BA/BS required 9 – 12 months September and January EU citizenship or work visa Business professionals, children 1,000 – 1,700 EUR (837 - 1,423 GBP) 1,295 – 2,000 EUR (1,100 - 1,675 GBP)
Georgia
 BA/BS required 3 – 12 months August, January Tourist visa Children, adults GEL 450 – GEL 1 800 (£135 – £550) GEL 670 – GEL 4 500 (£200 – £1 400)
Germany
 BA/BS required 12 months January - December EU citizenship or work visa Business professionals, children 1,100 – 2,500 EUR (920 - 2,093 GBP) 1,100 – 2,800 EUR (920 - 2,345 GBP)
Greece
 Not required 6- 12 Months September & January EU citizenship or work visa Business professionals, children 1,000 – 1,500 EUR (833 - 1,250 GBP) 1,000 – 1,500 EUR (833 - 1,250 GBP)
Hungary
 BA/BS required 12 months All year round Work visa in advance Business professionals, children 150,000 – 250,000 HUF (420 - 700 GBP) 150,000 – 250,000 HUF (420 - 700 GBP)
Ireland
 BA/ BS degree preferred variable year-round work permit, unless you are an EU citizen adults, students 1 200 – 1 500 EUR (1 000 – 1 300 GBP) 20 EUR/hour (17 GBP/hour
Italy
 BA/BS required 9 - 12 months September and January EU citizenship or work visa Business professionals, children 800-1,500 EUR (670 -1,255 GBP) 800-1,500 EUR (670 - 1,255 GBP)
Netherlands
 BA/BS required 9 – 12 months August, December Work permit or EU passport Children, students, adults EUR 1200 – EUR 1400 (£850 – £1000) EUR 1600 – EUR 2100 (£1150 – £1500)
Norway
 BA/BS required 6 – 12 months September to December Work permit for non-EU passports Students, professionals NOK 20 000 – NOK 30 000 (£1 700 – £2 600) NOK 25 000 – NOK 30 000 (£2 100 – £ 2 600)
Poland
 Not required 9 - 12 Months October and January EU citizenship or working visa Business professionals 700 – 1,400 EUR (586 - 1,170 GBP) 700 – 1,400 EUR (586 - 1,170 GBP)
Portugal
 BA/BS required 9 - 12 Months September - June EU citizenship or working visa Business professionals, children 700 – 1,400 EUR (586 - 1,170 GBP) 700 – 1,400 EUR (586 - 1,170 GBP)
Romania
 Not required 9 - 12 Months September - June EU citizenship or tourist visa convert to work visa Business professionals, children 1,100 – 2,200 RON (205 - 410 GBP) 1,100 – 2,200 RON (205 - 410 GBP)
Russia
 Not required 9 - 12 Months September - June Work visa Business professionals, children 20,000 – 33,000 RUB (370 - 612 GBP) 20,000 – 33,000 RUB (370 - 612 GBP)
Slovakia
 Not required 6 - 12 Months June and September EU citizenship or tourist visa convert to work visa Business professionals, children 460 – 915 EUR (400 - 795 GBP) 460 – 915 EUR (400 - 795 GBP)
Spain
 Not required 6 - 12 Months September - October EU Citizenship or work visa Business professionals, children 1,000 – 1,500 EUR (833 - 1,250 GBP) 1,000 – 1,500 EUR (833 - 1,250 GBP)
Sweden
 BA/BS required 9 Months July, August Work visa/ EU passport Adults, professionals SEK 10 000 – SEK 20 000 (£775 – £1 500) SEK 18 500 – SEK 23 000 (£1 400 – £1 800)
Switzerland
 BA/BS required 6 – 12 months September, January B visa Students, adults CHF 2 000 – CHF 2 500 (£1 400 – £1 700) CHF2 300 – CHF 4 000 (£1 600 – £2 800)
Turkey
 Not required 6 - 12 Months Year-round language schools, September - public and private schools Work visa Business professionals, children 3,390 – 5,085 TRY (500 - 750 GBP) 5.085 – 12,205 TRY (750 - 1,800 GBP)
Turkey
 Not required 6 - 12 Months Year-round language schools, September - public and private schools Work visa Business professionals, children 3,390 – 5,085 TRY (500 - 750 GBP) 5.085 – 12,205 TRY (750 - 1,800 GBP)
UK
 BA/BS required 3 - 12 Months April - May, summer holidays EU Citizenship or work visa Business professionals, children 720 – 1,400 GBP 1,500 - 2,500 GBP
Argentina
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6 - 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
January - September
Visa Info:
Tourist visa convert to work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
3,600 - 6,100 ARS (370 GBP - 630 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
3,600 - 6,100 ARS (370 GBP - 630 GBP)
Bhutan
Degree Requirement:
BA/ BS/BEd degree preferred but not required
Typical Contract Length:
12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
December, January and May, June
Visa Info:
work visa
Typical Students:
children, adults, monks
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
10 000 – 15 000 BTN (120 – 180 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
approx. 20 000 – 30 000 BTN (240 – 360 GBP)
Bolivia
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
1 - 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
January - February and June - July
Visa Info:
Tourist visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
2,780 - 4,174 BOB (250 - 375 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
2,780 - 4,174 BOB (250 - 375 GBP)
Brazil
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
1 - 6 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
March - August
Visa Info:
Tourist visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,850 - 3,555 BRL (250 - 375 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,850 - 3,555 BRL (250 - 375 GBP)
Cambodia
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6-12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
All year round
Visa Info:
Tourist visa convert to work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,973,453 - 4,473,160 KHR (300 - 680 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
2,861,507 - 4,473,160 KHR (435 - 680 GBP)
Colombia
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6 - 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
March - August
Visa Info:
Work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
958,962 - 1,342,550 COP (310 - 435 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,342,550 - 1,917,000 COP (435 - 620 GBP)
Costa Rica
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6 - 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
October - December
Visa Info:
Tourist visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
240,000 - 400,000 CRC (300 - 500 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
252,000 - 544,400 CRC (315 - 680 GBP)
Ecuador
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6 - 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
February - March and July - August
Visa Info:
Tourist visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
400 - 700 USD (250 - 435 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
400 - 800 USD (250 - 496 GBP)
Egypt
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
3 - 24 Months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
May -August, all year round
Visa Info:
Tourist visa convert to work visa or work visa in advance.
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
3,370 – 7,860 EGP (300 – 700 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
5,500 – 12,350 EGP (490 – 1,100 GBP)
Greece
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6- 12 Months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
September & January
Visa Info:
EU citizenship or work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,000 – 1,500 EUR (833 - 1,250 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,000 – 1,500 EUR (833 - 1,250 GBP)
India
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6 – 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
Year-round
Visa Info:
Work permit
Typical Students:
Students, professionals
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
36 000 INR – 55 000 INR (£100 – £ 600)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
32 000 INR – 59 000 INR (£ 350 – £680)
Indonesia
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
All year round
Visa Info:
Work visa in advance
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
6,000,000 - 9,000,000 IDR (350 - 500 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
10,000,000 - 13,500,000 IDR (550 - 750 GBP)
Jordan
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6 - 12 Months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
July - August, all year round
Visa Info:
Tourist visa convert to work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
695 – 930 JOD (600 – 800 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
695 – 930 JOD (600 – 800 GBP)
Lebanon
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6- 12 Months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
All year round
Visa Info:
Tourist visa convert to work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
775 – 1,550 LBP (315 – 630 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
775 – 1,550 LBP (315 – 630 GBP)
Madagascar
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
9 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
Year-round
Visa Info:
Work visa
Typical Students:
Children,adults
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
MGA 1 800 000 – MGA 2 500 000 (£400 – £ 550)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
MGA 2 500 000 – MGA 3 700 000 (£ 550 – £ 814)
Mexico
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6 – 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
May - August
Visa Info:
Work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
3,870 - 9,100 MXP (185 - 435 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
5,230 - 19,460 MXP (250 - 930 GBP)
Morocco
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6- 12 Months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
All year round
Visa Info:
Tourist visa convert to work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
4,000 - 10,000 MAD (295 – 740 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
4,000 - 10,000 MAD (295 – 740 GBP)
New Zealand
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
Monthly
Peak Hiring Seasons:
January, June, November
Visa Info:
Working Holiday visa
Typical Students:
Students, professionals
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
NZD 1300 – NZD 1550 (£1000 – £1500)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
NZD 3350 – NZD 5000 (£1665 – £2500)
Panama
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6 - 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
March - August
Visa Info:
Tourist visa or work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
700 - 1,000 PAB (185 - 620 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
800 - 2,500 PAB (250 - 1,460 GBP)
Paraguay
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6 – 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
March
Visa Info:
Work permit
Typical Students:
Students
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
PYG 7 500 000 – PYG 10 000 000 (£1 100 – £ 1 400)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
PYG 5 000 000 – PYG 10 000 000 (£ 670 – £ 1 340)
Peru
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6 - 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
All year round
Visa Info:
Tourist visa or work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
800-1,500 PEN (175 - 330GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,120-2,240 PEN (250 - 495 GBP)
Poland
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
9 - 12 Months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
October and January
Visa Info:
EU citizenship or working visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
700 – 1,400 EUR (586 - 1,170 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
700 – 1,400 EUR (586 - 1,170 GBP)
Romania
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
9 - 12 Months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
September - June
Visa Info:
EU citizenship or tourist visa convert to work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,100 – 2,200 RON (205 - 410 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,100 – 2,200 RON (205 - 410 GBP)
Russia
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
9 - 12 Months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
September - June
Visa Info:
Work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
20,000 – 33,000 RUB (370 - 612 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
20,000 – 33,000 RUB (370 - 612 GBP)
Slovakia
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6 - 12 Months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
June and September
Visa Info:
EU citizenship or tourist visa convert to work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
460 – 915 EUR (400 - 795 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
460 – 915 EUR (400 - 795 GBP)
South Africa
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
Monthly
Peak Hiring Seasons:
Year-round, especially October
Visa Info:
Work permit
Typical Students:
University students, professionals
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
approx. R7 500 – R8 500 (£415 – £480)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
approx. R10 000 – R12 000 (£550 – £680)
Spain
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6 - 12 Months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
September - October
Visa Info:
EU Citizenship or work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,000 – 1,500 EUR (833 - 1,250 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,000 – 1,500 EUR (833 - 1,250 GBP)
Sri Lanka
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
12 Months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
Year-round
Visa Info:
Work permit
Typical Students:
Children,adults
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
50 000 LKR – 80 000 LKR (£250 – £400)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
25 000LKR – 50 000LKR (£130 – £260)
Turkey
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6 - 12 Months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
Year-round language schools, September - public and private schools
Visa Info:
Work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
3,390 – 5,085 TRY (500 - 750 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
5.085 – 12,205 TRY (750 - 1,800 GBP)
Turkey
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6 - 12 Months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
Year-round language schools, September - public and private schools
Visa Info:
Work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
3,390 – 5,085 TRY (500 - 750 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
5.085 – 12,205 TRY (750 - 1,800 GBP)
Uruguay
Degree Requirement:
Not required
Typical Contract Length:
6 - 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
March - August
Visa Info:
Work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
6,230 - 10,435 UYU (185 - 310 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
6,230 - 10,435 UYU (185 - 310 GBP)

Please note the information provided above is given as a general guide only. Information and currency conversions were correct at the time of publication, but they may change at any time.

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