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
Austria
Degree Requirement:
BA/BS required
Typical Contract Length:
6 - 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
October - June
Visa Info:
EU citizenship or work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,100 - 2,800 EUR (930 - 2,350 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,100 - 2,800 EUR (930 - 2,350 GBP)
Belgium
Degree Requirement:
BA/BS required
Typical Contract Length:
12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
September/October and January
Visa Info:
EU citizenship or work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,500 - 2,000 EUR (1,555 - 1,670 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,500 - 2,000 EUR (1,555 - 1,670 GBP)
Croatia
Degree Requirement:
BA/ BS degree required
Typical Contract Length:
12 – 24 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
year-round
Visa Info:
work visa unless EU national
Typical Students:
children, adults
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
3 500 – 5 000 HKR (400 – 570 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
8 000 – 10 000 HKR (920 – 1 100 GBP)
Czech Republic
Degree Requirement:
BA/BS required
Typical Contract Length:
6 – 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
August, September and January, February
Visa Info:
Work permit or EU passport
Typical Students:
Students, professionals
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
CZK 8000 – CZK 15 000 (£210 – £ 400)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
CZK 20 000 – CZK 30 000 (£530 – £ 800)
Finland
Degree Requirement:
BA/BS required
Typical Contract Length:
6 – 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
August, December
Visa Info:
Residence permit based on employment or EU passport
Typical Students:
Students, professionals
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
EUR 1 200 – EUR 1 500 (£865 – £1 000)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
EUR 1 200 – EUR 2 500 (£865 – £1 800)
France
Degree Requirement:
BA/BS required
Typical Contract Length:
9 – 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
September and January
Visa Info:
EU citizenship or work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,000 – 1,700 EUR (837 - 1,423 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,295 – 2,000 EUR (1,100 - 1,675 GBP)
Georgia
Degree Requirement:
BA/BS required
Typical Contract Length:
3 – 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
August, January
Visa Info:
Tourist visa
Typical Students:
Children, adults
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
GEL 450 – GEL 1 800 (£135 – £550)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
GEL 670 – GEL 4 500 (£200 – £1 400)
Germany
Degree Requirement:
BA/BS required
Typical Contract Length:
12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
January - December
Visa Info:
EU citizenship or work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,100 – 2,500 EUR (920 - 2,093 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,100 – 2,800 EUR (920 - 2,345 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)
Hungary
Degree Requirement:
BA/BS 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:
150,000 – 250,000 HUF (420 - 700 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
150,000 – 250,000 HUF (420 - 700 GBP)
Ireland
Degree Requirement:
BA/ BS degree preferred
Typical Contract Length:
variable
Peak Hiring Seasons:
year-round
Visa Info:
work permit, unless you are an EU citizen
Typical Students:
adults, students
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1 200 – 1 500 EUR (1 000 – 1 300 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
20 EUR/hour (17 GBP/hour
Italy
Degree Requirement:
BA/BS required
Typical Contract Length:
9 - 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
September and January
Visa Info:
EU citizenship or work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
800-1,500 EUR (670 -1,255 GBP)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
800-1,500 EUR (670 - 1,255 GBP)
Netherlands
Degree Requirement:
BA/BS required
Typical Contract Length:
9 – 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
August, December
Visa Info:
Work permit or EU passport
Typical Students:
Children, students, adults
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
EUR 1200 – EUR 1400 (£850 – £1000)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
EUR 1600 – EUR 2100 (£1150 – £1500)
Norway
Degree Requirement:
BA/BS required
Typical Contract Length:
6 – 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
September to December
Visa Info:
Work permit for non-EU passports
Typical Students:
Students, professionals
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
NOK 20 000 – NOK 30 000 (£1 700 – £2 600)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
NOK 25 000 – NOK 30 000 (£2 100 – £ 2 600)
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)
Portugal
Degree Requirement:
BA/BS required
Typical Contract Length:
9 - 12 Months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
September - June
Visa Info:
EU citizenship or working visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
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)
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)
Sweden
Degree Requirement:
BA/BS required
Typical Contract Length:
9 Months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
July, August
Visa Info:
Work visa/ EU passport
Typical Students:
Adults, professionals
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
SEK 10 000 – SEK 20 000 (£775 – £1 500)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
SEK 18 500 – SEK 23 000 (£1 400 – £1 800)
Switzerland
Degree Requirement:
BA/BS required
Typical Contract Length:
6 – 12 months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
September, January
Visa Info:
B visa
Typical Students:
Students, adults
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
CHF 2 000 – CHF 2 500 (£1 400 – £1 700)
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
CHF2 300 – CHF 4 000 (£1 600 – £2 800)
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)
UK
Degree Requirement:
BA/BS required
Typical Contract Length:
3 - 12 Months
Peak Hiring Seasons:
April - May, summer holidays
Visa Info:
EU Citizenship or work visa
Typical Students:
Business professionals, children
Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency:
720 – 1,400 GBP
Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency:
1,500 - 2,500 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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