Being the largest island on the face of the earth, it may surprise some people to learn that Greenland has an incredibly small number of schools. However, when you consider the fact that this vast country is home to a population of only 56,480 people, things become clear. It is due to this lack of both schools and people that finding TEFL jobs in Greenland may prove difficult.

It is essential, therefore, that should a much sought-after position become available, you know a little bit about your destination and the teaching opportunities which it offers before applying. Read More

Being the largest island on the face of the earth, it may surprise some people to learn that Greenland has an incredibly small number of schools. However, when you consider the fact that this vast country is home to a population of only 56,480 people, things become clear. It is due to this lack of both schools and people that finding TEFL jobs in Greenland may prove difficult.

It is essential, therefore, that should a much sought-after position become available, you know a little bit about your destination and the teaching opportunities which it offers before applying.

An autonomous country of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland’s location, closer to Canada than to its ancestral European connections, make it a fascinating opportunity for any adventurous teacher. The mostly bilingual population speak Greenlandic and Danish, with Kalaallisut (the Inuit word for Greenlandic) its only official language; factors that could make communication difficult were it not for the fact that English is taught from the first of the ten compulsory academic years.

There are no official English academies or international schools in Greenland, and the idea of teaching private lessons to the often isolated houses is infeasible due to the great distances. Applying to one of the local schools is therefore the only way to find teaching work.

The schools in Greenland really only look for TEFL teachers with a degree or an equivalent qualification which highlights a candidate’s serious attitude to the role offered. Candidates with a more in-depth TEFL qualification will normally be preferred, though it is always worth applying if you feel you have relevant ESL experience or applicable skills.

Having secured a TEFL job you can expect a well-paid, stable and organised position. An ESL teacher will usually work alongside the English language teacher, assisting classes, helping with pronunciation and overseeing English-based projects through the year. Resources are modern and plentiful, while students will generally be enthusiastic to learn a language which they may require to secure a higher level of education within a European university.

The red tape involved in living and working in Greenland is relatively easy to resolve. As Greenland is still considered part of Denmark it is simple for a citizen of the European Union to gain access. You will be obliged to inform the police of your intention to stay and will then be presented with the official documents allowing you to pay tax, receive health care and rent accommodation. Such accommodation may not, however, be easy to find, and it would be worth checking possible places to stay before deciding anything definite. Schools may well be able to suggest rooms to rent with other ESL teachers or local citizens. Yet with such a low population it is certainly a good idea to organise this in advance.

For an ESL teacher looking to find useful and relevant experience of a full-time classroom environment, a TEFL job in one of Greenland’s state schools could be the perfect opportunity. Surrounded by amazing scenery, experiencing diverse languages and working alongside full-fledged teachers, this truly could be a beneficial TEFL placement.