Other Europe

Europe has been a popular destination for EFL teachers for many years, with countries such as France, Germany, Spain and Italy having long established markets in the TEFL industry. In more recent years, other countries such as the Czech Republic and Poland have also seen significant growth in various sectors such as business English and teaching young learners. Outside of these more well known areas, Europe has several other countries with growing demand for English language teachers. The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, as well as some Eastern European countries such as Hungary, Slovakia and Bulgaria are all worth considering.

How to Find a TEFL Job in Europe

There are many different options when looking for TEFL work in the European region. Some countries operate an English language program within their state school system which is often a good source of employment opportunities. However, the majority of jobs are normally based in private language schools that can generally be found in most major towns and cities in the region. You will also find a limited number of jobs on offer in colleges and universities; however, while these jobs will usually offer the best salaries, they will also generally require a high level of academic qualifications and previous experience.

Questions to Ask Employers

If you are offered a teaching position that you are interested in, you should make sure that you are clear on a few important issues before you accept the job or sign a contract. Firstly, you should make sure that you have precise details regarding your pay scale, the amount of hours you will be expected to work, as well as any benefits you are entitled to such as travel expenses, health care or housing support. It is also a good idea to know what equipment and materials you will have access to when planning and carrying out your lessons. Finally, you should also enquire about the need for work permits or visas and whether the employer will help with the organisation and expense of any official paperwork you may require.

Job Expectations in Europe

Teachers from outside of the European Union might find it difficult to find work in some countries in the region due to immigration restrictions and working regulations. Before deciding on a destination within Europe it is advisable to thoroughly research your visa options as restrictions vary from country to country.