Europe TEFL Job Markets

With the emergence of the European Union (EU), the use of English as a common language for business and education is now essential. The majority of the hiring in Western Europe is conducted locally and face-to-face, and most teachers begin working immediately after they’re hired. Interviewing in advance is more common in Central/Eastern Europe. Most jobs are teaching adults in private language schools, but the market for teaching young learners is growing.

The following information represents typical experiences for teachers but of course varies. Always carefully review contract details for any position and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.

Austria

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS required
• Typical Contract Length: 10 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: September and January
• Interview Procedure: Face-to-face in Austria
• Visa: EU Citizenship
• Typical Students: Business professionals
• Housing: Not included
• Reimbursed Airfare: No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency): $2,550 - 3,800 USD (2,300 – 3,400 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $1,700 – 2,500 (1,500 - 2,200 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $1,800 – 2,500 (1,600 - 2,200 Euro)

Belgium

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS required
• Typical Contract Length: 10 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: September and January
• Interview Procedure: Face-to-face in Belgium
• Visa: EU Citizenship
• Typical Students: Business professionals
• Housing: Not included
• Reimbursed Airfare: No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency): $2,250 - 3,000 (2,000 – 2,800 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $1,500 – 2,000 (1,300 - 1,800 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $1,500 – 2,000 (1,300 - 1,800 Euro)

Bulgaria

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS preferred, not required
• Typical Contract Length: 9 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: September & January
• Interview Procedure: Phone/Skype in advance or face-to-face in Bulgaria
• Visa: EU Citizenship
• Typical Students: Business professionals, children
• Housing: Not included
• Reimbursed Airfare: No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency): $1,000 - 1,450 (1,700 – 2,500 BGN)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $650 - 950 USD (1,150 - 1,650 BGN)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $650 - 950 USD (1,150 - 1,650 BGN)

Croatia

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS required
• Typical Contract Length: 10 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: September and January
• Interview Procedure: Face-to-face in Croatia
• Visa: EU Citizenship
• Typical Students: Business professionals, children
• Housing: Not included
• Reimbursed Airfare: No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency): $1,350 - 2,000 (9,000 – 13,100 HRK)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $900 - 1,300 (6,000 - 8,400 HRK)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $900 - 1,300 (6,000 - 8,400 HRK)

Czech Republic

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS required
• Typical Contract Length: 10 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: September and January
• Interview Procedure: Mostly face-to-face in Czech Republic; some phone/Skype
• Visa: Tourist visa convert to contractor visa or EU Citizenship
• Typical Students: Business professionals, children
• Housing: Not included
• Reimbursed Airfare: No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency): $2,400 – 4,550 (55,000 – 103,000 CZK)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $800 – 1,600 (18,000 - 37,000 CZK)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $1,000 – 1,500 (23,000 - 34,000 CZK)

France

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS required
• Typical Contract Length: 10 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: September and January
• Interview Procedure: Face-to-face in France
• Visa: Student visa, work visa through goverment program, or EU Citizenship
• Typical Students: Business professionals
• Housing: Not included
• Reimbursed Airfare: No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency): $2,100 - 3,500 (1,900 - 3,500 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $1,400 – 2,300 (1,200 - 2,000 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $800 – 1,800 (700 - 1,600 Euro)

Georgia

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS preferred, notrequired
• Typical Contract Length: 6 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: Year round
• Interview Procedure: Phone/skype in advcance or face-to-face in Germany
• Visa: Tourist visa
• Typical Students: Children
• Housing: Included by TLG program
• Reimbursed Airfare: Yes
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency): $300 - 400 (800 - 1,100 GEL)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $220 (600 GEL)
• Avg. Monthly Stipend (USD and local currency): $220 (600 GEL)

Germany

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS preferred, notrequired
• Typical Contract Length: 10 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: September & January
• Interview Procedure: Face-to-face in Germany
• Visa: Tourist visa convert to contractor visa or EU Citizenship
• Typical Students: Business professionals, children
• Housing: Not included
• Reimbursed Airfare: No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency): $3,000 - 4,500 (2,600 – 4,500 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $1,100 - 2,000 (1,000 – 1,800 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $1,000 – 2,200 (900 - 1,950 Euro)

Greece

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS required
• Typical Contract Length: 10 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: September and January
• Interview Procedure: Face-to-face in Greece
• Visa: EU Citizenship
• Typical Students: Business professionals
• Housing: Not included
• Reimbursed Airfare: No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency): $1,200 - 2,000 (1,000 - 2,000 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $800 - 1,100 (700 - 1,000 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $800 - 1,100 (700 - 1,000 Euro)

Hungary

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS required
• Typical Contract Length: 10 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: September and January
• Interview Procedure: Phone/Skype in advance or face-to-face in Hungary
• Visa: Tourist visa convert to work visa or EU Citizenship
• Typical Students: Business professionals, children
• Housing: Not included
• Reimbursed Airfare No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency): $1,050 - 1,450 (265,450 - 366,600 HUF)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $600 - 900 (167,800 - 252,700 HUF)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $600 - 900 (167,800 - 252,700 HUF)

Italy

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS required
• Typical Contract Length: 10 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: September, October and January
• Interview Procedure: Face-to-face in Italy
• Visa: Tourist or student visa or EU Citizenship
• Typical Students: Business professionals
• Housing: Not included
• Reimbursed Airfare: No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency): $1,200 - 2,100 (1,050 - 1,850 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $900 - 1,150 (800 - 1,000 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $900 - 1,500 (800 - 1,300 Euro)

Lithuania

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS required
• Typical Contract Length: 10 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: May and August
• Interview Procedure: Phone/Skype in advance or face-to-face in Lithuania
• Visa: EU Citizenship
• Typical Students: Business professionals, children
• Housing: Not included
• Reimbursed Airfare: No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency): $900 - 1,500 (800 - 1,300 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $500 – 900 (450 – 800 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $500 – 900 (450 – 800 Euro)

Poland

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS preferred, not required
• Typical Contract Length: 9 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: September, October and January
• Interview Procedure: Phone/Skype in advance or face-to-face in Poland
• Visa: Tourist visa convert to work visa or EU Citizenship
• Typical Students: Business professionals
• Housing: Not included
• Reimbursed Airfare: No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency):: $900 - 1,800 (3,450 – 1,800 PLN)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $750 - 1,000 (2,500 - 3,400 PLN)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $750 - 1050 (2,500 - 3,600 PLN)

Portugal

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS required
• Typical Contract Length: 10 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: September and January
• Interview Procedure: Face-to-face in Portugal
• Visa: EU Citizenship
• Typical Students: Business professionals
• Housing: Not included
• Reimbursed Airfare: No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency):: $2,300 - 2,900 (2,000 - 2,900 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $1,300 - 1,700 (1,150 - 1,500 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $1,300 - 1,700 (1,150 - 1,500 Euro)

Romania

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS preferred, not required
• Typical Contract Length: 9 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: September and January
• Interview Procedure: Mostly face-to-face in Romania; some phone/Skype in advance
• Visa: Tourist visa convert to work visa or EU Citizenship
• Typical Students: Business professionals
• Housing: Not included
• Reimbursed Airfare: No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency):: $600 - 1,500 (2,500 – 6,300 RON)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $500 - 800 (2,100 - 3,350 RON)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $300 - 1,000 (1,250 - 4,200 RON)

Russia

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS preferred, not required
• Typical Contract Length: 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: Year-round
• Interview Procedure: Phone/Skype in advance or face-to-face in Russia
• Visa: Work visa
• Typical Students: Business professionals, children
• Housing: Some free housing
• Reimbursed Airfare: Some return flight
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency):: $1,000 - 1,800 (65,500 - 117,800 RUB)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $500 - 1,000 (32,700 – 65,500 RUB)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $500 - 1,400 (32,700 – 91,700 RUB)

Slovakia

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS preferred, not required
• Typical Contract Length: 6 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: September and January
• Interview Procedure: Phone/Skype in advance or face-to-face in Slovakia
• Visa: Tourist visa convert to work visa or EU Citizenship
• Typical Students: Business professionals
• Housing: Not included
• Reimbursed Airfare: No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency):: $1,100 - 1,700 (1,000 - 1,500 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $500 – 800 (450 - 700 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $500 – 800 (450 - 700 Euro)

Slovenia

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS preferred, not required
• Typical Contract Length: 10 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: September and January
• Interview Procedure: Mostly face-to-face in Slovakia, some phone/Skype in advance
• Visa: EU Citizenship, student visa, or youth mobility visa
• Typical Students: Business professionals
• Housing: Not included
• Reimbursed Airfare: No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency):: $1,200 - 1,850 (1,050 - 1,600 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $850 – 1,250 (750 - 1,100 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $850 – 1,250 (750 - 1,100 Euro)

Spain

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS preferred, not required
• Typical Contract Length: 10 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: September - early October; January
• Interview Procedure: Face-to-face in Spain; Skype in advance for government program
• Visa: Student visa or EU Citizenship
• Typical Students: Business professionals, children
• Housing: Not included
• Reimbursed Airfare: No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency):: $1,700 - 2,850 (1,500 - 2,500 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $500 – 1,000 (1,120 - 1,500 Euro)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $800 – 1,500 (700 - 1,300 Euro)

Türkiye

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS required
• Typical Contract Length: 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: Year-round
• Interview Procedure: Phone/Skype in advance or face-to-face in Türkiye
• Visa: Work visa
• Typical Students: Business professionals
• Housing: Some free housing or subsidy
• Reimbursed Airfare: No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency):: $1,100 - 1,800 (5,850 – 9,600 TRY)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $550 - 900 (3,000 - 4,800 TRY)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $550 - 1,150 (3,000 - 6,200 TRY)

Ukraine

• Degree Requirements: BA/BS required
• Typical Contract Length: 10 & 12 months
• Peak Hiring Season: Mostly September; year-round
• Interview Procedure: Phone/Skype in advance or face-to-face in Ukraine
• Visa: Tourist visa or EU Citizenship
• Typical Students: Business professionals, children
• Housing: Some free housing
• Reimbursed Airfare: No
• Est. Start-Up Costs (USD and local currency):: $1,200 - 1,800 (32,425 - 48,650 UAH)
• Avg. Monthly Living Costs (USD and local currency): $600 - 925 (16,000 - 25,000 UAH)
• Avg. Monthly Salary (USD and local currency): $600 - 925 (16,000 - 25,000 UAH)

NOTE:

For the most up-to-date exchange rates check out xe.com.

Start-up costs are estimates in a country for housing, food and expenses until receiving your first paycheck, which is typically 30 days after start of contract.