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Teaching in Europe as an American
Are you American, and looking for a life of teaching English in Europe? Days of classes ending in Venetian gondola rides, walks by the Seine or, depending on your preference, dancing in a Berlin techno club? We’ve got you covered!
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The allure of Europe, whether you’re American or not, is obvious. If you’re into literature, you may see yourself drinking coffee at the same places as Ernest Hemingway or Gertrude Stein in Paris. If you enjoy art, you want to see Arles, you want to see Paris, you want to view the lilypads of Monet’s work, the starry nights of van Gogh’s classics. Into music? No problem - you’ve got composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Liszt from European nations like Austria, Germany and Hungary.
If you’re an American TEFL teacher, then Europe is full of fantastic opportunities. US passports are highly prized by European schools. Your accent - whether it’s Alabaman, Arizonian or from New Jersey - is an attractive trait in an educator. Students from across the continent will be familiar with American culture, and your cultural experiences will make for interesting exchanges and energizing classes.
Thousands of American TEFL teachers are finding work in Europe, so why not you? Let’s explore teaching English in European countries as an American.
Overview
No matter who you are or what your interests are, there’s something for you in Europe. From the very western reaches of Portugal to the Walls of Constantinople, the continent is home to some of the world’s strongest economies, the oldest languages in the world, and endless culture.
For those wishing to teach English abroad, there are plenty of fantastic destinations. English proficiency across mainland Europe is typically high, with EF’s Proficiency Index listing the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Germany, Croatia and Greece all in the top 12 for English proficiency across the world. That means two things; English is commonly taught around Europe, and the standard is often high.
In some cases, that will mean jobs come to the highly qualified only. However, there are loads of entry-level English teaching jobs across Europe for teachers without experience, as well as programs - both privately funded and government-run - which help ESL teachers into fantastic teaching jobs.
Download our teaching English in Europe guide
The most popular countries for Americans to teach English in Europe
Where do Americans typically go to teach English in Europe? We’ve used our expertise and talked to some of our former students to bring you the top destinations. Believe us, though, there are plenty of great landing spots for Americans yearning to start teaching English in Europe!
Spain
When it comes to getting away from the US lifestyle and trying a completely different pace of life, Spain represents something truly special. Those who choose to teach English in Spain find themselves in a nation that is staggeringly culturally diverse, absolutely loves to let loose during festivals, and holds endless intrigue for both natives and visitors.
The great news for American TEFL teachers is that there are a range of teaching programs that will get you working in Spain. If you have a degree, but no teaching experience, Meddeas is a great option, which sends teachers across Spain. The North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP) places American teachers in fantastic locations, via the Spanish Ministry of Education, and you’ll get to study Spanish in an amazing institution! There’s also Conversa Spain, BEDA and more.
The point is that Americans with the requisite enthusiasm and academic heft can find myriad opportunities in Spain. TEFL is popular everywhere, but if you’re looking for that big-city experience then Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia will fit the bill.
What visa do I need?: Really, you have two options here. A student visa will allow you to teach for up to 20 hours a week while you study at a Spanish educational institution. A work visa is another option, typically for US candidates who have been employed by an elite school, or are part of a Cultural Ambassador Program.
What do teachers typically earn per month?: $758 - $1,623 monthly
What qualifications do I need?: A degree is preferred for teaching English in Spain, but is not always essential. Experience isn’t required, depending on the role. A TEFL certificate, with at least 120 hours of training, is essential.
To hear more about teaching English in Spain, listen to our podcast with Matt Mitzel.
Italy
For American TEFL-certified teachers who want to soak up some culture, it doesn’t get much better than Italy. If you’re a fan of ancient ruins, the city of Roma should be your first port of call, where the Circus Maximus and Roman Forum await, along with the skyline-dominating Coliseum. If art and architecture are your thing, Florence and Venice are incredible places to teach, while fashionistas ought to call Milan home.
Italy has high levels of English proficiency, though it tends to be concentrated in smaller cities. Bergamo, Padua and Brescia are where English ability is highest, and ESL teachers can easily find a job teaching English. Teachers with a degree, a high-quality TEFL certification, and - crucially - the right visa shouldn’t have any issue finding teaching jobs, either within Italy’s robust education system or privately. Private language schools are also surprisingly common in Italy, with paid teaching jobs for those willing to put more research in.
Unlike in other countries, going from school-to-school with a CV in hand is a useful tactic in Italy.
What visa do I need?: Your best bet is a student visa while studying Italian part-time. Work visas can be hard to acquire, as it’s costly for employers.
What do teachers typically earn per month?: $1,025 - $1,530
What qualifications do I need?: 120-hour TEFL certification, some previous teaching experience. A bachelor’s degree isn’t always a requirement, but many schools do prefer to hire degree holders.
To hear more about teaching English in Italy, check out our podcast with Cheryl Obal.
Germany
If you’re from a city like New York, LA, Chicago or Washington DC and love the hustle and bustle of a major metropolis, with switched-on residents and lively discussions, Germany is for you. From Hamburg or Dortmund in the West to Berlin and Dresden in the East, Deutschland is a fascinating place to teach, with eager students who love using English for high-spirited debates and increasing their job opportunities.
Talking of job opportunities; Germany is full of ESL jobs. Teaching English in Germany is a constantly popular choice, due to the low entry requirements, the sheer demand for English teachers, and the excellent standard of living. If you like music, efficient public services, the Bundesliga, and underrated cuisine (it’s not all Sauerkraut), you’ll enjoy what Germany has to offer.
If you’re looking for jobs - and of course you are! - the big cities have the best entry-level opportunities. There are language schools aplenty and big businesses hiring English teachers for Business English lessons. If you want to set yourself apart, a certificate in Business English and an understanding of global economics will help.
What visa do I need?: If you’re American, you don’t need a visa to work in Germany. If you want to stay long-term, though, non-EU citizens must obtain a residence permit (Aufenthalstiel), which must be obtained in advance. Ask your local consulate or consult German immigration services online.
What do teachers typically earn per month?: $1,297-$2,162
What qualifications do I need?: 120-hour TEFL certification. Experience and a degree are valuable, but not typically mandatory.
For more on teaching English in Germany as an American, listen to our podcast episode with Anna Crutchfield!
France
As a tourist destination, France ranks extremely highly - it’s one of the most-visited countries in the world. In terms of English proficiency, France does not rate quite as well as most European countries; and 43rd out of all 113 nations, according to EF.An incredible country, packed with cultural history, immense views to behold, and inspiration for creatives around every corner, France truly delivers. Whether you want to be lost in the millions walking the Champs Elysee in Paris, or strolling around Arles or Nice to spark your imagination, France offers an incredible amount. For American teachers, TEFL job opportunities in France are everywhere; kindergartens, private lessons, summer camps, public schools, university positions, and corporate jobs for businesses looking to work with English-speaking clients all need instruction.Like Spain, there are programs for Americans hoping to teach in France. TAPIF is the most popular; the program has 1,500 places for American citizens to “teach in public schools across all regions of metropolitan France and in the overseas departments of France such as French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion”. Here’s everything you need to know about TAPIF.
What visa do I need?: Again, a student visa is the way, so make sure you’re enrolled with a French language school or university unless you’re going to France as part of a program. Working visas only tend to be given to experienced, highly qualified teachers who can demonstrate a willingness to stay in France long-term.
What do teachers typically earn?: $1,082 – $2,164
What qualifications do I need?: 120-hour TEFL certification. Experience and a degree are valuable, but not typically mandatory.
Poland
From the Tatra Mountains to the Baltic Sea, Poland is fascinating. Something an untapped - or, at least, underrated - TEFL destination, English proficiency in Poland is extremely high. EF ranks the country 13th out of 113 nations, with particularly high rates of English ability in Poznan, Lublin and Katowice.
This high proficiency would suggest there are a lot of English teaching jobs in Poland, and that suggestion is correct. Along with availability, Poland has the advantage of decent wages and a low cost of living, meaning that you can explore the country, find a fulfilling job and even save a bit of cash! Many employers also offer free accommodation, which is a huge bonus - teaching English in Europe can be expensive, after all.
Where are there most opportunities? Geographically speaking, the answer is once again “the big cities”. Being a little more specific though, Poland’s emphasis is on school-level English proficiency. Since becoming an EU member in the early 2000s, Poland has placed enormous emphasis on English language ability. English ability is a prerequisite for several careers.
What visa do I need?: You’ll need a work permit and a work visa - it’s best to ensure you have a job offer from an institute that will assist you with this before heading over.
What do teachers typically earn monthly?: $480 - $850
What qualifications do I need?: 120-hour TEFL certification, degree usually required, experience preferred.
Czech Republic
If you’re looking for Medieval castles, some of the most unique culture around, and a fantastic base to explore the rest of mainland Europe, the Czech Republic is the only choice. From Prague’s cosmopolitan charms to the natural beauty of the countryside, mountains and slopes, the Czech Republic caters to all tastes. The country also has a real appetite for English learning, with high levels of proficiency.
Prague is often the first choice, and sometimes the only choice, for most ESL teachers. As wonderful as it is, it would be a terrible shame to miss out on what the rest of the country has to offer. Don't turn your nose up at Czech TEFL jobs in smaller cities, towns and rural outposts; competition for jobs is lower, and you’ll arguably have a more “authentic” Czech experience compared to the capital city.
Business English is big… well, business in the Czech TEFL landscape, but that isn’t to say there aren’t a number of institutions where English is highly valued. From private language academies to jobs for private tutors, the Czech Republic has plenty for the aspirational English teacher who wants to find teaching jobs.
What visa do I need?: Your best choice is to enter with a Tourist Visa, then apply for a Work Visa when you arrive in the Czech Republic.
What do teachers typically earn monthly?: $600 - $1,450
What qualifications do I need?: 120-hour TEFL certification, degree usually required, 2-3 years of experience preferred.
Requirements
While requirements for specific jobs and nations can vary, we do know there are broad trends for TEFL jobs around Europe as a non-EU citizen. For those wishing to teach English in Europe, specifically from America, there are certain parameters. What are they?
Visas
Due to the Schengen Agreement, EU citizens can live and work freely around much of continental Europe. Good for them, but for American citizens, it can be harder to gain access to European nations.
Most European nations will allow American passport holders to stay for 90 days. For longer-term occupancy in a European state, the best bet is initially traveling as a student. This is done through acceptance in a language teaching program, like NALCAP or Meddeas. What’ll happen here is that you’ll be placed in a local educational institution to learn the native language, wherever you are. While you do this, you’re normally able to work up to around 20 hours a week as an English teacher.
As a rule, it’s far better to apply for a work visa or permanent residence through an employer, or at a local Embassy. In both cases, you’ll get real help with the troublesome paperwork.
TEFL certification
To have any real hope of landing a TEFL job in Europe (or indeed, anywhere), you’ll need a high-quality TEFL certificate with at least 120 hours of training. Your certificate must be from a recognized, accredited course provider; employers will know the difference.
It’s extremely hard to convince employers that you have serious ESL ambitions without the certification to prove it. Before you head over to Europe from the US, make sure you’ve studied for at least 120 hours, so you have a solid understanding of how teaching English works.
Other requirements
Experience can be extremely helpful if you’re applying for certain jobs, especially in countries with high levels of English proficiency, including northern Europe, Germany, Switzerland or the Netherlands. However, it’s not a prerequisite to teach English in Europe. Similarly, if you’re a teacher in the USA and have a Teaching Certification, that’ll be useful in demonstrating your skills to European employers.
Having foreign language knowledge also helps; not just in the classroom but, obviously, in day-to-day life. Cultural awareness and sensitivity is also a major plus, and will make a huge difference in an interview situation.
TEFL Jobs in Europe for Americans
What kind of opportunities lie in wait for Americans hoping to teach English in Europe? Well, the opportunities are truly vast. Of course, like in the US, there are public education systems. School attendance is mandatory across Europe and English teaching is prevalent across the continent. Generally speaking, if you have a degree, a high-quality TEFL certificate, and some experience, you should be able to find work.
That’s obvious, but where are the other types of jobs?
English Language Schools
Language schools, just like in other continents, are widespread across Europe. Truthfully, these tend to be in bigger cities, like Berlin, Vienna, Paris, Rome, and other capital cities, but most major metropolitan areas should have ample English teaching positions.
These language schools cater to young learners and adults alike and run on evenings and weekends, meaning that there are opportunities for additional work alongside a 9-5. Language schools also have fewer qualms about taking on less experienced teachers, and degrees aren’t always necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which European countries are in need of teachers?
All European countries regularly hire English teachers. English proficiency across mainland Europe is high, and qualified TEFL teachers make all the difference when it comes to raising and maintaining standards.
Q. Can a US teacher teach in Europe?
Yes, US teachers can teach in Europe. There are several Government-sponsored programs for this exact purpose, helping teachers move to Spain, France, Austria and other European nations. If you meet the requirements for jobs in Europe, of course you can teach there if you’re American.
Q. How much do you get paid to teach English in Europe?
Salaries for TEFL teachers in Europe vary depending on several factors, primarily the type of institution you work at, qualifications, experience, and your hours.
Q. What is the age limit for teaching abroad?
The age limit for teaching abroad depends on each country and its retirement legislation.