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English Teaching Jobs in the
Netherlands
UK TEFL course provider
teachers trained
from teachers
The Netherlands has amazing English proficiency and plenty of great places to live and work. Is the demand there for English teachers, however?
With its canals, cafes, intriguing museums, remarkable art history, and frankly unfeasible number of great cities to choose from, the Netherlands is understandably a popular destination for English teachers. New and experienced TEFL teachers alike are keen to make it in the Netherlands, with fantastic landing spots like Amsterdam, Den Haag, Eindhoven, and Rotterdam just waiting to be explored.
If you’ve ever been to the Netherlands, you might wonder whether there’s a market for TEFL teachers there! Whether you’ve spent weeks touring the country, or you’ve just made a stop at Schipol Airport, you’ll have surely noticed the high level of English ability that Dutch people have.
The high English language ability of locals in the Netherlands means some things for TEFL teachers. Firstly, the market is smaller because so many Dutch people have learned to speak English by the time they’re an adult. Secondly, the jobs available will be for a different sort of student - and teacher.
So, the Netherlands represents an exciting challenge: where are the opportunities to teach English? What are salaries like for TEFL teaching jobs in the Netherlands? Can TEFL teachers successfully live and work there? Laten we het uitzoeken (let’s find out)!
Teaching English in The Netherlands: an overview
Outside of English-speaking countries, you won’t find higher levels of English proficiency than in the Netherlands. EF's English Proficiency Index has the Netherlands first out of 113 countries, overtaking Sweden in 2019. According to EF, a key factor in both countries’ levels of proficiency is that they don’t dub TV programmes and films. The similarities between Dutch and English and the reputation of Dutch people as curious explorers are also cited as determining factors.
What does this mean for TEFL teachers? That's a good question. English is compulsory at schools in the Netherlands—no surprise there—and it’s also a popular degree subject. A lot of university courses are taught in English, too. There are too many, according to Dutch ministers. Suffice it to say the importance of English is stressed to a large extent in the Netherlands, so bringing in talent from overseas is attractive to schools and other employers.
Private language schools are popular in the Netherlands, especially in cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. They’re usually geared towards specific types of teaching, such as Business English or Academic English, with students having very particular learning goals and exacting standards. Alternatively, you might find yourself preparing students for English-language exams, which is another excellent way to get into English teaching more broadly.
A good way to find TEFL jobs, especially if you’re interested in tutoring, is by finding non-locals. The Netherlands is a trendy destination for university students who need English lessons!
Quick facts about The Netherlands
- Capital: Amsterdam
- Official Language: Dutch
- Population: 17.8 million
- Currency: Euro €
Key facts
Requirements
What are the requirements for TEFL teachers to find work in the Netherlands? You'll need a TEFL certificate with at least 120 hours of training to teach English in the Netherlands. Employers typically prefer a bachelor's degree, but it isn’t always mandatory.
Can you teach English abroad without experience in the Netherlands? Teaching experience isn't always necessary to land a job teaching English in the Netherlands, but it helps. What about teaching in the Netherlands as a non-native speaker? Most English teachers working in the Netherlands are Dutch, given the sky-high levels of English proficiency. Not all Netherlands teaching jobs are alike, and it depends on the employer. An IELTS or TOEFL certificate will help you find teaching English jobs as a non-native English speaker. Alternatively, having a degree from an English-speaking university will help you prove fluency alongside your TEFL certificate from a reputable TEFL course provider.
Salary and benefits
Here’s the big question: what kind of salary can TEFL teachers earn while teaching English in the Netherlands? Your salary as an English teacher varies depending on experience and the type of school you work in. Usually, you can expect to earn somewhere around €2,000 – €3,200 (£1,880 - £3,008/$2,400 - $3,840) per month. Of course, these are great-looking salaries, but the Netherlands has a comparatively high cost of living, even compared to neighbouring European countries.
As for added incentives and benefits while teaching in the Netherlands? These can also vary. Some contracts include health insurance, paid holidays, sick leave, housing allowances or relocation assistance. This is usually at elite institutions like private schools or international schools.Living and working in The Netherlands
Can teachers in the Netherlands comfortably live off a teaching salary? Again, geography plays a big part. For example, it’s far more expensive to live in a city like Amsterdam than Groningen or Zeeland. Still, Amsterdam is the most popular destination for the average TEFL teacher, so let’s look at the cost of living.
To rent a one-bedroom city centre apartment, your monthly cost is a considerable £1,722/$2,240. That price comes down a little, to about £1,415/$1,841 outside the city centre, but it’s still a significant portion of a typical TEFL teacher's income.
Your usual utilities come to about £215/$280, with internet access costing another £37/$48. That’s something to consider if you want to increase your income by teaching English online.
To get out and about, expect to spend about €60 (£50/$65) on a Randstad Zone Card. If you want to experience Dutch dining in Amsterdam, a three-course meal for two at a mid-priced restaurant costs about £75/$98, with a bottle of wine costing around £5/$6.
Types of English teaching jobs in The Netherlands
Private language schools
Given the existing levels of English proficiency and the number of highly qualified Dutch teachers teaching English already, the state education system isn’t particularly fertile ground for TEFL teachers. Private language schools offer the best route for teachers in the Netherlands.
These privately run schools are most commonly found in the Netherlands’ many metropolitan areas, though they’re particularly prevalent in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Den Haag. You’ll need the right teacher’s qualifications, including a TEFL certificate and - ideally - a degree. Experience is also valued highly.
Jobs boards
Visit the TEFL Org Jobs Centre for amazing opportunities worldwide, including online teaching opportunities, roles for teachers in the Netherlands, and teaching jobs around the world!
Volksuniversiteiten is a popular example of an institution where adults can learn outside working hours. Akin to a private language school, these are great for TEFL teachers!
Berlitz is a significant employer of language instructors in the Netherlands, both TEFL teachers and native speakers of other languages.
To work at Bogaers, you must speak Dutch, have a degree, a TEFL certificate, and relevant experience. Teaching jobs are freelance and, therefore, paid by the hour.
Language Partners specialises in Legal English and freelance classes. The company provides extensive compulsory training for new staff, whom they expect to be flexible, highly organised, and experienced.
On De Telefoongids, search for “Talenonderwijs,” which means “language training,” to find teaching opportunities in the Netherlands.
Related articles for teaching English in Portugal
Teach English in the Netherlands
While there isn’t high demand for TEFL teachers in the Netherlands, there certainly is a high demand for those looking to teach English abroad with the correct experience.
Teach English in Amsterdam
A city that’s alive with incredible history and culture, Amsterdam is a dream TEFL destination for anyone looking for a cosmopolitan, European lifestyle.
Unfortunately we don't currently have any jobs available in netherlands. We update our job centre daily so check back soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are English teachers in demand in the Netherlands?
The standards of English teaching in the Netherlands are already very high, but there’s always room for TEFL teachers with qualifications, experience and enthusiasm!
Q. How much do English teachers make in the Netherlands?
Teaching in the Netherlands can earn you about €2,000 – €3,200 (£1,880 - £3,008/$2,400 - $3,840) per month.
Q. How can I work as an English teacher in the Netherlands?
To start teaching English in the Netherlands, you'll need a TEFL certificate with at least 120 hours of training. Employers typically prefer a bachelor's degree.
Q. Can an American teach in the Netherlands?
Yes, Americans can teach in the Netherlands.