Work Visa Europe

There are many reasons why the Czech Republic is a very popular destination for teaching English abroad including its warm and friendly people, a fascinating cultural heritage, and some of the best beer in the world. One other crucial factor for many teachers is that it is possible for non-EU citizens to obtain a long-term work visa, which is not always the case in some other parts of Europe. The most common method is to enter the Czech Republic on a standard 90 day tourist visa and then start the application process from within the country. Most teachers apply for a Zivnostensky List (Zivno), which is essentially a business license that permits you to work for any school you choose. The application can be made at a government zivnostensky office in person or you can use a local...  [Read more]

If you are considering teaching English in Eastern Europe, there are several steps you can take to secure a job in this region. Eastern Europe has a high demand for English teachers, particularly in countries like Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Russia. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to get a job teaching English in Eastern Europe: Firstly, obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is essential. While not always a strict requirement, most schools and language institutes in Eastern Europe prefer candidates with a TEFL certificate. This certification demonstrates that you have received proper training in teaching English to non-native speakers. Secondly, consider your qualifications and experience. While a bachelor's degree is often required,...  [Read more]

If you have researched teaching English abroad, you might have found stories suggesting that it is impossible for US citizens to find ESL teaching jobs in Europe. However, this is not the case as a high demand for foreign teachers in many countries means there are plenty of great opportunities for American teachers in Europe. Language schools in many areas are always on the lookout for native English speaking Americans with a TESOL qualification to fill their vacant positions. At anytime you will find thousands of US citizens teaching in major European cities such as Rome, Madrid, Berlin, Moscow, and Prague. In many Western European countries there is a preference for British English in some schools and excessive bureaucracy can also be responsible for restrictions on US born...  [Read more]

The simple answer to this question is YES, it is now common for TESOL qualified teachers to work exclusively online while traveling from place to place or while spending an extended time in one location. Internet download speeds continue to increase in most countries around the world, including many that you might think are off limits. There are also plenty of different employers targeting the online teaching market, with more starting up on a regular basis. With countless potential employers and no shortage of possible destinations, there has never been a better time to leave your stale nine to five behind. However, which countries offer the best visas for a long-term stay. Visa length: Up to 60 days Bali has long been a popular tourist hotspot and a stop on the backpacker trail,...  [Read more]

In some countries where teaching ESL is popular there is a clear path for obtaining a work visa or permit that allows you to live and work long term, while in others the process can be overly complicated, expensive or simply nonexistent. However, as the demand for teachers is so high in many countries, the need for a work visa can often be ignored by employers. The truth is that thousands of people are currently working as ESL teachers in countries worldwide without a formal work visa or work permit. In two of the most popular ESL teaching destinations in Europe, Italy and Spain, it is very common for Americans and other non-EU nationals to start work as teachers with nothing more than a tourist visa in their passport. A standard tourist visa is valid for 90 days and there is no...  [Read more]

Although there are several countries around the world that require teachers to have a degree in order to qualify for a work permit or visa, there are still many other great destinations where employers are happy to take on teachers without one. Often the key is to be flexible about your destination and to go where the demand for your services is high. Whether you have a degree or not, completing an internationally accredited TESOL certification course before you start applying for jobs will undoubtedly help you in your job search. The vast majority of employers worldwide now expect their potential teachers to have undergone some form of formal teacher training before they set foot in the classroom. Unfortunately, the regulations have been tightened in China in recent times,...  [Read more]

Although it is not particularly unusual for teachers with children to head overseas to live and work, there are several important things to carefully consider before you decide if it is the right option for your family. Wherever you live in the world, bringing up children is typically an expensive undertaking. With that in mind, you need to make sure that teaching English abroad is financially viable for you before deciding to leave home. Teacher?s salaries vary greatly from one country to the next so where you decide to teach can have a huge impact on your prospects. Popular regions such as Europe and Latin America have plenty of job opportunities, but most teachers would find it hard to earn enough to support children in these areas. In contrast, Asian countries such as China,...  [Read more]

The market for qualified ESL teachers around the world is huge. Right across Europe, Asia, Latin America and even Africa, there are dozens of countries to consider. However, if you want to teach ESL in an English-speaking country, you might find things a little more tricky. Although there is typically a strong demand for ESL teachers in most English-speaking countries, the required amount of teachers can normally be recruited from within that country's own population. Another common problem for foreign teachers looking to work in an English speaking country is getting hold of the necessary work permits and visas. However, there are always exceptions to the rule. Some teachers acquire the right to work in another English-speaking country via marriage to a foreign national, or as a...  [Read more]

Among the many benefits of teaching English abroad is the ability to select not only the region in which you want to work, but also the specific country or city. Some teachers are drawn to the history and culture of Europe, while others are drawn to exotic destinations in Asia or Latin America. However, before you book your plane ticket, keep in mind that the requirements for foreign teachers differ wildly between countries, which may limit your options. You should conduct extensive research to determine whether any of the following issues apply to your preferred destination. In some countries, language schools can only hire teachers who are citizens of a native English-speaking country due to visa restrictions. These are generally the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom,...  [Read more]

Whether you are planning a gap year abroad or looking for something more permanent, teaching English in Europe is certainly an idea that is well worth exploring. Every year thousands of ordinary people just like you pack their bags and head off to this extraordinary continent in search of fun, adventure, and a cultural experience that will stay with them for life. As long as you have a solid understanding of the English language you are eligible, although most employers will expect you to also complete a TESOL certification course before you start teaching. Across the continent there are many countries to choose from, all which have their own benefits to offer. However, to give you a head start we have put together the following list of countries that we think are the best for...  [Read more]

France receives more foreign visitors than any other nation in the world and many of these come to teach English. Thousands of ESL teachers come to France each year to experience the history, culture, fashion, and cuisine. If you want to join them, have a read through the following guide to teaching English in France. As you will find in most of Western Europe, employers of foreign teachers in France generally expect their employees to have completed a TESOL certification course. Anyone who arrives without one is likely to struggle in what is a very competitive job market, where the majority of those applying will be TESOL certified. If you are successful in applying for the government-run teaching assistant recruitment program known as TAPIF, you will have everything arranged...  [Read more]

If you are considering Spain as a location for teaching English, you certainly won't be alone as it has long been one of the most popular destinations in Europe. However, before you buy a plane ticket why not take a look at Latin America as many teachers find that this amazing region is actually a better option for them. For many people, the opportunity to learn a new language is one of the great benefits of teaching English abroad. When it comes to learning Spanish, the assumption that Spain is the best place to do so is certainly a common one. However, in reality the type of Spanish used in Spain actually uses accents and slang terms that are vastly different to the language spoken in other Spanish speaking countries. In fact, many native Spanish speakers from outside of Spain...  [Read more]

There are many different locations available to anyone who is looking to teach English abroad. Some people make their decision based on the potential salaries on offer, while others might be more focused on cultural aspects or lifestyle. There are pros and cons to be considered for every region and individual country, so below we have outlined the most popular options to help you towards your final decision. In terms of job numbers, Asia is by far the most popular region for ESL teachers. This huge continent offers a wide variety of opportunities across all kinds of environments. Jobs are plentiful in major modern cities such as Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing, while those looking for a slower pace of life are equally spoilt for choice in parts of Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, to mention...  [Read more]

There is a very strong market for TESOL qualified teachers right across Europe and there is never a shortage of people looking to fill any vacant positions that come up. Many people from all over the world like the idea of heading to the UK to work as an ESL teacher, however, there are several things to consider before you book your plane ticket to London. The UK is known to have relatively high levels of immigration and a significant refugee population, which in itself creates plenty of work for English language teachers. In many parts of the country teachers are employed to help newcomers get their language proficiency up to a level that is necessary to get by on a day to day basis. However, the vast majority of these positions are snapped up by local teachers, either newly...  [Read more]

If you have already graduated from one of our TEFL certification courses and have yet to decide on where you would like to teach, or you are thinking about signing up for a course and are looking for an insight into the most popular teaching destinations, then the following guides might provide some welcome inspiration. Below you will find dozens of countries from all corners of the world where there are plenty of good opportunities for teaching EFL. Click on the countries that interest you to access a wide range of travel tips, country facts and other useful information. Living and Teaching English in France - Habits, Customs & Curiosities Living and Teaching English in Spain - Habits, Customs & Curiosities Want to see more infographics on TESOL and TEFL? Check...  [Read more]

ITTT is dedicated to assisting you throughout your TESOL training and to providing you with a means of support during your ensuing teaching career. If you have any questions regarding our courses, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section below. Our TESOL FAQs should be able to answer most of your questions, but if you have any other queries do not hesitate to contact us by submitting them using the form at the bottom of this page. What does TESOL mean?   The acronym TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The term is commonly used when referring to certification courses that provide the skills necessary to teach the English language to non-native speakers in your own country or abroad. Read more What is the difference between TESOL...  [Read more]

With a great location right in the heart of Central Europe, Slovakia is an up-and-coming destination for TESOL certified teachers. Although it is not yet on the radar of many teachers coming to work in Europe, this rapidly modernising country will not be overlooked for much longer. Despite recent leaps forward, Slovakia has a long history which has left its mark in the form of ancient castles, medieval fortresses, and a rich cultural heritage that is evident throughout the country. The demand for foreign teachers has soared since joining the EU, so if you want plenty of jobs to choose from in a safe and peaceful country, Slovakia might be for you. Although teaching jobs are widespread, the average salary is not large by European standards. However, as long as you have a TESOL...  [Read more]

Europe is a hugely popular destination for teaching English abroad and subsequently the main hotspots in countries such as Spain and Italy can be difficult to crack as the level of competition is usually very high. If you are lacking in classroom experience or are simply looking for something a little different, then the Central European Teaching Program (CETP) which places teachers into schools across Hungary might be worth a look. To be eligible for the CETP you must be a native English speaker from the US, Canada, the UK, or any other EU country. There is no upper age limit for the program which makes it a particularly popular option with more mature teachers who might find it hard to secure a job elsewhere in the region. The standard program runs from September to mid-June,...  [Read more]

Turkey occupies a unique position at the junction between Europe and Asia and it is rapidly becoming one of the region?s boom destinations for ESL teachers. Jobs are easily found in major cities and popular tourist areas as the English language is becoming more and more vital in many types of employment. While it is still possible to land a job without any specific qualifications or experience, these positions are not likely to pay very well or offer the best working conditions. To ensure you are eligible for the most sought after jobs, a TESOL qualification is usually required. Some positions will also specify a degree and/or previous classroom experience. Many employers will give preference to teachers whose TESOL course included teaching practice over those who only have an online...  [Read more]

The timeframe you need to consider in order to complete a TESOL certification course and actually start working as an English teacher will be decided by the style of course you sign-up for, the location you choose to work in, and how much time and effort you are willing to put into your studies. As a rough guide we would suggest you allow in the region of four to six months from the day you start your TESOL course to actually starting a teaching job. However, if you are in a real hurry, there are ways to lower this time frame. If you want a quick way to get your teaching career up and running, this is often the best way to go about it. Theoretically, you could sign-up for an in-class TESOL certification course a day or two before it starts and be fully certified and ready to...  [Read more]