How much can I earn teaching English in Greece?
Greece has traditionally been one of the top destinations for teaching English abroad in Europe. Unfortunately, after the global financial crisis in 2008 the country suffered a severe economic downturn that had an adverse effect on all sectors including ESL teaching. Despite this, many people still head to Greece due to its reputation for having a warm Mediterranean climate, amazing beaches and islands, and a relaxed way of life. The biggest market for teachers is in the capital Athens, although other cities such as Thessaloniki, Larissa, Heraklion, and Corfu are also worth looking at.
What are TESOLS salaries in Greece?
Teacher?s salaries have not really changed much in the last decade, although the average monthly salary for a first-time teacher of around 800 to 1,000 euro per month should still be sufficient to get by on. If you have plenty of previous experience you may find that it is possible to earn significantly more than the average figure. In order to make life a bit more comfortable, many teachers earn extra income by teaching private students outside of normal school hours. Typical hourly rates for private tutoring are between 10 and 20 euro.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Greece?
Private language schools known as frontistiria employ the vast majority of foreign teachers in Greece. There are in the region of 6,000 of these schools located all over the country, most of which cater to children of all age groups, although a smaller number also deal with business clients. Most classes are designed for school children who want extra English tuition outside of normal school hours, so the majority of jobs require you to work in the late afternoon and evening and at weekends. An average week involves between 20 and 30 hours of classroom teaching, plus planning time. Although financial help with airfares is rare in Greece, housing support and paid holidays are often included in a teacher?s contract. Peak hiring times are from August to October and throughout January, although jobs can often be found at anytime of the year. Most employers will expect you to have a degree and a TESOL certificate will also be a big advantage when looking for the best jobs. Due to the difficulty in securing work permits for foreign citizens in Greece, teachers from within the EU are commonly preferred by many employers.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Greece?
While the economic downturn has had a big impact on the country, Greece is still relatively inexpensive when compared to much of Western Europe and North America. The biggest outgoing for most teachers is accommodation, although the cost of this has actually dropped in recent years. Utilities are also quite expensive which leads many teachers to house share with friends or colleagues to keep their overheads as low as possible. You should try to avoid imported goods as these are usually much more expensive than local alternatives. By shopping at local markets rather than supermarkets you can make a considerable saving each month. The cost of living on mainland Greece is generally much less than on the many resort islands that surround it.
