How much can I earn teaching English in Slovakia?
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.
What are TESOL salaries in Slovakia?
Although teaching jobs are widespread, the average salary is not large by European standards. However, as long as you have a TESOL certification and plenty of enthusiasm, you should still be able to earn a good living. The average monthly income is between $550 and $1,300, with the upper end of the scale most likely to be earned by teachers with good qualifications and/or previous classroom experience.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Slovakia?
Although there are various opportunities available to ESL teachers in Slovakia, the largest employer is the network of private language schools that provide English lessons on-site or within the premises of private companies. This type of employer requires around 20 to 30 classroom hours per week, which may or may not be in the same location each day.
Government-run primary and secondary schools also offer a good chance to teach young learners and also get involved in the local community where you choose to live. The average pay in this type of job is usually less than private language schools, but your classes are likely to be fun, with enthusiastic students who are keen to learn. Private tuition outside of school hours is a common way to add to your basic salary while working in Slovakia.
What is the recruitment process for English teachers in Slovakia?
Jobs are not typically advertised online in Slovakia, so the usual approach is to head there and start your search in person. August is the best time of year to be on the ground looking for work and there is also a secondary recruitment window in January. In many areas there will be more jobs on offer than teachers applying, so you should be able to apply for multiple positions and then choose the one that suits you best. Bratislava, the nation?s capital, is where the majority of teaching jobs are located, although smaller cities such as Kosice, Nitra, Presov, and Banska Bystrica also have significant opportunities.
Regardless of the employer, most jobs in Slovakia will require a TESOL certificate. If you also have a degree and/or previous experience, you will be in high demand. EU citizens often have a strong advantage in the job market as they do not require a work visa, however, there are still plenty of employers who will help you with the visa application process if you are happy to commit to a reasonable length of stay.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Slovakia?
In order to compensate for relatively low salaries, teachers in Slovakia should look to make savings wherever they can. The best case scenario is to secure a job that includes free housing in the contract as this is the biggest expense for most teachers. If this does not happen, then most teachers choose to share a rental property with friends or colleagues. In general, everyday expenses are quite low by European standards, so a good quality of life is certainly possible if you are sensible with your budget.
