Key takeaways

• The children’s market is closed to overseas teachers. China’s 2021 Double Reduction policy banned for-profit academic tutoring for school-age children and stopped platforms hiring foreign teachers based abroad to teach them.
• Adults are the market now. Chinese professionals, university students and exam candidates still study English online, and they book teachers on global marketplaces rather than the old China-only apps.
• Pay is modest and hourly. Expect roughly 6 to 22 US dollars an hour on marketplaces depending on your rate, reviews and specialism, not the 14 to 25 dollars the old kids’ platforms once advertised.
• A 120-hour TEFL certificate is the practical floor, and an Ofqual-regulated Level 5 diploma helps you charge more and stand out with adult and business learners.
• Teaching in China in person, on a proper Z visa, is now the more reliable route to a full-time income from Chinese students.
• Ignore any recruiter still promising online classes with Chinese children from your bedroom abroad. That model is not legal and the honest providers left it behind in 2021.

Can you still teach English online to Chinese students?

Yes, but only adults, and only through global platforms rather than the child-focused apps that once defined this market. If you are based outside China, you cannot legally teach English online to school-age children in the mainland, because the companies that used to hire foreign teachers for exactly that were forced to stop in 2021. The demand that survived sits with adult learners, and that is where a new teacher should look.

This matters because the internet is still full of guides describing a market that no longer exists. Articles promising bright mornings teaching cheerful Chinese six-year-olds from your kitchen in Cork or Cardiff are describing 2019, not now. Being clear-eyed about what changed is the difference between planning a career and chasing a ghost. The short version is that the rules moved, the big platforms pivoted or closed their overseas hiring, and the opportunity narrowed to adults who choose their own teacher.

There is a legitimate market here, and it can pay a useful part-time or full-time income once you build a profile. It simply looks different from the one your favourite travel blogger described a few years ago. The rest of this guide is the honest version.

One practical point shapes everything that follows: the time difference. China runs on a single time zone, UTC plus eight, so a working adult in Beijing wants lessons in their evenings and at weekends. For a teacher in Ireland or the UK that lands in the late morning or early afternoon, which is a friendlier schedule than the notorious dawn starts the old kids’ platforms demanded. If you are teaching from the Americas it means evenings your time. Knowing when your students are free is half the battle when you set up a marketplace calendar.

What changed with China’s 2021 Double Reduction policy?

In July 2021 the Chinese government introduced the Double Reduction policy, which banned for-profit academic tutoring for compulsory-education students and effectively ended overseas online teaching of Chinese children. The aim was to reduce academic pressure and household spending on private tuition, and its effect on foreign English teachers was immediate and severe. Companies that had employed tens of thousands of overseas teachers to tutor Chinese children online could no longer do so legally.

Two rules did the damage. Academic subjects, including English, could no longer be taught to compulsory-education pupils for profit outside school hours, and, crucially, tutoring companies were barred from hiring foreign teachers located outside China to deliver those lessons. The household-name kids’ platforms responded by winding down their international teacher base, pivoting to adults, or closing. For a fuller account of the announcement and its fallout, our explainer on China’s regulations for ESL teachers walks through what the restrictions actually said.

The best-known children’s platforms responded in different ways. Some ended their overseas teacher programmes outright, some pivoted to serve students in other countries, and some shifted to domestic, China-based staff for anything involving young learners. The upshot for a teacher abroad is the same either way: the salaried, company-assigned online job teaching Chinese children is gone, and it is not quietly available through a side door.

The policy has not been reversed, and the UK government’s guidance on working and engaging with China is a sensible reference point for the wider legal picture before you commit to anything. Treat any offer that contradicts this as a warning sign rather than a loophole.

Who can you legally teach English to online now?

You can teach adult Chinese learners who choose to study English online and book a teacher directly, which is a smaller but entirely legitimate market. The ban targeted for-profit academic tutoring of compulsory-education children delivered by companies. It did not stop an adult in Shanghai deciding to improve their business English and hiring a tutor on an international marketplace. That distinction is the whole opportunity.

In practice, the learners still worth building a timetable around fall into a few clear groups. Knowing who they are shapes how you position your profile and what you charge.

The pattern is simple. Adults who choose and pay for their own lessons are fair game, wherever they live. Children in the mainland are only a legal option if you are teaching them in person inside China on the correct work visa, which is a different plan entirely and one we come back to below.

Which platforms connect you with Chinese learners?

The platforms that matter now are the global one-to-one marketplaces where a Chinese adult can search for, choose and pay a teacher directly, rather than the old China-only apps built around children. Marketplaces such as italki, Preply and Cambly all carry Chinese learners among their international student base, and because the student does the choosing, you are not employed to teach a protected group. You are a tutor an adult has hired, which sits comfortably within the rules.

This is a genuine shift in how you get hired. On the old kids’ platforms, a company assigned you students and a fixed rate. On a marketplace you build a profile, set your price, record a short introduction video and compete on your specialism and your reviews. It rewards teachers who niche down, so business English, interview practice and IELTS preparation tend to attract Chinese professionals who know exactly what they want and will pay for it. Our honest look at becoming a Preply tutor covers how one of these marketplaces actually works, from commission to building your first bookings.

The wider online market is bigger than China alone, which is a comfort when you are starting out. A profile that attracts a professional in Shenzhen will just as happily attract one in Sao Paulo or Warsaw, so you are never wholly dependent on a single country. For the full landscape of apps and how they pay, our guide to the best platforms to teach English online is the natural next read.

How much can you earn teaching Chinese students online?

Realistically, expect roughly 6 to 22 US dollars an hour on the marketplaces, with your exact rate set by your experience, your niche and the reviews you accumulate over time. The figures below are typical ranges rather than promises, and they are approximate, because on a marketplace you set your own price and the market decides whether to book it. New teachers usually start low to gather reviews, then raise their rate as demand builds.

Two things quietly shape your take-home pay. The first is commission, since marketplaces keep a slice of your earnings, often larger on your first lessons with a new student and smaller thereafter, so the rate a student sees is not quite the rate you keep. The second is retention, because a teacher who turns first bookings into regular weekly students earns far more per hour of effort than one forever chasing trial lessons. Building a small base of loyal adult learners is the real work.

The honest arithmetic is that online teaching of Chinese adults is a solid top-up and a real part-time income, and a full-time wage only once you have built a busy, well-reviewed profile with a specialism. Teachers who treat it as a business, holding a regular schedule and specialising, out-earn those who log on casually. For a broader view of what online roles pay across the sector, our roundup of the top online TESOL jobs sets realistic expectations.

Is teaching in China still an option instead?

Yes, and for a reliable full-time income from Chinese students, teaching in person inside China is now the stronger route. The Double Reduction rules changed the online market, but China still hires large numbers of foreign teachers to work legally in the country, in language centres, private schools and universities, on a proper Z work visa. This is the option that actually replaced the old online model for teachers who want China specifically.

The trade-off is obvious. You give up the freedom of teaching from anywhere, and you take on a move abroad, a visa process and a fixed contract. In return you get a stable monthly salary, often with housing help and flights, and a genuine cost-of-living advantage in many cities. Salaries vary widely by city and school type, and our guide to the top cities to teach English in China lays out where the demand and the pay are strongest.

If money is your main question, the city you choose matters as much as the school. Our breakdown of which Chinese cities pay TEFL teachers the most compares the big earners against living costs. For the practical side of arriving and settling, the UK government’s help and services for British nationals in China is a useful official starting point.

What qualifications do you need to teach Chinese students online?

A recognised 120-hour TEFL certificate is the practical minimum for both marketplace tutoring and in-person roles, and it is the first thing an adult learner or a Chinese school checks. Adults choosing a tutor look for evidence you can actually teach, and a genuine certificate with a verifiable number is exactly that evidence. Without one, you are competing on price alone, which is a race to the bottom.

Beyond the certificate, two things lift you above the crowd. The first is the level of your qualification. An Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL diploma sits on the UK regulated qualifications framework and signals real depth, which matters most with business and exam-focused adult learners who are paying a premium. The TEFL Institute Group is an Approved Centre, number 21335, and delivers Ofqual-regulated Level 5 training, so the certificate stands up when a student or a school checks it. The second is a specialism, because business English, IELTS preparation and interview coaching are precisely what Chinese professionals search for and will pay more to book.

The reassuring part is that none of this requires a teaching degree to begin. Most marketplaces and many in-country roles ask for the certificate and clear spoken English rather than a prior teaching background. As Europe’s largest TEFL trainer by teachers certified, the group has certified 161,000 teachers since 2017 who now teach in 80 countries, and it holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 488 verified reviews. You can read how our guides are researched and checked in our Editorial Charter before you spend a penny.

Ready to start teaching English online?

Start with a certificate an adult learner or a school can verify, because that is what turns you from a hopeful into a hireable tutor. The 120 Hour Advanced TEFL Course meets the standard entry requirement for marketplace tutoring and most online roles, and the Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL Diploma is the stronger option if you want to charge more and target business or exam students. Every certificate carries a number an employer or student can check, and the British Council’s TeachingEnglish resources for China are a good free companion once you begin. Qualify first, choose your marketplace, and build the profile that brings the students to you.

The post Teaching English Online to Chinese Students: Platforms, Pay and the Rules Now appeared first on TEFL Institute.

Knowing where to post English teaching jobs can make the difference between receiving a handful of unsuitable applications and building a strong shortlist of qualified, motivated teachers. For schools, language centres, online education companies and recruiters, the goal is not simply to advertise a vacancy. It is to put the right opportunity in front of teachers who match your location, learner type, qualification requirements and start date.

The international ESL and TEFL recruitment market is active, but it is also competitive. Good teachers often compare several roles at once, particularly in popular destinations such as Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam, the Middle East and online teaching. A well-written vacancy, published on the right channels, helps your organisation stand out early in the hiring journey.

This guide is designed for employers. It covers where to post TEFL jobs, how to find TEFL teachers, what information to include in an advert and how to build a more consistent recruitment pipeline.

Table of Contents

1. Start With the Right Hiring Brief
2. Where to Post English Teaching Jobs
3. Specialist TEFL and ESL Job Boards
4. Find Qualified ESL Teachers with ESLGorilla
5. Post Free on JobsTEFLInstitutecom
6. Use Jobs in Japan for Japan-Based Roles
7. Reach Your Existing Teacher Network
8. Write a Job Advert Teachers Trust
9. Improve Your TEFL Recruitment Results
10. Build an Employer Brand Teachers Choose
11. Partner With TEFL Institute
12. Frequently Asked Questions

Start With the Right Hiring Brief

Before choosing an English teacher job board, define the role clearly. This will help you select the best advertising channels and avoid applications from candidates who do not meet essential requirements.

Your hiring brief should cover the practical details a teacher needs to make an informed decision:

• Job title and teaching context, such as EFL Teacher, IELTS Instructor, Young Learner Teacher or Online English Teacher
• School or company location
• Expected start date and contract length
• Student age groups and class sizes
• Teaching timetable and weekly contact hours
• Salary range and payment frequency
• Benefits, including accommodation, flights, health cover, paid leave or relocation support
• Visa sponsorship and work-permit support
• Required qualifications, such as a recognised TEFL certificate, degree or prior experience
• Whether applicants must already be in the country

Clarity is a recruitment advantage. Teachers are more likely to apply when they can quickly see whether the role suits their qualifications and lifestyle. Transparent listings also reduce time spent answering basic questions by email and help protect your employer reputation.

For example, “English Teacher Needed in Vietnam” is unlikely to attract the right level of interest. A stronger alternative is: “Primary EFL Teacher in Ho Chi Minh City | August Start | Visa Support and Housing Allowance”. The second version gives candidates an immediate reason to click and shows that the employer understands what teachers need to know.

Where to Post English Teaching Jobs

The best place to advertise depends on where you are hiring, the type of teacher you need and how quickly you need to fill the vacancy. In most cases, a multi-channel approach works best: use a specialist ESL job board as your core channel, then add regional platforms and your own recruitment network.

Specialist TEFL and ESL Job Boards

Specialist job boards are often the most effective option for schools and recruiters hiring English teachers internationally. Their audiences are already interested in TEFL, teaching abroad, online English teaching or ESL careers, meaning your advert reaches people who are actively looking for relevant work.

These sites are particularly useful when you need candidates with a TEFL qualification, international teaching experience or familiarity with overseas relocation and visa processes.

A focused ESL job board can help you reach applicants more efficiently than a broad general employment site. Rather than competing against thousands of unrelated vacancies, your advert appears in an environment built around English teaching and international education.

Find Qualified ESL Teachers with ESLGorilla

Finding the right English teachers can be challenging for schools and language centers. ESLGorilla helps schools and recruiters connect with ESL teachers from around the world through an easy-to-use teacher recruitment platform.

Schools can create a job listing, receive applications directly from interested teachers, and manage their hiring process from their employer dashboard. Whether you are hiring for China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, the Middle East, online teaching, or other ESL markets, ESLGorilla helps you reach qualified candidates quickly.

Schools and recruiters can post their ESL teaching vacancies starting at $39. ESLGorilla states that employers can publish a role quickly, receive direct applications and avoid commission-based placement fees, making it a practical option for one-off vacancies as well as ongoing recruitment.

Post Free on Jobs.TEFLInstitute.com

If you are recruiting English teachers, you can also post your first vacancy on Jobs.teflinstitute.com at no cost.

Use the coupon code FREE1JOB when posting your first job. This gives schools and recruiters an accessible way to test a TEFL-focused recruitment channel and introduce their opportunity to teachers actively exploring international and online teaching positions.

Free posting is particularly useful when you are:

• Hiring for the first time in a new location
• Building a teacher database before a major recruitment period
• Recruiting for a smaller language school or independent education provider
• Testing which job title, benefits or salary presentation attracts the strongest response
• Looking to fill short-notice vacancies without committing to a large agency fee

Even when your first listing is free, treat it as a core piece of employer marketing. Add your school name, a concise introduction, genuine images where possible, and a clear description of what makes your workplace a good choice. Teachers often assess the employer as carefully as employers assess applicants.

Use Jobs in Japan for Japan-Based Roles

For schools and recruiters hiring in Japan, a dedicated Japanese employment platform can be an important part of your advertising mix. Jobs in Japan is designed for employers looking to reach international job seekers, including English teachers, ALT candidates, eikaiwa instructors, preschool teachers and education professionals.

Japan-based roles often attract high application volumes, so detail matters. Clearly state whether applicants need Japanese language ability, whether visa sponsorship is available and whether overseas candidates can apply. Job listings on Jobs in Japan commonly include information such as salary, location, visa status and applicant eligibility, which are central decision factors for international teachers.

If your school is recruiting in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka or a regional area, make your location and commuting expectations clear. Candidates may be interested in Japan generally but may have very different preferences around city living, rural placements, school type and working hours.

Reach Your Existing Teacher Network

Do not rely only on external job boards. Your own audience can be one of the most cost-effective sources of qualified candidates, particularly if your organisation has an established teacher community, newsletter, social following or alumni network.

Consider sharing vacancies through:

• Your school website’s careers page
• Email newsletters for former or current TEFL students
• LinkedIn company pages and relevant professional groups
• Facebook communities for teachers in your destination country
• Instagram Stories or short recruitment videos
• Referral schemes for existing teachers and staff
• University careers offices and language departments

Teachers trust opportunities that come through a relevant community, especially if the listing includes a named recruiter, school website and transparent terms. This is also an effective way to improve your employer brand over time rather than treating every vacancy as a standalone campaign.

Write a Job Advert Teachers Trust

Where you post TEFL jobs matters, but the quality of the advert matters just as much. Candidates are alert to vague job descriptions, missing salary details and unrealistic requirements. A strong job post answers important questions before a teacher needs to ask them.

Make Pay and Benefits Visible

Salary is one of the first details many teachers look for. If you can share a range, do so. Where local rules or internal policies prevent this, provide as much context as possible: for example, whether the pay is competitive for the area, whether accommodation is included, and whether there are performance bonuses or annual increases.

Be equally clear about benefits. Depending on the market, these may include:

• Sponsored work visa or work permit
• Accommodation, housing allowance or temporary arrival support
• Flight reimbursement
• Medical insurance
• Paid annual leave and public holidays
• Contract-completion bonus
• Professional development and teacher training
• Free or discounted language classes

An honest description helps candidates self-select. You may receive fewer unsuitable applications, but the applications you do receive are more likely to be serious and relevant.

Explain the Teaching Environment

A teacher needs to picture the day-to-day role. Avoid generic phrases such as “dynamic school” without evidence. Instead, describe the students, resources, teaching schedule and team structure.

You could mention whether teachers use a set curriculum, create their own lesson plans, teach in pairs or work independently. Include class sizes, age ranges and whether the role involves evenings, weekends, split shifts or travel between branches.

This detail is especially important in the TEFL market because “English teacher” can mean many different things. An online business-English role, a kindergarten post in South Korea and a university position in Saudi Arabia require different skills and appeal to different candidates.

Set Fair Qualification Requirements

List only requirements that are genuinely essential. If a recognised TEFL qualification is required, say so clearly, along with the minimum number of hours or accreditation standards where appropriate. If a degree is necessary for visa purposes, explain that it is a legal or immigration requirement rather than simply a preference.

Avoid using a long list of “preferred” requirements that rules out capable early-career teachers. A candidate with a recognised TEFL course, strong communication skills and the right attitude may be an excellent fit for a supportive school, even without years of classroom experience.

Improve Your TEFL Recruitment Results

Posting a job is only the first step. To consistently find qualified ESL teachers, create a process that makes applying easy and responding fast.

A practical recruitment process should include:

• A dedicated email address or application form for each role
• A clear closing date or indication that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
• A brief acknowledgement email after application
• A shortlist process with agreed decision-makers
• A structured interview format
• Fast communication after interviews
• Written confirmation of salary, benefits and visa support before an offer is accepted

Speed matters in international recruitment. Strong teachers may be applying to multiple schools and may accept another offer if they wait too long for an update. You do not need to rush your decision, but you should set expectations and communicate them.

It is also worth reviewing the performance of every job advert. Track where applications came from, how many candidates met your criteria, how many reached interview and which source led to a successful hire. Over time, this data will show you which platforms provide the best return for your recruitment budget.

Build an Employer Brand Teachers Choose

The most successful schools do not only advertise when they have an urgent vacancy. They build visibility throughout the year.

Share practical content that helps prospective teachers understand your organisation: teacher stories, classroom snapshots, professional-development opportunities, destination guides and updates about your school culture. This content helps candidates feel more confident before they apply for TEFL jobs.

A positive employer brand should be supported by real experiences. If you promise mentoring, visa support or reasonable teaching hours, make sure those commitments are reflected in the employee experience. Word travels quickly in the TEFL community, and a school’s reputation can affect future recruitment as much as its salary package.

For recruiters, this means representing client schools accurately. Be clear about who the employer is, avoid overstating benefits and provide applicants with realistic information at every stage. Trust is a long-term recruitment asset.

Partner With TEFL Institute

Schools, recruiters, education providers and employer networks can also explore partnership opportunities with TEFL Institute. We are looking to work with organisations that want access to motivated, trained teachers, as well as partners interested in offering accredited and recognised TEFL courses to their own audiences.

A partnership can support several goals: connecting employers with trained TEFL graduates, creating new pathways for aspiring teachers, expanding an education portfolio or delivering training through online, in-person or blended models. TEFL Institute’s partnership programme includes options such as course re-selling, corporate teacher training and workforce upskilling, with support for curriculum, delivery, assessment and quality assurance.

If your organisation places teachers internationally, runs a language school, operates an online teaching platform or wants to sell accredited TEFL qualifications, explore the options to partner with us here.

A well-planned partnership can do more than fill one vacancy. It can help create a dependable route from teacher training to employment, giving candidates clearer career opportunities while helping employers access a stronger and more relevant talent pool.

The post Where to Post English Teaching Jobs: A Guide for Schools & Recruiters appeared first on TEFL Institute.

Last year I packed up my life in Ireland, got on a plane and moved to Thailand to teach English. At the time, I had no idea what to expect. I’d never been to Asia before, I was moving to the other side of the world on my own, and although I was excited, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. 

Fast forward six months, and I can honestly say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Has it all been perfect? Of course not. There have been challenges, moments of uncertainty and plenty of things to figure out along the way. But those challenges have also been some of the biggest learning experiences, and I genuinely feel like I’ve grown so much both personally and professionally since arriving here. 

If you’re thinking about teaching abroad, here are some of the biggest things I’ve learned during my first six months in Thailand. 

You Grow the Most When You Step Outside Your Comfort Zone 

Looking back, I think the hardest part of this whole experience was actually getting on the plane. 

Once I arrived, everything slowly started to fall into place. Before moving here, I worried about absolutely everything. Would I make friends? Would I enjoy teaching? Would I settle into life in Thailand? Would I miss home too much? 

Those thoughts are completely normal, but what I’ve learned is that growth only really happens when you push yourself outside of what’s familiar. We had a welcome orientation in Bangkok before beginning School that helped massively. It gave everyone the chance to meet before heading to our schools, and because everyone was in exactly the same position, making friends happened much more naturally than I expected. 

One thing I’d say to anyone considering teaching abroad is to say yes to as much as you can during those first few weeks. Go for dinner with the other teachers, explore your local area, join weekend trips and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people. Everyone is looking to make friends, and before long you’ll have your own little community. 

Teaching Gets Easier Much Faster Than You Think 

One of my biggest worries before arriving was whether I’d actually be a good teacher. Even with a TEFL qualification, there’s always that little voice wondering whether you’ll be able to stand in front of a classroom and actually do it, but you learn by doing. Your first lesson probably won’t be perfect, and that’s okay.

Every lesson teaches you something. You quickly learn how to explain things differently, how to keep students engaged and how to adapt when something doesn’t quite go to plan. 

One thing that’s really helped me is keeping lessons simple. It’s easy to overthink activities at the beginning, but I’ve found that clear instructions, interactive tasks and giving students plenty of opportunities to speak English work much better than trying to make every lesson overly complicated. I’ve also learned that confidence comes with experience. The things that felt intimidating during my first week now feel completely normal. 

Every Class Is Different 

One lesson plan can work brilliantly with one class and completely flop with another, that’s probably one of the biggest things teaching has taught me. 

I’ve taught different year groups, from younger secondary school students to older teenagers, and every class has its own personality. Some classes are loud, energetic and love answering every question while others are much quieter and need a little more encouragement before they’ll participate. 

The biggest skill I’ve developed is learning to read the room and adapt. Sometimes you’ll scrap an activity halfway through because you realise something else will work better. Sometimes students will surprise you with ideas you hadn’t even thought of. There’s no such thing as the perfect lesson! 

Having a Routine Doesn’t Mean Giving Up Travel 

One of the reasons I chose teaching abroad instead of backpacking was because I wanted a balance between work and travel. I quickly realised that having a routine doesn’t stop you from exploring, it actually makes travelling even more enjoyable! 

Thailand has lots of public and religious holidays throughout the year, which often means long weekends and extra opportunities to travel. Then, of course, there are the school holidays. If you stay for another school year, you’ll also have a paid summer break, giving you even more time to explore Thailand or travel around Southeast Asia without worrying about finding another job when you return. 

For me, that’s one of the biggest advantages of teaching abroad. You have a stable income, somewhere to call home and still get to experience incredible places during your time off. 

Being a Tourist Is Completely Different to Living Here 

Before moving to Thailand, I’d only ever imagined what it would be like to visit. Living here has been a completely different experience.

As a tourist, you tend to see the famous beaches, temples and attractions. They’re amazing, but they’re only one small part of Thailand. Living here has allowed me to experience everyday life in a way I never could have on holiday. 

I’ve discovered local cafés and markets, become familiar with my town, celebrated school events, experienced Thai traditions and built relationships with local people. 

The Thai People 

If there’s one thing that has stood out to me the most, it’s the kindness of the people here. From the Thai teachers at school to local shop owners and people in the community, everyone has been so welcoming and patient while I’ve adjusted to life in Thailand. The support from the teachers at my school has made settling into the job much easier, and my students have made teaching such a rewarding experience. 

You Gain Skills You Never Expected 

Before moving to Thailand, I thought the biggest thing I’d gain would be teaching experience. While that’s definitely true, I’ve realised I’ve developed so many other skills that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Communication is probably the biggest one. 

When you’re teaching students whose first language isn’t English, you learn very quickly how to explain things in different ways, simplify information and communicate without relying on complicated language. I’ve also become much more adaptable. Things don’t always go according to plan, whether that’s changing a lesson at the last minute, solving problems as they arise or simply learning how to navigate life in another country. 

Teaching has also strengthened skills like organisation, time management and responsibility. There are deadlines for lesson planning, grading exams, uploading resources and preparing classes, so you quickly become very organised. The great thing is that these are all transferable skills, whether you continue teaching long-term or eventually move into another career, the confidence, communication skills and adaptability you develop are incredibly valuable. 

Living Abroad Makes You More Independent 

Moving abroad has probably taught me more life skills than I expected. Simple things like opening a bank account, organising visas, getting around on a scooter, visiting the doctor, shopping in another language or dealing with everyday situations all become learning experiences. Living in rural Thailand means English isn’t always widely spoken, so you quickly learn how to communicate in different ways. Sometimes it’s using a translation app, sometimes it’s pointing at things and sometimes it’s learning a few Thai phrases. You realise that you don’t actually need to speak the same language perfectly to communicate with people. It’s made me much more confident and much more independent than I was before I arrived.

My Biggest Piece of Advice 

If you’re considering teaching abroad but you’re feeling nervous, I’d say that’s completely normal. I don’t think anyone moves to the other side of the world without questioning whether they’re making the right decision, but if there’s one thing these past six months have taught me, it’s that the things that feel the most daunting are often the most rewarding. Teaching abroad has given me the opportunity to travel, experience a completely different culture, make lifelong friends and grow in ways I never expected. I came to Thailand because I wanted an adventure. What I didn’t realise was that I’d also find a routine I love, a community of amazing people and a second home. If you’re thinking about taking the leap, my advice would simply be to go for it.

Ready to Start Your Own TEFL Adventure?

Emily’s first six months in Thailand are a great example of just how much teaching English abroad can offer beyond the classroom. From building confidence and gaining valuable teaching experience to experiencing a new culture and creating a life on the other side of the world, TEFL can open the door to opportunities you might never have considered before.

At The TEFL Institute, we love seeing where our graduates’ qualifications take them. Whether your goal is to teach in Thailand, explore opportunities elsewhere in Asia or find a TEFL job closer to home in Europe, getting TEFL qualified can be the first step towards making it happen.

If Emily’s story has inspired you to consider teaching abroad, explore our accredited TEFL courses and start preparing for your own adventure.

Your TEFL story could be the next one we share. 🌏

The post Emily’s First Six Months in Thailand: What She’s Learned So Far  appeared first on TEFL Institute.

Key takeaways

• A typical English teacher salary in Spain runs from about 1,000 to 1,400 euros a month at a private language academy, for roughly 20 to 25 teaching hours a week.
• Government language assistant schemes, including the British Council programme, pay a grant of 800 to 1,000 euros a month rather than a full salary, for far fewer hours.
• International and bilingual schools pay the most, commonly 1,800 to 2,500 euros or more, but they expect a degree and often a teaching licence.
• Madrid and Barcelona post the highest headline pay, yet high rents mean your money often stretches further in Valencia, Seville or Granada.
• Most teachers lift their income by stacking a contract with private tutoring at 15 to 25 euros an hour, or a few online hours in the evening.
• An Ofqual-regulated Level 5 qualification, exam preparation skills and some Spanish are the three things that move you up the pay ladder fastest.

How much do English teachers earn in Spain?

Most English teachers in Spain earn between 1,000 and 1,400 euros a month at a private language academy, which is the single most common first job in the country. That is a real, spendable wage in most cities, but it is not a saving salary, and it sits below what teachers earn in the Gulf or parts of Asia. The honest framing is that Spain pays you in weather, food and quality of life rather than in a fat bank balance.

The figure you actually take home depends on four things: the kind of employer, the city, your qualifications, and how many extra private hours you are willing to teach. A newly certified teacher at an academy in a mid-sized city will usually land near the lower end of that range, while an experienced teacher with an Ofqual-regulated diploma and business English skills can push toward the top of it, or move into a better-paid school role entirely. For a broader view of the market before you commit, our full guide to teaching English in Spain covers the day-to-day of living and working there alongside this pay breakdown.

Pay is also quoted differently depending on the role. Academies usually advertise a gross monthly salary, private tutoring is priced by the hour, and the public language assistant schemes give a monthly grant rather than a contracted wage. Keeping those three formats straight is the key to comparing offers sensibly, so the sections below take each one in turn.

What is the average monthly salary at a Spanish language academy?

A language academy in Spain typically pays between 1,000 and 1,400 euros a month for around 20 to 25 contact hours a week, and this is the benchmark most new teachers are measured against. These private schools, known locally as academias, run classes for children, teenagers and adults after school and after work, so the timetable is often split across late afternoons and early evenings rather than a neat nine to five.

The contract itself matters as much as the headline number. A proper full contract includes social security cover and paid holidays, and the academic year usually runs from October to June, which means summer can be lean unless you line up a camp or private students. Some academies offer only an autonomo arrangement, where you invoice as a self-employed worker and cover your own social security, so always ask which one is on the table before you accept.

Roughly 1,200 euros a month, the middle of the academy range, works out at close to 1,000 pounds, which funds a comfortable if careful life in most Spanish cities. It covers a room in a shared flat, food, transport and a social life, with a little left for weekend travel. It does not usually cover a flat of your own in central Madrid, which is why so many teachers treat the academy contract as a base and build private hours on top of it.

How much do language assistant and public school programmes pay?

Government language assistant schemes pay a monthly grant of about 800 to 1,000 euros, not a full salary, in exchange for far fewer classroom hours. This is a different kind of arrangement to an academy job, and it suits people who want a legal, structured first year in a Spanish public school rather than a career wage. According to the British Council language assistants programme, assistants receive 800 euros a month in most regions, rising to 1,000 euros in Madrid and Valencia, for 12 to 16 hours a week.

Because the hours are low, the hourly value of a language assistant grant is actually decent, and many assistants top it up with private tutoring in the afternoons. The programme also handles the paperwork that makes staying in Spain legal, which is a genuine benefit for non-EU teachers who cannot simply arrive and work. British applicants should read the UK government guidance on living in Spain first, since Brexit changed the residence rules and the assistant schemes are one of the cleaner routes still open.

For citizens of Ireland and other EU countries, the calculation is simpler. You have the right to live and work in Spain on the same terms as a local, a right the EU sets out in its guidance on working in another EU country, so you can take an academy contract directly without needing a programme to sponsor your stay. That freedom is worth real money, because it lets EU teachers chase the better-paid academy and school roles rather than the fixed grant.

What do English teachers earn in Spain by role and school type?

The table below sets the main types of English teaching work in Spain side by side, so you can see where the money is and what each role asks of you. The figures are typical advertised ranges rather than guaranteed offers, and they are approximate and gross.

The pattern is clear once you see it laid out. The steady middle of the market is the academy contract, the ceiling is the international school, and almost everyone lifts their real income with private or online hours. If you are still choosing where to start, our guide to the routes into teaching English in Spain explains how the assistant schemes, academies and private work fit together.

How do you actually get hired and paid in Spain?

The Spanish market rewards teachers who are in the country, certified and ready to start, because academies like to meet you and watch a short demonstration lesson before they commit. A plan that has you arriving in early September with a recognised certificate and a tidy CV will beat a stack of emails sent from home in spring, since that is when the academic year staffs up.

Work several channels at once. Apply directly to named academias in your target city, many of which never advertise externally, use reputable job boards and the group’s own jobs board, and once you are there, walk in with printed CVs during the first weeks of term. It also pays to widen the net beyond classrooms, and our look at jobs in Spain for English speakers covers the tutoring, camps and online work that often fill out a teacher’s income.

Which Spanish cities pay English teachers the most?

Madrid and Barcelona post the highest headline salaries, but they also have the highest rents, so the city that leaves you with the most at the end of the month is often a smaller one. This is the single most important thing to understand about pay in Spain: the nominal number and the money you actually keep are two different figures, and rent is what separates them.

In Madrid and Barcelona, a busy teacher with private students can earn well, and the business English market in both cities is deep, but a room in a shared flat can swallow 450 to 650 euros a month. In Valencia, Seville, Granada or Malaga, academy pay is a little lower, yet rooms often run 300 to 400 euros, and the warmer, slower lifestyle is a large part of why teachers choose Spain in the first place. The public language assistant grant is a flat figure wherever you are posted, which means it goes noticeably further in a cheaper southern city than it does in the capital.

Can you save money teaching English in Spain?

Saving is possible but modest, and most teachers break even comfortably rather than build a nest egg. A single academy contract in a mid-sized city covers rent, food, transport and a genuine social life, and if you add a steady handful of private students you can put a little aside each month. What Spain rarely does is let you save hard, which is the honest trade for the climate, the food and the short flights across Europe.

The arithmetic that matters is simple. Your academy salary is your base, your rent is the biggest variable, and your private or online hours are the difference between just getting by and having real breathing room. Teachers who arrive expecting Gulf-style savings leave disappointed, while those who come for the life and treat a small surplus as a bonus tend to stay for years. If you are weighing Spain against other destinations on pay alone, it helps to know that a degree is not always required, and our guide to teaching English abroad without a degree shows where the doors stay open.

How can you earn more as an English teacher in Spain?

The fastest way to raise your pay in Spain is to raise your qualification and your range, because employers pay more for teachers they can charge clients more for. Three things move the needle. The first is the level of your certificate. An Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL diploma sits on the UK regulated qualifications framework at the same level as well-known classroom courses, and it is what lets you compete for the better academy and school roles rather than the entry-level ones.

The second is specialism. Exam preparation for Cambridge and IELTS, business English for the many companies in Madrid and the north, and young learner skills are the three add-ons Spanish employers pay a premium for. The third is private work: once you have a base contract, private students at 15 to 25 euros an hour are the simplest way to lift your monthly total, and word of mouth builds quickly once you are established in a neighbourhood. The TEFL Institute is Europe’s largest TEFL trainer by teachers certified, is an Ofqual Approved Centre, number 21335, and every certificate carries a number an employer can verify, which is exactly the kind of proof a Spanish academy checks before it offers you the better-paid classes.

Is teaching English in Spain worth it for the money?

For the right person, yes, as long as you judge it on lifestyle rather than savings. Spain suits teachers who want to live in a warm, sociable country with a rich culture and easy travel, who value their day-to-day life over the size of their bank balance, and who are willing to build their income from more than one source. It suits dedicated savers less well, and it rewards teachers who plan ahead with a strong qualification and a clear idea of which city fits their budget.

Two practical points before you commit. Sort your qualification and your documents first, because academies want a certificate they can check and, for non-EU teachers, a visa route takes time to arrange. And decide your city with your eyes open, because the difference between Madrid rents and Seville rents can matter more to your monthly reality than the salary on the contract. If you are still comparing destinations, our roundup of countries hiring TEFL teachers right now is a sensible next stop.

Ready to qualify for a better-paid teaching job in Spain?

Spanish employers want a certificate they can verify, so start there. The 120 Hour Advanced TEFL Course meets the standard entry requirement for language academy roles, and the Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL Diploma is the stronger option if international schools, universities or the best-paid academy work are your target. The TEFL Institute has certified 161,000 teachers since 2017, who have gone on to teach in 80 countries, and we hold a 4.7 rating from 488 verified reviews. You can read how our guides are researched and checked in our Editorial Charter before you spend a penny.

The post How Much Do English Teachers Earn in Spain? Salaries by City and School Type appeared first on TEFL Institute.

If you need to legalise your TEFL Institute certificate to apply for a teaching visa abroad, we recommend the following steps.

*Please note that these steps only apply to certificates from The TEFL Institute. If you received your TEFL certificate from another provider, we recommend contacting them directly for the correct steps. 

STEP 1 – PAY LEGALISATION FEE

1 . Follow this link and select the country you are travelling to: https://www.vitalconsular.com/tefl-institute-legalisation.html

2 . The fee covers the full legalisation of your TEFL Certificate as a UK document.  You must pay the fee first and receive an order number from Vital Consular.

3 . Contact hello@teflinstitute.ie for a soft copy of your certificate if Vital Consular have requested a preview.

STEP 2 – ORDER HARDCOPY CERT

1 . For 120-hour certificates, follow this link: https://teflinstitute.com/tefl-shop/ 

3 . Scroll down to ‘Hard Copy Certificate by Registered Post’. 

4. Order only 1 x quantity of your 120-hour TEFL Cert

5 . Once we receive your order, we will print and deliver your hard copy to Vital Consular directly.

6 . Vital Consular will return it to your home address once it is fully legalised.

*For 180-hour Diplomas, please contact academic@teflinstitute.com for your hardcopy issued by Highfield.

STEP 3 – EMAIL ORDER DETAILS

Email Lisa at hello@teflinstitute.com immediately and complete the following template:

Vital Consular Order Number: 

First Name(s) as Shown on Passport:

Middle Name(s) as Shown on Passport:

Surname(s) as Shown on Passport:  

Country You Are Going To: 

Once the steps above are completed, Thomas can be contacted for any updates at thomas.finn@vitalconsular.com. 

Please note: 

• The TEFL Institute  cannot be held responsible if this step is not taken and the certificate is sent to your home address. At this stage, you will need to order it again.

• Posting documents and waiting for administrative bodies to sign them takes time. Give yourself at least 3-6 weeks to prepare, post, and wait for the return of your newly legalised documents.

LEGALISATION FAQS

1. What does it mean to legalise a TEFL certificate?

Legalising a TEFL certificate involves verifying its authenticity to ensure it meets the requirements of the country where you plan to work. This process usually includes notarisation, attestation, and obtaining an apostille to confirm the document’s validity.

2. Why do I need to legalise my TEFL certificate?

Many countries require legalised TEFL certificates for work visas to ensure teachers meet professional standards. Legalisation proves your certificate is genuine and issued by a credible institution.

3. What steps are involved in the legalisation process?

The process may vary by country but typically involves:

1. Notarisation: Certification by a notary public.
2. Attestation: Validation by your country’s Department of Education or equivalent authority.
3. Apostille: An international verification for countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
4. Embassy Authentication: Additional embassy verification for countries not in the Apostille Convention.

4. Who handles the legalisation process?

You can manage the process yourself or use a professional legalisation service, especially for embassy requirements. We recommend Vital Consular for our certificates.

5. How long does it take to legalise a TEFL certificate?

It can take between 3 and 6 weeks, depending on the requirements of the destination country and processing times at government offices or embassies.

6. Are there costs involved in legalising a TEFL certificate?

Yes, costs include fees for notarisation, apostille, attestation, and embassy authentication. If you use a professional service, additional charges may apply

7. Do I need to legalise other documents as well?

Yes, in addition to your TEFL certificate, you may need to legalise your degree, academic transcripts, criminal record check, and other documents required for your visa. We recommend requesting a package deal with Vital Consular.

8. Is the legalisation process the same for every country?

No, each country has its own requirements. Some accept an apostille, while others require additional embassy authentication. Research the specific requirements of the country where you plan to teach.

9. Can I start teaching abroad without legalising my TEFL certificate?

Some schools or countries may not require a legalised certificate initially, but this could limit your visa options or job opportunities. Legalisation is usually mandatory for securing a proper work visa.

10. What should I do if I lose my legalised TEFL certificate?

You’ll need to request a replacement from your TEFL provider and go through the legalisation process again. Keep both digital and physical copies as backups.

11. Is it possible to get my TEFL certificate legalised while living abroad?

Yes, you can usually handle the process through online services or by contacting the relevant authorities in your home country. Some embassies and consulates also offer legalisation services.

12. Can I legalise a digital copy of my TEFL certificate?

Yes, in many cases, you can legalise a digital copy. However, you will first need to print a certified true copy from the issuing organisation, as most authorities do not directly legalise digital files. Once printed and certified, the copy can undergo the legalisation process as a physical document.

The post TEFL Certificate Legalisation Explained appeared first on TEFL Institute.

To teach English in Italy, you need two things: the legal right to work there, and a recognised TEFL qualification, usually a 120-hour certificate as a minimum. Irish and other EU citizens can work without a visa. Non-EU teachers, including UK passport holders since Brexit, need a student visa, a sponsored work permit or a working holiday visa.

Key takeaways

• EU and non-EU is the dividing line that decides everything else. Irish and other EU or EEA citizens have the full right to live and work in Italy. Everyone else needs a visa that specifically allows work.
• Since Brexit, UK passport holders are treated as non-EU, so the simple route Irish teachers use is no longer open to British citizens.
• The realistic legal routes for non-EU teachers are a student visa with part-time work rights, an employer-sponsored work permit under the Decreto Flussi, or a working holiday visa if your country has an agreement with Italy.
• A degree is not legally required for most private language academies, but a 120-hour TEFL certificate is the practical floor, and an Ofqual-regulated Level 5 diploma is a genuine advantage for better roles.
• Pay is modest in euro terms: roughly 1,000 to 1,500 euros a month at a language academy, with international schools paying more and much of the market being part-time or hourly.
• Hiring is seasonal and local. Most academies interview in person from late August, so being in the country with your documents ready beats emailing from abroad.

Do you need a visa to teach English in Italy?

It depends entirely on your passport, and this is the single most important thing to get straight before you plan anything else. Italy, like every EU country, treats citizens of the European Union and the wider European Economic Area completely differently from everyone else.

If you are an Irish citizen or hold any other EU or EEA passport, you do not need a visa or a work permit. You have the right to live in Italy and take a job on the same terms as an Italian, a right the EU sets out plainly in its guidance on working in another EU country. In practice, you still have some admin to do once you arrive, mainly getting a codice fiscale (the Italian tax code) and registering your residence if you stay beyond three months, but there is no immigration gate to pass through first. For Irish teachers, this is a real advantage, and it is why Italy is one of the most achievable moves in Europe.

If you hold a passport from outside the EU and EEA, you cannot simply arrive and start teaching. You need a visa that permits work, and the route you take depends on your age, nationality, and whether an employer will sponsor you. The official starting point for the rules is the EU’s immigration portal, which sets out the visa categories for coming to an EU country to work or study for more than 90 days.

Teaching English in Italy after Brexit: what UK teachers need to know

This is the part that catches British teachers out most often. Since the end of the Brexit transition period, UK citizens are treated as non-EU nationals in Italy. The freedom of movement that once let a teacher from Manchester move to Milan as easily as one from Cork is gone, and it is not coming back.

In plain terms, a British passport no longer opens the door so easily. UK teachers now sit in exactly the same queue as applicants from the United States, Australia or South Africa, and they need one of the visa routes below rather than a simple move. The UK government’s own guidance on living in Italy outlines the residence and work requirements for British nationals and is worth reading before you commit to anything.

There is one silver lining worth naming. Anyone with a claim to an Irish passport, and many people in Britain have one through a parent or grandparent, holds an EU passport and therefore keeps the easy route. If that applies to you, it is comfortably the most valuable document in this whole article. For everyone else with a UK passport, the honest message is that Italy is still very possible, but it now takes planning, and usually either study or a genuine job offer to build the visa around.

The realistic routes into teaching English in Italy

There are five routes that actually work, and it helps to see them side by side. The first is only for EU and EEA citizens. The other four are about how non-EU teachers, including UK passport holders, get in legally. The table below is a map of your options, not a promise that everyone is open to you, since age and nationality decide which ones you can use.

For most non-EU teachers, the student visa is the realistic first step. You enrol on a course, most commonly an Italian language course, receive a study visa, and the study permit lets you work part-time. Many teachers use those part-time hours in language academies while they improve their Italian and build local contacts. The Decreto Flussi work permit is the gold standard because it is full-time and stable, but it runs on annual government quotas with a set application day, and language teaching is rarely the kind of role that gets sponsored, so treat it as a stretch goal rather than a plan.

What qualifications do you need to teach English in Italy?

A recognised TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours is the practical minimum, and it is the first thing an Italian language academy looks for. A degree is preferred and is effectively required by international schools and universities, but plenty of private academies will hire a strong non-graduate with a solid certificate and who interviews well. If that describes you, our guide on teaching English abroad without a degree shows how the door stays open.

Beyond the certificate, three things move you up the pile. First, the level of your qualification. An Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL diploma sits on the UK-regulated qualifications framework at the same level as well-known classroom courses, which matters when a school has to justify a hire on paper or a visa file needs to look serious. Second, specialisms. Exam preparation for Cambridge and IELTS, business English for the many firms in Milan and the north, and young learner training are the three most requested add-ons in Italy. Third, some Italian. It is not needed to run an English classroom, but it makes your daily life, your staffroom and your paperwork far easier.

Native speaker status matters less than it used to. Italian employers hire fluent, well-qualified teachers of many nationalities, and a clear accent with a recognised certificate beats a passport in most interviews. If you are still choosing a course, our explainer on how TEFL certification actually works covers what employers verify and why the level matters.

How much do English teachers earn in Italy?

Honestly, Italy is a lifestyle choice more than a savings plan. Pay is modest in euro terms and the cost of living in the popular cities is not, so most teachers aim to live well rather than to bank money. The figures below are typical advertised ranges rather than guaranteed offers, and they are approximate.

The arithmetic that matters is simple. A single academy contract funds a good life in a mid-sized city and modest travel, but real breathing room usually comes from stacking a contract with private or business English hours. For a fuller city-by-city breakdown of pay and living costs, our companion post on the top Italian cities, salaries and living costs goes deeper than we can here.

How do you actually get hired in Italy?

The Italian market rewards teachers who are on the ground. Language academies like to meet you, watch a short demonstration lesson and know you can start soon, so a plan that has you arriving in late August with a certificate and a tidy CV will beat a stack of emails sent from home in spring.

Work three channels at once. Apply directly through the websites of named academies in the city you are targeting, since many never advertise externally. Use reputable international job boards and the group’s own jobs board for roles that accept overseas applicants. And when you are in the country, walk in: printing a dozen CVs and visiting academies in person during the first week of September is still one of the most effective tactics in Italy, because it answers the employer’s main question: whether you are actually there and ready.

Prepare a short demo lesson you can teach cold, ideally a communicative activity for teenagers or adults that needs no photocopies, and carry your original certificate and degree, since employers will want to see them. If you are weighing Italy against its neighbours first, our guide to teaching jobs in Spain, Italy and beyond is a useful comparison, especially for non-EU teachers deciding where the paperwork is kindest.

Which Italian cities have the most teaching jobs?

Milan is the engine of the market, with the deepest pool of language academies, the most business English work and the highest rents to match. Rome has a steady flow of academy and international school roles, but at a slower pace. Florence and Bologna are popular with teachers who want culture and a student-heavy population, while Turin and the northern industrial cities have a quieter but real business English scene. The south, including Naples and Sicily, is cheaper to live in and lovely, but the job market is thinner and more seasonal, so it suits teachers who already have some income lined up.

Wherever you land, the pattern holds: bigger northern cities mean more jobs and higher costs, southern cities mean lower costs and fewer roles. Our full guide to teaching English in Italy covers the day-to-day of living there, from finding a flat to settling in, alongside this post on the rules and routes.

Is teaching English in Italy worth it?

For the right person, absolutely. Italy suits teachers who want to live in one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, who value lifestyle over a big pay packet, and who are willing to do the legwork, both with the visa paperwork if they are non-EU and with the in-person job hunt. It suits savers less well but rewards patience.

Two practical points before you commit. Sort your qualification and your documents first, because employers and visa files both want to see them and a legalised copy of a degree takes time. And if you are non-EU, decide your route early, because the student visa and the work permit run on very different timelines. If you are still comparing destinations, our roundup of countries hiring TEFL teachers right now is a sensible next stop.

Ready to qualify for a teaching job in Italy?

Italian employers want a certificate they can check, so start there. The 120 Hour Advanced TEFL Course meets the standard entry requirement for language academy roles, and the Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL Diploma is the stronger option if international schools or universities are your target. The TEFL Institute is Europe’s largest TEFL trainer by teachers certified, having certified 161,000 teachers since 2017 who have gone on to teach in 80 countries, and every certificate carries a number that an employer can verify. We hold a 4.7 rating from 488 verified reviews, and you can read how our guides are researched and checked in our Editorial Charter before you spend a penny.

The post Teaching English in Italy: Visa and Requirements for EU and Non-EU Teachers appeared first on TEFL Institute.

Key takeaways

• Check the exact qualification or course requirement before paying.
• Use official registers and awarding organisation pages for factual verification.
• Ask the target employer what it accepts instead of relying on a universal claim.
• Keep your certificate, transcript and verification evidence together.

What is the real difference between Level 5 TEFL and CELTA?

Level 5 TEFL describes a qualification level and route, while CELTA is the Cambridge English teaching qualification. The useful comparison is not which label sounds better. It is the awarding body, assessment, teaching practice, delivery, cost and employer requirement attached to the vacancy.

Read the Level 5 TEFL and EQF guide for qualification context, then check the employer’s words before you choose.

How do the qualifications compare at a glance?

The table below uses typical ranges rather than promises. Fees vary by centre, location, intake and optional support. Always confirm the current figure and entry requirements with the course provider or awarding body.

Which qualification is more recognised?

Recognition is employer specific. CELTA has strong name recognition in many language school markets, while a regulated Level 5 TEFL diploma gives employers a qualification record that can be checked. The official Cambridge CELTA page explains CELTA’s own route and assessment.

Do not turn recognition into a universal ranking. A school may ask for CELTA, a Level 5 qualification, a minimum course length or evidence of teaching practice. Ask the school what it accepts.

Do employers accept Level 5 TEFL?

Many employers accept a Level 5 TEFL diploma when it matches their stated training requirement, but no qualification is accepted by every employer. A vacancy may also require a degree, passport eligibility, a background check or a teaching demonstration.

Put the exact qualification name, awarding organisation and register link on your application. That saves a recruiter time and makes verification easier.

Which route usually costs less?

There is no single fixed price for either route. CELTA fees vary by centre and format. Level 5 TEFL fees vary by provider, assessment route and support. Compare the total cost, not only the headline price: include registration, assessment, materials, travel, time away from work and any resubmission fee.

If you need a course that fits around work in Ireland or the UK, flexibility can have real financial value. If you want intensive observed practice, a centre based route may justify a different budget.

Which one gives more practical teaching experience?

Ask for the number and type of observed teaching hours, not just the word practical. CELTA is known for assessed teaching practice within its course structure. Level 5 courses vary, so read the assessment and practicum details carefully before enrolment.

Whichever route you choose, build a small teaching portfolio: a lesson plan, reflection, materials and evidence of feedback. Schools can understand that evidence more easily than a vague claim that a course was practical.

Can a Level 5 TEFL be called a CELTA equivalent?

Use careful wording. A Level 5 TEFL diploma and CELTA may sit at a comparable broad level in some discussions, but they remain different qualifications with different awarding bodies and assessment routes. Do not present one as the other. Follow the qualification name printed on your certificate.

Our Level 5 TEFL course page sets out its own route. Compare that with the official Cambridge information rather than relying on a sales comparison.

How should you choose between them?

Choose CELTA when the target employers specifically request it, you want its intensive centre based model and you can meet its entry and time requirements. Choose Level 5 TEFL when you need a regulated qualification route with flexible study and the employers you target accept it.

For both routes, check location, legal right to work, degree requirements and teaching practice. The best qualification is the one the employer accepts and you can complete well.

Compare the route with your target job

Review the Ofqual regulated Level 5 TEFL course and the employer requirements in the countries you are considering. For a broader checklist, see how to verify a TEFL provider before paying.

The post Level 5 TEFL vs CELTA: Cost, Recognition and What Employers Accept appeared first on TEFL Institute.

Key takeaways

• Check the exact qualification or course requirement before paying.
• Use official registers and awarding organisation pages for factual verification.
• Ask the target employer what it accepts instead of relying on a universal claim.
• Keep your certificate, transcript and verification evidence together.

What does Level 5 mean in TEFL?

A Level 5 TEFL qualification is a regulated qualification at Level 5 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework. The register gives you a checkable record, not a marketing adjective. Start with the official Ofqual qualification record and note the qualification title, number, level and awarding organisation.

That distinction matters because course hours alone do not tell you the level of assessment. A course can be 120 hours and still be a very different product from a Level 5 diploma. The word regulated describes the qualification’s place in the framework, while accredited is often used more loosely.

What does the Ofqual Register actually prove?

The Ofqual Register proves that a qualification is regulated and identifies its recognised details. For the qualification checked for this guide, the public record is the sensible first stop before you compare course promises. You can also cross check the awarding organisation’s own Highfield qualification page.

It does not prove that every lesson is enjoyable or that every school will accept the diploma. It does prove that there is a formal qualification record that can be checked independently of a provider’s sales page.

Does Level 5 guarantee a TEFL job?

No. A Level 5 TEFL qualification strengthens an application, but employers still set their own requirements for nationality, degree status, teaching experience, safeguarding checks and work permission. The UK government explanation of regulated qualifications is useful context, but it is not a hiring promise.

Read vacancies carefully. Some schools ask for a minimum training length, some ask for a regulated qualification and some care most about a degree and legal eligibility. Treat Level 5 as evidence of training, then match it to the role.

How is Level 5 different from a generic TEFL course?

The main difference is the qualification framework and assessment route, not a magic number of study hours. A regulated Level 5 diploma normally has defined learning outcomes and assessed work. A generic TEFL certificate may be useful for a first step, but you should inspect its awarding body, assessment, tutor support and certificate wording.

Use our guide to whether TEFL is worth it for the broad cost and career question. This article is narrower: it asks what the register tells you about one qualification.

What should you check before paying for a Level 5 course?

Check five things in order: the exact qualification number, awarding organisation, regulator record, assessment method and support offered. Then ask whether the course fits your target employer and destination. A transparent provider should let you follow the official record without making you rely on a badge.

How does the Level 5 course fit a teaching plan?

Plan backwards from your first job. If you want a structured qualification with assessed work, compare the Ofqual regulated Level 5 TEFL course with the vacancy requirements you are seeing. If you need to begin quickly, a shorter course may fit better, but do not call it equivalent without checking the official details.

Allow time for reading, drafting assignments and acting on tutor feedback. The most useful qualification is the one you can complete properly and explain honestly in an application.

What does Level 5 mean for Irish and European learners?

Level labels do not transfer automatically between national systems. The EU’s European Qualifications Framework is designed to make qualifications easier to understand across countries, but an employer or authority still decides what it accepts. Keep your certificate, transcript and qualification record together.

If you are applying in Ireland, ask the employer how it interprets the qualification. A clear answer from the school is more valuable than a sweeping claim about universal recognition.

A practical value test for your decision

Write down the jobs you want, their stated requirements and the time you can study. A Level 5 course is more likely to be worth it when the roles you want value a substantial diploma, you want assessed teaching knowledge and you will use the qualification for more than one application.

It may be unnecessary if a named employer accepts an entry course and you only need a first certificate. There is no prize for buying a bigger qualification than your plan requires.

The short answer for people comparing providers

Compare evidence, not slogans. Ask each provider for the qualification number, awarding organisation, assessment outline, support model, completion terms and total cost. Follow the links yourself. Our accredited versus regulated guide explains why those words should not be treated as interchangeable.

Then make a decision that fits the country, employer and teaching format you are targeting. The register is a starting point for verification, not a substitute for career research.

Ready to take the next step?

If a regulated qualification fits your plan, explore the Ofqual regulated Level 5 TEFL course and review the qualification details before you enrol. You can also read our EQF Level 5 explanation for wider context.

The post Is a Level 5 TEFL Course Worth It? What the Ofqual Register Actually Tells You appeared first on TEFL Institute.

English teaching jobs in Morocco are mainly available in private language centres, international schools, universities, corporate training centres, and British Council teaching centres in Casablanca and Rabat. Typical advertised pay runs 8,000 to 14,000 MAD a month at language centres and 15,000 to 30,000 MAD at international schools, with a 120-hour TEFL certificate the standard entry requirement.

Key takeaways

• Realistic employers for foreign teachers include private language centres, international schools, universities, business English providers, and the British Council. Public middle school posts created by the national English reform are Moroccan civil service roles and are not open to foreign hires.
• Typical language centre pay is 8,000 to 14,000 MAD a month, approximately 730 to 1,280 EUR. International schools charge 15,000 to 30,000 MAD, approximately 1,370 to 2,740 EUR.
• A single teacher lives comfortably on 7,000 to 10,000 MAD a month, so a centre’s salary covers life in Morocco without funding big savings.
• Casablanca and Rabat have the deepest job markets. Marrakech, Tangier, Agadir and Fes hire in smaller numbers and often seasonally.
• A degree is preferred rather than universally required. A 120-hour certificate is the floor, and an Ofqual-regulated Level 5 qualification is a genuine advantage for school and university roles.
• Main hiring waves land in August and September, with a second wave in December and January and summer camp recruitment from April.

Who actually hires English teachers in Morocco?

Six employer types account for almost every foreign teaching contract in the country. Private language centres are the largest employers, running evening and weekend classes for teenagers, university students and working adults who need English for study or promotion. They hire year-round, interview quickly and rarely ask for previous experience beyond a certificate and a confident demo lesson.

International and bilingual schools sit at the top of the pay scale. They follow British, American, or French curricula, want a degree and, often, a teaching licence for homeroom posts, and treat TEFL-qualified staff as English specialists or EAL support. Universities and higher education institutes recruit for academic English and exam preparation, usually on part-time or hourly contracts that stack well with other work.

The British Council runs teaching centres and English programmes in Casablanca and Rabat, and its teaching vacancies in Morocco are the most competitive roles in the country for a reason: better packages, proper professional development and a name that travels. Corporate and business English is the least visible market and often the best-paid by the hour, sold directly to banks, telecoms firms, aviation, and automotive plants around Casablanca and Tangier. Finally, plenty of teachers in Morocco earn part of their income online, teaching European or Gulf time zones from a flat in Rabat.

How much do English teachers earn in Morocco?

Pay is modest in euro terms and reasonable in local terms, which is the arithmetic that matters. The figures below are typical advertised ranges rather than guaranteed offers, and they are approximate. Housing is occasionally included at international schools and almost never at language centres.

A useful benchmark: a single teacher lives comfortably in most Moroccan cities on 7,000 to 10,000 MAD a month, roughly 640 to 915 EUR. That means a centre salary funds a good life and modest travel, while an international school salary or a centre contract topped up with corporate hours is what creates real savings.

Which Moroccan cities have the most teaching jobs?

Casablanca is the country’s economic engine and its largest teaching market, with the widest spread of corporate clients and the highest rents to match. Rabat is the administrative capital, calmer, full of universities, embassies and international schools, and popular with teachers who want a quieter first year. Marrakech runs on tourism and hospitality, which shapes the English that people want to learn and creates seasonal peaks. Tangier has grown rapidly around its port and industrial zones, creating a genuine business English market. Agadir is coastal, tourism-led and smaller. Fes is the most traditional of the big six and the cheapest place on this list to live well.

What qualifications do you need to teach English in Morocco?

A recognised TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours is the practical minimum, and it is the first thing a Moroccan employer looks for on a CV. A bachelor’s degree is usually preferred and is effectively required by international schools, universities and the British Council, but language centres will hire strong non-graduates who interview and teach well. If you are weighing that up, our guide on teaching English abroad without a degree sets out where the door stays open.

Beyond the certificate, three things move the needle. First, regulated qualifications: an Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL course carries formal recognition on the UK-regulated qualifications framework, which matters when a school or university has to justify a hire on paper. Second, specialisms: exam preparation for IELTS and Cambridge exams, business English, and young learner training are the three most requested add-ons in Morocco. Third, French. It is not required to teach, since your classroom runs in English, but conversational French makes the rest of your life and your staffroom relationships dramatically easier.

Native speaker status is not the gatekeeper it once was. Moroccan employers hire fluent teachers from many nationalities, and a clear accent and solid qualifications beat a passport in most interviews.

Does the new English in schools reform mean jobs for foreign teachers?

No, and this is where a lot of online advice gets it wrong. Morocco generalised English teaching to all public middle schools from the 2025 to 2026 academic year, at two hours per week, under the Ministry of National Education, with Framework Law 51-17 underpinning the wider reform. The academic account of that rollout is set out in this paper by Mohammed V University on the generalisation of English.

Those middle school posts are Moroccan civil service roles recruited through the regional academies, and they are not open to foreign hires. What the reform does do is change the weather. Millions of pupils now start English earlier, families invest more in supplementary classes, private centres expand to meet demand, and employers across tourism and industry raise their expectations of staff English. That is where foreign TEFL teachers actually fit: private centres, international schools, universities, the British Council, corporate training and online work. Anyone promising you a job in the state system is selling something that does not exist.

When is the hiring season for TEFL jobs in Morocco?

There are two clear waves and one seasonal bonus. The main wave runs from late July through September, when language centres and schools staff up for the academic year that starts in September. The second wave lands in December and January, filling gaps left by teachers who did not see out the year, and it is a genuinely good time to apply because the competition thins out. Summer camps and intensive holiday courses recruit from April onwards for June to August.

International schools work on a longer cycle and often advertise from January for the following September, so they need earlier planning than centres do. Universities recruit close to their semester dates, typically in August and again in January. Corporate contracts follow company training budgets, which in practice means January and September.

Most language centre hiring in Morocco happens locally. Employers like to meet you, watch you teach a short demonstration lesson and check that you are already in the country and able to start. Interviews by video do happen, especially for schools and British Council roles, but a plan that involves arriving in early September with a certificate and a tidy CV has a much better strike rate than emailing from abroad in March.

How do you apply for English teaching jobs in Morocco?

Start with a one-page CV that puts your TEFL certificate, hours and any specialisms at the top, followed by teaching or teaching-related experience and a line on your availability. Moroccan employers read many vague applications, so name the city you are moving to and the date you can start. Attach a short cover email in English, three or four sentences, and mention any French or Arabic honestly.

Then work three channels at once. Apply directly through the websites of named centres and schools in your target city, since many never advertise externally. Use international job boards and the group’s own job board for openings that accept overseas applicants. And walk in: printing 10 CVs and visiting language centres in person during the first week of September remains the single most effective tactic in Morocco, because it addresses the employer’s main concern: whether you are actually here.

Prepare a fifteen-minute demo lesson you can teach cold, ideally a communicative activity for teenagers or adults with no photocopies required. Bring your original certificate and degree, as employers will need them for the work permit file. For the wider first-job strategy, our guide to how TEFL certification works explains what employers verify and how.

What is the World Cup 2030’s effect on English teaching in Morocco?

Morocco co-hosts the FIFA World Cup 2030 with Spain and Portugal, with the tournament running from 8 June to 21 July 2030 and centenary matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, per FIFA’s tournament organisation page. That has triggered a building programme, including the planned Hassan II Stadium near Benslimane, with a reported capacity of 115,000, and a national tourism roadmap targeting 26 million visitors by 2030.

For teachers, the effect is indirect but real. Hotels, airlines, transport operators, stadium services and retail all need staff who can work in English, which pushes hospitality and vocational English up the priority list for centres and corporate training providers. Expect more short-course work, more workplace English contracts and more demand in host cities over the next few years. It is not a hiring boom in itself, and treating it as one would be naive, but it is a tailwind that makes Morocco a smarter medium-term bet than it looked five years ago.

Is Morocco a good place to start a TEFL career?

Morocco suits teachers who want a manageable cost of living, a short flight home, genuine cultural depth and a market where a well-qualified newcomer can get hired in weeks rather than months. It suits savers less well, since the numbers only stack up if you combine a contract with private or corporate hours. It rewards patience with paperwork, a tolerance for last-minute timetable changes and some effort with French or Darija.

Two practical points before you commit. Get your qualification and documents in order first, because employers need them for the work permit file and a legalised degree copy takes time. And come with a small financial buffer, ideally two months of living costs, since first salaries in Morocco often arrive at the end of the second month. If you are still comparing destinations, our roundup of countries hiring TEFL teachers right now is a sensible next stop, and our Morocco country guide covers the day-to-day side of life there.

The rest of our Morocco series

This guide is the hub for teaching in Morocco. These three companion guides go deeper into the questions that decide whether the move works for you.

• Cost of living in Morocco for English teachers: rent by city, a full monthly budget in dirhams and euros, and how much of a teaching salary you can realistically save.
• The Morocco work visa process step by step: visa-free entry, employer-sponsored work permits, the document checklist and how long each stage takes.
• Why the Morocco World Cup 2030 build-up is lifting English demand: the sectors hiring, the timeline to 2030 and how to position yourself now.

Ready to qualify for a teaching job in Morocco?

Employers in Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech want to see a certificate they can verify, so start there. The 120 Hour Advanced TEFL Course meets the standard entry requirement for language centre roles, and the Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL Diploma is the stronger option if international schools, universities or the British Council are your target. The TEFL Institute has certified 161,000 teachers since 2017 and holds a 4.7 rating from 487 Trustpilot reviews and 4.9 from 1,874 Google reviews, so you can check our record before you spend a penny.

The post English Teaching Jobs in Morocco: Salaries, Schools and How to Get Hired appeared first on TEFL Institute.

The cost of living in Morocco lets a single English teacher live comfortably on roughly 7,000 to 10,000 MAD a month, approximately 640 to 915 EUR. Rent for a one-bedroom flat runs 4,000 to 7,000 MAD in Casablanca and Rabat and 2,000 to 4,000 MAD in smaller cities, with food and transport notably cheap.

Key takeaways

• A comfortable single-teacher budget is 7,000 to 10,000 MAD per month, approximately 640 to 915 EUR. A frugal budget works at around 5,500 MAD.
• Rent is the only large expense. Everything else, from taxis to tagines, is inexpensive by European standards.
• A private language centre’s salary of 8,000 to 14,000 MAD covers living costs and travel, but leaves limited room for saving without extra hours.
• International school salaries of 15,000 to 30,000 MAD and above are where real monthly savings start.
• Fes, Agadir and Meknes cost noticeably less than Casablanca and Rabat for a very similar day-to-day quality of life.
• Budget two months of living costs as a landing buffer, since first Moroccan salaries often arrive at the end of the second month.

How much does it cost to live in Morocco each month?

Between 5,500 and 13,000 MAD a month covers most teachers, depending on the city and how you like to live. The dirham is a closed currency, so you will be spending locally rather than mentally converting every purchase, and the mental adjustment happens fast: a plate of food for 40 MAD and a taxi across town for 20 MAD reset your baseline within a fortnight.

The table below is a working budget for one person in a mid-sized flat, not for a couple sharing costs, and not for a shoestring hostel life. Figures are typical ranges and approximate, drawn from current advertised rents and everyday prices in the six main teaching cities.

Read that middle column as the honest answer to what living in Morocco costs. It includes eating out twice a week, a gym, a monthly trip somewhere and a flat you are happy to invite people to.

What does rent cost in Moroccan cities?

Rent varies by a factor of three across the country, and that single line item decides whether your salary feels tight or generous. Casablanca and Rabat carry a premium for capital cities. Marrakech charges a tourism premium in the medina and old town, but drops sharply in the newer residential districts where teachers actually live. Fes, Meknes and Agadir are the value plays.

Two local realities to plan for. Deposits are usually one or two months plus the first month up front, so arrive with cash available. And unfurnished in Morocco can mean genuinely empty, including no kitchen units, so confirm what stays before you sign. Sharing a two or three bedroom flat with other teachers typically cuts your housing cost by 35 to 45 per cent and is how most people spend their first six months.

How cheap is food and eating out in Morocco?

Food is where Morocco offers the best value for your budget. A sit-down meal at a neighbourhood restaurant costs 30 to 80 MAD, mint tea is 10 to 15 MAD, a fresh orange juice on the street is 5 to 10 MAD, and a good coffee is 12 to 20 MAD. A tagine or couscous plate large enough to defeat you rarely costs more than 70 MAD outside tourist squares.

Cooking at home is cheaper still if you buy where Moroccans buy. Souk vegetables and fruit are priced by the kilo and cost a fraction of supermarket equivalents, bread is a couple of dirhams, and seasonal produce is excellent. Imported goods are the exception: European cheese, breakfast cereal, wine, and anything labelled organic carry significant markups, and alcohol is taxed and limited to licensed shops, hotels, and some restaurants. If your grocery bill in Morocco is high, it’s almost always because of imported comfort food.

A realistic pattern for a teacher on a centre salary is 1,500 to 1,900 MAD for groceries, plus 800 to 1,200 MAD for eating out, which is more social life than the same money buys in Dublin, Manchester or Madrid.

What about transport, phone and utilities?

Getting around costs very little. A petit taxi hop across a city is 10 to 30 MAD if the meter is running, a monthly urban transport pass is around 200 MAD, and the tram systems in Casablanca and Rabat are clean, cheap and reliable. Intercity travel is the quiet joy of living here: the ONCF rail network links the main northern cities, and the Tangier-Casablanca high-speed line makes weekend trips genuinely easy, with second-class fares typically 100-250 MAD.

Mobile data is inexpensive, with a generous prepaid bundle costing 100-200 MAD a month from the three main operators. Home fibre or ADSL runs 200 to 400 MAD. Electricity and water together usually cost between 250 and 600 MAD, depending on season and whether you run air conditioning, which you will want in Marrakech and Fes in July and August. Most flats have no central heating, so January in Rabat or Fes means a gas heater and a good jumper rather than a big bill.

Can you actually save money teaching English in Morocco?

Some, but not a fortune, and pretending otherwise would be doing you a disservice. On a language centre salary of 8,000 to 14,000 MAD, a comfortable budget of around 10,000 MAD leaves anywhere from nothing to 4,000 MAD a month. The teachers who save in Morocco do it in one of three ways: they share a flat, they add private tutoring at 100 to 250 MAD an hour, or they take corporate and business English work, which pays the best hourly rates in the country.

International school contracts change the maths entirely. At 15,000 to 30,000 MAD and above, with an occasional housing allowance, saving 5,000 to 12,000 MAD a month is realistic. Teaching online for European or Gulf clients while based in Morocco is the other lever, since you earn in euro, sterling or dollars and spend in dirhams. Bear in mind the dirham is not freely convertible, so plan how you will move money out before you need to. For the full picture on pay by employer type, see our guide to English teaching jobs in Morocco.

What do healthcare and insurance cost in Morocco?

Less than you probably fear, and this is one of the reasons a mid-range Moroccan salary stretches. A private GP consultation typically costs 200 to 400 MAD, a specialist 400 to 700 MAD, a dental clean around 300 MAD and most common prescriptions 30 to 150 MAD. Pharmacies are everywhere, well-stocked and staffed by pharmacists who will sensibly triage minor problems before sending you to a doctor.

Public hospitals exist, but foreign teachers overwhelmingly use private clinics, which are good in Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech and thinner on the ground in smaller cities. Once you hold a contract and a residence card, you are usually enrolled in the national social security scheme, CNSS, which reimburses part of your costs. Until that paperwork is completed, and for anything serious, carry private cover. Expect 250 to 600 MAD a month for a local private policy, or 40 to 80 EUR for international expatriate cover that includes repatriation. Budget the insurance line properly: it is the one expense teachers routinely leave out of their first Morocco spreadsheet and then regret. The UK Foreign Office health advice for Morocco is the sensible starting point for vaccination and medical cover guidance, and the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs Morocco advice covers the same ground for Irish passport holders.

One more health-related cost worth mentioning is water. Tap water is chlorinated and generally considered safe in the main cities, but most residents drink bottled water, which adds roughly 100-200 MAD a month to a household’s bill, or almost nothing if you fit a filter jug.

How do Moroccan living costs compare with other TEFL destinations?

Morocco sits in the same cost bracket as Vietnam or Thailand, while being a three to four-hour flight from Britain and Ireland, which is its real selling point. Rent in Casablanca is broadly comparable to Chiang Mai or Da Nang, and roughly half that of Seville or Lisbon. Food and transport are cheaper than anywhere in southern Europe by a wide margin.

Where Morocco loses out is on salary relative to costs. Gulf and East Asian markets pay multiples of Moroccan pay for similar hours, and Spain or Italy give European teachers legal simplicity. So the fair summary is this: Morocco is a low-cost, low-salary, high-quality-of-life market that suits teachers who prioritise experience, proximity to home, and cultural depth over savings. If your goal is to clear debt in twelve months, look east. If your goal is to teach well, travel widely and live warmly on a small budget, few places do it better.

Is the lifestyle worth the salary?

This is the part spreadsheets miss. Morocco gives you Atlantic surf towns, the Atlas mountains, the Sahara, imperial cities and a two-hour flight to Spain, all on a salary that in Europe would keep you indoors. A weekend in Chefchaouen or Essaouira costs less than a night out in most European capitals. Bus and train travel is cheap enough that teachers here tend to see more of their host country than teachers in higher-paying markets do. Tourism is also a national priority, with the government roadmap targeting 26 million visitors by 2030, steadily improving transport and hospitality standards.

The daily texture matters too. Souk shopping, the hammam habit, long cafe afternoons, and a genuinely warm hospitality culture make a modest income feel abundant. There are trade-offs to be honest about: bureaucracy is slow, Friday afternoons disappear, Ramadan reshapes the timetable for a month, and if you do not speak French, your first few months involve a lot of goodwill and gesturing. Learning even basic Darija changes how people respond to you and, incidentally, how much you pay in the souk.

How much money should you bring to Morocco?

Plan on 25,000 to 35,000 MAD, approximately 2,300 to 3,200 EUR, to land safely. That covers a rent deposit and first month, basic furnishing, a phone plan, and six to eight weeks of living costs before your first pay lands. Add a little more if you are arriving in September, when flats in Casablanca and Rabat move quickly, and you may pay a month in a short let while you search.

Practical money notes: bring a debit card that reimburses ATM fees, since Moroccan machines typically charge 20 to 30 MAD per withdrawal, and expect to use cash for rent, taxis, souks and most small businesses. Open a local bank account once you have your residence card, because that is what employers want for salary transfers. Before you commit to any of it, get the qualification employers actually check, and read our guide on how TEFL certification works in practice alongside our guide to teaching English in Morocco. If you are still choosing a destination on cost grounds, our list of countries currently hiring TEFL teachers compares the alternatives.

Turn a Morocco budget into a Morocco plan

Numbers only help if you have an offer to attach them to, and in Morocco, the offer follows the certificate. The 120 Hour Advanced TEFL Course covers the standard requirement for language centre roles, while the Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL course is the stronger card to play for international schools and universities, where the salaries actually build savings.

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