World Class TEFL Courses in Lisbon, Portugal

If your goal is to build up a career teaching English in Lisbon, then you’ll need to work past one small issue – there is a distinct lack of opportunities available which can hinder your attempts to gain a qualification. Despite a growing need for training opportunities in the area, it is also true that there aren’t as many TEFL diplomas available for you in Portugal itself. 

So, with that in mind, the vast majority of people who want to learn to teach English as a foreign language in Lisbon often find themselves taking to the internet to seek a training course which can help them out. 

To ensure that you get the type of options you need, and to help get you ready for a life teaching English as a foreign language, we’ve put together a 120-hour accredited TEFL certification which you could theoretically complete in just four weeks. 

Choosing the right course for you should sound like it is easy to do. However, there are a few headaches to deal with when it comes to pursuing a TEFL diploma. The main issue is that there’s always a difference of opinion between countries as to what a TEFL qualification looks like. 

Each country will have different entry requirements for TEFL teachers, so a diploma needs to be pretty universal and recognised by many countries to be an effective use of your time. Most countries agree that when it comes to studying for a TEFL diploma, the best way to do it is to get 120 hours of study under your belt. This is thought of as being the baseline for a diploma, the minimum amount of time you should spend training before you are capable of teaching English as a foreign language. 

The 120-hour course we have takes you on a journey where you learn all you need to know about teaching English as a foreign language. We give you a lot of skills and tools for teaching, but also give you enough time to master the principles and feel confident that you can succeed. 

Looking at the 120-hour course, it’s important to understand that this is the basic choice on offer. It is more than enough to help you secure the job roles that you want, of course, but at the same time, there is a more advanced option which is 180 hours long. You can pick which one you want, but the 120-hour course will do nicely for getting employed. You will get six months to complete your course, so you can study at your own pace and work around other responsibilities and requirements. 

In addition to letting you work at whatever pace you feel is best, we also offer you access to a wealth of materials which you can use however you’d like – choose between written, video and audio content to learn in a way that works for you. After all, we all learn differently – figuring out what’s right for you is key.

We don’t ask for a lot from our learners. Honestly, the only things you will need to complete the course is access to the digital platform, and a C1 level of proficiency in English. 

If you are looking for training from a different location, we offer online TEFL courses in Porto, TEFL courses in Vila Nova de Gaia, TEFL courses in Amadora, and TEFL courses in Braga. View all TEFL courses here.

When you sign up to complete our course, you get access to 10 comprehensive modules that can be processed in a variety of different ways. You can learn through text, video or audio, depending on which style suits you best.

We make sure to give our students a well-rounded education and teach them how to plan lessons, teach class, and communicate information productively. This course aims to develop a certification that you can take all over the world and use in a number of different ways.

On average, it takes about six months to finish the course. With that being said, you can get your certificate in as little as four weeks. We give you six months so you can get it done at a pace that works for you. After all, we know that you will probably have other commitments and need to work around them.

If the 120 hour course isn’t right for you, then you are welcome to take a look at the other options we’ve got on offer. There are plenty of other certifications that will be just as effective for your needs.

The course which we provide for you is made up of ten modules, all of which focus on a different aspect of teaching English as a foreign language. You have to complete all of them if you want to get the diploma when you’re finished, and we encourage you to use whatever tools and methods you feel are best to learn.

We make sure that you are taught the basics of lesson planning and how to teach English as a foreign language – sometimes a harder task than we give it credit for. We teach you skills that can be used in a variety of different situations, so whatever you intend to do – teach an entire classroom or just a few students, you can do it with confidence.

Once you’ve managed to get your TEFL diploma, you can use it however you want – we recommend getting some volunteering experience under your belt to make sure your applications for jobs stand out from the crowd. However, if you want to go straight into paid work, there’s four main options to explore.

Public Schools

Public schooling is one of the most common ways to teach, because there is a well-funded and regimented public school system for all ages up to 16-18. English will be taught at all of these locations from a young age. This means that you can pursue a job opportunity doing whatever you want – teaching students young or old. 

You will be required to have a degree and your TEFL certification in most settings – there are usually strict requirements for teaching in the public sector. With that being said, it can be a worthwhile way to do things, and it will help you to ingratiate with the local culture. 

International Schools

Lisbon, in part due to a slower pace of life and a lot of culture to experience, tends to attract a large number of expats and businesspeople who move to the area for work purposes. These people frequently bring families with them, and enrol them in private or international schooling to give them a rounded education for the future. 

The great thing about something like this is that you can pick up a higher wage and plenty of benefits like accommodation and travel costs because private schools can afford to pay more for their staff and treat them well. However, you will need a good standard of education to get a job there, as the entry requirements can be a bit on the heavy side.

Language Schools

A lot of new TEFL teachers start their career in the same way – they get qualified and then go straight to a language school to pick up a new job. Language schools are often run to help adults who struggled to learn English as a child or are trying to improve their skill set now. It opens up a lot of opportunities so it is well worth exploring. Adults are often pretty agreeable so they are a good way to sharpen your skills. 

It is worth keeping in mind that this type of work may seem perfect for you but the contracts can be less than full-time work. You may only be offered up to 30 hours a week, which can make it harder to earn a good wage. You may have to look at alternate ways to top up your income.

Tutoring

Working as a freelance tutor is good for anyone who wants to be able to expand their business and give themselves a little flexibility and choice regarding how they work. If you’re a tutor, you decide how you teach and how much you charge. However, you’ll have to declare all of your income to the government, so be sure to comply with local laws.

Teaching English in Lisbon isn’t particularly difficult, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind when you get started. 

To get a job teaching English in Lisbon, you need four basic things. First, you need your TEFL diploma. Second, you should try to have a degree in your chosen subject. Third, you need to apply for a work permit if you’re a non-EU citizen, and anyone moving to Portugal needs a residency permit. 

There are a couple of things you can do if you want to try and improve your chances of getting the permits you need. First of all, retune your CV to represent your new TEFL skills. You should also try and get some volunteering done before you submit any applications – it’ll help to secure a job offer, which is a gold mine for a permit. 

TEFL in Lisbon

As the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon offers a dynamic blend of history, culture, and modernity, making it an enticing location for TEFL teachers. With a thriving expat community and a growing demand for English language education, Lisbon presents ample opportunities for TEFL job seekers. The city’s vibrant atmosphere, stunning architecture, and scenic views of the Tagus River provide an inspiring backdrop for teaching English. Additionally, Lisbon’s affordable cost of living, excellent public transportation, and diverse range of cultural attractions make it an ideal destination for both experienced educators and newcomers to the field.

TEFL in Porto

Situated along the Douro River in northern Portugal, Porto is renowned for its charming old town, historic landmarks, and bustling waterfront. As the country’s second-largest city, Porto boasts a vibrant cultural scene and a burgeoning tourism industry, creating a high demand for English language teachers. TEFL professionals will find ample job opportunities in language schools, private institutes, and international schools throughout Porto. With its rich history, lively atmosphere, and picturesque surroundings, Porto offers a unique and rewarding experience for those looking to teach English in Portugal.

TEFL in Faro

Faro, located in the southernmost region of Portugal known as the Algarve, is a popular destination for TEFL teachers seeking a laid-back lifestyle combined with stunning coastal scenery. This charming city serves as the gateway to the Algarve region, famous for its pristine beaches, year-round sunshine, and welcoming locals. TEFL job opportunities in Faro primarily revolve around language schools, summer camps, and private tutoring, catering to both local residents and tourists. With its relaxed ambiance, outdoor recreational activities, and affordable cost of living, Faro offers a unique teaching experience in one of Portugal’s most picturesque regions.

TEFL in Coimbra

Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, Coimbra is a historic city steeped in tradition and academic excellence. Located in central Portugal, Coimbra exudes a rich cultural heritage, evident in its medieval architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and vibrant student population. TEFL teachers in Coimbra can find employment opportunities in language schools, universities, and cultural institutions, catering to both local students and international visitors. With its intellectual atmosphere, cultural festivals, and affordable lifestyle, Coimbra provides a stimulating environment for teaching English and immersing oneself in Portuguese culture.

TEFL in Braga

Nestled in the picturesque Minho region of northern Portugal, Braga is known for its historic landmarks, religious festivals, and thriving economy. As one of Portugal’s oldest cities, Braga offers a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities, making it an appealing destination for TEFL teachers. Job opportunities in Braga range from language schools and private academies to international schools and corporate training programs. With its friendly community, affordable living costs, and proximity to scenic countryside, Braga provides an enriching teaching experience in the heart of northern Portugal.

These five cities in Portugal offer unique opportunities for TEFL teachers to immerse themselves in the local culture, gain valuable teaching experience, and explore the diverse landscapes and attractions that this beautiful country has to offer. Whether you prefer the cosmopolitan vibe of Lisbon, the historic ambiance of Porto, the coastal beauty of Faro, the academic atmosphere of Coimbra, or the cultural richness of Braga, Portugal has something to offer every aspiring English teacher.

The cost of living in Portugal is pretty low compared to other countries in Europe. Keep this in mind when you take a look at the average wage – it can often put people off. 

A full-time TEFL teacher can expect to make somewhere in the region of €700 to €1000. Your wage will be influenced heavily by where you live and what you do for work – either at a private school or public. Some international schools also offer extra benefits, like accommodation or a travel cost – so it’s not all about the figures you bring home each month.

One of the main advantages to Portugal is just how cheap the cost of living is. You don’t need a lot of money to enjoy a good standard of living, which works to the advantage of the area. However, the basic rules for life in other countries apply – starting with living in the city being more expensive than just outside it. It’s well worth having a small place just outside the city limits, because this means that you can take advantage of reduced rent, but still have a good quality of life and commute for work.

Something else you should consider doing is eating locally. You can import certain foods to Lisbon from the UK and other places, but this will quickly rack up the price of living and eat into your budget. It’s much better to eat locally and enjoy the cuisine on offer to help with your integration and save money.

Monthly Salary: €1000 

Accomodation: €700

Utilities: €100

Meal out for two: €15 

The figures above are meant as a rough estimate and should be considered subject to change. 

To find the cost of living figures, we use Numbeo.com, the world’s largest cost of living comparison website.