How to Teach English in Europe: 10 Basic Requirements for Non-EU Citizens

If you want to teach English in Europe but you’re from outside the EU, you might think it’s a pipe dream. But the reality is thousands of people like you do it every year. You just have to know how.

That includes the vast majority of our students. At TEFL Iberia, we’re one of the most respected TEFL training schools in Spain, and we know all about the requirements to teach English in Europe. 

Here’s our ten-step blueprint on how to teach English in Europe for those from the US or a country outside the EU.

1. Choose your country

Each country has its own rules and regulations around accepting people to live, work and study from outside the EU. And while it can be tricky to teach English in Europe for non-EU citizens, there are some excellent options out there. 

Europe is home to some of the best countries to teach English abroad. These include Spain, famous for its glorious weather, fabulous culture and laidback lifestyle, as well as some of the best TEFL academies in Europe and a growing demand for professional English teachers.

Some of the other best places to teach English in Europe include Czechia, Germany, Portugal and Italy. All of these countries have good career prospects for English teachers, particularly in major cities. 

When deciding on your options, be sure to do your research into the cost of living and the culture. Make sure the country fits your individual preferences, even if you’re not planning on staying long-term.

2. Scope out the local job market

It’s also essential to have a good idea of the local employment scene before you consider moving to Europe to teach English. Every country is different – some, including Spain, Italy and Germany, have a high demand for English teachers and lots of language academies, school programs and businesses looking for specialist TEFL teachers. Others offer limited employment opportunities, so it’s important to know what you’re geting into before you consider making the move. 

3. Sign up to an accredited TEFL program

First of all, becoming a qualified TEFL teacher is an essential step when it comes to teaching English in Europe. So make searching for an accredited TEFL course a key priority.

‘Accredited’ is the key word here. A fully accredited or certified TEFL course is one that is independently verified, with a seal of approval from an organisation that’s respected in the industry.

Trust us, there are many shady TEFL providers out there who will happily take your money and leave you with nothing but a phony certificate that’s barely worth the paper it’s printed on.

So do your research. Read our in-depth guide on how to know which TEFL courses are accredited.

4. Secure a visa and ID 

The difficulty of obtaining a visa depends on the country you wish to study and teach English in. Each country has its own visa requirements and local bureaucracy that you’ll have to nagivate so, again, be sure to do plenty of research in advance and give yourself plenty of time to apply.

Another pro tip is to choose a TEFL provider that offers a dedicated student visa progammes. These TEFL schools will specialise in helping US and non-EU citizens get student visas to teach in Europe. 

5. Find accommodation

While travelling to Europe to teach English is exciting, being miles away from home can be difficult. That’s why finding your ideal home from home is so important. Read up on how to find student accommodation in Europe and be sure to consider all your options, from house sharing with other students to staying with host families. 

Another option is to look for TEFL providers who offer their own accommodation service, with good quality affordable housing that’s close to your campus. For many students, it helps enormously to have one less thing to worry about.

6. Open a bank account

While the process differs from country to country, opening a bank account in Europe is generally quite a simple process. And while you might be tempted to think you can just use your bank account from home, it’s definitely worth setting up a dedicated account in the country you’re studying and working in.

Again, this is something your TEFL provider should be able to help with. At TEFL Iberia, we help our students open a Spanish bank account. Plus, we have a close collaboration with a local bank in Barcelona, which makes the whole process so much easier.

7. Learn the local lingo

There’s an old Chinese proverb that says “To learn a language is to have another window from which to see the world.” 

Ideally, you already have a basic grasp of the language of the country you’re moving to. But carry on learning after you move. The more you know, the easier it will be to carry out basic everyday tasks and the quicker you’ll adapt to your new surroundings and make friends. 

We always encourage our TEFL students to learn the local lingo. So much so that we even opened our very own Spanish language academy!

8. Pass your TEFL course

With hard work, determination and focus, you’ll pass your course and become a fully qualified TELF teacher! Some of the best TELF providers in Europe offer intense courses, meaning you’ll have internationally recognised TEFL certification in as little as four weeks.

Our foundational Trinity CertTESOL Course is ideal if you’re never taught a day in your life. We take you on a 360 degree crash course of TEFL teaching, giving you the skills, knowledge and confidence to teach English throughout Europe and beyond.

9. Sharpen those teaching skills

Once you’ve graduated, you’ll be looking to build on those core skills. The best TEFL providers offer auxiliary courses that deepen your learning and give you advanced skills to take your teaching to the next level.

Our Developing Teacher Course is designed for exactly this. We build on our foundational course to offer our students an advanced teaching workshop, with expert tuition and exclusive access to lesson plans and peer support. 

10. Land your first job teaching Engish in Europe

You’ve got the skills, experience and confidence to take command in the classroom and shape your very own teaching style. Now it’s time to master the art of impressing employers, making sure you nail those CVs/resumes, and land your first job teaching TEFL in Europe.

The best TEFL providers go the extra mile to make sure you’re irresistible to employers. At TEFL Iberia, we give our students comprehensive post-course preparation and support to ensure they’re ready to launch their careers. This includes CV preparation workshops and interview masterclasses.

Ready to teach English in Europe? Contact TEFL Iberia today and find out more.