How to teach English in Europe as an Australian citizen

Dreaming of making the move to Europe but unsure how to make it happen?

Teaching English as a foreign language, otherwise known as TEFL, is the easiest way for Australians to legally live and work in Europe. Thousands of people from all over the world, including Australia, make the move every year. That includes our students at TEFL Iberia, one of Spain’s leading TEFL schools.

With decades of experience training teachers and helping them set up their lives in Europe, we know all the requirements for teaching English in Europe as an Australian. 

Your dream move to Europe is in reach! Here’s our 10-step process to becoming a TEFL teacher.

1. Pick a country

Chances are, you already have an ideal destination in mind. Just remember, there’s a lot of variety from country to country, from visa requirements and quality of TEFL courses to the local demand for English teachers.

So, be sure to do a lot of research before making your decision. Our guide on The Best Places in Europe to Teach English in 2025 will help you narrow your choice, but be sure to consider things like the local culture and the cost of living to get a feel for which country best suits your personal tastes and requirements.

2. Sign up for a TEFL course

The vast majority of employers want English teachers who are fully qualified, with a TEFL certificate gained from a fully accredited TEFL provider. These are TEFL academies that have the seal of approval from independent organisations.

When looking for a TEFL provider, be wary of scam courses. If in doubt, read our guide on how to know which TEFL courses are accredited.

By taking a fully-accredited, foundational TEFL course, you’ll get everything you need to teach English anywhere around the world. That’s the qualification, but also the skills, experience and confidence to take charge of a classroom.

The best TEFL providers will also help you get set up in your new country, assisting with everything from a visa and accommodation to getting a job after you graduate.

3. Get a visa

Okay, this is probably the most daunting step for most Australians thinking of making the move to Europe. It’s a big question… how do you get a visa to live and work in Europe as an Australian?

A lot depends on which country you want to move to. Each country has its own visa requirements and local bureaucracy. Here’s a quick overview: 

• Spain: A student visa is required to work as a TEFL teacher in Spain, with the possibility to convert it to a work visa.
• Czech Republic: Australians can qualify for the Zivnostensky visa to study and work as a TEFL teacher. 
• Germany: If you’re under 35, you can apply for the Working Holiday Visa. The Sponsored Work Visa is an alternative option.
• Portugal: The student visa allows you to work up to 20 hours per week.

Expert tip: Look for TEFL schools that have their own student visa programmes, as they can help you throughout the whole student visa process. 

4. Become a legal citizen

Each country has its own bureaucracy when it comes to securing your ID card. In the likes of Germany and the Czech Republic, securing a residence permit is pretty straightforward.

Unfortunately, here in Spain, getting your TIE (tarjeta de identificación de extranjero) can be a complicated affair. There's a lot of red tape and logistical hoops to jump through, thanks to the infamous Spanish bureaucratic system.

But no worries. We’re seasoned experts. Each and every one of our students benefits from our advice and guidance when it comes to becoming a legal resident in Spain. We help you gather all the documents you need, help you get your appointment and even accompany you to the appointment to make sure you get that all-important ID card.

5. Find accommodation

Ah, the all-important home from home. Finding your ideal place to live can be stressful. And understandably so. Especially for Australians living so far away from home. But don’t fret – you have plenty of options, from staying with local host families to sharing with other students. Be sure to check out this guide on how to find student accommodation in Europe to find out more.

Expert tip: Search for TEFL providers who offer their own in-house accommodation service. This will take a lot of stress and uncertainty out of the situation and you’ll benefit from an affordable, quality place to stay in close proximity to your campus.

6. Open a local bank account

Opening a bank account in Europe is definitely recommended. And don’t fall into the trap of relying on your Australian bank account. It’s best to set up a new account in the country you’re studying and working in. That way, your salary will go directly into your local bank and you won’t be charged huge fees to transfer money. Also, most employers in Europe will only pay salaries into a local bank account.

Your TEFL provider should be able to help you set up a bank account. When you sign up to study at TEFL Iberia, we help you open a Spanish bank account early on in your course. We have a good relationship with a local bank in Barcelona, which streamlines the entire process.

7. Learn the local language

Yes, you’re training to teach people to master the English language. But being able to effectively communicate in the local language will bring a range of benefits. Firstly, you’ll be able to carry out basic everyday tasks like shopping, going to the doctors and carrying out admin. You’ll also be able to better integrate into the local culture and make friends.

Crucially, learning the local language will also improve your post graduation employment prospects. As lots of our students in Barcelona tell us, learning Spanish has had a huge impact on their experience living in Spain. 

8. Graduate from your TEFL course

After a lot of dedication and hard work, not to mention support from your TEFL provider, you’ll pass your course with flying colours. The best TEFL schools run intensive courses, meaning you could graduate as a fully certified TEFL teacher in as little as four weeks. 

We designed our foundational Trinity CertTESOL Course for exactly that. If you’re brand new to the world of English teaching, this course is for you.

9. Hone your skills

A foundational course will give you a good grounding to launch your career as a TEFL teacher. But you can build on those fundamental skills with an advanced TEFL course. This will help you improve your understanding of core theories and develop your own individual teaching style.  

10. Become a fully fledged TEFL teacher!

You’ve slayed the beast of bureaucracy. You’ve set up your life living in Europe, found your perfect home from home and even mastered the local lingo. And you’ve passed your course, acquiring skills and experience, plus a confidence you never even knew you had.

Now it’s time to land your first job teaching TEFL in Europe.

The best TEFL providers go above and beyond when it comes to helping you launch your TEFL career. At TEFL Iberia, we make sure you’re job ready, with extensive post graduation job preparation, including CV workshops and interview masterclasses. We can also make direct introductions to employers, thanks to our extensive network.

And if you’re looking for a guaranteed work placement globally, take a look at our TEFL and Work Placement course.

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