fbpx

TEFL Connect

Logo TEFL Connect blanco
Menu

Author name: Rosie Hegarty

teachers’ salaries in the Czech Republic - TEFL Connect
Europe

Guide to TEFL teachers’ salaries in the Czech Republic

/

One of the first questions we get asked is related to the salary one would get when teaching English abroad. A lot of you have heard about the cheap living costs in the countries like Thailand, but Europe can be different. Making sure you have enough money to live on is super important. Here at TEFL Connect we have lots of experience with living and working abroad and will make sure you know all there is to know about where you’re moving so you won’t be caught out by any unexpected surprises and what are teachers’ salaries in the Czech Republic. Here is our guide to TEFL teachers’ salaries in the Czech Republic. The currency you’ll be using in Prague is the Czech Koruna however since 1 Koruna (CZK) = 0.04 USD, this guide will be written in USD for ease! Jobs in Prague and throughout the Czech Republic are predominantly found in language centers. Bigger cities have plenty of opportunities, along with smaller towns if you prefer a calamity of the beautiful fairytale villages! You can always supplement your income with private teaching lessons, offers for which you can easily find online, in local shops/cafes and just by speaking with your new neighbors. A typical wage for a native English speaker with a Bachelor’s degree is 29,000 CZK per month – $1320 USD –  when teaching 25 hours per week. Living costs in the Czech Republic: A standard small apartment rent per month – $450 USD Bills (electric, gas, air con etc) – included in rent! Phone – $25 USD for a sim with 10GB data per month and you can use apps for calls and messages, so there’s no need to buy a plan with international calls. Transport – Public transport in the Czech Republic is great! Well planned & cheap. For a 3 month pass in Prague, including buses, metro, tram & train, it’s $30 USD per month. Single bus tickets are around $1 per short journey. Food – You’ll have a kitchen, so cooking will save you cash! A weekly supermarket shop will come in at $20 USD per person. Socialising – Prague is famous for beer – it’s local, cheap and plentiful at $1.50! A nightclub entry is $4-5 USD if you’re having a night on the town. Local restaurants offer amazing fresh food at $5 – for a two-course meal plus drink! Western food (especially fast food) is more expensive, $7 USD per meal upwards. Total = Once you’ve paid your necessary outgoings each month, based on a salary of $1320 USD per month, you’ll be left with a few hundred dollars per month to spend or save as you please! Traveling throughout Europe is cheap, so you’ll have enough to plan those weekend getaways. If you want to discover more about living and teaching English in Europe, take a look at our TEFL Courses there or check out our Facebook page for additional tips!

Teachers’ salaries in Thailand
Thailand

Guide to TEFL teachers’ salaries in Thailand

/

A common fear when people look into teaching English abroad, is “will I be able to survive on my teaching salary?”. It’s a scary thought to move anywhere in the world for the first time, and making sure you have enough money to live on is super important, that’s why knowing teachers’ salaries in Thailand before moving might come in handy. Here at TEFL Connect we will make sure you know all there is to know about where you’re moving so you won’t be caught out by any unexpected surprises. Here is our guide to TEFL teachers’ salaries in Thailand. 99% of jobs are in government schools: from kindergarten through to high school. The school year is only two terms long, November through to end of Feb/beginning March, and May through to September. In the breaks between terms, there are lots of opportunities to earn money in summer camps, online tutoring or in a language centre, which is great as your school won’t pay you a salary outside of term time. A typical wage for a native English speaker with a Bachelor’s degree begins at 30,000 Thai Baht (THB) per month (approximately 915 USD (as of August 2018)). This is the absolute minimum salary you should accept and remember that you can always try to negotiate your salary to an extent. You may not think this is a lot of money but once you get some experience under your belt in Thailand, there are plenty of opportunities to earn triple that amount. To live in Thailand comfortably each month, you’ll be spending around 15,000 Thai Baht per month on the necessities. As a rough guide: A standard small apartment rent per month – 5,000 THB Bills (electric, gas, air con etc) – 1000 THB Phone – 600 THB for a sim with 16GB data per month Transport – an air conditioned bus ride a few KM is 21 THB – less than $1! Food – a local supermarket shop each week is around 150 THB. Western food is expensive –  eating at pizza in a restaurant will cost up to 500 THB per meal, yet street food comes in at around 50 THB per meal, including fresh and delicious Pad Thai! Socialising – cinema tickets are around 250 THB, alcohol is anywhere from 70 THB for a beer, to 250 THB for a sharing bucket (you’ll see these everywhere! Sounds strange for now I know). If you paid rent, bills and all necessities as above, plus ate out once a week and had drinks every weekend with your pals, took the bus to and from school each day, your total spend each month comes in at well under 15,000 Thai Baht ($410 USD) per month. This leaves over half your monthly salary every month to explore the islands, save for the end of term, travel Asia, or just have a nice pot of money to come home with! If you want to discover more about Thailand, take a look at our TEFL Course there or check out our blog about five places to visit in Thailand! Give us any more suggestions on the things you want to know about before coming to Thailand on Facebook!

Online or in-person TEFL - Teaching English without a degree
Cambodia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Vietnam

Teaching English without a degree

/

Did you know you could work as a TEFL teacher without a degree? A common misconception people make with TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) is that unless they are qualified teachers with a Bachelor’s degree they will not qualify for a job teaching English abroad. Maybe you only got as far as graduating high school, some college, or no further education at all.  In that case, we have great news, you absolutely can earn money teaching English without a degree! Of course, this depends largely on the country, however. In some countries it is easy to find a job with just a quality TEFL certificate, whereas in others it would be very difficult to find work without a university degree or even a Master’s degree.  We have made a series of blogs about the different continents where teaching English is the most popular so you can make your choice with all the information necessary. Experience is key Our TEFL partners look for more than just good grades and degrees, you are also assessed on your work experience and life experience. Any previous professional experience, however big or small, counts! Your TEFL Certificate will open doors You’ll want to find a TEFL program in the country where you will be teaching (at least initially). Each of our chosen TEFL providers knows everything there is to know about finding work where they’re located and many have fast-track application processes for jobs due to the quality of their courses and reputation in the local market. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of jobs for teachers without a Bachelor’s degree. You just need to know where to look. TEACHING TEFL IN ASIA WITHOUT A DEGREE TEACHING TEFL IN EUROPE WITHOUT A DEGREE TEACHING TEFL IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA WITHOUT A DEGREE Irrespective of where you want to ultimately teach, you can take any of the TEFL courses we offer as these are internationally recognized, accredited, and will ensure you can teach for life – wherever you are in the world! Contact us for more information.

benefit of TEFL in Mexico - Teaching English without a college degree in Central and South America
Costa Rica, Mexico

Teaching English without a college degree in Latin America 

/

If you don’t have a college degree or any higher education but you’re interested in teaching English in Central or South America, then we have great news. You can! In Latin America, who you are is more important than what you studied so you can still head to countries like Mexico and Costa Rica and earn money teaching English without a college degree. The most important thing is that you are enthusiastic, flexible and eager to work hard and get your TEFL certificate. Most English TEFL teachers in Latin America work for independent language centers and in countries like Mexico, you will have no issues finding a job at a school, language centers and even universities. Mexico There is an incredibly high demand for English teachers in Mexico. The government has made it fairly straightforward for teachers to get a visa as long as they hold a TEFL certificate so our TEFL Connect courses are the perfect way to start your teaching life in Mexico. Regardless of whether you have a degree status or not you can work as an English teacher in Mexico. All you need is fluency in English and your TEFL. If you are interested in teaching in Mexico find more information here. Costa Rica In Costa Rica having a Bachelor´s Degree is not compulsory to work as an English teacher. Most employers do prefer it, however, and while you can secure a job without a college degree, the search may be more competitive. The key to getting a job teaching English in Costa Rica is gaining your TEFL certificate. If you would like to learn more about teaching and living in Costa Rica click here Check out our other blogs on Mexico and Costa Rica. Find out more information about our courses and destinations in this section of our webpage.

TEFL Certificates - TEFL without a degree in Europe
Europe, France, Italy, Spain

Teaching TEFL without a degree in Europe

/

Learning English as a foreign language has always been popular in Europe and more recently it has become even more relevant with the growing importance of Europe in the global economy. In Europe, you will find a big TEFL market with plenty of job opportunities and competitive salaries. Is it possible to get TEFL without a degree in Europe? Here are the main things to keep in mind. As you will probably not be living in Europe with a work permit (most gain access via student visas), employers are more concerned with where you obtained your TEFL certificate, your employment background, and your overall performance at the interview! During your 4-week TEFL course, you are given all the tools, preparation and guidance you will need to wow prospective employers! All our teams have a network of job opportunities and are always ready to support you. Teaching English in Spain without a degree Most reputable employers in Spain usually pay a monthly salary between €1,300 to €1,500 gross to teach 24-26 hours per week. You may earn more or less depending on your individual school, your qualifications and experience, and the number of hours you teach. Working 24-26 hours a week leaves you plenty of time to relax, travel around and have a great time. With our TEFL course, you will have a certificate from the most prestigious TEFL schools in Madrid and your certificate will be enough to prove your worth to employers, as our TEFL partners have a rigorous application and interview process. Teaching in Spain can be a very rewarding experience as there is a huge amount of work for English teachers. Spain has made the learning of English a top priority for their students and employees. This is great news for anyone looking for an opportunity to live and work in Spain as an English teacher! Find out more information about our courses in Madrid here.

Teaching English abroad as a non-native speaker - TEFL in Asia without a degree
Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam

Teaching TEFL in Asia without a degree

/

Did you know you could teach TEFL in Asia without a degree? Teaching English a Foreign language is not just for graduates, you can also enter into the world of teaching with just your TEFL Certificate. Many people without a degree are looking to gain life and professional experience abroad. Teaching English abroad is one of the most popular ways to achieve this. Ultimately, in Asia generally all comes down to visas and work permits, which is where challenges can sometimes lie. For instance, we wouldn’t advise you seeking a TEFL course and job in China, without a Bachelor’s degree. They have are not able to grant work permits or visas for TEFL teachers without a degree, and so it would be impossible to work in China without a degree if you needed a visa to live and work there. Where can I teach English in Asia? There are some countries where it’s easier to teach English without a degree: Vietnam or Cambodia,  for example.  Around half or more of all people working as TEFL teachers in Vietnam currently do not possess a Bachelor’s degree. You will have to be slightly more open to job locations and salary vs a native English speaker with a degree, however, we can assure you, you will still be earning over double your living costs each month. Moreover, you will have enough spare cash to explore Asia freely, in your spare time. Thailand is also a good option where teachers usually work in language centers, summer camps, or online tutoring. Our TEFL training partner actually has strong connections with online teaching opportunities in Thailand, so you will be able to work flexibly around your sightseeing and travel plans! All whilst being paid. As you can see, there are plenty of jobs and opportunities to teach English abroad, without a Bachelor’s degree, you just need to know where to look! To apply simply click here!      

TEFL in Madrid
Spain

TEFL in Madrid

/

If you are looking for a change of pace or new scenery then Madrid is for you.  Whether you are right out of college looking for a year of travel or you want to change your career and start over in a new city, TEFL in Madrid and teaching English could be the perfect solution for you. There are TONS of opportunities to teach English all around the world, including Spain. Not only is there a demand to teach children English, but there is a demand to teach adults English. So even if kids are not your thing, becoming TEFL certified would allow you to teach in any environment you choose. In addition, you do not need a degree in education or any teaching experience to become an ESL teacher. Although there is no experience required, a TEFL certificate will help you have the requirements to be hired. Centrally Located Madrid is in a perfect location if you want to travel the world.  While teaching in Madrid you can save money to fund your travels. The relaxed schedule in Madrid will give you time to travel to your favorite places. It is common in Madrid when working as an English teacher to have Mondays or Fridays off, so traveling on the weekend will be no problem. With a bit of organization, you can have the best of both worlds: teaching and traveling. Along with Madrid’s central location, there are many ways to travel.  Trains and low cost airline are affordable and there are lots of routes to choose from. Living in Madrid Why Madrid? If you are going to move to a new country, you might as well go to a country totally unlike your own.  Madrid’s culture is one of a kind and the locals are really friendly and open minded. Coming to Madrid for TEFL is the ideal way to relax and settle into the Mediterranean lifestyle. A one to two hour lunch breaks will be a change from quickly eating lunch at your desk. Madrid will really help you find the perfect work-life balance and help you fall in love with life again.   Thinking about moving to Madrid? We can help! Get in touch with TEFL Connect and we will give you all the advice you need.

TEFL destinations
Spain

Things to know before moving to Madrid

/

We know everything there is about living and working in the Spanish capital so here is a quick guide to the most important things you need to know if you’re thinking about moving to Madrid. Metro Monthly Pass The best way to travel around Madrid is on the metro. Setting up a monthly pass un abono during your stay in Madrid is a smart move. An monthly pass gives you unlimited metro rides for 30 days. The card also works on the city buses. To apply for an abono, you can order it online by uploading a passport-sized picture and paying four euros. The cost of public transport is really low. If you are 26 years old or younger the monthly youth pass is 20€ and includes all zones. If you are older than 26 years old, the price for zone A is 54,60€. Madrid’s Nightlife Madrid is a non-stop party city. There are tons of cubs, bars and alternative plans that suit all tastes. People usually eat dinner between 9pm-11pm, clubs do not close down until the early morning! So if you plan to have a night out on the town, drink another café con leche and maybe a redbull because you are in for a long night in Madrid! Food in Madrid Tapas, Tapas, Tapas! Tapas are small plates of food that are usually free when you order a drink in certain areas of Spain.  In Madrid there are some fantastic restaurants where you can sit back with a chilled glass of wine and some delicious traditional food. Say hi like a local Giving dos besos (two kisses) – one on each cheek – is absolutely normal in Spain and is the standard greeting when you meet someone new, or a friend – only men to women or women to women though. Men to men typically shake hands or hug, depending on how close they are. It can be slightly awkward if you’re new to Madrid and meeting a huge group of people for the first time but you’ll soon get the hang of it and you’ll wonder how on earth you ever said hi without it! If you have any more suggestions about what to know before coming to Madrid, let us know on Facebook and be sure to check out our TEFL Course in Madrid!

Top five places to visit in Madrid
Spain

Top five places to visit in Madrid

/

If you’re moving abroad and looking for culture, European charm and great weather, look no further than the Spanish capital: Madrid. Here we give you the top five places to visit in Madrid, whether you’re moving to teach English or just for a whistle-stop visit. Madrid’s Royal Palace The Royal Palace is one of the top destinations to visit while in Madrid. The Palacio Real as the Spanish would say, was built from 1738 to 1755 and was the official residence of the royal family. While the royal family no longer lives in the palace, it is used for state ceremonies and tours. In the palace, you can view a few of the 300 lavish rooms where the king dressed, ate, and ruled while also learning the history of each room. El Buen Retiro Park Retiro Park is the largest park in Madrid and one of the most popular places for tourist and locals alike. Right in the city center, this stunning oasis is 1.4 km or 350 acres of lush green grass and has over 15,000 trees. The park is home to an artificial lake where you can rent out romantic rowboats and take in the gorgeous views. Retiro Park is a great place for a stroll, picnic, or a day to soak up the sun and enjoy the European lifestyle. El Prado Museum The artwork at El Prado dates back to the 16th through the 19th century. The museum features some of the most prominent artists, such as Goya, Rubens, Rembrandt, and El Greco. It houses the most comprehensive collection of Spanish art, while also displaying the masterpieces of Flemish and Italian artists, with over 8,600 paintings and 700 sculptures and the museum is planning a 16% extension. The best-known work on display at the museum is Las Meninas by Velázquez. There’s plenty to see! Reina Sofia Museum The Reina Sofia is another museum that is a must-see. El Prado is made for history buffs, but the Reina Sofia is perfect for contemporary art fanatics. The 20th century art collection is divided into three sections: The Irruption of the 20th Century. Utopia and Conflict (1900-1945), Is the War Over? Art in a Divided World (1945-1968) and From Revolt to Postmodernity (1962-1982).  The Reina Sofia also houses Picasso’s famous masterpiece Guernica, which reflects the pain of the victims of the bombing of the Spanish city Guernica in 1937. El Rastro If you are in Madrid on a Sunday, El Rastro is the place to visit. It is a giant open-air market along the streets of the neighborhood Embajadores through the neighborhood of La Latina. The market is open from 9 am to 3 pm and houses 3500 stalls. The market sells everything from leather goods to trading cards, so you will be able to find everything you are looking for. If you have any recommendations on destinations to visit in Madrid, comment on our Facebook page and be sure to check out our TEFL Course in Madrid!

Teaching English as a non-native speaker
Cambodia, Costa Rica, Europe, France, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Vietnam

Teaching English as a non-native speaker

/

“Can I teach English abroad, even though I am a non-native?” is something we at TEFL Connect get asked time and time again. Well, in short the answer is yes! Absolutely! Teaching English as a non-native speaker is practiced all over the world and in many cases they make some of the best teachers of English as a Foreign Language.   Why do non-native speakers make great English teachers? Well, you’ve already learnt English so you know exactly what the deal is when it comes to studying and learning the complexities of the English language. You’ll understand the challenges. The advantage you’ll have over a native English speaker is that you, yourself, have learned English as a second language. Meaning you already have the inside scoop on what challenges your students may be facing! You’ll have knowledge of sentence structure, effective ways of communicating ideas, grammar and so much more! This will often make you a more compassionate teacher since you’ve been in your student’s shoes. Will I struggle to get a TEFL certificate as a non-native speaker? Usually, you will have to pass an interview and maybe even a written grammar test to get onto a TEFL course if you’re non-native. Once you’re on, there are no additional TEFL modules, tests or exams to go through. You will have to pass the TEFL course just like everyone else! The courses are created so anyone can study TEFL teaching, as long as your level of spoken and written English is good.   Will I find work teaching English as a non-native speaker? You’ll find that job opportunities vary by country and continent. If you have a degree you’re guaranteed a job in Vietnam, but in Thailand, you’ll not be able to obtain a working permit without a passport from an English-speaking country. At TEFL Connect we can help guide you as a non-native English speaker as to where you should study your TEFL based on your specific profile so get in touch and ask.   There are so many opportunities for you to live and work abroad as an English teacher, so don’t be put off by any myths of ‘you’ll never find work after the TEFL course’ or ‘you won’t get paid to teach teach’ because they’re simply not true! So have faith in yourself and your level of English and pursue your dreams of living and working abroad teaching English. If you’re looking to get your TEFL certificate, contact us and we can help advise you on the best course for you.

Scroll to Top