TEFL jobs in Greece

TEFL jobs in Greece: FAQs

• Q: Why get a TEFL job in Greece?

  As the Greek economy relies heavily on tourism, learning English is becoming increasingly important and there is a great need for English teachers. In fact, there are more than 6,000 private language centres in the country. With that in mind, if you have the relevant qualifications and can legally work in the country, you should be able to find teaching work relatively easily.

  Greece itself has a lot to offer, from incredible cuisine (think soft bread, tangy olives, crumbly feta and fresh fish) to awe-inspiring history (including many age-old ruins and the location of the world’s first Olympics). There are also plenty of stunning beaches with crystal clear waters and world-famous islands. And one of the best things about Greece is the lifestyle, locals work to live (not the other way around) and love nothing more than socialising at a bustling café or restaurant.

• Q: Where to look for a TEFL job in Greece?

  The most popular places to teach English in Greece are Athens, Heraklion and Thessaloniki. These are some of the most populated, built-up cities in the country, where there’s a greater need for English teachers.

  Athens is the capital of Greece and home to some of the most impressive historical artefacts and architecture. It is also the hub of social activities, the arts and creativity – perfect for those who want an active social life.

  Heraklion is Crete’s largest city, offering a more modern, urban lifestyle with all the benefits of living on an island. Crete itself is a large Greek island home to stunning beaches and rugged cliff faces as well as bustling, colourful villages and cities. Old traditions are still going strong here, especially when it comes to music, dancing and celebrations.

  Thessaloniki is one of the largest cities in Greece and a major commercial, economic and political hub. It is also full of cultural interest, frequently referred to as Greece’s ‘cultural capital’ and boasting plenty of festivals and fairs.

• Q: Salary for TEFL jobs in Greece

  TEFL teachers in Greece are not particularly well-paid but you can expect to earn enough to live relatively comfortably. The average salary for an English teacher in Greece is 700-1,200 EUR / £650-1,100 / $800-1,350 per month which is slightly more than the cost of living, depending on your lifestyle. You can also earn a little extra by offering private tutoring to children or adults, which can pay 14 EUR / £13 / $16 per hour.

• Q: Cost of living in Greece

  The cost of living in Greece is cheaper than many European countries, such as France, Germany, Malta, Sweden and the UK – but it can still cost a fair bit to live in Greece. You may need up to $2,000 to get started and you could spend up to $1,300 per month on expenses, including rent.

  Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Athens costs roughly $350-450 per month, whereas renting a room in a house share can cost as little as $200 per month. A meal at a local restaurant costs about $12 per person, a beer costs $5 and a coffee costs $3.50. A one-way ticket on public transport is about $1.50, a cinema ticket is $8-10 and monthly gym membership costs roughly $30.

• Q: Benefits of getting a TEFL job in Greece

  • Lots of TEFL teachers in Greece are offered around 15 teaching hours per week, leaving plenty of time to explore the country or the rest of Europe.
  • The opportunity to explore one of the most historically interesting countries in the world with plenty of ancient architecture and ruins at your fingertips
  • Despite a recent challenging economic crisis, the Greek people are incredibly positive, welcoming and still prioritise a relaxed, happy life over working all hours

• Q: Top tips when job hunting in Greece

  • Search for work well before September as lots of schools will be completely shut over the summer. It’s worth starting your job search in spring.
  • Keep in mind, most teaching positions in Greece run for less than a year, running from the beginning of the school term (September) until the end of term (June). If you plan to stay longer than this, make sure to ask your employer about renewing your contract or teaching work over the summer holidays.
  • Look out for jobs that include accommodation or an accommodation allowance as this will help cut down on costs massively!
  • You’ll need an accredited TEFL qualification with at least 120 hours of training completed before you can apply for TEFL jobs in Greece – check our range of qualifications out here!

• Q: Types of jobs in Greece

  The most popular type of teaching work in Greece is teaching children at public schools or private language centres. You’ll need a TEFL certificate and a bachelor’s degree to secure work at these types of schools, and a small number of schools may only consider candidates with a basic level of Greek.

  Another popular type of teaching work is offering private tutoring. You’ll find both adults and children in need of private English tutoring, and most tutoring work will be found in Greece’s larger cities.

• Q: What visa do I need for a TEFL job in Greece?

  If you’re an EU citizen, you’ll be able to legally teach English in Greece without a work visa. Hurray!

  If you aren’t an EU citizen, you may find it difficult to find a school that will sponsor your working visa so that you can work legally in the country. Depending on where you’re from, you might be able to apply for a working holiday visa for Greece which should allow you to teach English legally. At the moment, citizens of Australia and Canada between the ages of 18 and 30 can apply for a working holiday visa for Greece. Some TEFL teachers work illegally on a tourist visa, but this certainly isn’t recommended.