You can be forgiven for knowing little about Azerbaijan, despite this exotic land having a vast ancient history, at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was first established in 1918 and was soon after incorporated into the Soviet Union; it wasn’t until 1991 when Azerbaijan gained its independence. A predominantly Muslim nation with heavy influences from both the east and west, Azerbaijan is now a fascinating country that bears both the scars and riches of a number of passing ancient empires, with a bright population expressing lots of post-Soviet enthusiasm as the country continues to invest in modernization, much helped by its oil-rich land.
The capital of Azerbaijan is Baku, a lively cosmopolitan city on the Caspian coast, which is a perfect example of a boomtown. Expect to see a horizon being taken over by modern tower blocks and shiny new skyscrapers, while down below the latest sports cars pass suited office workers, and young hipsters head to trendy new bars and restaurants, all set around the city’s ancient buildings and monuments. Out into the country, you’ll find a contrasting picture of traditional communities and age-old villages, much of which are still heavily set around the farming industry, with a backdrop of the epic Caucasus mountains. For peace and tranquillity, Southern Azerbaijan is dotted with quaint coastal towns and villages, while for those seeking adventure, Northern Azerbaijan is where you’ll find rugged mountain cultures.
TEFL Teaching in Azerbaijan
This is a country undergoing dramatic, positive change. Demand for English teachers in Azerbaijan is huge, especially for those able to teach business English, as English begins to take over Russian as the language of international trade, industry and technology. Here and now is the perfect time and place for teachers both new and veteran to experience a country full of excitement and enthusiasm to learn the English language.
This is still a country with a poor (but improving) infrastructure, so don’t head here to make your fortune, but inexperienced teachers with a 120 hour TEFL course to their name can still expect to earn around 1000 to 1500 $US, while those with a degree and some experience will be able to find teaching jobs in Baku’s International schools and universities paying anything from 3000 $US and upwards. Despite being a Muslim country the capital tends to work to a 9 to 5, Monday to Friday working week, with most schools complying with this. The cost of living can be high, especially in the capital, but you should be able to find a comfortable apartment and lifestyle on wages of 1500 $USD per month (those earning less than this will need to come with significant savings or be willing to lie without certain luxurious and comforts).
Despite the great opportunities and high demand for TEFL teachers in Azerbaijan, there is still plenty of red tape which can be off-putting. Foreigners wishing to work in Azerbaijan require a letter of invitation from a company or contact in the country in order to enter, whilst those looking to stay for more than 30 days need to register with the local police within the first 3 days of entering the nation. This makes all the more reason to use a reputable agency or school to secure work and get help with all the paperwork and immigration rules.
Did you know…
Neft Dashlar is both the first and largest town to be built on stilts. Situated on the Caspian Sea, the town was built over the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Azerbaijani’s love their tea, it’s by far the most popular drink here. Tea in Azerbaijan is traditionally served in pear-shaped glasses, with sugar often replaced by jam as a sweetener.
The breathtaking Burning Mountain of Absheron is ablaze all year round, due to natural gas which seeps through the ground.
Famous Azerbaijani’s include former world chess champion Garry Kasparov who was born in the capital, Baku, and Teymur Rajabov, the youngest chess Grand Master, aged 14-years-old.
Hello, I am 34 years old Azerbaijan National married to Indian National staying in India for over 5 years looking forward to move back to Azerbaijan. I was a Primary English Teacher for 8 years in Azerbaijan Government School teaching English to Primary Classes until I got Married. I have got Teaching License from Azerbaijan looking for an Opportunity in Azerbaijan. Please Consider Me for any Opening in Baku, Azerbaijan. Awaiting for a Positive Response. Thank You
I’m a published author, teacher, and public speaker. I’m writing to inquire about possibilities for short-term teaching (one to two months) in Azerbaijan.What I have in mind is a class in creative writing with an emphasis on the autobiographical essay. Students’ essays would then be collected into a self-published book, with a copy going to each as a memento of the class. In addition to writing their stories, students would have an opportunity to read them aloud to their classmates, thereby reinforcing their English language public speaking abilities. Regarding my professional qualifications; I’m a free-lance journalist with over 200 articles in print. I’ve taught creative writing, remedial high-school and conversational English in the US, Bolivia, and Iran. In 2012, 2013, and 2016, I taught oratory and coached the English language public speaking team at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University in Hangzhou, China. In September of last year, I taught a month-long creative writing seminar at Kathmandu University in which my students wrote personal reminiscences of the 2015 Nepal earthquake. Their essays have now been published in book form (Aftershocks: Survivors’ Tales of the 2015 Nepal Earthquake) and can be read on-line at http://www.myearthquake.wordpress.com. For more information about my activities, including a complete CV, please see my website at http://www.donmorreale.com.
Experienced Canadian female teacher interested to teach English in Azerbaïdjan 6 months to a year to various age groups
Hi Anik
Thanks for getting in touch. Take a look at our jobs board to see the current positions we’re advertising: https://www.i-to-i.com/tefl-jobs-abroad/. Although we currently don’t have any roles in Azerbaijan we’d recommend bookmarking the page as employers are always adding new jobs.
Thank you
Your i-to-i team
Dear sir/madsm
I have master in TEFL and i have been teaching englush at school and dufferent instituts for about 8 year. In addition i am so interested in teaching englush in Baku
Would you please tell me how i can find a job there?
I am looking for native English language teachers to teach afternoon classes in a language school in Baku.
Experienced non native teachers with good qualifications are also welcome to apply.
Hello I’m a native English language teacher, I have experience working in schools and some qualifications.
Hi Jade, thanks for getting in touch. If you’re looking to teach English abroad, we’d recommend speaking to our TEFL experts here: https://www.i-to-i.com/contact/call-me-back.html. All the best!
Looking for a job as a university lecturer or a school English teacher
My name is Jalal Kamalizad, PhD holder in TESL(teaching English as a second language), the faculty of education, the university of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2015. I have expertise in teaching all four language skills, and my strong interpersonal communication skills as well as my grounding in TESL/TEFL methodology and applied linguistics have enabled me to cope with teaching English in various multicultural settings. My strong written and communicative skills have enabled me to teach English at various levels of proficiency. I have a 20-year period of experience in teaching English in different public and private high schools and a three-year lecturing experience in Iranian universities. I am highly motivated, focused and goal oriented and can be an effective member of the teaching team in any institution.
I am an experienced non native English language teacher and intend to work in Baku. Kindly send details on my e mail.