International Schools in Germany: English Teaching

Germany presents an incredible opportunity for individuals looking to teach English. Boasting rich cultural heritage, outstanding quality of life and breathtaking landscapes, Germany provides an enriching teaching experience. This guide provides in-depth information and practical strategies that will enable you to secure an English teaching job in Germany by 2024.

What are the prerequisites for teaching English in Germany?

To teach English in Germany, it is necessary to meet certain requirements:

Education: Possede a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and while having one specifically related to education would be advantageous but isn't mandatory.

Teaching Experience: Employers highly value teaching experience in both formal classroom settings and tutoring settings as it shows your ability to engage and communicate effectively with students.

Valid Passport: Before traveling to Germany, ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond the planned length of stay.

Native English Speaker: Most teaching positions in Germany require candidates to be native English speakers, which typically means holding passports from countries like the UK, Ireland, South Africa Australia New Zealand Canada or the US.

TEFL Certification: Enhance your credentials by attaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. Though not mandatory, doing so shows commitment to the profession and can give an edge.

Do I require a visa to teach English in Germany?

Understanding visa requirements is of utmost importance if one intends on becoming an English teacher in Germany:

EU Citizens and Select Countries: Citizens from any EU nation as well as Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or the UK (following Brexit agreements) do not require a visa in order to work in Germany.

Working Holiday Visa: Non-EU citizens from countries like Australia, US, Canada, Israel, Japan and South Korea can enter Germany on a working holiday visa to work and travel for an agreed upon period. Once there, a residence permit for work purposes can be applied for and granted.

Entry Visa for Employment: Citizens of other nations who intend to work as English teachers must apply for an employment entry visa before arriving in Germany. This will enable you to enter and work legally as an English teacher within its borders.

Which are the common types and salaries associated with English teaching jobs in Germany?

Germany provides numerous types of English teaching jobs, each offering unique benefits and salary structures:

Private Language Schools: Private language schools in Germany provide flexible working hours that accommodate adults and children alike, typically evenings or weekends, often at flexible working rates that pay an hourly rate depending on your qualifications and institution of choice. Salaries for these courses typically start around EUR150 an hour with benefits based on performance.
Bilingual Primary Schools in Germany: Bilingual primary schools in Germany seek qualified native English-speaking staff members with appropriate credentials to teach English alongside the regular curriculum. These positions may come with attractive benefits packages and pension programs; salaries start at at minimum $2,000 monthly but could increase with experience and qualifications.
Summer Camps: ESL summer camps offer an immersive and engaging environment for language learning, and offer teachers opportunities to gain hands-on teaching experience and develop their teaching techniques. Furthermore, their relaxed requirements make summer camp positions ideal for individuals new to this industry - pay rates typically start around $20 an hour for summer camp teachers.

Where to Teach English in Germany:

While opportunities to teach English in Germany can be found throughout, certain cities and regions provide greater concentrations of job openings than others. When considering where to teach English in Germany consider these locations:

Berlin: Berlin provides an abundance of teaching opportunities and is home to an international community that thrives.

Munich: Munich boasts an outstanding standard of living, creating an abundance of job opportunities for English teachers in private language schools and international schools in Germany alike.
Frankfurt: As an economic center, Frankfurt provides language schools and corporate language training programs with opportunities.
Quaint Towns: Smaller towns and rural areas across Germany tend to feature slower pace of life and lower cost of living costs, as well as providing an immersive cultural experience. Even though salaries may be slightly less, these locations may provide greater cultural immersion.

How to Find Work in Germany:

Securing an English teaching job in Germany requires taking an aggressive and strategic approach: Check job sites that specialize in English teaching positions such as TEFL job boards or local job portals regularly in order to identify English teaching opportunities available here.

Customize your application materials - resume and cover letter - to highlight your qualifications and teaching experience.
Follow-up with hiring managers after submitting applications in order to express continued enthusiasm about the position.
Prepare for interviews by researching the school or institution, emphasizing your teaching philosophy, and showing your passion for education.

Follow up after interviews by sending thank-you notes or emails as an expression of appreciation as well as to reinforce your interest in this position.

Teaching English in Germany provides a rewarding and culturally enriching experience for individuals seeking a dynamic educational setting. By meeting basic requirements, understanding visa processes, exploring various job openings and taking an aggressive approach in your job search process, your chances of securing desirable English teaching positions increase significantly. Immerse yourself in its diverse history, culture and language by experiencing all that Germany offers as you embark on this exciting adventure - we wish you every success with finding a fulfilling teaching career there!