Aside from being the home of Santa Claus, Finland is also known for its Nordic lakes that gave the rise to its nickname as the “Land of the Thousand Lakes.” Finland is also known for its wildlife, outdoor activities, and its sauna culture. If you’re looking for information about teaching jobs in Finland, then you’re certainly in the right place. Keep on reading for all the details that you need to know about this English teaching destination in Europe.
Teach English in Finland
Moreover, the “Land of the Morning Sun” was also named as the happiest country in the world.
Knowing all of these will likely encourage you to find an English teaching job in Finland. Well, you’re in luck since the language is in demand within the business community. Additionally, winter language camps normally look for English teachers for December and January.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at what you need to do to teach English in Finland. Or, you might want to consider their neighbor: Sweden. Get all the details here: Teach English in Sweden.
Teaching in Finland
Similar to its Scandinavian neighbor to the west, Finland has an impressive educational system. The students are also eager and motivated to learn. In fact, teaching is considered as one of the most respectable professions in Finland.
This country has numerous options for ESL teachers. In addition to the public and private schools, teachers also have the option of teaching in universities and adult-learning centers. They can also go into private tutoring.
This Nordic country has not been a preferred destination among ESL teachers. But, the growing number of language school in Finland, it will likely attract more ESL teachers in the coming years.
One thing you should remember that the Finns value qualified teachers. Because of this, you should make sure you have all the necessary certifications and experience before you throw your hat into the English-teaching industry ring of Finland. Also be sure to check out these ESL Teacher Mistakes (and how to avoid them).
Requirements for Teaching in Finland
If you’re planning to teach English in Finland, it’s best for you to prepare all the necessary requirements so you’ll have no issues when you apply for a job. The requirements for an English-teaching position in Finland are:
- Bachelor’s degree
- TEFL certification
- Experience is not a strict requirement, but it will increase your chances of getting a teaching job.
- Citizens of European Union countries are preferred
- It can be helpful to know some basic Finnish.
If you don’t meet these requirements, consider teaching in Russia where in cases, you just need to be a native English speaker. There are also fewer requirements for teaching English in Czech.
Salary and Benefits for Teaching Jobs in Finland
While the teaching profession is competitive, you’ll be happy to know that the salary and benefits you’ll get if you land a job are quite notable. The average monthly salary of an English teacher in Finland are as follows:
- Public Schools – between 2,600 EUR ($3,000 USD) and 4,300 EUR ($5,000 USD) per month
- Private Schools – between 1,470 EUR ($1,700 USD) and 3,500 EUR ($4,100 USD) per month
- Universities – between 3,000 EUR ($3,500 USD) and 4,300 EUR ($5,000 USD) per month
- Private Tutor – between 10 EUR ($12 USD) and 30 EUR ($35 USD) per hour
Even though the monthly salary of private schools is lower than public schools, private schools often provide benefits not normally given by a public school. The following are some of the benefits that some private schools provide to English teachers:
- Furnished accommodations
- Return airfare ticket
- Health Insurance
- Lesson plans provided
- Paid leaves and school holidays
The salary of an English teacher in Finland is relatively higher compared to some of its neighbors. But, you should also remember that taxes are also high in Finland. Income tax rates can range from 16 to 32 percent.
Moreover, the cost of living can also be high if you’re living in the city. This is similar to if you plan to teach English in Hong Kong. On the other hand, if you live in a rural area, the cost of living may be lower. Those are all the details you need to know about teacher salary Finland.
Teaching jobs in Finland
Teaching Opportunities
English teachers have several options if they’re planning to teach here. These options include:
- Public Schools
- Private Schools
- Universities
- Language Schools
In addition to these conventional teaching opportunities, English teachers can also become private English tutors.
Things to Consider When Teaching in Finland
You may already be preparing the necessary requirements to apply for an English teaching job in Finland. But, before you send in your application, it’s advisable for you to check out the following things to consider when you’re going to teach English in Finland.
- The teaching profession is highly-regarded and is granted a certain level of respect you will not see in other parts of the world.
- Many Finns speak English since their parents encourage them to learn a second language when they were young
- Learning resources are hard to come by in Finland, especially in rural areas
- While Helsinki may be the best place to find a job, there are other places you can consider, including Turku, Tampere, and Heinola.
- Unlike other countries in Europe, learning Finnish or Swedish is not a requirement for you to teach in Finland.
- During the winter season, Finland experiences polar nights when the sun doesn’t rise over the horizon. This normally lasts for 51 days. On the other hand, polar days are experienced during the summer when the sun doesn’t set over the horizon. If you want to teach somewhere with a bit of a temperate climate, consider teaching English in Prague.
If you’re planning to teach English in Finland, don’t limit yourself to staying inside the classroom during your entire stay. The country is full of wonders and the people are shy but friendly.
Working in another country should be more than just trying to earn a living, you should also get to experience the culture and traditions of your host country. This is especially true when you teach English in Finland.
TEFL jobs in Finland
Should I Teach English in Finland?
Deciding whether to teach English in Finland is a personal choice that depends on various factors. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:
Demand for English teachers
English proficiency is generally high in Finland, and many Finns already speak English proficiently. However, there is still a demand for English teachers, particularly in specialized fields or for specific age groups like children or business professionals.
Work opportunities
English teaching opportunities in Finland can vary depending on factors such as location, qualifications, and experience. Major cities and international schools may offer more job prospects, while rural areas might have fewer opportunities.
Qualifications and requirements
Finnish employers often prefer teachers with relevant qualifications, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree in English, education, or TESOL/TEFL certification. Familiarizing yourself with the requirements can help determine your eligibility for teaching positions.
Work culture and environment
Finland is known for its high-quality education system and supportive work environment. Teaching in Finland can offer access to excellent resources, professional development opportunities, and a focus on student-centered teaching approaches.
Lifestyle and living conditions
Finland offers a high standard of living, beautiful natural landscapes, and a well-functioning society. However, it’s important to consider factors like the cost of living, climate (with long, cold winters), cultural differences, and your personal preferences for living in a Nordic country.
Language barrier
While many Finns have strong English skills, there may still be some language barriers, particularly outside major cities. Learning basic Finnish phrases can be beneficial for daily life and building connections within the community.
Cultural integration and experience
Teaching in Finland provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in Finnish culture, gain cross-cultural experience, and interact with a diverse range of students and colleagues. Embracing cultural differences and being open to new experiences can enrich your teaching journey.
You might also be interested in this article: Learning Swedish With English.
FAQs
There are a number of common questions that people have about teaching in this country. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.
Is there a demand for English teachers in Finland?
There is a demand for English teachers in Finland. English is widely taught as a second language, and there are opportunities to teach in schools, language institutes, universities, and private tutoring.
What qualifications do I need to teach English in Finland?
To teach English in Finland, a bachelor’s degree is typically required. Holding a teaching qualification such as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification is beneficial. Prior teaching experience is also highly valued.
Is it necessary to speak Finnish to teach English in Finland?
While it’s not always required, having some knowledge of Finnish can be helpful, especially for managing classroom dynamics and understanding student needs. However, many teaching positions are conducted in English-only environments.
What are the typical working hours for English teachers in Finland?
Working hours for English teachers in Finland can vary depending on the institution and position. In schools, teaching hours generally align with regular school hours. Private language institutes may have more flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends.
What is the cost of living in Finland for English teachers?
The cost of living in Finland is relatively high, especially in major cities like Helsinki. However, salaries for English teachers are generally competitive and can provide a comfortable standard of living.
Is knowledge of Finnish culture important when teaching English in Finland?
While not essential, having an understanding of Finnish culture can enhance your teaching experience. It can help you connect with students, appreciate cultural nuances, and adapt your teaching style to meet their needs.
What is the education system like in Finland?
Finland is known for its high-quality education system. It emphasizes a student-centered approach, encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and independent learning. English language teaching is well-integrated into the curriculum.
What is the cultural experience like for English teachers in Finland?
Teaching English in this country provides a unique cultural experience. You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Finnish traditions, explore the beautiful nature, enjoy saunas, and interact with friendly locals.
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts about teaching in this European country? Any tips or tricks for getting a job there? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.
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