Teaching English in Finland: Jobs, Salaries, Tips & More

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.

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.

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

If you don’t meet these requirements, consider teaching in Russia where in cases, you just need to be a native English speaker.

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.

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’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.

Have your Say about Teaching in this Beautiful Country

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.

Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. It’ll help other English teachers, like yourself find this useful resource.