Teaching English in Norway: ESL Jobs, Salary, Qualification

Norway is a country located in northern Europe. Many people love traveling to Europe and visiting many countries. Because so many European countries can be easily traveled by train, bus, car, and ferry. Also, there are normally no border checks when you travel within Europe! This convenience attacks many travelers to visit Norway and the rest of Europe. If you are interested in living or teaching English in Europe, also consider teaching ESL in Norway.

Norway is well known for its magical skies, lakes, and high concentration of fjords. If you teach English in Norway, you’ll be able to enjoy traditional Norwegian cuisine, enjoy the world’s most unusual natural occurrences like the midnight sun, and travel around to see the wildlife. The aurora borealis is definitely a must-to-do thing in Norway as well! If you are a nature lover, this winter wonderland, Norway, will be an amazing place to build your teaching experience, travel around, and get immersed in a different culture.

Teaching English in Norway

Norway has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe and has a strong education system. Also, Norway is an energy-rich country and is one of the world’s wealthiest countries. There are lots of job opportunities for ESL teachers wishing to teach abroad in Norway. It is a country where people feel safe, get paid well, and receive free education and health care. If you are willing to learn the language, go for it! Norwegian is one of the easiest languages to learn by native English speakers. Although the majority of Norwegians speak English quite well, knowing the language will help you settle a bit faster and easier in Norway.

Requirements for Teaching English in Norway

In order to find an English teaching job in Norway, you will need to meet the following minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree
• TEFL certificate

As mentioned above, many Norwegians speak English at a high level. So, there is a high chance that you might be competing with local people for an English teaching job. Having an advanced degree related to education or the English language or prior teaching experiences will make you a more outstanding candidate. If you do not have an internationally recognized TEFL certificate yet, you should obtain it. Keep in mind that you can also take TEFL courses online!

English Teaching Jobs in Norway

There are different types of TEFL jobs in Norway. See each option and discover the one that will fit you the most.

International Schools

Children of ex-pats in Norway will normally attend bilingual international schools. And these schools generally recruit teachers internationally. In order to teach at international schools in Norway, you will have to be certified in your home country and have at least 2 years of teaching experience. Some of the international schools in Oslo, the capital city of Norway:

• Oslo International School (OIS)
• Asker International School (AIS)
• Norlights International School Oslo (NLIS)

Private Language Schools

Private language schools like AAC Global and Berlitz recruit teachers from abroad. Still, you will have to be highly qualified to be able to compete with local Norwegian teachers and other foreign ESL teachers to get a job at a private language school in Norway.

Universities

Norwegians who get into universities have quite a high level of English skills. If you wish to teach mature or advanced-level students, the university might be a good option for teaching English in Norway. In order to teach at Norwegian universities, you can apply through the Folkuniversitetet system.

English Teacher Salary and Benefits in Norway

Salary and details of compensation packages differ a lot depending on your school or employer. So, use the below list of information to get a grasp of what benefit packages for English teachers can look like in Norway.

• Contract: one year
• Primary school English teacher salary in Norway: 40,000 USD yearly
• Secondary school English teacher salary in Norway: 43,000 USD yearly
• University teacher salary: 5480 USD per month
• Work hours: 28 hours per week
• Allowance: International schools often cover English teachers’ relocation costs, including flight and initial accommodation
• Vacation: July to mid-August, national holidays, Easter, and Christmas
• Health insurance: Benefits and coverages vary a lot depending on the school

Things to Consider When Teaching English in Norway

However, the cost of living is quite expensive. It is similar to or slightly lower than the cost of living in the United States. Also, beware of the school year and hiring season.

Schools in Norway run from mid-August until late June. When ESL teachers are looking for teach abroad jobs, they are often advised to find a job once they are in the country. However, it’s the opposite for Norway. If you choose to teach English in Norway, secure a job before moving to Norway. It is common for schools to interview teachers online. The most popular hiring season is from September to January.

FAQ About Teaching English in Norway

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about teaching English in Norway. Check out the answers.

Are English teachers in demand in Norway?

Although the majority of Norwegian people speak English, there are still English teaching opportunities for ex-pat teachers. ESL teachers can find TEFL jobs in international schools and private language schools.

Can a foreigner become a teacher in Norway?

In order to become a permanent teacher in Norway, your foreign professional qualification has to be recognized. However, there are exceptions for temporary positions and substitute teachers.

Are teachers paid well in Norway?

Primary and secondary schools make around $40,000 – $43,000 USD yearly in Norway. Teachers at Norwegian universities tend to get a higher average salary of $5,480 USD per month.

Can I work in Norway if I only speak English?

If you are going to work at a school as an English teacher, you won’t need to know the Norwegian language. Even some companies use English as their work language. The majority of the Norwegian population speaks English well. However, it is recommended to learn the language if you are planning to live in Norway.

Should I Teach English in Norway?

Deciding whether to teach English in Norway is a personal choice that depends on various factors. Here are some points to consider when making your decision:

Demand for English teachers

English proficiency is generally high in Norway, with a large percentage of the population speaking English fluently. However, there is still a demand for English teachers, particularly in specialized areas such as business English or test preparation (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS). Research the job market and identify specific opportunities that align with your skills and interests.

Qualifications and requirements

To teach English in Norway, you will typically need a bachelor’s degree and a recognized teaching certification, such as TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Additionally, it’s important to research any specific visa requirements or work permits needed to teach in Norway as a foreigner.

Lifestyle and culture

Norway is known for its high standard of living, stunning natural landscapes, and strong emphasis on work-life balance. Teaching English in Norway can provide an opportunity to experience this unique lifestyle and immerse yourself in Norwegian culture. Consider whether the Norwegian way of life aligns with your preferences and if you’re open to adapting to a different environment.

Cost of living

Norway is known for its relatively high cost of living, particularly in major cities like Oslo. It’s important to research and understand the financial aspects, including housing, transportation, and general expenses. Consider whether the potential salary as an English teacher aligns with your financial expectations and lifestyle choices.

Language barriers

While many Norwegians speak English proficiently, there may still be language barriers, especially in certain settings or with older individuals. It can be beneficial to learn some Norwegian to facilitate communication and to integrate better into the local community.

Career prospects

Teaching English in Norway can provide valuable international teaching experience, which can enhance your resume and open up future opportunities. Consider the long-term prospects and whether teaching English in Norway aligns with your career goals.

Teaching English in Norway: Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on teaching English in Norway? Is it the right place for you, or are you considering teaching somewhere else in the world, like South America or Asia? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear from you.

Last update on 2022-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API