~ Czech Republic ~ Russia ~ Turkey ~ Poland ~ Romania ~ Slovakia ~ Bulgaria ~ Hungary ~
Czech Republic
With the Velvet Revolution almost two decades in the past, the Czech Republic is forging ahead in business and development, embracing its newfound democracy and emerging international exposure. The demand for English teachers remains constant. The capital city of Prague's vibrant cultural life makes it an ideal location for those who love museums, galleries, festivals, and theatre.
| Requirements | Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate |
| Typical Contract | One year |
| Peak Hiring Season | September, January |
| Teaching Hours/Week | 25-30 |
| Monthly Salary* | 12,000 - 20,000 CZK |
| Private Tutoring | 200 - 300 CZK/hour |
| Exchange Rates** | As of 07-29-2010 1.00 CAD = 18.5 CZK 1.00 CZK = 0.05 CAD |
| Cost of Living † | Cost of a Big Mac = 67.92 CZK |
| Income Tax †† | 30% |
| Accommodations | Sometimes included |
| Airfare | Sometimes included |
| Health Care | Sometimes included |
| Holidays | Sometimes paid |
| Visa | Usually included |
Russia
Russia is one of the world's largest economic powers, offering a stunning array of biodiversity and climatic ranges for those keen enough to seek them out. With English being the international language of business, many Russians are very interested in studying ESL. However, prospective teachers should be prepared as Russia has a number of different native languages! Teaching English in Russia may not be as profitable compared to other ESL markets, but the country offers an unparalleled teaching experience.
| Requirements | High School Diploma and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate |
| Typical Contract | Nine months to one year |
| Peak Hiring Season | September/October |
| Teaching Hours/Week | 25-30 |
| Monthly Salary* | 20,000 - 40,000 RUB |
| Private Tutoring | 400 - 900 RUB/hr |
| Exchange Rates** | As of 07-29-2010 1.00 CAD = 29.16 RUB 1.00 RUB = 0.03 CAD |
| Cost of Living † | Big Mac = 62 RUB |
| Income Tax †† | 12-30% |
| Accommodations | Sometimes included |
| Airfare | Sometimes included |
| Health Care | Sometimes included (though lacking) |
| Holidays | Sometimes paid |
| Visa | Sometimes included but freelancing is common |
Turkey
With over 10,000 years of history and heritage, Turkey provides a taste of both European and Middle Eastern cultures. Working and living in Turkey offers an enlightening and enriching experience to both the novice and veteran teacher. The markets offer an array of shopping delights and relaxation is made easy by visiting Turkish baths. The nightlife is filled with shish kebabs, belly dancers, and raki. The demand for English teachers is continuously increasing. With the Greek Isles being only a short ferry ride away, Turkey remains a popular destination for ESL teachers.
| Requirements | Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate |
| Typical Contract | One year |
| Peak Hiring Season | August, January |
| Teaching Hours/Week | 20 - 35 |
| Monthly Salary* | 800 - 2,500 TRY |
| Private Tutoring | 22 TRY/hr |
| Exchange Rates** | As of 07-29-2010 1.00 CAD = 1.45 TRY 1.00 TRY = 0.68 CAD |
| Cost of Living † | Cost of a Big Mac = 5.65 TRY |
| Income Tax †† | 15-35% |
| Accommodations | Usually included |
| Airfare | Sometimes included |
| Health Care | Sometimes included |
| Holidays | Sometimes included |
| Visa | Sometimes included |
Poland
A city risen from the ashes, Warsaw is an intriguing mix of the historic and the modern. The capital of Poland continues to grow and flourish, a testament of the Polish drive to succeed. Between the golden sand of its Baltic coastal beaches in the north and the rocky crags of the Tatras in the south, Poland is a country that caters to individuals of all personalities. Hike the Bieszcady Mountains, enjoy water sports on the Mazurian Lakes, and relax in a health resort, all while teaching ESL.
| Requirements | Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate |
| Typical Contract | Nine months to one year |
| Peak Hiring Season | September/October, January |
| Teaching Hours/Week | 20-25 |
| Monthly Salary* | 2,000-3,500 PLN |
| Private Tutoring | 30-50 PLN/hr |
| Exchange Rates** | As of 07-29-2010 1.00 CAD = 2.96 PLN 1.00 PLN = 0.33 CAD |
| Cost of Living † | Cost of a Big Mac = 7 PLN |
| Income Tax †† | 18-40% |
| Accommodations | Sometimes included |
| Airfare | Usually not included |
| Health Care | Included |
| Holidays | Paid |
| Visa | School sponsored |
Romania
With its induction into the European Union, Romania is enjoying some of its highest living standards since Communism, making it an attractive ESL teaching destination. Famous for being a country of contrasts (as well as the home of Dracula), history and modernism collide in every major city; the capital of Bucharest is no exception. Nature abounds here; be sure to take in both the Carpathian Mountains and the Black Sea Coast.
| Requirements | Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate |
| Typical Contract | Nine months to one year |
| Peak Hiring Season | All year |
| Teaching Hours/Week | 20-30 |
| Monthly Salary* | 1,500-3,000 RON |
| Private Tutoring | 30-60 RON/hr |
| Exchange Rates** | As of 07-29-2010 1.00 CAD = 3.13 RON 1.00 RON = 0.31 CAD |
| Cost of Living † | Big Mac = NA |
| Income Tax †† | 16% |
| Accommodations | Sometimes included |
| Airfare | Rarely included |
| Health Care | Sometimes included |
| Holidays | Paid |
| Visa | Employer assisted |
Slovakia
Quaint and jovial with a surprisingly rich cultural life, this area is sure to make your experience very enjoyable. Slovakia is the country to teach in if you are tired of the commercialism of the West. There is refreshingly little influence from the Western world, so your experience travelling in this country will be without the usual congestion of most European travel. With its well maintained folk traditions, spectacular gothic architecture, and dynamic nightlife, Slovakia is an unparalleled and untouched teaching locale.
| Requirements | Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate, Bachelor Degree Sometimes Required |
| Typical Contract | Nine months to one year |
| Peak Hiring Season | All year |
| Teaching Hours/Week | 25-40 |
| Monthly Salary* | 400-665 EUR |
| Private Tutoring | 5 - 8.30 EUR/hr |
| Exchange Rates** | As of 07-29-2010 1.00 CAD = 0.74 EUR 1.00 EUR = 1.34 CAD |
| Cost of Living † | Cost of a Big Mac = 2.50 EUR |
| Income Tax †† | 19% |
| Accommodations | Sometimes included |
| Airfare | Sometimes included |
| Health Care | Sometimes included |
| Holidays | Paid |
| Visa | Usually assisted |
Bulgaria
Bulgaria features notably diverse landscapes, ranging from the Alpine snow-capped peaks of the Balkan Mountains to the mild and sunny Black Sea coast. Its long history has provided the world with many great wonders, from the Cyrillic alphabet to the father of the modern digital computer. Bulgaria hosts nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and its capital, Sofia, is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Bulgaria sits at the crossroads of the major tourist routes between Eastern Europe, Western Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Middle East.
| Requirements | Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate |
| Typical Contract | One year |
| Peak Hiring Season | September, January |
| Teaching Hours/Week | 20-30 |
| Monthly Salary* | 475-1,000 BGN |
| Private Tutoring | 5-20 BGN/hr |
| Exchange Rates** | As of 07-29-2010 1.00 BGN = 0.69 CAD 1.00 CAD = 1.44 BGN |
| Cost of Living † | Cost of a Big Mac = 2.15 BGN |
| Income Tax †† | 10-40% |
| Accommodations | Sometimes included |
| Airfare | Sometimes included |
| Health Care | Sometimes partially included |
| Holidays | Usually paid |
| Visa | Less difficult than other EU countries to obtain a work visa. |
Hungary
Since gaining its independence more than a decade ago, the country has emerged not only an economic power but also as one of the world's top tourist destinations. Budapest serves as Hungary's cultural and economic hub; the whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage site! Beautiful castles, abundant wine regions, and over 1,000 thermal springs are just a few of the surprising benefits to teaching English in Hungary.
| Requirements | Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate |
| Typical Contract | Six months to one year |
| Peak Hiring Season | September, January |
| Teaching Hours/Week | 15-30 |
| Monthly Salary* | 135,000-270,000 HUF |
| Private Tutoring | 1,300-2,700 HUF/hr |
| Exchange Rates** | As of 07-29-2010 1.00 CAD = 209 HUF 1.00 HUF = 0.00 CAD |
| Cost of Living † | Cost of a Big Mac = 720 HUF |
| Income Tax †† | Up to 50% |
| Accommodations | Usually not included |
| Airfare | Usually not included |
| Health Care | Usually not included |
| Holidays | Usually paid |
| Visa | Employers must prove that no Hungarian is available for the job. Government strict about having a work permit to teach in country. |
* Wages vary depending on the economy of the country.
** Exchange rates are subject to change. Check www.xe.com for current rates.
† The Big Mac Index is a credible, reliable, third-party cost-of-living index created by The Economist. For comparison purposes, it lists the cost of a Canadian Big Mac at $4.16.
†† Income tax rate is based on the amount of yearly income. Most TESOL/TESL instructors will be charged no more than the minimum percentage.
