To secure a job teaching English in Portugal, you will typically need a bachelor's degree and a recognized TEFL certification. Prior teaching experience will also significantly boost your prospects. While the nation's economic state might mean teaching salaries aren't always high, many are drawn to Portugal for its rich culture, pristine beaches, and Mediterranean lifestyle.
Table of Contents
What are the requirements for teaching English in Portugal?
Who are the main employers of English teachers in Portugal?
What are the visa requirements for teaching English in Portugal?
What is the best way to apply for English teaching jobs in Portugal?
Where are the best places to find English teaching Jobs in Portugal?
What are the requirements for teaching English in Portugal?
To teach English in Portugal, the essential requirements are a 4-year university degree and a recognized TEFL certification. Additionally, many schools and employers expect candidates to have at least a year of teaching experience. However, a comprehensive TEFL course with hands-on teaching practice can often substitute for this. It is worth noting that your teaching experience can influence the starting salary, and contract durations typically range from nine to twelve months, contingent on the employer.
Who are the main employers of English teachers in Portugal?
There are two main employers of foreign teachers in Portugal, state run schools and private language institutes. Public schools are quite difficult to get into as teachers generally need a good knowledge of Portuguese to be eligible. Salaries are also not particularly high and you might also be expected to do extracurricular activities with no extra pay. For these reasons, most foreign teachers in Portugal tend to work for private language schools. These usually pay a higher salary than public schools and some also include free housing or a housing allowance.
Private tutoring is another possibility, either part time to top up your main salary or full time if you have a visa that allows you to live and work freely in the country. Most students who look for private tutoring are simply looking for a native English speaker to help them brush up on their conversational English, which can be a fun and stress free experience for both the teacher and the student. There are also several volunteer programs operating in the poorer parts of Portugal that offer a good chance to gain classroom experience.
What are the visa requirements for teaching English in Portugal?
To teach English in Portugal, non-EU nationals typically require a working visa, known as a Visto de Procura de Trabalho, which mandates sponsorship by a school or language center. While some employers prioritize EU nationals to bypass the extensive work permit process, many other schools seek native English speakers, presenting varied opportunities.
What is the best way to apply for English teaching jobs in Portugal?
For the best opportunities in English teaching jobs in Portugal, begin your search in June or July, as most institutions finalize recruitment by the end of August, though some openings also arise in January. Utilize online job boards and teaching forums, where many schools post vacancies. Exploring individual school and language institute websites in your desired locations can also be beneficial. Proactively emailing schools, even those without visible job advertisements, can lead to potential interviews based on the strength of your CV/resume. Lastly, always negotiate your contract; securing better terms or added benefits, like housing allowances, can greatly enhance your experience in Portugal.
Where are the best places to find English teaching Jobs in Portugal?
For aspiring English teachers in Portugal, Lisbon, the capital, boasts the highest demand, offering a blend of modernity and cosmopolitan life. Porto, the nation's second city, attracts expat teachers with its rich cultural ambiance and tighter community feel compared to Lisbon. Braga and Coimbra are other notable cities for teaching opportunities. For those drawn to coastal living and tourism hotspots, the bustling resorts of the Algarve present promising prospects.
