The Best Countries to Teach English in Europe

With so many countries, cultures, and world-renowned sights to embrace, it’s no wonder Europe is a popular destination for those looking to teach English abroad. 

But, while Europe is a big continent that offers a diverse set of cultures, landscapes, and job prospects for TEFL teachers, it can be difficult narrowing down the right choice for you. Read on to find out the best countries to teach English in Europe!

Average monthly salary: $800 - $2,500 USD
Minimum requirements: English proficiency, Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, TEFL certificate 
Popular cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville

From world known hubspots like Madrid and Barcelona to the less-frequented charming cities of Andalucía and Córdoba, Spain offers diverse locations and a lively lifestyle marked by tapas, paella, fútbol, and world-class museums.

Spain is one of the best European countries to teach English, and most TEFL jobs come in the form of language assistant roles with NALCAP and Meddeas, providing the utmost support when obtaining an EU work visa. While a working level of Spanish is sometimes required, teaching in Spain provides full immersion in one of the world’s most widely spoken languages.

Read more about teaching English in Spain:

• How to Get a Job Teaching English in Spain
• The 5 Best Programs to Teach English in Spain
• The 7 Best Cities for Teaching Abroad in Spain

Average monthly salary: $1,200 - $2,300 USD
Minimum requirements: English proficiency, Bachelor’s degree, TEFL certificate
Popular cities: Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples

From the cradle of renaissance in Florence to the ancient Colosseum in Rome, Italy offers an experience rich with cultural immersion for foreign teachers. In addition to archaic relics of the past, teachers can revel in Milan’s trendsetting fashion, Bologna’s impeccable food scene, the gorgeous Amalfi coast, and more.

Italy balances cultural immersion with familial comforts, providing a nice compromise between novelty and familiarity. TEFL jobs are available in public, private, and international schools, and don’t often require Italian language skills. If you’re interested in something short-term, consider working at a summer language camp.

Read more about teaching abroad in Italy:

• What You Need to Know Before Teaching Abroad in Italy
• What Salary Will You Earn Teaching Abroad in Italy?

Average monthly salary: $1,200 - $3,000 USD
Minimum requirements: English proficiency, Bachelor’s degree, TEFL certificate
Popular cities: Paris, Bordeaux, Nice, Marseille

While Paris often steals the spotlight, teaching opportunities abound across the country, from Pyrenean mountain villages and Bordeaux’s wine country to the coastal glamour of Nice and Marseille.

With a higher percentage of English speakers than other European countries - but still a high demand for TEFL teachers - France offers a cultural experience but also a more seamless transition for first-time teachers and travelers. France is one of the best European countries to teach English due to the availability of TEFL jobs thanks to its government-run Teaching Assistant Program for college graduates. 

Read more about teaching English in France: 

• The Ultimate Guide to TEFL Courses in France
   

Average monthly salary: $1,800 - $4,000 USD
Minimum requirements: English proficiency, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, TEFL certificate, CELTA or teaching license 
Popular cities: Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Freiburg, Hamburg

Germany’s demand for English teachers inherently comes with its high economic output and international presence. Known for its efficiency and robustness, Germany offers an ideal environment for seasoned educators. English teaching jobs in Germany offer an excellent salary, benefits, and opportunities for career progression. 

The demand for TEFL teachers isn’t as high in Germany, but it's one of the best European countries to teach English abroad for teachers with a teaching license or a Master’s in Education, especially in locations such as Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich. Less experienced TEFL teachers can still find positions in private language schools or summer language camps in Germany. 

Read more about teaching English in Germany: 

• What Salary Will You Earn Teaching Abroad in Germany?

Average monthly salary: $1,800 - $4,000 USD
Minimum requirements: English proficiency, Bachelor’s degree, CELTA or teaching license 
Popular cities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht

Ranking in 5th place according to the World Happiness Report 2025, The Netherlands offers an excellent lifestyle for qualified teachers. With picturesque canals, a vibrant art scene, an abundance of green spaces, high salaries and social equality, it’s no wonder why it ranks so highly for quality of life. 

With high salaries for English teachers, exceeding those in Spain, Italy, and France, teaching can expect excellent job benefits. However, due to the level of English proficiency in The Netherlands, teaching positions often require a degree, a teaching license or CELTA certification, and experience. 

Average monthly salary: $700 - $1,500
Minimum requirements: English proficiency, Bachelor’s degree, TEFL certificate
Popular cities: Warsaw, Kraków, or Łódź

Nestled between 7 different countries and the Baltic Sea, Poland has become a popular TEFL destination in central Europe. Although salaries for TEFL teachers are slightly lower than in other European countries, teachers can also embrace a lower cost of living. 

TEFL jobs come in a range of positions, from public or private school jobs in Warsaw, Kraków, or Łódź, or summer camps near the Tatra Mountains or Baltic Sea. Despite the lower salary and cost of living, many TEFL jobs require TEFL training or a CELTA. Often, teachers in Poland will receive benefits such as free housing.

Average monthly salary: $300 - $1,000 USD
Minimum requirements: English proficiency, TEFL certificate
Popular cities: Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu

With mountainous landscapes, medieval towns, and Dracula’s Castle, Romania is an intriguing nation full of history and natural awe. Although many TEFL jobs exist in larger cities such as Bucharest and Brasov, Romania is one of the best European countries to teach English at summer camps as an entry-level teacher. 

These summer language camps are excellent opportunities for teachers who want to dip their toes into TEFL, gain experience, or public school teachers who want to stay busy over the summer. These positions typically include teaching English outside of a classroom setting, through team-building, sports, and project-based activities. Language camp workers often receive a monthly stipend, and have free accommodation and board in exchange for their work. 

There are many reasons to teach abroad, but teaching in Europe in particular offers unique benefits including but not limited to:

• Unique cultural immersion: From Italian renaissance architecture to the Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral in France, teaching in Europe offers a glimpse into unique storied cultures. Aspects of everyday life, such as the food, architecture, and language, will immerse you in a new way of living.
• Travel accessibility: Once you’re in Europe, you’re in the perfect position to travel! Germany, for example, borders 9 other countries, and teachers on EU work visas can freely visit nearby countries that are only a train or short plane ride away.
• Spectacular landscapes: From the mountainous ranges of Switzerland to the Greek islands, Europe offers a varied topography and climate. Whether you want to teach somewhere more snug and wintery or in a Mediterranean climate, Europe offers teachers a wide spectrum to choose from. 

Now you've narrowed down the best European countries to teach English abroad, you can start to plan your application! Here's how you can get started teaching English in Europe: 

1. Get TEFL certified: While a TEFL certification isn’t often a legal requirement in Europe, it will greatly improve your employability. From online TEFL courses to in-person CELTA courses, getting TEFL certified will increase your prospects, salary, and experience.
2. Choose a location: Consider what sort of climate, culture, and work environment you’d thrive in. Chasing a hot climate? Consider teaching in Spain or Portugal. If you’re after a more medieval feel, check out TEFL jobs in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania.
3. Consider TEFL job types: Are you a qualified teacher looking for a permanent move at a university, or a graduate looking for short-term teaching opportunities? TEFL jobs in Europe come in many forms that cater to different levels of professionals and career ambitions.
4. Research requirements ahead of time: It’s important to research requirements ahead of time, from the job itself to the visa requirements. Some programs, such as NALCAP or TAPIF will offer assistance with your work permit, whereas other jobs may require more independent leg work.
5. Apply!: After applying, you’ll need to gather important documents such as your passport, academic transcript, teaching certificate, letters of recommendations, and more. Gathering these ahead of time can speed up the process should you interview successfully. 

Read more: How to Get Started Teaching English Abroad

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about teaching English abroad in Europe. 

Can Americans teach English in Europe?

Yes, Americans can teach English in Europe! However, some employers may hire EU citizens due to the simpler work permit process. If you’re struggling to find work independently, consider a government program like NALCAP or TAPIF, which sponsors U.S. language assistants in Spain and France.

Do I need a TEFL to teach English in Europe?

While having a TEFL certificate isn't a legal requirement in Europe, it will benefit your application greatly. Having a TEFL certificate, CELTA, or teaching license will make you much more employable and unlock a higher salary potential. 

Where can I teach English in Europe without a degree?

Non-degree holders can find most opportunities in central and eastern European countries, particularly at summer camps. However, for most countries in Europe, you'll need a degree to obtain a legal work permit for long-term teaching jobs.

Teaching abroad in Europe can provide an immersive and soul nourishing experience.  Whether you’re a graduate looking to gain work experience or a qualified teacher looking to build a life abroad, the demand for English acquisition is high. Be sure to consider what sort of lifestyle you desire as a TEFL teacher, and which country would best suit your goals.

Read more about teaching English in Europe: 

• How to Get a Work Visa for Teaching English Abroad
• How to Avoid Common TEFL Job Scams
• Teaching Abroad Hiring Seasons and Application Deadlines Guide