Teach in Finland

Finland is a rich and fascinating country that serves as a bridge between Europe and the Far East. It is home to one of the best educational systems in the world. Plus, Finland offers a vibrant tech-savvy world from where one can work, travel, and play outdoors year-round. As the country is slightly off the beaten path, there are more opportunities for those seeking English teaching posts.

Alongside ample job opportunities, the UN ranks economy, lifestyle and other factors to measure a country’s happiness. Finland has taken first prize as 2018’s happiest country in the world. It normally ranks within the top five spots. With low corruption, free healthcare, and free university, it is a marvel of a destination to work and live.

At Go Overseas, we strive to provide the most comprehensive program and job listings available. At this time, we are only able to find a few teaching opportunities in Finland, listed below. You can read this full guide to teaching in Finland, use the Search page to explore other teaching opportunities, or browse the Teaching Job Board for opportunities around the world.

Language Schools

As a result of being an international business center, there are countless language schools to choose from in Finland. One thing they have in common, all of them need English teachers. Classes taught through language schools will vary in purpose and style.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are possible to offer in Finland. But your rate of success depends on your location. Being a remote village you will find your teaching opportunities are limited. However, if you are located in Helsinki, you are in particular luck -- the city is swelling with businesses where English is required.

Government Programs

An excellent opportunity to consider is the Finland-U.S. Educational Exchange Commission offered through the US Fulbright Teaching Program. Unlike in other EU countries, in Finland, there is no language requirement. Programs begin January through June. The length of programs varies, lasting from 6 months to one year.

Qualifications

If you do not have your credentials, get them. At a minimum, a Bachelor degree is required. In addition, a TEFL, ESL, and/or teaching certificate are hugely advantageous. Remember, Finland is comprised of a well-educated population. In Finland, certificates and degrees are taken seriously as a means of demonstrating one’s ability and readiness to work a certain position.

Application

Begin the application in late fall. Business English courses for companies and small offices are often arranged through language schools. However, a teacher is likely to be exposed to a variety of factors. Students will be of all age groups, size, abilities, and backgrounds. Because established schools are organized and diverse, they are an ideal place to begin teaching.

Established schools, such as Inlinguia, Berlitz, EF (English First) are an excellent place to begin. Given their depth of experience, they can give you advice and answer a number of questions you might have. It is important to include information about your qualifications, teaching experience and goals. Lastly, attach your CV. In Finland, language schools, tend to prefer a face to face interviews. Being a tech-savvy country, you should ask if a Skype interview will suffice.

For Private teaching work, use websites, like Teacher Finder bring English teachers and those seeking English skills together. Although, in general, they are not ideal when one is beginning to teach. Teach Away is a good place to start if new to teaching and if you have an ESL certificate.

Where to Look for Jobs

Finland has a little of everything. Where you look for work depends on what type of environment you are after. Helsinki is the largest city and best-known city. Affectionately, it is some call it, “The White City of the North” due to its neoclassical architectural. It is a culturally diverse city with over 140 various countries represented through its population, which is just over half a million. Helsinki offers one of the highest standards of living in the world. Its economy is strong making it an excellent city to look for work. Don’t be afraid to venture outside Helsinki, when searching for work. Tampere and Turku are worth their time, too.

Tampere is a market and banking city that is somewhat landlocked but with lakes on either side of the city, you do not have to travel far to feel like you are seaside. Like Helsinki, Tampere is bustling with a rich cultural scene. Tampere is home to half a million people -- making it not a great deal smaller than the capital. The economy firmly rests on technology and education. The city has four universities. The education and tech sectors are both excellent places for English teaching possibilities.

Turku is a medieval city and Finland’s oldest. It also served as the Finnish capital before it was moved to Helsinki when it became noted for its ease of accessibility to western Europe. As a port city, it has a vibrant economy. At the helm is Turku Science Park where over 300 technological companies are hosted. As a small, historical city just one small step to any number of European countries, Turku is a perfect springboard.

Your teaching income depends on where you teach and how many hours you work. Overall, a teaching salary in Finland ranges from between €800-€3,400 ($1,000-$4,250).

A typical teaching work week is 20-30 hours. A private tutor makes from between €15-€38 per hour. If you work for a language school, your salary will be vary depending on whether you are based in a major city, like Helsinki or somewhere less densely populated. If you teach online, the going rate is €15. In person, you can charge €35-€40. How much you can expect, depends how much experience you have to offer.