Teach English in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is known for its bicycle culture, iconic windmills, and abundance of vibrant tulip fields. When it comes to teaching English in Europe, the Netherlands is an option which can offer English teachers brilliant landscapes while they benefit from high salaries and a high quality of life.

Interested in teaching English in the Netherlands? We’ve got you covered! Keep reading to learn more about teaching jobs, average salaries and benefits, and how to get a teaching job in the Netherlands!

The Netherlands ranks very high in the world’s English Proficiency Index. So, while there isn’t an urgent demand for foreigners to fill English teaching jobs in the Netherlands, there are still many ways to find teaching jobs in the Netherlands if you have the right qualifications.

Here are the most popular places to find a job as a foreign English teacher.

• Private language schools: English language centers are frequently found in major cities such as Amsterdam, Den Hague, and Rotterdam. These schools are ideal for teachers with less experience because the requirements are less stringent than international schools. If you have a college degree and a teaching background, you should be able to find a job at one of these schools.
• International schools: These schools teach students from elementary through high school and are the most competitive when hiring teachers. Teachers are expected to have years of teaching experience and a bachelor’s or master’s degree with a teaching license.
• Universities: Since the standard of education is so high in the Netherlands, teachers will need an advanced degree (usually a PhD) and recognized teaching experience and credentials before getting hired. Working at a university will allow teachers in the Netherlands to gain international experience at a high level institution.

Teaching English in the Netherlands offers a very high salary when compared to other options for teaching English in Europe, with salaries typically ranging from $1,800 - $4,000 USD per month. However, teachers who have extensive experience and advanced qualifications may be able to earn more.

• Private language schools: Teachers working at private schools typically earn less than those working in public or international schools, earning around $1,800 USD per month.
• International schools: International schools will require a higher level of responsibility, working around 40 hours per week. In turn, teachers will benefit from a higher salary. Teachers at an international school will earn upward of around $2,000 USD per month.
• Universities: A professor will earn upwards of around $2,300 USD per month teaching English at a university in the Netherlands.

Common teacher benefits

On top of being one of the most progressive countries in the world, most schools in the Netherlands can offer great benefits for teachers, such as the following:

• Paid vacation time
• Paid sick leave
• Health insurance

Read more: How Much Money Can You Save Teaching Abroad?

Cost of living in the Netherlands

Despite the high salary for teaching, the Netherlands can be expensive to live in. As an English teacher in the Netherlands, you can expect the following monthly average costs.

• Food: $290 - $500 USD
• Transportation: $86 USD
• Housing: $900 - $1,300 USD

Source: Numbeo

As with starting a job in any new country, it's essential to do your research before coming to the Netherlands. Start by exploring these major teaching cities for teaching in the Netherlands:

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands and one of the largest in Europe. It's also a hub for international business, tourism, and culture. The city attracts many expats, and its central location makes it easy to travel around other parts of the country if you'd like to spend more time in another Dutch locale!

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a port city and the second largest city in the Netherlands, making it another popular destination for teaching in the Netherlands. Home to many industries such as shipbuilding and oil refining, it's also known as an art center with museums like Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum and Willemskade Kunsthal.

Utrecht

Utrecht is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands, and is often considered one of Europe's smaller 'major' cities because it offers so much diversity within its borders. It is a vibrant university city littered with medieval architecture and narrow canals.

You will need some teaching experience and at least a bachelor’s degree to teach English in the Netherlands. Depending on the position, you may need a teaching license or advanced degree. EU citizens are typically prioritized during the hiring process due to the fact they don’t need visa sponsorship.

1. Search for available jobs: There are many places to find teaching English jobs in the Netherlands. The best way to get your foot in the door is by applying directly through a school or language institute, or by visiting Go Overseas' teaching job board! Hiring seasons are August and December, several weeks before the semester starts. You should tailor your CV and cover letter to fit the specific job opportunity in the Netherlands.
2. Prepare for the interview: Be sure to research the questions commonly asked in an interview for a teaching job.. Additionally, be prepared to ask your potential employer some questions to show them that you are serious about the job.
3. Apply for a visa! It’s very challenging for someone without EU citizenship to find a legal job in the Netherlands. If you're not an EU citizen, you will need a work visa and a residency permit. Since work visas are arranged through your employer, it’s usually advised to have a job set up before you arrive.

As an ESL teacher abroad, it’s essential that you take the time to research the country’s etiquette and classroom culture, as it can be vastly different from what you’re used to at home! ESL teachers should be respectful and understanding while adapting to a new classroom environment.

• Although friendly, Dutch people tend to be reserved when meeting strangers. This can make them seem unfriendly at times, but it doesn't mean they aren't interested in getting to know you better! Try to get past any awkwardness by smiling whenever possible.
• The Dutch education system consistently ranks among the highest in the world.
• Most schools close on Wednesday afternoon, many students go home during this time whereas others engage in extracurricular activities such as sports, music lessons, and so on.
• It's good manners to say “excuse me” when walking past someone and give them an extra half step so as not to bump into them unintentionally – otherwise, you'll be seen as rude!
• The Dutch emphasize punctuality, and being late or canceling with short notice is considered rude.

Start researching and comparing teaching programs here at Go Overseas in the Teaching Programs in the Netherlands section below.

Want to read more? Get started with these articles:

• The Beginner's Guide to Teaching English Abroad: 12 Crucial Tips & Pointers
• What to Know Before Studying Abroad in the Netherlands