How Much Can I Earn Teaching English in Portugal?
Table of Contents
What Are TEFL salaries in Portugal?
Who Are the main employers of English language teachers in Portugal?
What Is the recruitment process for English teachers in Portugal?
What Is the cost of living for English teachers in Portugal?
What Are TEFL salaries in Portugal?
TEFL certified teachers in Portugal usually earn between $1,000 and $1,800 per month when working at private language centers. Many teachers also increase their income through private tutoring, which can pay between $11 and $22 per hour. Conducting group sessions can further boost earnings, as fees are split among the students. This blend of institutional and private teaching allows for a stable income in a country celebrated for its affordable living and rich culture.
Who Are the main employers of English language teachers in Portugal?
The primary employers of English teachers in Portugal are private language schools. These schools are more inclined to hire non-EU teachers despite the bureaucratic challenges of obtaining work permits. Once legally allowed to work, teachers often find roles in these schools or enhance their earnings with private tutoring. Building a steady client base for private lessons can eventually lead to a full-time career. Major language school chains and international schools also offer positions, with some specifically seeking TEFL certified teachers.
What Is the recruitment process for English teachers in Portugal?
For non-EU citizens, becoming an English teacher in Portugal involves navigating complex work permit procedures. A student visa, which allows part-time work, can be a more accessible option and is obtainable through a Portuguese embassy or consulate, typically taking one to three months to process. Aspiring teachers should aim to arrive in Portugal during peak hiring seasons in September or January and seek jobs in person, especially in high-demand areas like Lisbon and Porto. Directly applying to language schools can be more effective than responding to online job listings, and smaller cities like Coimbra and Braga also offer viable teaching opportunities.
What Is the cost of living for English teachers in Portugal?
The cost of living in Portugal varies by location. Major cities like Lisbon and Porto offer higher salaries but also have higher living expenses. On average, English teachers spend between $1,300 and $1,700 monthly on essentials such as rent, food, and transportation. To comfortably cover initial expenses before receiving their first paycheck, newcomers should ideally have savings of $2,000 to $3,000 to cover start-up costs like accommodation deposits and other necessities.
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