How much can I earn teaching English in Romania?
When people dream of teaching English in Europe, most do not immediately think about Romania as an option. However, they should as it has great potential for qualified teachers as it is one of the fastest growing nations in terms of people learning English as a second language. Although you will most likely be working in a city, as that is where the majority of jobs are located, you will still have plenty of free time to explore the country?s idyllic countryside. The historical region of Transylvania is probably Romania?s most famous attraction, where you will find the ancient castles that inspired Bram Stoker?s Dracula.
Table of Contents
What are TEFL salaries in Romania?
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Romania?
What is the recruitment process for English teachers in Romania?
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Romania?
What are TEFL salaries in Romania?
Salaries for English language teachers in Romania are not high in comparison to some other European countries and they vary depending on the type of employer and your level of qualifications and experience. On average, you can expect to earn anywhere between $500 and $1000 USD per month. Although this might not sound very much, it is worth considering that the local cost of living is very low so your salary will actually go further than you might imagine. To be eligible for most TEFL jobs in Romania you will need to be a native or fluent English speaker with a bachelor's degree and a TEFL certification.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Romania?
The majority of teaching jobs are located in the bigger cities such as Bucharest, Constanta, Cluj-Napoca, and Lasi. In the capital in particular there are a large number of potential employers that include international schools, public schools, private schools, colleges, and language schools. Private schools usually pay a better salary than public schools so they are generally the better option for most teachers. Language schools that offer conversational English classes to adult learners are probably the most popular positions as they also provide plenty of opportunities to supplement your income by taking on private tutoring outside of normal working hours.
What is the recruitment process for English teachers in Romania?
Many employers prefer to hire EU citizens as it avoids having to deal with a lot of paperwork. However, it is still possible for non-EU teachers to find employers who are willing to help out with the visa application process. In order to have a good choice of jobs it is best to actually be in the country when job hunting as not many employers advertise their vacant positions online. The peak hiring season is September as this is when the school year starts, although there is also a secondary season at the start of the New Year semester in January. The school year ends in June when students and most teachers head off on a well earned vacation. If you want to work on through the summer there are often openings at various summer camps that start at the end of June.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Romania?
The overall cost of living in Romania is very low in comparison to North America and Western Europe. As very few employers provide free housing, this is usually the biggest expense for foreign teachers. However, small apartments can be found for as little as $100 per month, although many teachers choose to share with another teacher from their school so they can afford something a bit more comfortable. If you buy your groceries from local markets and avoid expensive imported luxuries, you should be able to shop for as little as $65 per week. A simple meal at a local restaurant should also be affordable at around $10 a head. The typical monthly cost of living for most EFL teachers in Romania should range from $500 to $800 USD.
