Start teaching English by earning a TEFL certificate in Switzerland - the home for some of the world's most famous inventions, with attractive teaching salaries.
Due to the high standard of living in the Swiss country, there is always a lot of international visitors. This means as an ESL teacher in Switzerland, you will hardly feel like a foreigner. Though the country is relatively small, it is one of the safest and happiest countries to live.
Switzerland is a mountainous country well known for its stunning landscapes of about 7,000 lakes and 200 mountains. There are numerous fascinating places English teachers can visit in the country while working and during the holiday, including Geneva, Zurich or Lausanne. With Switzerland's stance as an international country, there is a wide range of mouth-watering cuisines, including the famous Swiss chocolates.
A TEFL certificate in Switzerland is your first step to exploring opportunities and teaching in one of the countries with the best standard of living in the world.
A Guide to Teaching English in Switzerland
Are English teachers in demand in Switzerland?
Switzerland has about 25 percent of its population as foreigners speaking various languages, including English, and thus, there are plenty of opportunities for ESL teachers with well-recognized qualifications like TEFL certificate.
The country has some of the top educational institutions in the world, and English is becoming quite a popular language as a compulsory subject in schools. There are prospects in public and private schools as well as private teaching opportunities, especially among Swiss children and business people who want to improve themselves in one of the major languages used for international trade.
What are the requirements to teach English in Switzerland?
Teaching English as a foreign language in Switzerland comes with varied requirements depending on the type of institution you wish to work. Generally, a degree is required, and this, combined with a TEFL certificate, gives you better chances of getting financially secure offers.
Pay rates are usually lower in schools that do not demand as many qualifications, although you may be required to pass through their in-house training.
Teachers with a bachelor's or master's degree, a recognized TEFL certificate, and some years of teaching experience can find opportunities in state higher institutions or language schools like the hotel schools or finishing schools with better working conditions.
What type of jobs are available for English teachers in Switzerland?
There are several opportunities for ESL teachers in Switzerland in a variety of language schools with a demand for English teachers.
The types of teaching jobs in Switzerland include:
- Private language schools
- Private finishing schools
- Institutes of higher education
- Hotel schools
- Public schools
- International schools, and
- Private tutoring opportunities.
ESL students in hotel schools include employees working in the hospitality industry, and those institutions usually offer better pay compared to others.
You may also teach private students in banks, business people or workers within the IT sector. Most ESL teachers in Switzerland will work an average of 22 to 25 hours per week, and the contract length is usually between six and twelve months.
What is the salary for English teachers in Switzerland?
The average salary for ESL teachers is between US$2,000 and US$5,000 per month, with teachers in public schools earning higher, but with greater qualifications. Teachers in private schools or those engaged in private tutoring can earn between US$30 to US$60 per hour. ESL teachers in Switzerland enjoy different benefits which vary greatly depending on the school they work with.
Although Switzerland may be among the highest paying countries for ESL teachers in the world, the cost of living is also very high. However, with your basic salary and few private teaching gigs, you would be able to live comfortably and save despite the country's high cost of living.
Salaries of ESL teachers in Switzerland vary primarily on the type of institution and considerably on experience, qualifications, and the number of students they can get from private classes. Institutions that do not require a TEFL certification usually pay lower than those who do. Most Swiss ESL teaches work with various institutions at the same time to enable them to afford the cost of living.
Can you save money while teaching English in Switzerland?
With its high quality of life and living standards, Switzerland is very expensive to live in, basically one of the most expensive countries in the world. Although food and transport aren't as expensive, the cost of accommodation is very high.
On average, the cost of living for ESL teachers in Switzerland is between US$2,000 and US$3,000, including transportation and food.
However, since the salaries come with some other benefits, sometimes accommodation and food, teachers can take additional jobs in the form of private tutoring, there is a cut in cost and a chance for ESL teachers to afford the Swiss lifestyle or even save.
Accommodation Options: Accommodation cost is generally expensive, although you may find that the cost varies between cities. Some schools provide housing, which is usually shared between teachers, but you may also share a private apartment to cut down on the amount spent on rent.
What type of visa do you need to teach English in Switzerland?
Foreign ESL teachers in Switzerland are required to obtain a valid work permit to live and teach English legally in the country.
You will need a class of visa called the B visa. Work permits are very unlikely to be sponsored by employers as most of them prefer to employ teachers already settled within the country. Another reason is that employers are also required to prove they cannot find a Swiss citizen to do the job and then an EU citizen.
However, if you are set to bear the cost, schools may be willing to assist in applying for the work permit once the ESL teacher has accepted a job offer. It could also be easier to get a work permit if you already have a residence permit in one of the Swiss cities.
Hiring season and process for English teachers in Switzerland
Most schools in Switzerland are privately owned, and a lot of networking is involved in finding vacancies across the country. Many private language institutions accept application year-round, and such positions may come with very short or no public notice. The peak hiring season for public schools would be around the start of the school year from mid-august to September and in January.
While you can find job openings in Switzerland through networking, applying online, or physically visiting schools, you will have to pass through a face to face interview to be considered for a job. However, if you are traveling from outside the country, you will most likely be responsible for your airfare.
Fun and travel activities while teaching in Switzerland
Although Switzerland is quite small in size, it is a massive hub of tourism. Located between France, Italy, Germany, and Australia and famous for its Swiss Alps, chocolates, and diverse explorations options, there are plenty of things to do and places to visit for ESL teachers in Switzerland.
The excellent Swiss transport system makes working and exploring the best of the country east and fun. Some of the places to explore include the Matterhorn, Zermatt, the most photographed mountain the world, and the Chateau de Chillon, an impressive old Fortress located in the banks of Lake Geneva.
While you teach English in Switzerland, you can visit more unusual places like the Jungfrau region or Jungfraujoch, The Canton Vaud's wineries, and the Rhine Falls. You may also visit the student city of Lausanne, which is full of charm and Jet d-Eau, one of the tallest fountains in the world.
During the holidays, ESL teachers can also visit nearby countries for weekend trips and boundless holiday options in places like Italy, France, and Australia.
Important cities in Switzerland
You can find teaching positions across all major cities in Switzerland. Zurich has the highest number of privately owned schools, and Bael also offers a lot of opportunities.
