TEFL Course in Tunisia

Are English teachers in demand in Tunisia?

Although most people in Tunisia speak French and Arabic, the use of English has usurped amongst its citizens, opening up the market for ESL teachers.

Nowadays, lability to speak English fluently is recognized by several Tunisians as a means of preparing themselves for better paying jobs. Tunisians now learn English Language with the hope of getting International jobs or those from multinationals while some others do so to open up opportunities for them to study abroad.

Demand is therefore high for ESL teachers with TEFL certificate to teach conversational as well as business English needed to aid transactions between citizens and expatriates and academic English to prepare them for higher degrees abroad.

What are the requirements to teach English in Tunisia?

Earning a TEFL certificate gives you an added advantage in your application for any English teaching job available in Tunisia.

For ESL teachers looking to teach in any of Tunisia’s private international schools, you must possess a credential from your home state or country in addition to your TEFL certification. Previous experience in teaching British or American curriculum is also required.

Generally, a master’s degree and an ESL teaching experience of 1-2 years abroad is an edge as ESL jobs may sometimes be very competitive.

What type of jobs are available for English teachers in Tunisia?

ESL teachers with TEFL certificate in Tunisia are open to a lot of opportunities in the Arab country with the bulk of them on the Mediterranean coast and the capital city of Tunis.

Teachers with TEFL certification could secure teaching jobs in primary schools, British or US language centers, international schools and private universities.

The best paying English teaching jobs are available in the language centers and international schools but require some level of teaching experience added to a bachelor’s degree. Such International schools may also provide their ESL employees with benefits such as health insurance and housing allowance.

Some ESL teachers also take up private tutoring jobs to supplement their regular income and this is mostly common in the country’s capital.

What is the salary for English teachers in Tunisia?

ESL teachers in international schools can expect to earn between $2000 and $2500 a month, tax free. Most of these schools also provide some benefits such as accommodation, medical insurance and round-trip flights depending on initial agreements.

ESL teachers with TEFL certificate can also take private tutoring classes with fees agreed between client and clientele.

Can you save money while teaching English in Tunisia?

ESL teachers would find the cost of living in Tunisia lower than most other ESL destinations across Europe and Africa.

The cost of living in the city capital of Tunis was once ranked 365th out of 389 cities of the world.

The average monthly costs for a single person is about $300 (utilities inclusive) and with an average salary of $500-$1000 and it is enough to break even and save a little even for ESL teachers who do not have extra jobs like private tutoring offers.

Accommodation Options: Most International schools in Tunisia provide their ESL employees with partially-furnished private accommodation.

However, it is common for ESL teachers in Tunisia to secure their own accommodation although the school may help in finding an apartment.

You can get a one-room apartment for an average sum of $176 in Tunis and even cheaper in smaller cities around the country.

Essentially, ESL teachers sometimes opt for shared accommodation with a roommate mostly a colleague to beat down rent prices or enjoy some company.

What type of visa do you need to teach English in Tunisia?

Tunisia grants ESL teachers of American nationality a 4 month-visa on arrival while English teachers of other nationalities are granted a 3-month tourist visa.

Some TEFL teachers work on their tourist visa of about 3 months (90 days) on average and border hop when it expires.

Border hopping is a common practice where teachers leave their country of residence to a neighboring country to renew their tourist visa when they re-enter. However, most employers help their ESL employees through the process of obtaining a work visa.

Usually, ESL teachers can apply for residency permit after living for a while in the country. Although the process can be long and chaotic, it is very possible especially if you have a local help you.

Hiring season and process for English teachers in Tunisia

Although the hiring process for teachers takes place throughout the year, most hiring for English teaching jobs in Tunisia take place from March-July for jobs beginning in September. Schools also usually conduct a mid-year hiring in order to bring teachers over in January.

Most schools will interview ESL teachers before considering them for a job. ESL teachers could be interviewed online via emails, skype, phone or in person.

However, a lot of ESL teachers travel to Tunisia to look for jobs as this method is more preferable and likely to yield faster results in landing a job.

Fun and travel activities while teaching in Tunisia

Teachers can fully integrate themselves into the culture of this Tunisia by exploring its small streets, wandering through the Souk market and gulping down a cup of jasmine tea and pastry. If you have some knowledge of French and Arabic, you will be welcomed with warmth by Tunisians and they make you feel like a long lost brother.

For history buffs, you could survey the ruins of Carthage and other ancient sites after which you should make your way to the lovely Mediterranean coastline for a more relaxing atmosphere with Sousse boasting some of the best beaches in the entire Mediterranean.

The capital city of Tunis is a quick and inexpensive flight away from many interesting places across North Africa, the Middle East and Europe and you could make use of the several Islamic holidays to visit lots of fun places in these areas.

Important cities in Tunisia

While Tunis is the best place in Tunisia to secure jobs, ESL teachers can also explore job opportunities in Sousse, Sfax, Monastir and Gabes.