Teach English in Austria: Requirements, Salary, Jobs (2024)

Teach English in Austria

Teaching English in Austria offers a chance to immerse yourself in a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning Alpine landscapes, and high quality of life. Situated in the heart of Europe, Austria is a blend of historical grandeur and modern innovation, making it an attractive destination for teachers from around the world.

The demand for English teachers in Austria is primarily in private language schools, international schools, and adult education centers, particularly in major cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz. Austria's education system values multilingualism, and English is highly prioritized as a key skill for global business and communication. Opportunities also exist for teachers to participate in various cultural exchange programs, which often seek native English speakers to enhance language learning experiences for Austrian students.

The cost of living in Austria is relatively high, especially in larger cities, but the quality of life is among the best in the world. Teachers in Austria enjoy excellent healthcare, public transportation, and access to cultural and recreational activities.

Why Teach English in Austria?

Austria offers a unique environment for teaching English, with several compelling reasons why it could be the perfect place for your teaching career:

Cultural Richness: Austria is steeped in history and culture, known for its contributions to music, art, and philosophy. Teachers can explore famous historical sites, attend world-class musical performances, and enjoy the vibrant cultural scene.
High Quality of Life: Austria consistently ranks high in terms of quality of life, offering clean, safe cities, excellent healthcare, and efficient public services. The outdoor lifestyle is also a significant draw, with beautiful landscapes perfect for hiking, skiing, and biking.
Educational Excellence: Austria has a strong educational infrastructure and values high-quality education. English teachers can find a professional environment that is supportive and enriching, with opportunities for continuous professional development.
Centrally Located in Europe: Austria’s location in central Europe makes it a fantastic base for exploring other European countries. Its excellent rail and air connections provide easy access to neighboring countries like Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Hungary.
Competitive Salaries and Benefits: While the cost of living can be high, salaries for teaching English are generally competitive, and contracts often include additional benefits such as housing allowances and health insurance.
Language Skills Development: Living and working in Austria provides a great opportunity to learn or improve German language skills, enhancing personal and professional development.

Teaching English in Austria not only allows educators to experience a country known for its cultural wealth and natural beauty but also offers a fulfilling professional life in an environment that values education and well-being. It’s an ideal choice for teachers seeking a balanced and enriching life abroad.

What are the requirements to teach English in Austria?

The requirements for teaching English in Austria vary depending on the specific job and employer, but there are some general requirements that are commonly required or preferred by employers:

A bachelor's degree: Most employers in Austria require applicants to have a bachelor's degree in any subject, although some may prefer applicants with a degree in education or a related field.
Teaching certification: Many employers in Austria prefer or require applicants to have a teaching certification, such as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification or a CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) certification.
Language proficiency: It is important for English teachers in Austria to have a high level of proficiency in English, both spoken and written.
Experience: Some employers may prefer or require applicants to have previous teaching experience, although this is not always necessary.
Cultural fit: Employers in Austria may also consider an applicant's cultural fit and ability to adapt to living and working in a new country.

Overall, the requirements for teaching English in Austria will depend on the specific job and employer, but most employers will typically require at least a bachelor's degree, teaching certification, and high level of English proficiency.

What salary can you earn as an English teacher in Austria?

The salary that you can earn as an English teacher in Austria will depend on several factors, including your level of education and teaching experience, the location and type of school or organization where you are teaching, and the demand for English teachers in the area.

In general, English teachers in Austria can expect to earn a competitive salary, particularly if they have a teaching certification and previous teaching experience. The average salary for an English teacher in Austria is €36,000 per year. However, this figure can vary widely depending on the specific job and location.

In addition to a salary, many English teaching jobs in Austria also offer benefits such as housing assistance, health insurance, and paid vacation time. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any job offer to understand what benefits are included.

Overall, the salary for an English teacher in Austria can vary depending on a range of factors, but it is generally competitive compared to other teaching jobs in the country.

What is the cost of living in Austria?

The cost of living in Austria varies depending on the specific location and individual lifestyle, but it is generally higher than the cost of living in many other countries. According to Numbeo's cost of living index, the cost of living in Austria is higher than the average cost of living in Europe, but lower than the average cost of living in countries like Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway.

Some of the major expenses in Austria include:

Housing: Rent prices in Austria can be high, especially in larger cities like Vienna and Salzburg. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vienna is around €800-1,000, although this can vary depending on the location and quality of the apartment.
Food: The cost of food in Austria is generally higher than in many other countries. Basic groceries such as milk, bread, and eggs can cost around €3-4 per item. Dining out at a restaurant can also be expensive, with the average meal costing around €20-30.
Transportation: Public transportation in Austria is generally efficient and affordable, with a monthly pass for unlimited use costing around €40-50. Gas prices are also relatively high, with a liter of gasoline costing around €1.50-1.70.
Healthcare: Healthcare in Austria is generally of high quality and is available to all residents and citizens. However, out-of-pocket expenses such as copays and deductibles can be relatively high.

Overall, the cost of living in Austria can be high, particularly in larger cities like Vienna. It is important to carefully budget and consider your expenses when living and working in the country.

The best places to teach English In Austria

There are several places in Austria where English teachers may find opportunities to work:

Vienna: Vienna is the capital and largest city in Austria, and it is a popular destination for English teachers due to its rich cultural history and vibrant arts and music scene. There are many language schools and international schools in Vienna that offer English teaching positions.
Salzburg: Salzburg is a small city in western Austria known for its stunning mountain scenery and cultural attractions, such as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. There are several language schools and international schools in Salzburg that offer English teaching positions.
Graz: Graz is the second-largest city in Austria and is located in the southeast of the country. It is known for its historic old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its vibrant student population. There are several language schools and international schools in Graz that offer English teaching positions.
Linz: Linz is a city in the northwest of Austria and is known for its cultural and industrial history. There are several language schools and international schools in Linz that offer English teaching positions.
Innsbruck: Innsbruck is a city in the western part of Austria known for its stunning mountain scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities. There are several language schools and international schools in Innsbruck that offer English teaching positions.

Overall, there are many places in Austria where English teachers can find opportunities to work, including in larger cities like Vienna and smaller cities like Salzburg and Graz.

Living in Austria

Living in Austria can be a rewarding and enriching experience, as it allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture and explore the country's rich history and natural beauty. Here are a few things to consider when living in Austria:

Accommodation: Finding a place to live in Austria can be a challenge, particularly in larger cities like Vienna where demand for housing is high. It is important to start your search for housing as early as possible and to be prepared to pay a relatively high rent.
Cost of living: The cost of living in Austria is generally higher than in many other countries, particularly in larger cities like Vienna. It is important to budget carefully and consider the cost of living when planning your expenses.
Language: While many Austrians speak English, it is helpful to learn some basic German as it will make daily life easier and allow you to better integrate into the community.
Cultural differences: Austria has a distinct culture and way of life that may be different from your own. It is important to be open-minded and respectful of these differences and to be willing to adapt to a new way of living.
Health insurance: It is important for residents of Austria to have health insurance coverage. There are several options for health insurance in Austria, including public and private insurance plans.

Overall, living in Austria can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it is important to be prepared for the challenges that may come with living in a new country and to be open to adapting to a new way of life.

Some facts About Austria

Here are some facts about Austria:

Austria is a country located in central Europe, bordered by Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the north, Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the west.
The official language of Austria is German.
Austria has a population of about 8.9 million people.
The capital of Austria is Vienna, which is known for its rich cultural and artistic traditions, as well as its music and architecture.
Austria is known for its diverse landscape, which includes the Austrian Alps, the Danube River, and the Vienna Woods.
Austria is an important economic and political center in Europe, and is a member of the European Union.
Austria is known for its contributions to classical music, with famous composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Johann Strauss II.
Austria is also home to many famous museums and art galleries, including the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna and the Albertina Museum.
Austria has a long and rich history, with a culture that reflects its location at the crossroads of Europe.
Austria is known for its ski resorts, with many of the world's best ski resorts located in the Austrian Alps.