Teach English in Bosnia & Herzegovina: Requirements, Salary, Jobs (2024)

Teach English in Bosnia & Herzegovina

There are several reasons why teaching English in Bosnia and Herzegovina might be a rewarding experience:

Cultural diversity: Bosnia and Herzegovina is a diverse country with a rich cultural history. It is located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans, and has been influenced by a variety of cultures over the years.
Friendly and welcoming locals: Bosnians are known for being friendly and welcoming to outsiders, which can make the experience of living and working in the country very enjoyable.
Affordable cost of living: The cost of living in Bosnia and Herzegovina is relatively low compared to other European countries, which means that you can save money while living and working there.
Professional development opportunities: Teaching English in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be a great opportunity for professional development, as it allows you to gain valuable experience working with students of different ages and backgrounds.
Beautiful landscapes: Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to a wide variety of landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rivers. It is a great place to explore and enjoy the outdoors.

Overall, teaching English in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be a rewarding and enriching experience that allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture and contribute to the education and development of local students.

What are the requirements to teach English in Bosnia & Herzegovina?

In order to teach English in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you will typically need to meet the following requirements:

A bachelor's degree: Most schools and language centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina require that you have at least a bachelor's degree in order to be considered for a teaching position.
A teaching qualification: Many schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina prefer to hire teachers with a teaching qualification such as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate or a CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults). These qualifications demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills required to teach English effectively.
Native or near-native English proficiency: Most schools and language centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina prefer to hire teachers who are native English speakers or have near-native proficiency in English.
A clean criminal record: Some schools and language centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina may require that you provide a criminal background check as part of the hiring process.
A valid passport: In order to work in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you will need to have a valid passport and possibly a work visa, depending on your nationality and the length of your stay.

It's worth noting that requirements may vary depending on the specific school or language center you are applying to. It's always a good idea to check with the employer directly to confirm their specific requirements.

What salary can you earn as an English teacher in Bosnia & Herzegovina?

The salary that you can earn as an English teacher in Bosnia and Herzegovina will depend on a variety of factors, including your qualifications, experience, and the school or language center you are working for. In general, however, English teachers in Bosnia and Herzegovina can expect to earn a salary that is sufficient to cover their basic living expenses.

The average monthly salary for an English teacher in Bosnia and Herzegovina is around 1,480 BAM (Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark), which is equivalent to around 750 EUR (Euro). This salary is based on a 40-hour work week and includes a standard number of paid vacation days.

It's worth noting that salaries may vary depending on the specific school or language center you are working for, as well as your qualifications and experience. Some schools may offer higher salaries to teachers with advanced degrees or a strong track record of teaching experience, while others may offer lower salaries to teachers who are just starting out in the profession. It's always a good idea to negotiate your salary with your employer and to research the local cost of living in order to ensure that you are being fairly compensated for your work.

What is the cost of living in Bosnia & Herzegovina?

The cost of living in Bosnia and Herzegovina is relatively low compared to many other European countries. According to data from Numbeo, the overall cost of living in Bosnia and Herzegovina is around 39% lower than in the United States.

The specific costs that you will incur will depend on your personal lifestyle and circumstances, but some common expenses in Bosnia and Herzegovina include:

Rent: The cost of rent in Bosnia and Herzegovina varies depending on the location and type of housing you choose. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center may cost around 500-700 BAM (Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark) per month, while a three-bedroom apartment in a suburban area may cost around 800-1,000 BAM per month.
Groceries: The cost of groceries in Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally lower than in many other European countries. A monthly budget of around 200-300 BAM should be sufficient to cover basic food and household supplies.
Transportation: The cost of transportation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is relatively low. A monthly public transportation pass in Sarajevo, the capital city, costs around 30 BAM, while a liter of gasoline costs around 1.70 BAM.
Entertainment and leisure: The cost of entertainment and leisure activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina varies depending on your interests and budget. A meal at a mid-range restaurant may cost around 20-30 BAM, while a movie ticket costs around 10 BAM.

Overall, the cost of living in Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally lower than in many other European countries, which can make it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work abroad on a budget.

The best places to teach English In Bosnia & Herzegovina

There are a number of cities and towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina where you can find opportunities to teach English. Some of the best places to consider include:

Sarajevo: Sarajevo is the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it is a hub for education and cultural exchange. There are a number of schools, language centers, and universities in the city that offer English language instruction, making it a good place to find teaching opportunities.
Mostar: Mostar is a city located in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, known for its historic Old Bridge and diverse cultural influences. It is a popular tourist destination and has a number of language centers that offer English language instruction.
Banja Luka: Banja Luka is the second-largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the capital of the Republika Srpska entity. It is home to a number of universities and language centers that offer English language instruction, making it a good place to find teaching opportunities.
Tuzla: Tuzla is a city located in northeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, known for its cultural and artistic scene. It is home to a number of schools and language centers that offer English language instruction, making it a good place to find teaching opportunities.

Overall, there are a number of cities and towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina where you can find opportunities to teach English. It's always a good idea to research the local job market and cost of living before deciding on a specific location.

Living in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be a rewarding and enriching experience, as it allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture and explore a beautiful and diverse country. Some things to consider when living in Bosnia and Herzegovina include:

Cultural differences: Bosnia and Herzegovina has a rich cultural history and is home to a diverse population. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to be open to learning about new ways of life.
Language: The official language of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian, which are all closely related and use the same alphabet. While many people in Bosnia and Herzegovina speak English, especially in larger cities, it can be helpful to learn some basic phrases in the local language to facilitate communication and build connections with locals.
Cost of living: The cost of living in Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally lower than in many other European countries, which can make it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work abroad on a budget. However, it is important to research the local cost of living and budget accordingly.
Safety: Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally a safe country to live in, but as with any destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your safety.

Overall, living in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be a rewarding and enriching experience that allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture and explore a beautiful and diverse country.

Some facts About Bosnia & Herzegovina

Here are some facts about Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country located in Southeast Europe, bordered by Croatia to the north, west, and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast.
The official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina are Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian, all of which are members of the Slavic language family.
The population of Bosnia and Herzegovina is about 3.3 million people. The country has a diverse population, with Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslims) making up the largest group, followed by Croats and Serbs.
The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Sarajevo.
The currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a mixed economy that includes elements of both a market economy and a planned economy. The country is known for its production of steel, aluminum, and textiles.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a federal parliamentary republic, with a tripartite presidency representing the country's three main ethnic groups: Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a member of the United Nations and the Council of Europe. It is also a candidate for membership in the European Union.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a rich cultural history, with influences from its Slavic, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian past. The country is known for its traditional music, dance, and cuisine.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to a number of natural attractions, including the Sutjeska National Park, the Kozara National Park, and the Plitvice Lakes National Park. The country is also known for its castles and ancient ruins, including the Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar and the Roman ruins at Počitelj.