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

Teach English in Estonia

There are several reasons why someone might want to teach English in Estonia:

Cultural and linguistic experiences: Estonia is a small, culturally rich country with a long history and a unique language (Estonian). Teaching English in Estonia allows you to immerse yourself in Estonian culture and learn more about the country's language and history.
Professional development: Teaching English in Estonia can be a great way to gain valuable experience in the field of education and to develop your teaching skills.
Personal growth: Living and working in a new country can be a great opportunity for personal growth and development. Teaching English in Estonia allows you to learn about a new culture and way of life, and to meet new people and make new friends.
Job opportunities: There is a high demand for English teachers in Estonia, particularly in the capital city of Tallinn. There are many schools, language centers, and other institutions that offer English language classes, so there are plenty of opportunities for English teachers in the country.
Low cost of living: Estonia has a relatively low cost of living compared to many other European countries. This can make it an attractive destination for English teachers looking to save money while working abroad.
Great location: Estonia is located in northeastern Europe, making it an easy place to travel to and from. It is also close to other countries in the region, such as Finland, Latvia, and Russia, which can make it an ideal base for exploring the region.

What are the requirements to teach English in Estonia?

To teach English in Estonia, you will typically need to meet the following requirements:

A bachelor's degree: Most schools and language centers in Estonia require that English teachers have at least a bachelor's degree, although some may prefer applicants with a master's degree.
A teaching qualification: In order to teach English in Estonia, you will typically need to have a teaching qualification, such as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. There are many different types of teaching qualifications available, so it's important to research and choose one that meets the specific requirements of the institution you are applying to.
Fluency in English: As an English teacher, you will need to be fluent in English and be able to communicate effectively with your students.
Cultural awareness: It's important to be aware of and respectful of the culture and customs of Estonia, as well as the culture and background of your students.
Adaptability: Living and working in a new country can be challenging at times, so it's important to be adaptable and open to new experiences.
Patience: Teaching can be rewarding but also challenging, so it's important to have patience and be able to handle difficult situations with grace and professionalism.

In addition to these general requirements, specific institutions or programs may have additional requirements or preferences, such as a certain number of years of teaching experience or a certain level of education. It's always a good idea to check with the specific institution or program you are interested in to see what their specific requirements are.

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

The salary for an English teacher in Estonia will depend on several factors, including your level of education and teaching experience, the institution you are working for, and the location of the job.

The average monthly salary for an English teacher in Estonia is around 1,500 EUR (before taxes). However, this can vary widely depending on the specific job and the institution you are working for. Some schools and language centers may offer higher salaries for experienced teachers with advanced degrees, while others may offer lower salaries for entry-level positions.

It's important to note that the cost of living in Estonia is relatively low compared to many other European countries, so even a lower salary can go further in terms of purchasing power. Additionally, many institutions may provide additional benefits, such as housing or housing allowances, which can help offset the cost of living. It's always a good idea to negotiate your salary and benefits before accepting a teaching position in Estonia.

What is the cost of living in Estonia?

The cost of living in Estonia is relatively low compared to many other European countries. According to data from Numbeo, the cost of living in Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, is about 22% lower than in New York City.

The specific costs of living in Estonia will depend on your individual lifestyle and needs. However, some general estimates for common expenses in Estonia are:
Rent: The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Tallinn is around 500 EUR. Rent prices may be lower in other parts of the country or for larger apartments.
Food: The cost of food in Estonia is generally lower than in many other European countries. For example, a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Tallinn costs around 15 EUR, while a loaf of bread costs about 1.50 EUR.
Transportation: Public transportation in Estonia is relatively inexpensive, with a one-way ticket on a city bus or tram costing around 1.60 EUR. The cost of owning and operating a car in Estonia is also relatively low, with gasoline costing around 1.40 EUR per liter.
Entertainment: The cost of entertainment in Estonia will depend on your personal interests. For example, a movie ticket in Tallinn costs around 8 EUR, while a monthly pass to a gym costs around 30 EUR.

Overall, the cost of living in Estonia is lower than in many other European countries, which can make it an attractive destination for English teachers looking to save money while working abroad. However, it's important to keep in mind that the specific costs of living in Estonia will depend on your individual lifestyle and needs.

The best places to teach English In Estonia

There are many places to teach English in Estonia, as the demand for English language education is high in the country. Some of the best places to teach English in Estonia include:

Tallinn: Tallinn is the capital and largest city of Estonia, and it is home to many schools, language centers, and other institutions that offer English language classes. There are many job opportunities for English teachers in Tallinn, and the city is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage.
Tartu: Tartu is the second largest city in Estonia and is known for its universities, which are popular with international students. There are many schools and language centers in Tartu that offer English language classes, and the city is a good place to find teaching opportunities.
Other cities and towns: There are many smaller cities and towns throughout Estonia that also have schools and language centers that offer English language classes. These include Pärnu, Narva, and Viljandi, among others.

It's important to keep in mind that the specific job opportunities and living conditions in different parts of Estonia may vary, so it's a good idea to do some research and consider your personal preferences before deciding where to teach English in the country.

Living in Estonia

Living in Estonia can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, as the country is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people. Some things to consider when living in Estonia include:

The climate: Estonia has a temperate climate, with cold, snowy winters and cool, wet summers. It's a good idea to be prepared for the weather and to have warm clothing and shoes during the winter months.
The language: While many people in Estonia speak English, learning some basic Estonian can be helpful for everyday life. The Estonian language is closely related to Finnish, so it may be easier for speakers of Finnish to learn Estonian.
Housing: The cost of housing in Estonia is relatively low compared to many other European countries. There are many options for housing in Estonia, including apartments, houses, and shared accommodations. Some institutions may provide housing or housing allowances for teachers.
Transportation: Estonia has a well-developed transportation system, with buses, trams, and trains serving cities and towns throughout the country. Public transportation in Estonia is relatively inexpensive, and it is also easy to get around by car.
Food: The food in Estonia is diverse and includes both local specialties and international cuisine. There are many markets, supermarkets, and specialty stores where you can buy food, and there are also many restaurants and cafes offering a variety of dishes.
Health care: Estonia has a well-developed health care system, and most residents are covered by the national health insurance program. If you are living and working in Estonia, you may be required to contribute to the national health insurance program.

Overall, living in Estonia can be a great experience, and the country has much to offer in terms of culture, history, and natural beauty. It's always a good idea to do some research and prepare for living in a new country before making the move.

Some facts About Estonia

Here are some facts about Estonia:

Estonia is a country located in Northern Europe, on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. It is bordered by Russia to the east, Latvia to the south, and the Gulf of Finland to the north.
The official language of Estonia is Estonian, which is a member of the Finno-Ugric language family.
The population of Estonia is about 1.3 million people. The majority of the population is Estonian, but there are also significant minority groups of Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians.
The capital and largest city of Estonia is Tallinn.
The currency of Estonia is the Euro.
Estonia has a mixed economy that includes elements of both a market economy and a planned economy. The country is known for its strong technology sector and is a major exporter of electronics, textiles, and wood products.
Estonia is a parliamentary republic, with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government.
Estonia is a member of the United Nations, the European Union, and the NATO.
Estonia has a rich cultural history, with influences from its Scandinavian, German, and Russian past. The country is known for its folk music, dance, and traditional handicrafts.
Estonia is home to a number of natural attractions, including the Lahemaa National Park, the Soomaa National Park, and the Matsalu National Park. The country is also known for its castles and medieval towns, including the Toompea Castle in Tallinn and the Haapsalu Castle.