Teach English in South Africa: Requirements, Salary, Jobs (2024)

Teach English in South Africa

There are a number of reasons why someone might consider teaching English in South Africa:

Professional development: Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) can be a rewarding career, and teaching in South Africa can provide an opportunity to gain valuable experience and build your professional network.
Cultural exchange: South Africa is a diverse and culturally rich country, and teaching English in South Africa can be a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture and learn more about the country and its people.
Personal growth: Teaching English in South Africa can be a challenging but rewarding experience that can help you grow personally and professionally.
Helping others: Teaching English can be a way to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Many people in South Africa are interested in learning English in order to improve their job prospects or further their education, and as an English teacher you can help them achieve these goals.
Adventure: South Africa is a beautiful and varied country with many opportunities for adventure, whether you're interested in exploring the country's natural beauty, trying new foods, or participating in outdoor activities like hiking and surfing.

What are the requirements to teach English in South Africa?

The requirements for teaching English in South Africa vary depending on the specific institution or organization you are looking to work for. In general, however, the following requirements are common:

A bachelor's degree: Most schools and organizations will require you to have a bachelor's degree in order to be considered for a teaching position.
A TEFL certification: A TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is usually required in order to teach English in South Africa. There are a number of options for obtaining a TEFL certification, including in-person courses and online programs.
A valid passport: You will need to have a valid passport in order to travel to South Africa and work as an English teacher.
A clean criminal record: Many schools and organizations will require you to have a clean criminal record in order to work with children or vulnerable individuals.
Teaching experience: Some schools and organizations may require you to have prior teaching experience, while others may be willing to hire new teachers with no experience.
South African work permit: Depending on your nationality, you may need to obtain a work permit in order to legally work in South Africa. It is important to research the specific requirements for obtaining a work permit and to start the process as early as possible.

What salary can you earn as an English teacher in South Africa?

The salary that you can earn as an English teacher in South Africa will depend on a number of factors, including your level of education and experience, the location and type of institution you are teaching at, and the demand for English teachers in your area.

In general, English teachers in South Africa can expect to earn a salary that is comparable to the average salary in the country. The average monthly salary for a teacher in South Africa is ZAR 34,444 (approximately USD 2,400). However, this is just an average, and your actual salary may be higher or lower depending on the specific factors mentioned above.

It is important to note that the cost of living in South Africa can vary significantly depending on the location, with cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town generally being more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas. As a result, it is important to consider the cost of living in the area where you will be teaching when evaluating potential salary offers.

What is the cost of living in South Africa?

The cost of living in South Africa can vary significantly depending on the location, with cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town generally being more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in South Africa is lower than in many other countries, with an overall cost of living index of 44.86 (compared to 100 for New York City).

Here are some estimates for the cost of common expenses in South Africa:

Housing: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from ZAR 3,000 to ZAR 8,000 per month (approximately USD 210 to USD 560).
Food: A meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around ZAR 200 (approximately USD 14), while a loaf of bread may cost around ZAR 18 (approximately USD 1.25).
Transportation: A one-way ticket on public transportation can cost around ZAR 15 (approximately USD 1), while a liter of gasoline may cost around ZAR 17 (approximately USD 1.20).
Entertainment: A ticket to a movie theater can cost around ZAR 100 (approximately USD 7), while a monthly gym membership may cost around ZAR 400 (approximately USD 28).

It is important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual cost of living in South Africa will depend on your individual circumstances and the location you are living in.

The best places to teach English In South Africa

There are many good places to teach English in South Africa, as the country has a high demand for English teachers in both urban and rural areas. Some popular places to teach English in South Africa include:

Johannesburg: Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and is home to a number of schools and language centers that hire English teachers.
Cape Town: Located on the Western Cape, Cape Town is a popular tourist destination and a good place to teach English.
Durban: Durban is a coastal city on the eastern coast of South Africa and is known for its warm climate and beautiful beaches.
Port Elizabeth: Located on the Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth is a smaller city with a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.
Pretoria: Pretoria is the capital of South Africa and is located in the Gauteng province. It is a good place to teach English, with a number of schools and language centers in the area.

Ultimately, the best place to teach English in South Africa will depend on your personal preferences and what you are looking for in a teaching location. It is a good idea to research different areas and consider factors like the cost of living, the local culture, and the job market before making a decision.

Living in South Africa

South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country with a rich culture and many opportunities for adventure and exploration. If you are considering living in South Africa, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Climate: South Africa has a varied climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters in many areas. The country is located in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are reversed compared to those in the northern hemisphere.
Culture: South Africa is a culturally rich country with a diverse population. The country has 11 official languages, and many people in South Africa are fluent in multiple languages.
Cost of living: The cost of living in South Africa can vary significantly depending on the location, with cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town generally being more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas. It is important to research the cost of living in the area where you will be living and to budget accordingly.
Safety: Like any country, South Africa has its own safety concerns. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to take steps to protect yourself, such as avoiding walking alone at night and being cautious of your belongings.
Health care: South Africa has a public health care system that is available to all citizens and legal residents. However, the quality of care can vary, and some people choose to purchase private health insurance for additional coverage.

Overall, living in South Africa can be a rewarding and enriching experience, and it is a good idea to do your research and prepare as much as possible before making the move.

Some facts About South Africa

Here are a few interesting facts about South Africa:

South Africa is the 25th-largest country in the world by land area, and it is located at the southern tip of Africa.
South Africa has a diverse population, with people from many different ethnicities and cultures living in the country. The official languages of South Africa are English, Afrikaans, and isiZulu.
South Africa has a strong economy, with a GDP of approximately USD 350 billion in 2021. The country is known for its rich natural resources, including gold, diamonds, and coal.
South Africa is home to a number of iconic wildlife species, including lions, elephants, and rhinoceroses. The country is also home to the Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa.
South Africa has a long and complex history, including periods of colonization by European powers and the apartheid era, in which the government enforced racial segregation. The country has made significant progress towards reconciliation and equality in recent years, and it is now a democracy with a diverse and vibrant culture.