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

Teach English in Sweden

There are several reasons why someone might choose to teach English in Sweden:

High demand for English teachers: English is widely spoken in Sweden and there is a high demand for English teachers, both in schools and in private language schools.
High salaries: English teachers in Sweden can expect to earn higher salaries than in many other countries, particularly if they have a teaching qualification and experience.
High quality of life: Sweden is known for its high quality of life, with excellent healthcare, education, and social welfare systems. It is also a safe and welcoming country with a diverse population.
Great work-life balance: Sweden has a strong tradition of work-life balance, with generous vacation time and relatively short working hours compared to many other countries.
Opportunity to learn a new language: Teaching English in Sweden provides an opportunity to learn or improve your Swedish language skills.
Experience living in a new country: Teaching English in Sweden is a great opportunity to experience living in a new country and learning about a different culture.
Career development: Teaching English in Sweden can be a great way to gain experience and build your resume, particularly if you are interested in a career in education or teaching.

What are the requirements to teach English in Sweden?

The requirements for teaching English in Sweden can vary depending on the specific job or school you are applying to. However, some general requirements that are commonly expected include:

A bachelor's degree: Most schools and language institutes will require applicants to have a bachelor's degree in any field.
A teaching qualification: Many schools and language institutes will require applicants to have a teaching qualification, such as a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate or a CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults).
Fluency in English: As you will be teaching English, it is important to have a high level of fluency in the language.
Experience: Some schools may require applicants to have previous teaching experience, although this is not always necessary.
A valid work permit: If you are not a citizen of Sweden, you will need to obtain a valid work permit in order to teach in the country.
A clean criminal record: Some schools may require you to provide a criminal background check as part of the hiring process.
A clean bill of health: Some schools may also require you to provide a medical certificate indicating that you are in good health and able to work.

It is worth noting that the specific requirements for teaching English in Sweden may vary depending on the school or institute you are applying to, and it is always a good idea to check with the specific employer to determine their requirements.

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

The salary that you can earn as an English teacher in Sweden will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, experience, and the specific school or institute where you are working. However, English teachers in Sweden can generally expect to earn higher salaries than in many other countries, particularly if they have a teaching qualification and experience.

The average salary for an English teacher in a Swedish public school is around 45,000 SEK (Swedish kronor) per month, which is equivalent to around $5,300 USD. This amount can vary based on the specific region of Sweden where you are working and your level of experience.

English teachers working in private language schools or institutes may also be able to earn higher salaries, depending on the specific school and their policies. In general, salaries for English teachers in Sweden are higher than the average salary in the country, which is around 34,000 SEK per month.

It is worth noting that salaries in Sweden are generally higher than in many other countries, and the cost of living in Sweden is also relatively high. However, the high salaries and high quality of life in Sweden can make it an attractive destination for English teachers.

What is the cost of living in Sweden?

The cost of living in Sweden is relatively high compared to many other countries, particularly in the larger cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. However, salaries in Sweden are also generally higher than in many other countries, which can help to offset the higher cost of living.

Here are some estimates for the cost of living in Sweden:

Housing: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from 8,000 SEK to 12,000 SEK per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center can be lower, ranging from around 6,000 SEK to 8,000 SEK per month.
Food: The cost of food in Sweden can vary depending on where you shop and what you buy. Prices at supermarkets are generally lower than at specialty stores or restaurants. A weekly grocery bill for one person can range from 400 SEK to 800 SEK.
Transportation: Public transportation in Sweden is generally reliable and efficient, but it can be expensive. A one-way ticket on the bus, tram, or metro in Stockholm can cost around 45 SEK, while a monthly pass can cost around 860 SEK.
Healthcare: Healthcare in Sweden is generally of a high quality and is available to all residents. However, there are some out-of-pocket expenses, such as prescription fees, that can add up.
Entertainment: The cost of entertainment in Sweden can vary depending on what you do. Going to a movie can cost around 150 SEK, while a meal at a restaurant can range from 200 SEK to 400 SEK.

Overall, the cost of living in Sweden is high compared to many other countries, but the high salaries and strong social welfare system can help to offset the higher costs.

The best places to teach English In Sweden

Sweden is a large country with a diverse range of cities and regions to choose from when considering where to teach English. Here are a few cities and regions that are particularly popular for English teachers:

Stockholm: Stockholm is the capital and largest city of Sweden, with a population of around 2 million people. It is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and high standard of living. There are many opportunities to teach English in Stockholm, both in public schools and private language schools.
Gothenburg: Gothenburg is the second-largest city in Sweden and is known for its beautiful coastal location, vibrant culture, and lively arts scene. There are many opportunities to teach English in Gothenburg, particularly in the city's private language schools.
Malmö: Malmö is the third-largest city in Sweden and is located in the south of the country, near the Danish border. It is known for its diverse population and vibrant culture, and there are many opportunities to teach English in the city's private language schools.
Uppsala: Uppsala is a university city located in eastern Sweden, with a population of around 200,000 people. It is known for its beautiful old town and vibrant student culture, and there are many opportunities to teach English in Uppsala, particularly in the city's private language schools.

Other regions: Sweden is a large and diverse country, and there are many other regions and cities that offer opportunities to teach English, such as Lund, Umeå, and Örebro.

Ultimately, the best place to teach English in Sweden will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. It is a good idea to research and compare different cities and regions to find the one that best fits your needs.

Living in Sweden

Sweden is known for its high quality of life, with excellent healthcare, education, and social welfare systems. It is also a safe and welcoming country with a diverse population. Here are some things to consider if you are thinking about living in Sweden:

Cost of living: The cost of living in Sweden is relatively high compared to many other countries, particularly in the larger cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. However, salaries in Sweden are also generally higher than in many other countries, which can help to offset the higher cost of living.
Climate: Sweden has a temperate climate with cold winters and cool summers. The weather can vary widely depending on the region, with the north of the country experiencing longer and colder winters than the south.
Language: The official language of Sweden is Swedish, but many Swedes also speak English fluently. Learning some basic Swedish can be helpful, particularly if you plan to live in Sweden for an extended period of time.
Housing: Finding housing in Sweden can be challenging, particularly in the larger cities. Renting an apartment or house is the most common option, but it can be expensive. It is a good idea to start looking for housing well in advance of your move to Sweden.
Healthcare: Healthcare in Sweden is of a high quality and is available to all residents. However, there are some out-of-pocket expenses, such as prescription fees, that can add up. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the healthcare system in Sweden before moving.

Overall, living in Sweden can be a rewarding experience, with a high standard of living and a strong sense of community. It is a good idea to do your research and plan ahead to ensure a smooth transition to living in Sweden.

Some facts About Sweden

Here are some facts about Sweden:

Sweden is a country located in Northern Europe, on the eastern and northern coast of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It is bordered by Norway to the west, Finland to the east, and the Baltic Sea to the south.
The official language of Sweden is Swedish.
The population of Sweden is about 10.4 million people. The majority of the population is Swedish, but there are also significant minority groups of Finns, Syrians, Iraqis, and Afghans.
The capital and largest city of Sweden is Stockholm.
The currency of Sweden is the Swedish Krona.
Sweden has a mixed economy that includes elements of both a market economy and a welfare state. The country is known for its strong export-oriented manufacturing sector, as well as its forestry and agricultural industries.
Sweden is a parliamentary democracy, with a ceremonial monarch as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government.
Sweden is a member of the United Nations, the European Union, and the NATO.
Sweden has a rich cultural history, with influences from its Viking, Celtic, and Scandinavian past. The country is known for its literature, music, and traditional handicrafts.
Sweden is home to a number of natural attractions, including the Abisko National Park, the Sarek National Park, and the Vatnajökull National Park. The country is also known for its lakes, including Lake Vänern and Lake Vättern, and its islands, including Gotland and Öland.