Has Switzerland ever crossed your mind as a potential destination where you might teach, but you’re not sure how to teach English in Switzerland? This guide will provide everything you need to know about how to become an English teacher in Switzerland.
The country’s competitive salaries and multicultural environment contribute to an excellent quality of life for teachers seeking a satisfying change. For starters, Switzerland is home to thousands of mountains and lakes.
Switzerland also features several interesting cities that English teachers might visit on business or vacation, such as Lausanne, Zurich, and Geneva. It is even said that the Swiss consume more chocolate than any other nation in the world, and you’ll get to experience the extensive variety of delectable Swiss cuisines that have developed as a result of Switzerland’s position as an international powerhouse.
We will examine the teaching and living conditions in Switzerland, the steps to get a position there, and the average salary in this country.
Are there requirements to teach English in Switzerland?
If you’re ready to find a classroom here, make sure you meet the requirements.
Although English teachers are in great demand, there are most certainly a few requirements to teach English in Switzerland. In most cases, the following are necessary to become an English teacher in Switzerland:
- Three years of college.
- A valid passport and visa, depending on the terms of your contract.
- A credential that verifies your ability to teach, such as a TEFL certificate.
- Proof that you’ve never been convicted of a crime.
- A job contract.
- Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses.
- A solid command of the English language.
Requirements to teach English in Switzerland may be more strict than in other nations due to the high esteem of the Swiss educational system. With that said, teachers can find work in a variety of settings, including public and private institutions. Plus, you can work independently by offering individual tutoring sessions.
How to teach English in Switzerland
While anyone interested in teaching English would do well to consider Switzerland as a potential location, an important consideration when you’re looking for teaching experiences are the academic standards that set the tone for your future lessons.
Since there is a significant demand for English teachers, it is possible to get employment in the hospitality industry or as a private tutor. After you’ve followed these steps and once you have secured a job in Switzerland, you will be able to enjoy a high quality of life, breathtaking sceneries, and a safe environment.
1. Do your research and decide when and where to go
Is this where you’ll decide to teach?
Timing is crucial when you’re learning how to become an English teacher in Switzerland. Begin researching programs and cities in order to determine when and where it would be most advantageous to apply.
With the academic year in mind, determine when you would like to begin instructing. Academic years in Swiss institutions typically run from September to June.
Additionally, investigate various Swiss communities and regions. Geneva, Zurich, and Lucerne are all well-liked destinations. Lifestyle, cost of living, and proximity to outdoor activities are all factors to consider.
2. Choose a program
You might want to think about laying out a few options that you can choose from when you are ready to apply. Consider private institutions or language colleges that employ English instructors. Some programs offer a structured curriculum, while others focus on conversational English.
Look into potential career paths within public institutions. Additional qualifications, such as a teaching license or certification, may be necessary for these positions. You might consider volunteer programs too, since being an English teaching volunteer is a great way to experience the local culture and gain practical knowledge.
3. Be sure you meet the requirements
Researching requirements is key to figuring out how to teach English in Switzerland.
When it comes to requirements to teach English in Switzerland, make sure you fulfill the bare minimum. A bachelor’s degree is usually required along with a TEFL or TESOL certification for most programs. State universities and language schools provide better working conditions for teachers with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, a recognized TEFL certificate, and a few years of experience.
Perhaps you’re asking if you can teach English in Switzerland without a degree. The short answer is yes. However, schools with fewer requirements sometimes have lower pay rates, and they may still require you to complete their in-house training.
Another crucial part of fulfilling requirements to teach English in Switzerland is verifying whether a work visa is required for your position before applying. In contrast to non-EU/EEA nationals, who may require sponsorship, EU/EEA citizens have easier access.
4. Apply for jobs or programs
After researching teaching programs and other employment opportunities, reading reviews, and comparing benefits, it’s time to gather job application materials. Create a professional resume, a cover letter, and a teaching philosophy.
Make sure to showcase your relevant experience and love for education. Be prepared for any interview modality since schools may use video interviews to evaluate your teaching abilities and cultural adaptability.
5. Create a budget
Switzerland is well-known for its high cost of living and still remains Europe’s most expensive country. Therefore, any aspiring teacher in the land of the Swiss will need to consider housing, transportation, groceries, and other costs.
Some programs may offer accommodation or other benefits. However, it’s smart to create an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Read ahead to find out what one can expect from an English teacher salary in Switzerland.
6. Apply for a visa if necessary
Apply for your visa so you can treat yourself to some spectacular views between lessons.
After securing a job in Switzerland, if applicable, you must apply for a work visa. Your employer can request your residence permit from the cantonal employment services in Switzerland. Work and residency licenses are the same in Switzerland, and your residence permit will allow you to work.
However, your employer may need to demonstrate to cantonal authorities that no EU/EFTA citizens were qualified for the position. After cantonal authorities have reviewed your application and sent it to the Federal Office of Migration (FOM) for approval, the FOM will make a decision based on your language proficiency, age, and capacity to integrate into Swiss society.
Once a decision is made, they notify you, your employer, and cantonal officials. If the FOM grants your residence permit, cantonal offices notify the Swiss embassy/consulate.
Finally, the Swiss embassy/consulate in your country will issue your work visa. Upon entering Switzerland, you will have 14 days to register at the Residents’ Registry Office through cantonal migration offices.
7. Book a flight and open your mind for the journey ahead
To get the best deal on a ticket, make sure to book your flight as far in advance as possible.
The largest international Swiss airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH). Be sure to check the luggage allowance as well as any requirements that must be met in order to receive a visa, such as a proof of return ticket.
As a result of Switzerland’s advantageous location between France, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Germany, if you want to live your best life as a teacher in Switzerland, you will have wonderful opportunities to travel throughout Central Europe.
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What can I expect from an English teacher salary in Switzerland?
Take advantage of your salary to see even more of Switzerland while you’re teaching!
So what about the English teacher in Switzerland salary? Switzerland has some of the best-paid educators in the world. If you want financial security and a chance to travel throughout Switzerland and beyond, then teaching here is the way to go.
In Switzerland, an English teacher makes, on average, CHF 63,600 a year (about $67,000). This amount represents salaries in the public and commercial sectors.
English teachers’ hourly rates range from CHF 23 and CHF 56, with an average of CHF 42.50. Many English teachers in Switzerland are given additional benefits, such as housing allowances and flight reimbursements.
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Go off the beaten path and teach English in Switzerland!
Now that we’ve answered how to become an English teacher in Switzerland, imagine teaching amid the snow-capped Alps, crystal-clear lakes, and lovely communities. Weekends can be spent hiking, skiing, or experiencing Switzerland’s incredible beauty.
Although Switzerland’s cost of living is high, the rewarding cultural experiences, breathtaking scenery, and eager students make teaching English in Switzerland a unique and gratifying experience. As you sip hot chocolate in Lucerne or ride a boat on Lake Geneva, Switzerland becomes your classroom!
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