Top 5 Countries for Teaching Abroad in Europe

From the Gothic architecture to the Mediterranean coast, Europe is one of the best regions for travellers. But beyond fleeting visits to wine gardens and Alpine peaks, you can find yourself enjoying a successful teaching career in Europe with a TEFL certificate . 

Whether you’re looking at language assistant programmes in France or business English jobs in Germany, there are opportunities for teachers at every stage of their career. 

To celebrate the new launch of our new guide, we’ve gathered some of the best countries for teaching English in Europe . 

How did we choose these countries?

We chose these countries based on the number of teaching opportunities, salary potential, quality of life, accessibility for new teachers, and popularity among The TEFL Org community!

Top countries for teaching in Europe (at a glance)

1. Spain

• Best for: First-time teachers and work-life balance
• Average salary: €800–€2,000 per month
• Top locations: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville

Spain is one of the best locations for TEFL graduates, not just because of its laid-back and colourful culture, but also because of its enormous teaching market. 

With a lively tourism industry and plenty of room for English development, you can find a rewarding teaching job whether you’re an entry-level teacher or a seasoned veteran. From language assistant programmes like NALCAP and Meddeas to summer camps and international schools, there’s a shoe for every fit in Spain. 

But teaching isn’t all work no play, and Spain offers one of the best lifestyles you can find. From Madrid's capital city vibe and Barcelona's Mediterranean charm to southern Spain’s laid-back atmosphere, you can enjoy tapas, football heritage, weekend beach trips, medieval castles, and everything in between. 

🏖️ Tip : If you're teaching through a language assistant programme like NALCAP or Meddeas, expect a lighter teaching schedule than a full-time classroom teacher, this gives you plenty of time to explore.

2. Italy 

• Best for: History lovers and lifestyle seekers
• Average salary: €1,000–€2,000 per month
• Top locations: Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples

Italy doesn’t have to be somewhere you visit once a year. While English is widely spoken in cities like Rome , Florence and Milan, there's still steady demand for qualified English teachers across the country. You'll find opportunities from private language schools and summer camps to international schools, with jobs available in bustling cities, smaller towns and rural communities alike.

From the Roman Colosseum, Michelangelo’s David, to Mount Vesuvius in Naples, there’s so much to enjoy in The Boot . You can spend your free time sipping invigorating espressos in local piazzas, gazing at renaissance architecture, or indulging in pizza and pasta dishes from one restaurant to the next (guilt-free). 

🏙️ Tip : Smaller cities often have a lower cost of living than places like Rome or Milan – but still offer plenty of teaching opportunities.

3. France

• Best for: Culture lovers and language assistants
• Average salary: €800–€2,000 per month
• Top locations: Paris, Marseille, Lyon

From café-lined streets in Paris and Alpine mountain towns to the beaches of the French Riviera, France has something for every teacher. Teaching in France can mean becoming a university lecturer in Paris, a language assistant in Toulouse, or a summer camp leader in Antibes. Whatever your experience or lifestyle, you'll find teaching opportunities to match.

English is widely spoken, but there's still strong demand for qualified English teachers. Once you've finished work, you could be unwinding on the Mediterranean coast, eating your way around Lyon or heading into the Pyrenees for a weekend hike. 

🗣️ Tip : If you're teaching through TAPIF , expect to work around 12 hours a week, leaving plenty of time to improve your French language skills.

4. Poland

• Best for: Entry-level teachers and history buffs
• Average salary: 4,000–8,000 zł (€930–€1,860)
• Top locations: Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław

Castles, colourful old towns, mountain trails, and lively cities make Poland one of Europe's most underrated places. English proficiency is high, but many learners look to improve their English for international careers and study abroad opportunities. While salaries can be low, you’ll live comfortably in such an affordable country. 

Most teaching opportunities are found in Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław. Warsaw offers the biggest job market, with opportunities in language schools, universities, and business English, but Kraków’s student population and medieval charm might tempt you. While less known, Wrocław's colourful riverside streets and university community make it another popular choice for TEFL teachers. 

But it doesn’t matter where you choose – you'll find plenty to enjoy outside the classroom, from UNESCO-listed old towns and castles to quaint cafés, lively drinking spots, and easy access to Poland's lakes and mountains.

💬 Tip : The Polish language can seem intimidating at first, but learning everyday phrases is a great way to connect with students and locals.

5. Germany 

• Best for: Summer camps, career progression, and Business English
• Average salary: €1,500–€3,000 per month
• Top locations: Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt

Germany offers plenty of opportunities for English teachers, whether you're just starting out or already have plenty of experience. If you're new to teaching, summer camps are a great way to build your confidence and gain classroom experience. On the other end of the spectrum, experienced teachers can find roles at corporate language centres, international schools and universities.

Competition can be strong, especially in the biggest cities. Berlin has one of Germany's largest TEFL job markets, but Munich is a popular choice for business English and international schools. Germany’s financial hub – Frankfurt – has plenty of international businesses and banks, so it’s a great place to look if you’re interested in teaching business professionals.

💼 Tip : Business English teachers are valuable in Germany (especially in Frankfurt!), so adding a specialist qualification can open doors to higher-paying corporate teaching roles.

Which European country is best for me?

If you feel spoiled for choice, don’t worry. Teaching English in Europe will offer a unique experience to meet people, learn new languages, experience foreign cultures, and further your career – wherever you end up. 

There isn’t a best country, just one that fits your goals and experience level better than others. 

So, where should you teach abroad? 

• If you're teaching for the first time : Spain, Poland and France all offer plenty of opportunities for newly qualified teachers.
• If earning a higher salary is your priority : Germany has some of the highest-paying English teaching jobs in Europe, particularly in business English and international schools.
• If you want a great work-life balance : Spain combines a relaxed lifestyle with strong demand for English teachers.
• If you're looking for culture and history : Italy and France offer the chance to immerse yourself in world-famous food, art and architecture while building your teaching career.

You don’t have to limit yourself to this list. From Portugal, Malta, Cyprus, Greece, the Czech Republic and beyond, you can find out everything you need to know with our comprehensive guide to teaching English in Europe . 

Don’t forget your TEFL certificate

But you can’t go anywhere without a TEFL certificate; it’ll teach you how to plan lessons, manage large classrooms, teach complex grammar structures, and so much more. It tells employers that you’re not just invested in the industry but you’re also classroom ready.

Why not get your teaching abroad career started by becoming TEFL certified today?