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Teaching English in Iceland
Stunning views, a high standard of living and English jobs aplenty; Iceland hasn’t always been a necessarily obvious choice for TEFL teachers looking to work abroad, but that’s changing.
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In the age of cheaper air travel, and in an internet age where pictures of the Aurora Borealis can be sent with a click, Iceland’s mystique and favourability as a destination has increased rapidly. With its unique traditions, a surprisingly mild temperature and some of the most amazing sights on the planet, Iceland continues to attract visitors, with TEFL teachers among their ranks.
The ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ is a hive of geological activity, with hot springs, dormant volcanoes, glaciers, black sand beaches and much more to explore. From an English teaching perspective, Icelanders typically speak Icelandic, though the English proficiency of the country’s citizens is considerable. Reykjavik, Iceland’s stunning capital city, hosts most of Iceland’s teaching job opportunities.
Iceland: An overview
The standard of English in Iceland is very high. Though the EF English Proficiency Index does not include Iceland, it’s important to note that English is taught from an early age, and much like neighbouring countries (specifically Norway and Sweden), the standard of English teaching is considerable. That means that most jobs for TEFL teachers are in international schools and through private tutoring.
Business English and advanced English are the most requested lessons in Iceland. English-speaking pop culture is very prevalent in Iceland, and the small island nation has returned the favour with talents like Hollywood actor Olafur Darri Olafsson and musicians including Björk and Sigur Rós making waves worldwide.
Iceland is also a nation with incredible geographical and geological value. With the incredible northern lights, three UNESCO Heritage Sites and active volcanos, amongst other natural wonders, you won’t be stuck for natural things to visit while you’re teaching English
Requirements for teaching English in Iceland
Want to teach English abroad in Iceland? You’re not alone! If you hope to teach English within the state education system, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in education. You'll also need to have completed one or more TEFL courses (120 hours of training is the industry standard). Iceland is like a lot of other European countries, in that teaching English in Europe at both state and private schools can be ultra-competitive. So, the more qualifications and experience you have, the better. It’s unlikely you can teach English abroad without a degree in Icelandic schools.
If you want to teach English abroad without a degree, or go private and find teaching jobs abroad without experience, you may find private tutoring particularly fruitful. As mentioned, Business English and advanced English lessons are in high demand. There are plenty of Icelanders who want to get ahead in international business or enrol at English-speaking universities.
To legally work and live in Iceland, you’ll need a work visa and a residence permit. Your employer should be able to assist in your application for both, provided you want to stay in Iceland for longer than three months. Iceland also welcomes those who wish to teach English abroad as a non-native speaker, provided you have a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL certificate and demonstrable proof of English fluency, such as IELTS or TOEFL certificate.
Salary and cost of living in Iceland
If you’re able to secure a full-time job at a state school, you can earn as much as $4,500/£3,315 per month. That’s a pretty hefty wage, though newer ESL teachers should reasonably expect wages closer to $3,200/£2,500 per month when they’re starting out. In terms of private tutoring, you can reasonably charge $40-100/£31-£78 for an hour of ESL teaching.
Why are salaries so high? Well, Iceland is admittedly one of the more expensive places you could choose to live. According to Numbeo, Reykjavik is over 10% more expensive to live in than London, even though rents are - on average - 35% lower. Monthly utilities average at around $87/£68, renting a one-bedroom city centre apartment will set you back around $1,900/£1,500, and a pint of beer is about $11/£8.60.
The salaries will meet this cost of living, and you can have an excellent lifestyle in Iceland, but we recommend that you learn to cook!
Download our teaching English in Europe guide
English teaching jobs in Iceland
Even though Icelandic is the main language of Iceland, the country has a very high standard of English, so there are jobs to be found in the schooling system. English is taught from kindergarten age in Iceland, so there are a range of public education opportunities for qualified teachers.
Elsewhere, private tutoring is a fruitful option. Specifically, lessons in Business English are in demand, while there are also plenty of students looking for advanced English lessons. Motivated individuals looking for career advancement, or to complete degrees in English-speaking countries, are always looking for talented TEFL educators.
Talking of universities, ultra-qualified TEFL teachers with master’s degrees and/or PhDs can find lucrative work in institutions where English is highly valued. In terms of job hunting, contacting universities and colleges directly is the best route to finding full-time or part-time employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are English teachers in demand in Iceland?
Yes, English teachers are in demand in Iceland. Though the TEFL scene in Iceland is very competitive, there is plenty of demand and plenty of teaching jobs in Iceland due to the country's high rates of English proficiency, and the popularity of English-speaking pop culture.
Q. Can I move to Iceland to teach English?
Provided you meet the criteria for a work visa and residency permit and can to find work, of course, you can move to Iceland to teach English.
Q. How much can you earn as a TEFL teacher in Iceland?
If you’re able to secure full-time employment at a state school, you can earn as much as $4,500/£3,315 per month. Newer ESL teachers should reasonably expect wages closer to $3,200/£2,500 per month, which is still extremely competitive.
Q. Can I teach English in Iceland without a degree?
You can teach English in Iceland without a degree, specifically if you go into tutoring. Having a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours is a must, and you’ll likely find it easier to secure clients if you have advanced TEFL qualifications, specifically in Business English and English for Academic Purposes.