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Teach English in Mozambique

With over 40 languages spoken, Mozambique is a linguistic tapestry and a fascinating nation. Where does English fit in, and can TEFL teachers make a living there?

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If you’re looking for a unique and rewarding experience teaching English as a foreign language, Mozambique, a vibrant East African nation, has teaching positions for you. With its stunning coastline, diverse cultures and languages, incredibly rich history and unbelievable climate, Mozambique has charmed casual visitors and international educators alike. As for those international educators, specifically English teachers, the demand for qualified candidates to teach in Mozambique is ever-growing, with numerous employment opportunities.

While Portuguese is the official language of Mozambique, the nation is a linguistic jigsaw puzzle. Mozambique is home to over 40 languages, but as is the case in much of Africa, English is widely used in business, the expanding tourism industry, and education, making English proficiency a valuable asset for those seeking jobs in Mozambique. It almost goes without saying, then, that the ability to teach English in Mozambique opens doors to full-time positions and enhances career prospects.

As for things to see and do in Mozambique? How do pristine beaches and unbelievable national parks sound? That’s before we get to the distinct cultural flavours of Mozambique, with the country's diverse ethnic groups each contributing in their own way to Mozambique’s cultural tapestry, with music, art and distinct traditions. With so much to explore, it’s little wonder you’re here seeking out opportunities to teach English as a foreign language in Mozambique. How’s it done? What requirements do you need to meet, and what kind of teaching salary is available?

Let’s take a look at teaching English in Mozambique, a fascinating and often overlooked nation in Africa.

Mozambique: an overview 

There are over 40 languages spoken in Mozambique. Portuguese is the country's official language, but it is only spoken by around half of the population. Mozambique's other most spoken primary languages include the likes of Makhuwa, Changana, Nyanja and Tswa. 

English is taught in state schools in Mozambique, though not at all grades and not to a universal, coded standard. The levels of English teaching could be better, owing to the lack of a recognised English language infrastructure in Mozambique. There aren’t many English-speaking teachers moving to the country en masse, meaning that the standards of spoken English in state schools aren’t particularly high. In international schools, the bulk of teaching is conducted in English, but these are elite institutions that are out of reach to most Mozambicans.

In terms of English proficiency, Mozambique ranks low by global standards. If we look at the EF English Proficiency Index, Mozambique ranks 79th. That’s a ranking above some other African nations, but overall, it’s a poor score that reflects badly on the level of English education within Mozambican schools.

Requirements 

What qualifications or experience do you need on your CV to land English jobs in Mozambique? What are employers looking for from applicants who are keen to teach English abroad? It’s time for a closer look at the requirements you need to find employment as an English teacher in Mozambique.

TEFL certification

Schools in Mozambique - and across Africa, more generally - will require, at a minimum, a TEFL certificate. A TEFL certificate is crucial for any type of English teaching in Mozambique or around the world, with an industry-standard 120-hour TEFL course qualifying you for most English teaching roles. The more advanced TEFL certificates you have, the easier it’ll be to find work. Advanced TEFL certificates can provide a competitive advantage, specifically in areas like teaching young learners or Business English. This is especially true in urban centres such as Maputo, where the demand for specialised English skills is higher, and competition for jobs is more intense.

Degree/no degree

While a university degree is not strictly necessary for all teaching opportunities in Mozambique, it can significantly enhance your employment prospects, especially in elite institutions like international schools. A bachelor's or above is often required for specific TEFL jobs, with universities and fee-paying schools usually preferring at least a master’s. If you want to teach English abroad without a degree, and Mozambique appeals, you’re best placed finding a volunteering role.

Experience

Previous teaching experience, particularly in an English-speaking environment, is valued by employers in Mozambique. It almost goes without saying, but previous teaching experience can obviously help you secure more lucrative teaching positions at more prestigious educational institutions. If you’re keen to build experience quickly, volunteering can be an excellent way to gain valuable classroom experience, enhance your CV, and improve your chances of finding a full-time position in Mozambique and further afield.

Can you teach English abroad in Mozambique without experience? Yes, but usually through volunteering programmes or lower-salaried positions in language schools.

Visa

What are the visa conditions for teaching English in Mozambique? Generally speaking, working in Mozambique as an English teacher is pretty straightforward. Attaining a visa and work permit is a simple enough process - you really just need a solid offer of employment and easily obtainable documents.

To gain a visa to teach English abroad in Mozambique, you’ll need:

  • Valid passport with six months to run (and at least 3 blank pages)
  • Photocopies of main passport pages
  • 2x passport photos (in colour)
  • Accommodation details
  • Three months of bank statements
As for a work permit, you’ll need:

  • Employment contract authorised by Mozambican labour authority
  • Criminal record certificate
  • Health certificate
  • Official employer documents
  • Letter from the employer requesting the work visa

Download our teaching English in Middle East & Africa guide

Salary, benefits and cost of living 

What kind of salary can teachers earn while living and working in this fascinating part of Africa? Let’s take a closer look.

Salary 

Teachers working in Mozambican schools can expect to earn between 27,000 and 70,000 Mozambican Meticals (£332-£860/$422-$1,095) per month. Salaries for English teachers in Mozambique can vary widely, depending on their qualifications, previous experience, and the type of school or institution they teach in.

Benefits 

Mozambican English teaching jobs don’t often come with a suite of benefits. The few international school jobs available in Mozambique tend to be where the benefits are, including medical insurance, paid holidays and airfare reimbursement.

Cost of living

What’s the cost of living like in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique? The first thing to consider is the cost of monthly rent. Typically, a one-bedroom apartment in central Maputo will cost about £586/$748, while rent for a similar apartment outside Maputo’s central metropolitan area costs about £209/$267. Utilities cost around £76/$97 per month, while internet access over the same duration costs around £104/$133 - something to bear in mind if you plan to teach English online. 

As for Mozambican cuisine? A solo meal in a cafe usually costs around £8/$10, while a three-course meal for two in a mid-priced restaurant usually costs around £37/$47.

Country Avg. monthly salary Degree required Start of term Teaching experience Housing & flights included Suitable for non-native English speakers Age restrictions
Teach in Mozambique 27,000 - 70,000 Mozambican Meticals
(£332-£860 GBP
$422-$1,095 USD)		 Year round Preferred Generally provided by international schools None

Jobs

Where can TEFL-qualified applicants find rewarding employment within Mozambique? Here are some of the best opportunities.

Public schools

With a high demand but extremely varied standards across the country, teaching English in Mozambique's public schools is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the country's overall proficiency. A TEFL certificate is essential, while many schools may also require a degree and a teaching qualification to be in compliance with education standards in Mozambique. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. How much does an English teacher earn in Mozambique?

    Generally, an English teacher working in Mozambique can expect to earn between 27,000 and 70,000 Mozambican Meticals (£332-£860/$422-$1,095) per month.

  • Q. How can I be an English teacher in Mozambique?

    To become an English teacher in Mozambique, you’ll need at least a TEFL certificate, and you’ll need to meet specific job requirements. You can’t move there to teach English without a job offer.

  • Q. Is English taught in Mozambique?

    Yes, English is taught in Mozambique.

  • Q. Which country has the highest demand for English teachers?

    The country with the highest demand for English teachers, per capita, is China. However, there are plenty of countries around the world with intense demand for English teaching, including South Korea, Mexico, Spain and Japan.