Teaching English in the Seychelles

When you picture teaching English abroad, you probably don’t imagine a tropical island off the coast of Africa - but that’s exactly what TEFL teachers will find in the Seychelles. Most visitors only ever know the Seychelles of tour-brochure fame, but English teachers have the opportunity to discover another side to this country’s white sand beaches and peaceful island communities.

Choosing an isolated country like the Seychelles might seem daunting, and it’s true that finding a position teaching English can be difficult. But most visitors and expats agree that life here is an unforgettable experience that’s worth the challenge. 

From culture and customs to cost of living, here’s everything you need to know about teaching English in the Seychelles.

How to become an English teacher in the Seychelles

Interested in becoming an English teacher in the Seychelles? Here’s what you’ll need:

• Be a native English speaker or prove English fluency through a university degree or certification.
• A bachelor’s degree is preferred. 
• 120-hour TEFL/TESOL certificate
• Prior teaching experience (valued but not 100% necessary).
• Visa/Work Permit
• Background check (clean criminal record).
• It can be helpful to know some French.

TEFL certification

If teaching English on a tropical island sounds like your cup of tea, your first order of business is getting TEFL certified. You’ll need a TEFL certification from an accredited provider with at least 120 hours of training. This is fairly standard when it comes to teaching English abroad, and most countries have similar requirements.

Because many people who live in the Seychelles rely on careers in tourism, tacking on an additional Business English certificate can give you an edge when applying for jobs. This is especially true if you plan to offer private lessons.

Teaching without a degree

It’s possible to teach English without a degree in the Seychelles, but finding jobs will be more difficult. The best places to look if you don’t have a degree are state schools and language centres. 

Private lessons are another good route to fill in the gaps money-wise when it comes to teaching without a degree, as salaries are often less than for teachers who do have their bachelor’s. 

Teachers without a degree but with experience are more likely to have success, so it’s a good idea to get some teaching hours under your belt. Having some knowledge of French is another great tool to have in your arsenal if you don’t have a degree.

Teaching with no experience

While teaching English in the Seychelles without a degree is difficult, teaching with no experience might be even harder. Most job postings will want English teachers to have at least 1 year of experience.

Try to build up your resume by teaching online or in your local community before applying to jobs for the best chance at snagging your dream position. You can also volunteer online as an English teacher if you find it difficult to find paid positions right away. 

Visa for teaching jobs

Like most countries, you’ll need a visa to work in the Seychelles. Known formally as a GOP, or Gainful Occupation Permit, your employer will apply for this permit with the Seychelles Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs as part of your onboarding.

Once your GOP has been issued, you’ll be cleared for teaching. Here’s what teachers need to provide:

• A valid passport (at least six months’ validity is required)
• A completed application form
• A medical certificate 
• Copies of academic/professional qualifications (including a degree, TEFL certificate, and/or teaching licence)
• Two recent passport-size photos
• A completed criminal background check
• A copy of your accommodation agreement (tenancy, hotel booking, etc.)
• Processing fee of 1,000 SRC, which is equivalent to about £55

Your employer will provide registration details, a copy of the relevant job description, and written proof that a local candidate couldn’t have filled the job. Typically, GOPs take around 10-14 business days to be processed.

Finding teaching jobs in the Seychelles

Searching for and finding a job as an English teacher in the Seychelles can be a little trickier than in other countries. Although demand is high, there are fewer students in general.

Many English teaching jobs in the Seychelles are for adult learners or are placements in international schools. 

Contacting schools, like the Vijay International School and International School Seychelles, directly is a great place to start. 

Be sure to check job boards like the TEFL Job Centre regularly to look for postings, too. 

Culture and customs in the Seychelles: Key facts

There’s so much more to the Seychelles than swaying palms, white sand, and turquoise sea. Here are a few things you’ll want to know about the country’s fascinating culture and customs.

• Matriarchal society
• Island time
• Food

Key Takeaways: Teaching English in the Seychelles

From laid-back island vibes to tropical landscapes and fresh seafood, discovering the “Garden of Eden” while teaching English offers TEFL instructors the best of both worlds. Here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind if your interest is piqued.

• Average Salary: Teachers in state and private language schools will typically earn between 9,500 and 16,000 SCR a month (£534 - £900 / $700 - $1,178), while international schools pay around 20,000 SCR per month (£1,124 / $1,473).
• Requirements: Having a 120-hour TEFL certification is crucial. Most schools will also require a bachelor’s degree and 1 year of teaching experience.
• Visas: Employers will help teachers apply for their visa, formally known as the GOP or Gainful Occupation Permit.
• Insider Tip: Contact private language schools directly for the best chance at snagging a job as an English teacher in the Seychelles.

If you’re ready to start your teaching career in the Seychelles, the first step is to check out our 120-hour online TEFL course. You’ll have 24/7 access to coursework from anywhere in the world, a dedicated online tutor, and the ability to reference the materials indefinitely.