Teaching English In Austria: What You Need To Know

If you're thinking about teaching English in Austria, there are a few things you should know. First, the demand for English teachers in Austria is not as high as in some other European countries, due to the strong bilingual state language teaching in schools. However, there is still a demand, especially for teachers with experience in teaching Business English. The majority of English teachers in Austria work as freelancers, and most employers prefer to hire someone who is already living locally. The cost of living in Austria is relatively high, but it is still possible to afford a comfortable life on a TEFL teacher's salary. To teach English in Austria, you will typically need a bachelor's degree and a TEFL certification.

Requirements to teach English in Austria

Qualifications

To teach English in Austria, you'll need a bachelor's degree and a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification. The TEFL certificate should be at least 120 hours, and it's preferable if it's from an industry-accredited provider. While not always necessary, some employers may prefer candidates with a degree in education, linguistics, or English.

Experience

Previous teaching experience is often preferred but not mandatory. However, experience in teaching English to non-native speakers can give you an advantage. Business English teaching experience is particularly valuable and will increase your chances of securing a position in bigger cities like Vienna and Linz.

Language Proficiency

Native English speakers are favoured, but non-native English speakers with fluent language skills are also considered for teaching positions. Non-native speakers can demonstrate their fluency through IELTS, TOEFL, or an equivalent certificate.

Work Visa

If you're a non-EU citizen, you will need a valid work visa to teach in Austria. Some employers may assist with the visa process, but it's important to understand the legal requirements and ensure you have the proper documentation.

Cultural Adaptability

Employers look for teachers who can easily adapt to Austrian culture and lifestyle. Showing an understanding of and respect for Austrian traditions and norms can benefit you during the hiring process and help you integrate smoothly into the community.

Other Considerations

• EU citizens have an advantage when seeking employment in Austria, and it is significantly easier for them to obtain the necessary paperwork.
• Most English teachers move to Austria before finding a job and contact schools directly. Employers prefer face-to-face interviews and are more likely to offer a job to someone they meet in person.
• The majority of TEFL teachers in Austria are freelance, so you may need to hold multiple part-time contracts to make a full wage. You will also need to organise and pay tax as a self-employed person.
• Most employers prefer to hire someone already living locally.
• It is almost impossible for non-EU citizens to find work and get visa sponsorship, but there are a few specialist programs that can set up work for Americans and Canadians.
• While not essential, learning basic German can be beneficial for navigating everyday life outside the classroom and showing respect for the local culture.

TEFL jobs market in Austria

Austria is a competitive TEFL market, with strong bilingual state language teaching and a small population of just eight or nine million. However, there is still demand for TEFL teachers, especially those with experience teaching Business English.

Types of TEFL Jobs in Austria

• Business English teaching
• Private language schools
• Summer camps

Business English Teaching

Business English is the main segment of the TEFL sector in Austria. Many companies seek teachers to help their staff develop better language skills. These jobs are usually freelance-based and rarely offer permanent contracts. Teachers will need to find a base of clients to fill up a whole weekly schedule as a full-time business English tutor.

Private Language Schools

Austrian private language schools offer paid courses for learners of English of all ages. Teachers could be instructing school students after hours or teaching professional adults on a one-to-one basis. Permanent contracts are rarely offered, and teachers are usually freelance.

Summer Camps

Summer camps for younger learners are popular in the Austrian Alps. Programs usually last between one and six weeks and are fully residential. Some camps are unpaid but can be beneficial for the TEFL resume.

TEFL Jobs in Austria for Non-EU Citizens

It is very difficult for non-EU citizens to find work and get visa sponsorship in Austria. However, there are a few specialist programs that can help Americans and Canadians find work:

• The Fulbright program, in partnership with the Austrian government, has been placing US graduates in Austrian secondary schools for decades.
• The SWAP Austria program is an international exchange program for Canadians.
• The USTA Government Program (US Teaching Assistantships at Austrian Secondary Schools) offers visa sponsorship for Americans.

TEFL Jobs in Austria for EU Citizens

EU citizens can find TEFL jobs in Austria during the peak hiring months of September and January, with a lull in August and from Christmas through mid-January. Face-to-face interviews are conducted in Austria, so it is best to be in the country when applying for jobs.

Types of jobs in Austria

There are several types of jobs available for teaching English in Austria, including:

• Business English teaching: This is arguably the main segment of the TEFL sector in Austria. Many companies are looking to bring in teachers to help their staff develop better language skills. While having past experience teaching business English is beneficial, it's not necessary. These jobs are typically freelance-based and rarely offer permanent contracts.
• Private language schools: Austrian private language schools offer paid courses for English learners of all ages. Teachers may instruct school-going students after hours or teach professional adults on a one-to-one basis. Permanent contracts are rare in these institutions, and most teachers work as freelancers.
• Summer camps: Summer camps for younger learners are popular in the Austrian Alps. Programs usually last between one and six weeks and are fully residential. Some camps, like those run by the English Camp Company, are unpaid but can enhance your resume.
• Public schools: While most public schools in Austria are taught in German, there is still a demand for English teachers.
• International schools: International schools often seek candidates with postgraduate certificates in education and relevant teaching experience. The pay is higher at these schools compared to private language schools.
• Private schools: Private schools are one of the biggest employers of native English-speaking teachers in Austria. There is even an American International School in Salzburg. Private schools usually require teachers to have all relevant qualifications and experience, and they typically pay higher salaries.
• University teaching: University jobs tend to pay the most, but they also require more qualifications and experience. University English teachers have more responsibility and gain more respect within the academic community.
• Freelance teaching: The majority of TEFL teachers in Austria work as freelancers, weaving together multiple part-time contracts to make a full wage. This option provides flexibility but may require more administrative work to stay above board with taxes and other business requirements.

TEFL teacher salary in Austria

Overview

Austria is a competitive market for TEFL teachers due to its strong bilingual state language teaching and relatively small population. However, there is still demand for English teachers, especially in business and adult education. The majority of TEFL teachers in Austria are freelance, so full-time contracts can be hard to come by, and most teachers have multiple part-time contracts.

Salary

The average monthly salary for EFL teachers in Austria ranges from €1,000 to €2,500 ($1,130-$2,825, £880-£2,200). Salaries are typically higher in larger cities like Vienna compared to smaller towns or rural areas. As a freelancer, your rate will usually be calculated on an hourly basis, with rates between €20-30 per hour.

Requirements

To teach English in Austria, you will typically need a bachelor's degree, a TEFL certification (120 hours is the industry standard), and native-level proficiency in English. While not always necessary, previous teaching experience, especially in business English, is advantageous and can make it easier to find work.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Austria is relatively high, especially in major cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. However, the country offers excellent public services, social safety nets, and a high quality of life. Here are some estimated monthly expenses:

• Accommodation: £747 - £1,045 / $904 - $1,264
• Utilities: £138 / $167
• Health insurance: £91 / $111 for a typical GP visit with a European Health Insurance Card
• Monthly transport pass: £46 / $55
• Basic dinner out for two: £26 / $32
• Cappuccino in an expat area: £2.78 / $3.36
• Beer in a pub: £3.50 / $4.24
• 1 litre of milk: £1.03 / $1.24
• 2 litres of Coca-Cola: £1.88 / $2.27

Job Opportunities

TEFL job opportunities in Austria can vary depending on the age group, skill level, and educational institution. Here are some common types of TEFL job positions in Austria:

• Language schools: Teach group classes, private lessons, or specialized courses like business English.
• Primary and secondary schools: Assist with English language instruction in the regular curriculum.
• Universities and higher education: Teach English to students in degree programs requiring English language proficiency.
• Private tutoring: Offer personalized language instruction to individuals or small groups.
• Exam preparation: Specialize in preparing students for English language proficiency exams like TOEFL or IELTS.
• Corporate training: Provide English language training to employees of businesses for better communication.
• Summer camps and intensive courses: Gain experience and supplement your income during school breaks.

Visas for teaching in Austria

If you are a non-EU citizen, it will be difficult to find work in Austria and get visa sponsorship. However, there are a few specialist programmes that can set up work for Americans and Canadians, such as the Fulbright program. If you are an EU citizen, you can work, live, and settle anywhere in Austria without needing a visa.

If you are planning to stay in Austria for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa. All visa applicants must apply at the Austrian Embassy or Consulate General in person and submit biometric data (ten fingerprints).

To teach in Austria, you will need a bachelor's degree and/or TEFL certification, and native proficiency in English is expected. If you are teaching anything other than English, you will need a B1 or C1 level certificate in German.

For a work visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

• Proof of qualifications
• Visa application form
• Criminal record check
• Additional documents (if required)

The work visa processing time may vary depending on the case's complexity, but it usually takes around 4 to 12 weeks.

Once you arrive in Austria, you must apply for a residence permit within three months. This permit is related to your job and allows you to live and work in the country. You will need to submit the following documents:

• Visa or residence permit application form
• Residence registration documents
• Work contract or work offer
• Health insurance coverage
• Criminal record clearance certificate from your country
• Passport-size photos
• Proof of sufficient financial means
• Biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph)

Frequently asked questions