GREECE

Greece's history stretches back 5,500 years: producing art, culture and philosophy when most nations were still in their infancy. The chance to see the Acropolis, ancient Olympia and the birthplace of Apollo draws many travelers here, but Greece offers so much more. Whitewashed homes, neoclassical architecture, olive orchards and the exuberant spirit of the Greek people make this an addictive destination.

On the mainland, an extensive train and bus network reaches even the smallest villages at cheap prices. And of course, with so many pristine beaches to discover, ferry is a great way to reach the country's 3,000 islands.

TEFL in Greece (Contracts, Salary, Work)

Demand for teachers

Very High

Most children go to one of the thousands of language schools across the country, so teachers are always needed

Main TEFL regions

Athens, Crete, Corfu, Thebes, Thessaloniki, Larissa and many other smaller towns.

Busiest TEFL periods

The academic year runs from September to June, so arrive in August for interviews. January is also a good time, as some teachers desert their employers after Christmas.

Contract lengths

8-9 months

Types of teaching

• Private language schools (frontisteria): General English, Cambridge (FCE, CPE)

• In-family: General English, English for Younger Learners

Accommodation

This is usually provided by your employer, either at a cheap rate or free of charge. Just check whether or not your apartment will be furnished.

Flight reimbursement

While flight reimbursement is not typical, you will often receive a bonus at the end of a long contract.

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Symbol: €

Salary

€450-750 per month. In the better schools, experienced teachers can earn over €1000 per month.

Taxes

Unless you get a very well-paid job, you’ll pay 5% tax.

Cost of living

Prices have risen since the Drachma was scrapped in favor of the Euro in 2001, but it’s still possible to live comfortably on a teacher’s salary. A simple souvlaki will cost about €2 and a cinema ticket is about €7, but try to avoid expensive imported goods.

Potential to save money

Realistically, you’re unlikely to save much money unless you live like a hermit!

How much TEFL training is recommended?

There are lots of English teachers here, and many are Greek themselves, so to have the best chance of getting work you should get a TEFL qualification such as those offered by i-to-i.

Common teaching conditions

It takes very few credentials to open up a frontisterion, so conditions vary greatly. Many owners have been running their businesses all their working lives, so don’t take kindly to change! As a result, the best, most flexible schools are often the biggest.

Most of the students come after school, so don’t expect them to bound enthusiastically into the classroom, although they are usually well-behaved.

How do I find work?

If you want to find a job before you arrive, have a look at the main TEFL job sites.

Can I find work while in-country?

Given the abundance of agencies, it isn’t easy to find a job on-the-spot, although it may be possible in smaller towns. Alternatively, you could contact the Panhellenic Federation of Language School Owners for a list of frontisteria.

What is the usual hiring process?

Send off your CV either to agencies or directly to frontisteria. At the interview, make sure you’re smartly-dressed and friendly, as this can be the difference between getting a job and going home empty-handed.

Is a work visa required to find paid work in Greece?

The reality is that US, Australian and New Zealand citizens have great difficulty competing with the hordes of EU passport-holders who don’t need a visa. If you live outside of Europe, you’ll need the support of a willing employer. However, all teachers need to get a teacher’s license and residence permit.

Work Visa requirements:

• Job offer

• Health certificate

• Translated Bachelor’s degree certificate

• Valid passport

Why Choose Greece?

• Excellent weather and beaches

• Fascinating ancient culture

• Lots of teaching jobs

• Excellent place to get teaching experience

Be Aware…

Many frontisterias are run purely for profit and even the better ones may want pupils to be marked leniently to ensure they re-enroll next year.

Before you go

Read this…

Republic by Plato – a classic of philosophy which demonstrates just how much the Greeks have contributed to the world

Watch this…

Ulysses’ Gaze – drama about a Greek filmmaker who returns to his native land from the USA and ends up searching for the mythical first film of the Manakia brothers.

A Few Fun Facts

• Athens was the world’s first democracy

• Greece has one of the largest coastlines in the world – 14,880km of it!

• Make sure you take your hiking boots – Greece is over 80% mountains and hills!

• Traditionally, Greeks celebrate their “name days” (of the saint that bears their name) instead of their birthdays.