Searching for a paid teaching job in Europe is a stressful experience. There are so many factors to consider— length of contract, type of placement, pay grade—on top of the fact that there are hundreds of options, many of which can be really competitive! Getting TEFL certified is a great way to set yourself apart from the pack when applying for paid internships abroad, but what if you aren’t ready to fully commit to long-term teaching program yet? Are there options out there for you?
You can TEFL with paid internships in GORGEOUS Europe. Yeah, we’re drooling too.
You’ve probably heard of paid TEFL jobs, but have you heard of paid TEFL internships in Europe? That’s right— PAID TEFL internships. In Europe. There is such a thing!
TEFL internships in Europe are a perfect fit for more inexperienced teachers seeking additional support, shorter placements and approachable destinations in Europe. Keep reading to learn more about you can secure a TEFL internship in Europe as well as our seven favorite suggestions for paid TEFL internships!
Why consider TEFL internships instead of jobs
So you’ve just learned about this new awesome opportunity called a TEFL paid internship, but you might be wondering what the difference between a TEFL job and a TEFL internship is? Essentially, it comes down to the level of support and assistance you will receive. Think of TEFL internship as the kid brother to TEFL jobs. Internships provide a fully organized experience, from meals to orientation to training, while TEFL jobs are more hands off. TEFL jobs will often only include a placement with no other support, which is challenging when you are just starting off your teaching career.
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Typically, TEFL internships will have shorter placements, ranging from a few weeks to a few months, but you will still be paid for your work. You’ll almost always start off your internship with an orientation day (or week!) so that you can get trained and meet your fellow interns. TEFL internships have the unique perk of offering placements with or near other interns so you are guaranteed to make new (and awesome!) friends during your time abroad without being forced to stick together as a group all the time. There will be plenty of time for solo adventures too!
When considering whether a TEFL job or a TEFL internship is a better fit for you, there are a few key considerations you’ll want to make. First, do you feel prepared to endeavor on your TEFL experience alone or would you prefer more support? Do you prefer to have extra services included in your program fee, like meals and accommodation, or are you more comfortable handling those expenses on your own? Based on your answers to questions like these, it may help guide you to whether a TEFL job or a TEFL internship will be a better fit for you. Again, TEFL internships in Europe offer more support and “hand-holding” while TEFL jobs are more bare bones in their offering.
7 amazing ways to TEFL in Europe
1. i-to-i Paid Spain TEFL Internship
Hablas Espanol? Quieres jamón y croquetas? Then a TEFL internship in Spain is a perfect fit for you! The i-to-i Spain TEFL internship offers nine month placements in the Catalonia and Valencia areas of Spain, and you’ll start your program with an orientation week in the iconic city of Barcelona. This is your chance to get to know all the interns a little better before you take off for you placements! You will teach in a partner schools with plenty of time to immerse yourself in the local community.
- Where can you work? Barcelona, Catalonia, and Valencia
- More info: Read i-to-i reviews
2. International TEFL Academy Placements in France
If you are Francophile, no European experience could be better than a TEFL internship with ITA’s program in France! A job teaching English in France is a fantastic way to learn the local language and immerse yourself in the culture, all while getting paid to live and work in one of Europe’s most dynamic countries. TEFL English interns will typically find placements in September or October for the semester, and will apply again in January, with most contracts ending in late June.
- Where can you work? Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Le Havre, Marseille, Bordeaux
- More info: Read ITA reviews
3. Premier TEFL Internship Camp Counselor in Romania
As one of the fastest growing economies the region, Romania is a unique destination for a TEFL internship in Europe. With Premier TEFL’s program, you’ll get paid for three to five weeks of interning at an English camp in Romania. The cost of living in Romania is much lower than other countries in Europe, so your salary will go further! This allows you the opportunity to explore some of Romania’s touristic sites, and maybe during your free time, you’ll even find time to go hunting for Dracula!
- Where can you work? English Camp Romania
- More info: Read Premier TEFL reviews
4. IES Teaching Internship Seminar in France
You can feel good about your TEFL internship in France with IES, an outstanding non-profit that has been offering study abroad programs for over 60 years. With placements in Paris and other major French cities, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the French way of life during your TEFL internships in Europe. Experience working in France will develop your professional skills and demonstrate your ability to communicate across cultures. This valuable work experience can help jump-start your career by differentiating you from the crowd!
- Where can you work? Throughout France
- More info: Read IES Internship reviews
5. Greenheart Travel’s Teaching Assistant in Italy
It is hard to imagine a more perfect location for TEFL internships in Europe than northern Italy. I mean, the pasta, the wine, the friendly locals—I can practically imagine the daily “ciao bella” I’d be saying to my life each morning! With Greenheart Travel’s three month teaching assistant program, you can enroll without previous teaching experience or a TEFL certificate, allowing you to get your feet wet in life abroad as a teacher with a minimum time commitment. Placements are located throughout the Piedmont region of northern Italy, giving you the perfect opportunity to experience life in the mountains of a stunning part of Italy. Start dates available in the spring and fall each year!
- Where can you work? Piedmont region of Italy
- More info: Read the Greenheart Travel reviews
6. The TEFL Academy Internship in Spain
No matter what your background or level of Spanish is, the TEFL Academy’s TEFL internships in Spain can accommodate your skill set in their 9 month TEFL internship program. From bustling cities to traditional villages, you can be placed in a variety of different locations throughout the country depending on your preferences. If you come in with lots or very little experience, the TEFL Academy’s training will provide you with the opportunity to gain valuable, professional experience while receiving a monthly income to cover your living expenses.
- Where can you work? All over Spain!
- More info: More program details
7. TEFL Trainer’s Spain TEFL Internship
Get TEFL certified AND internship experience at once with TEFL Trainer’s TEFL internships in Spain. You’ll walk away from this two to nine month program as a fully certified TEFL teacher with classroom experience to boot! You’ll get 1-to-1 teacher training in either Valencia or Madrid with 30 hours per week of teaching experience as part of the program. This will ensure that you’ll step foot into your first classroom feeling prepared and ready to teach your students!
- Where can you work? Madrid, Valencia
- More info: Read TEFL Trainer reviews
[Browse All TEFL Internships/Jobs in Europe]
TEFL internships abroad are calling
*Immediately applies to English teaching jobs in Europe*
With so many wonderful options for TEFL internships abroad, you might find yourself signing up for multiple programs by the end of this adventure! Thankfully with short contracts and a myriad of good options, TEFL internships in Europe allow you the flexibility to try lots of different experiences while still paying for your travel around the EU. And you can feel good about your work—you will be making an impact in the local communities that you support!
Regardless of which of these destinations you are considering, make sure to use MyG CTA to track all of your research and easily compare your options! Choosing the right program for you is a big part of going abroad, and GoAbroad is there to help every step of the way. Paid TEFL internships are just the first step to a long career in the TEFL and teach abroad field. Cheers to the journey!
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