Teaching Jobs in Morocco

Morocco is unlike any place anywhere else in the world. What other country borders a sea, contains part of a desert, features not one, but two, of the oldest yet most happening cities on the planet (Fez and Marrakech), and is less than an hour’s plane ride away from Europe? If the question is, “Why live and teach English in Morocco?” then the answer is, “Why not!” Here are the best places to teach abroad in Morocco.

Casablanca. This largest city in Morocco and major commercial hub is located in central-western Morocco on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The Mauresque buildings that blend French colonial and Moorish architecture will make you swoon with delight. While you’re here, be sure to marvel at the Hassan II Mosque, explore the Quartier Habous, and promenade through the redeveloped Parc de la Ligue Arabe. 

Marrakech. At the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in central-western Morocco lies this enchanting city that would make Jasmine from Aladdin green with envy. With a labyrinths of souks (marketplaces) that offer everything from carpets to pottery, you can haggle your heart out to the best deal for goods here. From the lavish palaces and riads to the heavenly tajine dishes and briouats (puff pastry), prepare yourself to be under a spell of delight. 

Rabat. The capital of Morocco is located at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in the northwest area of the country. Don’t miss out on moseying down Bouregreg Marina, where you can see the Hassan Tower and the Chellah necropolis. Opposite of the Hassan Tower is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, which is an Alaouite dynasty masterpiece, and it contains the tombs of this Moroccan king and his two sons.

Morocco’s previously limited market for English teachers has expanded dramatically in recent years. The country has made major attempts to modernize in order to appeal both as a tourism hotspot and as a nation looking toward new and former alliances in the Western World. If you’re looking to gain experience working and living in a North African country pulsating to the beat of its own drum, teaching in Morocco is the perfect choice. Here are a few popular types of teaching jobs in Morocco.

Volunteer Placements. With many underserved adolescents and young adults in need of teachers, volunteers are the lifeblood for many areas. You’ll be working with organizations in impoverished areas that are in need of people like you. Some programs even offer additional TEFL certification opportunities to help you gain the credentials needed for ESL teaching.

TEFL Courses. Go from trainee to teacher with a TEFL program placement. With opportunities to explore the surrounding areas and future job placement assistance, you’ll be well on your way to being an expat who loves teaching English in Morocco in no time. Many of these programs also offer classes to help you learn Arabic along the way as well. 

Paid Teaching Positions. If you’re interested in earning a higher salary as a teacher (and you’re more experienced), you could also look for teaching positions in the private sector. You could apply for positions with private schools or with tutoring students privately. However, the private sector has its own form of administrative rules, so it helps to be familiar with the industry and cautious with contracts and employers.

Salaries are generally quite a bit better here when compared to European locations or western countries, or at least they’ll go further, as Morocco is very affordable both in day-to-day living expenses and weekend travel; typically, between $600 to $900 covers most costs per month. You’ll usually be working about 20-25 hours per week, and depending on your teaching qualifications, the salary is typically between $800 to $1000 per month. Overall, you’ll live fairly comfortably and might even be able to save a little here and there.

Once you’ve found a placement, the challenge of finding lodging arises. Luckily, most schools assist in this process, and while the majority of lodging is surprisingly affordable, ensuring its safety and close proximity to your school is paramount.

If you’re planning to teach English in Morocco for less than 90 days, such as just a summer, you’ll be able work with tourist visa, but you’ll need a working visa if you plan to stay longer. In most cases, you’ll need need proof of a bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate to acquire the work permit. Their embassy can help you look further into the requirements based on your citizenship, and most programs will usually help you with the process.

Looking for a school to take you on is certainly bound to be more of a search on your part than it would be in many Asian countries. With a bit of luck, you’ll be well on your way to Africa. 

When it comes to getting around, it can be an altogether different issue, as English is rarely spoken in cities outside of tourist-meccas. Foreigners are treated reasonably well, and there is little reason to fear any kind of anti-western sentiment.

From riding a camel in the Sahara to sailing around Essaouira, you’ll never forget your time spent in Morocco.