TEFL Courses in Germany

TEFL programs in Germany are widespread, and each region has its own attractive characteristics to entice people of all interests. Whether you want to go skiing in Bavaria in your free time, spend time near the harbor in Hamburg, or get “up in the club” in Berlin, you are bound to find a place for TEFL certification in Germany that suits your interests.

Hamburg is a city full of young professionals, markets, festivals, and boats; this university city offers plenty of activities to keep you busy on your time outside of your TEFL courses. If you happen to be around in early May, check out the exciting Hafengeburtstag (Port Anniversary) celebration on the river Elbe. If not, the Port of Hamburg is always a relaxing place to study or stop for lunch to eat a wurst. 

Frankfurt is known as the business and financial center of Germany, and is also home to some of the country’s best universities. English lessons are in especially high demand within the business community in Frankfurt. The main skyline of the city contrasts greatly with the neighboring historical center, Römerberg; walking around the city may leave you feeling as if you are in two completely different decades. If you are looking to eat like a local, dine at one of the many eateries in the Fressgass.

Munich. Located in the South of Germany, Munich is beautifully situated in the Alps. Escaping to the mountains for hiking and winter sports is common for TEFL program participants in their free time. Munich is also well known for its winter markets, which are great for buying holiday presents, drinking mulled wine, and general holiday cheer.

Berlin is undoubtedly Germany’s most popular city for young people interested in art, culture, and nightlife. If you’re interested in architecture, take a walk through the Berlin Mitte. Want more drama in your life? Berlin is a powerhouse for performing arts, with over 40 theaters and stages. As Germany’s capital and business hub, there is plenty to do and many opportunities to teach English once your TEFL certification program is complete.

TEFL programs in Germany tend to cater to students who have no prior teaching certifications, or experience teaching for that matter. If you are new to teaching, don’t be intimidated; TEFL courses in Germany (and throughout the rest of the world) are very thorough, and curriculum will typically include effective teaching methods, classroom management skills, strategies for language awareness, and other teaching techniques. In addition to the average four week, full-time TEFL course totalling 120 hours, many TEFL programs in Germany also include up to 80 hours of in classroom observation, assignments, and other projects. 

It is possible to take TEFL courses in Germany both online as well as in-person. For classes in person, you can expect a group of four to 10 classmates to learn alongside. Once your TEFL certification in Germany is complete, your program provider will likely give you a few options for ESL job placements within or nearby the city you live in. More great news: TEFL certificates earned in Germany are widely accepted globally, and many TEFL program providers have networks all over the world that you can utilize to find English teaching jobs abroad!

TEFL courses in Germany range in cost from $800 to $1800. Why such a big cost difference? It depends on what’s included! Some TEFL certification programs include more cultural lessons or activities, post certification support, or accommodation assistance. Be sure to research what is and is not included, so you don’t have any unwanted surprises once you arrive!

The cost of living in Germany is higher than that of its southern European counterparts, but the pay for English teachers increases because of it. Once you secure an English teaching job in Germany, you’ll be easily be able to pay for rent, treat yo’ self to a coffee, or spring $12 for a lunch out. If the upfront cost of TEFL certification in Germany is overwhelming, fear not! There are opportunities to earn scholarships through many program provider’s websites or you can fundraise to cover your program cost through crowdfunding sites like FundMyTravel.

Shared apartments with other students are widely available in large German cities, like Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich, and are one of the most affordable housing options. Living in an apartment is also a great way to meet local Germans and get to know their customs and way of life. Apartments can cost $500 to $1200 a month. On the other hand, homestays may have a higher price tag; keep in mind that homestays include one to two meals per day, great insight into the local culture, and a true home away from home that will include your very own German family!

If you’re planning on completing a TEFL program in Germany, you will not need a visa if your overall stay is less than 90 days. Americans looking to teach English in Germany do need a freelancing or work visa either. Most TEFL program providers will be on top of current visa requirements and will be able to assist you through the process. However, for the latest information on visas for Germany, consult GoAbroad’s German Embassy Directory.

Opportunity. The job market for English teachers in Germany is very good, the country’s economy is strong, and there is an especially high need for teachers in the summer, especially during youth camp season. Not to mention, it is fairly easy to find work as a private English tutor at $25 to $30 an hour in the business community.

English Fluency. You may be surprised at the high level of English that many Germans have. It is easy to get by, even in rural areas of the country, without knowing much German. Since Germany’s language education system is one of the best in Europe, many of your possible future students will be looking for advanced English skills. Therefore, if you take your TEFL certification program in Germany, you will be better prepared to teach German students with a need for advanced English language skills.

Society & Culture. Germans are known to be very structured, efficient, and direct. Be ready to receive direct feedback in during your TEFL courses in Germany, as well as if you become an English teacher in Germany. Direct feedback can sometimes be difficult to hear if you aren’t used to it, but assume positive intentions and you’ll become a better English teacher because of it.

A TEFL program in Germany will take you to the center of Europe, the land of pretzels, punctuality, and lederhosen, and guarantee you a well paid English teaching job in Europe, possible in a great German city like Berlin, Frankfurt, or Hamburg.