Croatia

The Land of a Thousand Islands,” “The Pearl of the Adriatic,” “The Heart of the Mediterranean” — Croatia is a country of many names, each capturing a piece of its breathtaking beauty and rich history. Located along the stunning Adriatic Sea, Croatia is bordered by Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, making it a true crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe. With ancient cities, crystal-clear waters, and a fascinating past, it’s no wonder Croatia has become one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations. History & Culture Though home to just under 4 million people, Croatia’s cultural influence extends far beyond its borders. The Croatian language, a South Slavic tongue, is spoken by communities worldwide, and while learning it isn’t essential for daily life because English proficiency is exceptionally high, picking up a few phrases can make your experience even more immersive. Croatia’s history is as deep as the Adriatic itself. The region was once part of the Roman Empire, leaving behind impressive ruins like Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Throughout the centuries, Croatia was ruled by Venetians, Hungarians, and the Habsburgs before finally gaining independence in 1991. This blend of influences is reflected in everything from architecture to cuisine, making Croatia a unique mix of Mediterranean and Central European traditions. The capital, Zagreb, is the country’s cultural and political heart, filled with Austro-Hungarian architecture, vibra…

Each country has its own requirements and qualifications when it comes to teaching. Some require a bachelor’s degree in any field. In others, you’ll qualify with only a high school diploma and your TEFL certificate. Some countries have strict visa requirements that may disqualify you based on your citizenship or criminal background. Let’s take a look at the qualifications needed for teaching English in Croatia. Education A bachelor’s degree is required to teach in schools in Croatia. Citizenship European Union (EU) citizens are able to work legally in Croatia. There are no specific citizenship requirements to teach English in Croatia, and you do not need to be a native English speaker in order to find a job there. See more below regarding English fluency levels. For those without EU citizenship, it will be much harder to find a school that can hire you and sponsor you. English Fluency As mentioned above, there are no citizenship requirements to teach in Croatia. That being said, if English is not your first language you’ll still need to have a high fluency in English, and you might need to be more flexible about your school and location preferences to compete with native English-speaking candidates. Background Check A 100% clean criminal record check is not generally a requirement to teach in Croatia, though some schools may require it. Medical Check A medical check is not required to teach in Croatia, though certain schools might require it. TEFL Certificate A TEFL cert…

While Croatia’s neighbors like Italy and Greece often steal the spotlight, more and more travelers are discovering that Croatia is a hidden gem! With over 1,200 islands, a stunning Adriatic coastline, charming historic towns, and a lively food and wine scene, Croatia offers an incredible mix of natural beauty and culture—all at a lower cost than many Western European destinations. Where tourism thrives, so does the demand for English, creating plenty of opportunities for teachers across the country. Hiring seasons are extremely important for Croatia. September-October is the first peak hiring season right after everyone is back from their summer vacations and ready to start the school year; the second being January just after the holidays. It is very hard to find a job outside of the hiring seasons and we do not typically recommend going to Croatia at any other time. Contracts are typically valid for 10-12 months. You can find English teaching positions in private language schools, private or bilingual/international schools. Private language schools are privately-run and typically for-profit language training centers that can cater to students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. For positions in bilingual/international and public schools, you primarily will work with pre-kindergarten to high-school aged children. Let’s learn a bit more about the types of jobs in Croatia and life as a teacher! Private Language Schools Unlike public or private schools, private language sc…

Congrats! You have decided between applying to a private language school , a private or international school…or maybe you haven’t yet. That’s okay! We can at least start the necessary steps for the application process in Croatia. Heads up! For non-European Union (EU) citizens, be sure to check out our Teaching in Croatia Timeline , as well as the Applying for the Visa section for more information and to make sure that you are staying on track with your documents. As most positions do not offer a work permit, you will be going over on a student visa or working holiday visa (if you qualify) which have certain timelines before going abroad. Step 1: Prepare Your Initial Application Materials Resume & Cover Letter Your resume and cover letter are the keys to connecting with schools and beginning the application process. International employers look for specific elements in the resume that may differ from what you’re used to seeing domestically. To take a deeper dive into international resumes and cover letters, visit the Prepare section of the Alumni Corner! Once you’ve updated your resume and cover letter to meet the recommended international standards, submit your drafts to your Student Affairs Advisor for review. Photos In Europe, it is very common to include a photo on your resume and possibly as a part of the application process. A headshot photo is typical, which you can send with your application, though some schools will also ask for a full-body shot. Don’t send any additi…

Congratulations on your job offer(s)! If you’ve been offered a position with a public school private language school, there’s not much else to consider besides whether or not you’ll accept the offer. If you’ve applied to work at a private language school, and you’ve followed our previous advice you’re already off to a great start. But what’s next? Determining whether or not the offer is right for you. To help make this determination, follow the recommendations below. Whether you have one offer, or several, the key elements you’ll want to take note of are: salary, working hours, vacation days, sick days, medical insurance, and bonuses. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect with each of these elements. Review the Basics Salary The average starting salary for a first-year English teacher in Croatia is 855 EUR to 1,200 EUR (Euros) per month ( use this currency converter to determine your home currency ). Anything significantly lower or higher should make you ask a few questions. If the reason for the pay difference is obvious, like a rural location with a low cost of living or longer than average working hours, you may find that you’re okay with it. But don’t accept a contract that is paying you less for doing the same amount of work the average English teacher does, or one that doesn’t fit into your work-life-travel balance. Working Hours Teaching English in Croatia is typically a full-time gig. Most teachers work between 22 and 35 hours per week. However, there’s more…

The word “visa” tends to provoke daunting images of endless red tape and paperwork but we’re here to ease your anxiety and hopefully have you zipping through this process like a pro. Below, we’ll outline the most common visa routes for foreign English teachers in Croatia. As is always the case with any of the visa advice we provide, please be sure to cross-check this information with your local Croatian consulate or embassy to ensure you are getting the most up-to-date, accurate, and personalized instruction there is! Visa Types Student Visa What is it? Those who plan to study in Croatia at a recognized language school, university, etc. may be eligible to legally work in Croatia while studying. Typically, a student visa must be processed before departing for Croatia. Contact a Croatian Consulate for more information on recognized “study abroad” programs and what is required to obtain a student visa. International TEFL Academy cannot assist TEFL students with finding language schools or processing student visas. How do you get one? You must be enrolled in a program of study, have your original “letter of invitation,” and submit the application for a Croatian student visa at your local Croatian embassy or consulate. How long is it valid? The student visa is issued for stays longer than 90 days, and is typically valid for your length of study. Tourist Visa What is it? As Croatia is a Schengen area country and part of the European Union, most non-EU citizens are only able to sta…

In the days, weeks, and months leading up to your move abroad, it’s more important than ever to stay organized and ask yourself: What are the logistics I have to consider and the loose ends I have to tie up in order to thrive in my new home? Do I have to worry about taxes? What about health insurance? And what the heck do I do about a cell phone? Fear not, TEFL teacher. In this section, you’ll find the tips, resources, and wisdom to tackle these questions and more! Review the Basics Health Insurance Although in a perfect world an apple a day would keep the doctor away, in reality, even teachers get sick. Cue health insurance/care. Regardless of the country you end up in, you should always inquire about health insurance before accepting a position. If health insurance is indeed provided by your employer, it’s imperative that the relevant details are outlined clearly in any contract you sign. More often than not in Croatia, basic health care is provided by the government if you are studying, or working legally! Check out the “ Accepting the Right Offer ” section to learn more. Private healthcare is possible if you would like to pay for it on your own. It is also a good idea to purchase travel insurance which is separate from health insurance. This typically covers any major expenses if you are severely injured or sick in another country. ITA recommends World Nomads . Savings & Banking In Croatia, it may take anywhere from six to nine weeks before you receive your first paych…

You have finally made it to the end of the Croatia section, no small feat! Here is all of that wonderful information from the previous sections laid out step-by-step and month-by-month before your intended departure date for Croatia. This timeline is not only for the planners and check-list lovers (although you will love this too). It is strongly encouraged for anyone planning a move to Croatia to help keep you on track and organized as you make your way through the process. Finding a Job on the Ground Please keep in mind that the main hiring seasons for Croatia are September-October and January. Take your desired start date and subtract from there. While it may be possible to move some parts of the process along quicker, follow this timeline as closely as possible. 4 months before departure: Begin your research ___ List out your preferences and priorities ___ Chat with ITA alumni , watch alumni videos and read about alumni experiences ___ Read through ITA’s resources, watch/attend a Student Affairs webinar ___ Network with ITA Alumni and watch Instagram takeovers, etc. ___ Read about Croatia and Croatian culture, etc. ___ Ensure your passport is valid for the entire time you plan to be in Croatia and six months after ___ Order a national-level background check ___ Start saving up so you have enough money in your bank for start-up costs 2-3 months before departure: Make travel and accommodation arrangements ___ Book flight to Croatia ___ Book short-term accommodations for yo…

I've ben living here for a little while. It's been really special and I love Croatia. I really believe that if you feel in your heart and soul that you're supposed to be somewhere, you should just go for it. And the rest usually works itself out. Caroline B. Zagreb, Croatia For this trip I'm here in Croatia on a tourist visa and I'll have to leave in the middle of August, but then I'll be allowed to return 90 days after that and I cannot wait to come back here to Croatia...I've always wanted to travel the world and learn about people and cultures and languages everywhere I go, deciding to teach English and get that certification was fantastic. It was the most validating and rewarding direction I could have went, I really recommend it. Yvonne W. Split, Croatia