Scandinavia

Scandinavia consists of three countries – Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. (Please note that Finland and Iceland are technically considered Nordic countries and are not a part of Scandinavia.) Norway is the only country that is not currently part of the European Union; however, each country is part of the Schengen Zone. The southern part of the region has a temperate climate (despite what most people believe) and is therefore the most populous. The geography is varied and stunning, featuring the Norwegian Fjords, Scandinavian mountains, moraines, and expansive forests. Each Scandinavian country offers a unique culture and lifestyle: Denmark Denmark is known for its high quality of life, bicycle-friendly cities, and cozy “hygge” culture. Copenhagen, the capital, is a hub of art, history, and innovation, with a strong international community. Denmark boasts a strong economy and a high proficiency in English, making teaching opportunities limited but available in private language schools and corporate training programs. Sweden Sweden is the largest of the Scandinavian countries and offers a balance between urban excitement and natural beauty. Stockholm, the capital, is a picturesque city built across 14 islands, known for its sustainability efforts and modern design. Gothenburg and Malmö are other key cities with teaching opportunities. Sweden’s strong social welfare system provides an excellent quality of life, but job prospects for ESL teachers can be competitive. Norway Norway is…

Scandinavia presents several challenges for aspiring English teachers—small populations, high English proficiency, strict work permits, and a high cost of living compared to a typical ESL teacher’s salary. That said, while it’s not a highly recommended destination for ESL teachers, it’s not impossible to find opportunities, particularly if you are already living in one of these countries and have strong qualifications. To boost your chances of securing a teaching position, here’s what you’ll typically need: Education A bachelor’s degree is usually required; a master’s is preferred for some roles. Teaching experience often required, especially for non-EU teachers. Citizenship EU citizens have an advantage in securing work permits. English Fluency Native speakers preferred; non-native speakers may need C2-level proficiency certification. TEFL Certificate Required by most schools. Since the job market is competitive, Scandinavia is best suited for those with strong credentials and a long-term commitment to living in the region.

Though Scandinavia isn’t a top market for ESL teachers, those with strong qualifications may find opportunities in the following areas: Private Language Schools Opportunities exist, but they are limited. Private language schools in major cities like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo typically hire teachers to work with business professionals or advanced learners. International Schools (for Highly Experienced TEFL Teachers) If you have teaching credentials (such as a teaching license) and experience, international schools can be a good option. These positions are highly competitive and require strong qualifications. Private Tutoring Many ESL teachers supplement their income by tutoring students and business professionals. This is easier to establish once you’re already in the country. University & Higher Education Teachers with advanced degrees (master’s or Ph.D.) may find opportunities to teach English at universities

Securing a teaching position in Scandinavia requires thorough preparation, persistence, and a strategic approach. Competition can be high, and schools often have specific requirements, such as teaching credentials, experience, and sometimes knowledge of the local language. Tailoring your application materials and understanding the nuances of the hiring process will significantly increase your chances of success. 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 a 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 Resume and Cover Letter section! Once you’ve updated your resume and cover letter to meet the recommended international standards, submit your draft to your Student Affairs Advisor for review. Since demand for English teachers is limited, networking is key—reach out to language schools, universities, and corporate training centers to inquire about opportunities. For those already in Scandinavia, applying in person and making local connections can be a valuable way to secure a position. When submitting applications, follow up within a week if you don’t hear back, and be persistent in your job search. Have ITA Review Your Contract At this point, you should be familiar with the contract, and know whether or not you’d like to pursue the offer. …

Congratulations on your job offer(s)! If you’ve been offered a position from a school in a Scandinavian country and have 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. Since Scandinavia does not have a high demand for English teachers, there is limited data on standard benefits such as working hours, vacation days, sick days, housing, airfare, insurance, and bonuses. These can vary widely depending on the school, contract type, and whether you’re employed by a private institution or tutoring independently. When reviewing your offer, pay close attention to salary, contract length, and any additional benefits provided. Be sure to clarify expectations regarding work permits, taxes, and whether you’ll need to supplement your income with private tutoring. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask the employer for clarification before accepting the position. Review the Reviews Now that you’ve made note of the contract basics, it’s time to hear what others have to say about their experiences working with the employer you’re considering. Visit specific expat teaching groups on Facebook — this is where you’ll connect with thousands of alumni who have taught or are currently teaching in Scandinavia. Type the name of the school in the search bar to read past threads where it’s been the topic of conversation. Feel free to create a new post in the Facebook group if your potential school hasn’t …

Securing a work visa for teaching in Scandinavia can be challenging for non-EU citizens, as there are limited visa pathways available. Most schools prioritize hiring EU passport holders due to fewer legal restrictions, and work sponsorship for non-EU teachers is rare. In many cases, English teachers who do find opportunities in the region do so through spousal visas, student visas, or freelance/self-employment options, depending on the country’s regulations. If you’re considering teaching in Scandinavia, be sure to research visa requirements thoroughly and explore alternative pathways, such as studying or tutoring privately, to increase your chances of securing legal work authorization. Relocation Basics

In the months leading up to your move abroad, it’s crucial to stay organized and ask yourself the right questions: What logistical tasks do I need to manage to thrive in my new home? Do I need to worry about taxes? Health insurance? And what about a cell phone? Fear not, TEFL teacher! In this section, you’ll find tips, resources, and guidance to help you tackle these questions and more as you prepare to teach in Scandinavia. Review the Basics Health Insurance Health insurance requirements vary by country, and while public healthcare is excellent, you may not qualify for coverage right away. If your employer does not provide insurance, look into international health plans that cover Scandinavia. Expats often purchase private insurance until they qualify for national healthcare. Savings & Banking The cost of living in Scandinavia is high, so having savings is crucial. It’s recommended to have at least 3-6 months of living expenses saved. Opening a local bank account is possible but may take time, so many expats rely on international banking services or money transfer platforms like Wise until they are settled. Pro tip: Notify your home bank before traveling to avoid transaction issues abroad. Vaccinations For a list of vaccinations you might need for Scandinavia, check out the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. If you’re planning on visiting other countries while abroad, it’s always a great idea to research the required and recommended vaccinations for these a…

You have to be open and flexible when moving to a new country, but it's so worth it. I've learned so much about myself since moving here. I would absolutely recommend teaching here. If you're still in the process of deciding, take advantage of ITA's advisor and definitely reach out to alumni. My other advice is to make a budget and try your best to stick to it, at least at first. It will alleviate some stress on that front. Kellie K. ITA Alum Overall, my advice is this: if you’re only 1% sure that you want to embark on this journey, do it. You won’t regret it. And to the 21 or 22-year-old kids who have no idea what they’ll do after crossing the graduation stage, I can’t stop myself from recommending a gig like this. I got a huge return on investment. It’ll give you some direction, leave you with stories, introduce you to interesting people from all corners of the world, hopefully net you a bit of cash, and mold you with a unique kind of wisdom. Garrett G. ITA Alum