Slovakia

Nestled in the heart of Central Europe, Slovakia is a landlocked country known for its stunning mountain landscapes, medieval castles, and rich cultural heritage. Bordered by Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, and Hungary, Slovakia boasts a unique blend of Central European and Slavic influences. Despite gaining independence in 1993 following the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia, Slovakia has rapidly developed its economy and infrastructure. The country joined the European Union in 2004 and adopted the Euro as its currency in 2009. Landscape Slovakia’s landscape is dominated by the Carpathian Mountains, including the High Tatras, which offer excellent hiking, skiing, and outdoor activities. The capital, Bratislava, is known for its picturesque Old Town, medieval castles, and vibrant cultural scene. The country is also home to stunning natural wonders such as the Slovak Paradise National Park, the Tatra Mountains, and Dobšiná Ice Cave—one of the largest ice caves in Europe. Culture Slovak culture blends Slavic, Hungarian, and Austrian influences, reflected in its architecture, music, and traditions. Locals are generally warm and hospitable, though social interactions may be more reserved at first. While Slovak is the official language, many younger Slovaks and those in major cities speak English, particularly in business and tourism. However, English proficiency among older generations is lower, which can create opportunities for teaching, particularly in private l…

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 Slovakia: Education A bachelor’s degree is highly preferred by the vast majority of schools in Slovakia, but it is not always required. The bachelor’s degree does not need to be in a specific subject. Citizenship While many employers prefer to hire citizens of the EU, or citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa, being a citizen of one of these countries is not a requirement. English Fluency If you are not a citizen of one of the above countries, you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for English teaching jobs. Background Check A clean background check is not necessary to teach in Slovakia, however individual schools or language centers may require it. Medical Check A medical check is not required to teach in Slovakia, though schools will expect teachers to be physically and mentally healthy. TEFL Certificate A TEFL certificate is highly advantageous for all positions and may be required by individual schools. Age While some employers may have a bias towards younger …

While not as large as some countries in Western Europe, Slovakia offers a decent job market, particularly for EU citizens. Private language schools and international schools provide common employment opportunities. Public schools teach English and many Slovakians already have a good grasp of the English language, therefore many public schools are becoming less willing to help teachers obtain the required work visa. Bigger cities, like Ljubljana and Maribor, will have more opportunities than smaller regions in the country. Requirements will vary depending on institution. Below are the primary job types for English teachers in Slovakia. Private Language Schools Private language schools are privately-run and typically for-profit language training centers that can cater to students of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels. Many school-aged students will attend private language schools to supplement their public or private school language education, and adults will often attend private language schools to develop their foreign language competency and thereby advance their professional and career options. Unlike public or private schools, private language schools specialize solely in the teaching of foreign languages. Class sizes at private language schools will typically be small — teachers might instruct a handful of learners of the same language level, or conduct private one-on-one lessons. Public Schools There are opportunities to teach English in public schools in Slovakia…

Now that you’ve explored the job types available to you, it’s time to begin the application process! There are several steps to take to find a job teaching English in Slovakia, and we have them all outlined below. Heads up! The timelines for your job application process and for gathering documents for your visa may overlap. You’ll want to be working on both processes at roughly the same time. Be sure to check out our Timeline and Applying for the Visa sections for more information and to make sure you are staying on track with your documents while applying for teaching positions. 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 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, you can submit your draft to your Student Affairs Advisor for review if you’d like them to review it for you. Step 2: Determine Your Preferences A major part of the teaching abroad experience is enjoying where you’ll actually be living! Do you have a preference when it comes to your daily routines and surroundings? Would you thrive in Bratislava’s bustling capital with its mix of modern and …

Congratulations on your job offer(s)! If you’ve been offered a position at a school in Slovakia and followed our previous advice, you’re off to a fantastic start. But what comes next? Determining if the offer is the right fit for you. To help with your decision, here are some key elements to consider: salary, working hours, vacation days, sick days, medical insurance, and bonuses. Let’s take a closer look at each. Review the Basics Salary The starting salary for English teachers in Slovakia typically ranges between €​​640 and €​​1,000 per month, depending on the school, location, and your qualifications. Anything significantly lower or higher should make you ask a few questions. For example, a rural location with a lower cost of living might offer a smaller salary, while schools in urban areas with more demand could pay higher. Ensure that the salary aligns with your work-life-travel balance and is competitive for the workload. Working Hours

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 Slovakia. As is always the case with any of the visa advice we provide, please be sure to cross-check this information with your local Slovakian consulate or embassy to ensure you are getting the most up-to-date, accurate, and personalized instruction there is! Visa Types Tourist Visa What is it? A tourist visa allows most nationalities to stay in Slovakia temporarily for purposes of rest or recreation. It is not common for teachers in Slovakia to work on a tourist visa. Tourist visas in Slovakia are only recommended for those who are visiting for a short period of time. A tourist visa will be stamped in your passport upon entry into Slovakia and allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days in a 180 day period. How do you get one? First, check whether your citizenship allows you to enter Slovakia visa-free, or if you need to apply for a tourist visa in advance of arriving in Slovakia. If you need to apply for your tourist visa in advance, you’ll have to submit a visa application form — as well as any other required application documents such as your passport and visa application fee — to your local Slovakian consulate or embassy . It’s recommended that you submit your visa application at least one month prior …

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. 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 (very rare in Slovakia), it’s imperative that the relevant details are outlined clearly in any contract you sign. Slovakia’s public healthcare system is universal and free for residents, but tourists are only allowed to utilize it if medically necessary. Thus, you’ll likely want to look into private health insurance options before traveling to Slovakia, and do your own research in order to determine which health insurance plan abroad might be the best fit for you, your health needs, and any dependents you might be bringing along. With so many insurance options to choose from, picking out a good provider can be daunting for some teachers. One easy hack? Check out this article about i…

You have finally made it to the end of the Slovakia section, no small feat! Here is all of that wonderful information from the previous section laid out step-by-step and month-by-month before your intended departure date for Slovakia. This timeline is not only for the planners and checklist lovers (although you will love this too!). It is strongly encouraged for anyone planning a move to Slovakia to help keep you on track and organized as you make your way through the process. Finding a Job in Advance Please keep in mind that the main hiring seasons for Slovakia are September 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 and network with ITA alumni . ___Read through ITA’s resources, watch a Student Affairs webinar. ___Read about Slovakian culture. ___Reach out to your Student Affairs Advisor. ___Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from Slovakia. If it’s not, renew your passport! ___Start saving up so you have enough money in your bank for start-up costs. It’s recommended to have between €1300–€1,900 saved by the time you arrive. 3 months before departure: Begin application process and prepare visa documents ___Finalize your international resume and cover letter. ___Obtain your bank le…

Click an image below to expand I would absolutely recommend [...] teaching English. It's a safe, engaging, culturally rich country with fabulous people and excellent travel opportunities. My biggest piece of advice is making sure you're prepared to hit the ground running and be confident in your ability to tackle the city and get the most out of your time there. Conor Riordan ITA Alum I think it's important to have a flexible mindset going into it, because you never know how everything is going to play out. I think it's never good to go into a totally new situation with specific expectations. Be strong, be ready for failure or disappointment, and above all, stay positive. Challenges come wherever we are, but they feel stronger when we're away from our support system. I think no matter what kind of experience you have teaching English abroad, you will come away it with it happy that you did it. I think it's one of the best and the hardest things I have ever done. It has grown me exponentially more in a year than if I had stayed at home and found the first job that opened. Kristen H. ITA Alum