Slovenia

Where the Alps meet the Mediterranean and the Pannonian Plain meets the Karst, there is Slovenia. Slovenia is a small yet diverse country nestled in Central Europe. Bordered by Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Hungary to the northeast, and Croatia to the south, Slovenia also has a short but scenic coastline along the Adriatic Sea. By global standards Slovenia is a young country; after a long road to independence, the first democratic elections were held in 1990. Slovenia declared independence in 1991 and joined the European Union in 2004. Being located in the heart of Europe gives the small, “young” country an unforgettable character in terms of landscape, culture and cuisine! Climate & Landscape The climate varies by region. Along the Adriatic coast, Slovenia experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. In the mountainous areas, winters bring snow and cooler temperatures, making them ideal for skiing, while summers are pleasant and perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. In the plains and valleys, Slovenia has a continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters, and temperatures averaging about 32°F (0°C) in January and 85°F (29°C) in summer. Slovenia’s diverse landscape includes everything from the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park to scenic caves and vineyards. The country is home to Lake Bled, a famous glacial lake with an island and castle that draws visitors year-round, and the Soča River, known for its emerald-g…

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 Slovenia: Education A bachelor’s degree is highly preferred by the vast majority of schools in Slovenia, 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 Slovenia, however individual schools or language centers may require it. Medical Check A medical check is not required to teach in Slovenia, 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, Slovenia 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 Slovenians 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 Slovenia. 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 Slovenia…

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 Slovenia, 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. 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? Do you prefer Ljubljana’s cosmopolitan vibe or would you enjoy a quieter lifestyle in smaller towns like Bled or Marib…

Congratulations on your job offer(s)! If you’ve been offered a position at a school in Slovenia 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 Slovenia typically ranges between €​​900 and €​​1,200 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 Slovenia. As is always the case with any of the visa advice we provide, please be sure to cross-check this information with your local Slovenian 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 Slovenia temporarily for purposes of rest or recreation. It is not common for teachers in Slovenia to work on a tourist visa. Tourist visas in Slovenia 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 Slovenia 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 Slovenia visa-free, or if you need to apply for a tourist visa in advance of arriving in Slovenia. 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 Slovenian 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 Slovenia), it’s imperative that the relevant details are outlined clearly in any contract you sign. Slovenia’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 Slovenia, 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 Slovenia 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 Slovenia. 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 Slovenia to help keep you on track and organized as you make your way through the process. Finding a Job In-Person The peak hiring season for English teachers in Slovenia is August/September and January. If you are looking to secure a job on the ground in Slovenia, you will want to be there during one of these months. Take your desired start date and subtract from there. Avoid applying to jobs in Slovenia in late December to early January, as well as summer months like July, when schools and institutions slow down for breaks or holidays. While it may be possible to move some parts of the process along quicker, follow this timeline as closely as possible. 4-6 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 Slovenian 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 Slovenia. If it’s not, renew your passport! ___Start saving up so yo…

Be open minded and leave your expectations about life in your home country. Embrace all of the differences about living in a new culture, and try to immerse yourself in local activities and learn the language! I would 100% recommend teaching in Slovenia! It is a small country but contains the Mediterranean sea, alps and an abundance of nature. The people are friendly, and the cost of living (outside of the capital) are quite low. Jacqueline D. Maribor, Slovenia It's a big lifestyle change so make sure the country you choose and the school you work for are a good fit. Contact people online, read employer reviews and talk to ITA staff and alumni. Chris B. ITA Alum