How much can I earn teaching English in Bulgaria?
In Bulgaria, English teachers can typically expect to earn between $650 and $1,000 per month. Since joining the EU, Bulgaria has seen significant improvements in infrastructure and a corresponding growth in the market for foreign ESL teachers. This demand is driven by locals seeking to enhance their English skills for career advancement in various fields. Bulgaria offers teachers numerous attractions, including the beautiful Black Sea coast, affordable ski resorts, and stunning natural landscapes.
Table of Contents
What are TESOL salaries in Bulgaria?
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Bulgaria?
What is the recruitment process for English teachers in Bulgaria?
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Bulgaria?
What are TESOL salaries in Bulgaria?
TESOL salaries in Bulgaria typically range from $650 to $1,000 per month. While these salaries may not facilitate substantial savings or a luxurious lifestyle, they are generally sufficient for teachers to live comfortably, especially when supplemented by private tutoring. Bulgaria's rich culture, history, and natural beauty continue to attract teachers despite the modest pay. While a university degree isn't officially required to teach ESL in Bulgaria, it can be advantageous in competitive job markets. However, possessing TESOL certification is almost essential for those aiming to secure positions at the higher end of the salary spectrum in Bulgaria.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Bulgaria?
In Bulgaria, the primary employers of foreign English language teachers are private language schools. These schools typically provide after-school classes for young learners and evening or weekend courses for adults. Due to the modest salaries typically offered by these schools, many English teachers in Bulgaria also engage in private tutoring in their free time. This supplemental work often involves assisting school children with exam preparation or helping local company employees improve their business English skills. Additionally, English language camps in Bulgaria offer short-term employment opportunities, particularly during the summer months from early June to late July.
What is the recruitment process for English teachers in Bulgaria?
The weeks prior to the start of the school year in early September are generally the best time to find teaching jobs in Bulgaria. January also offers a smaller secondary hiring window. Having said that, jobs can come up in private language schools at anytime of the year due to a surge in demand or an unexpected staff departure. Language school hours are typically around 20 to 25 classroom hours, plus added time for planning. The capital city of Sophia is home to the largest number of potential jobs, although other major cities such as Varna and Plovdiv are also good places to look.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is one of the cheapest places to live in the EU. However, as most jobs do not include any extra benefits such as airfares and housing, it is hard for most teachers to save much of their salary each month. In some cases, employers will provide some help with finding a suitable place to live, while many teachers choose to share an apartment with other teachers from their school to lower their overall expenses. Local groceries are very affordable, as is eating out at local restaurants where a meal for two can be enjoyed from as little as 7 euro. The average monthly cost for a teacher in Bulgaria is around $500 to $1,000 per month, depending on your lifestyle and where you choose to live.
