How much can I earn teaching English in Morocco?
Teaching English in Morocco typically offers salaries ranging from $700 to $1,000 per month. Located on the north coast of Africa, Morocco is a sought-after destination for teachers due to its diverse landscapes, including miles of coastline along the Atlantic and Mediterranean, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara Desert. The country is a hub of Arabic and Islamic culture, and home to the world's largest Berber population, which significantly influences Morocco's traditional architecture, crafts, and clothing. In addition to its natural and cultural allure, Morocco is known for its vibrant local cuisine and colorful markets, enhancing the overall experience for English teachers in this region.
Also read: Can I learn a foreign language while teaching English abroad?
Table of Contents
What are TESOL salaries in Morocco?
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Morocco?
What is the recruitment process for English teachers in Morocco?
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Morocco?
What are TESOL salaries in Morocco?
TESOL qualified teachers in Morocco can usually earn between 7,000 and 10,000 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) per month, which is approximately $700 to $1,000 US dollars. In addition to their primary salary, many teachers enhance their income by offering private tutoring, with rates ranging from $10 to $20 per hour. The variation in pay rates among different jobs is considerable, so exploring various opportunities is advisable. Factors such as previous teaching experience can influence starting salaries, and there is potential for pay increases based on performance and tenure with an employer. This blend of base salary and additional tutoring opportunities allows TESOL teachers in Morocco to manage a comfortable and often flexible income.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Morocco?
The main employers of English language teachers in Morocco are:
- Private Language Schools: These schools predominantly cater to adults needing English skills for professional purposes. They are the most common employers for ESL teachers in the country.
- International and Bilingual High Schools: Although fewer in number, these schools offer positions, usually requiring previous teaching experience. They tend to offer higher salaries compared to language schools.
- Private Language Tutoring: Some teachers establish themselves as full-time private tutors, working either with adults or young learners. This path allows for more flexibility and can be pursued independently or alongside a position in a school.
Each of these employment options provides unique opportunities and challenges, with private language schools being the most readily available, while international schools and private tutoring might offer higher pay or more flexible working conditions
Also read: How many hours do ESL teachers teach?
What is the recruitment process for English teachers in Morocco?
The recruitment process for English teachers in Morocco typically involves the following steps:
- Job Searching: Due to the smaller size of many schools in Morocco, job vacancies are not always advertised online. As a result, many foreign teachers choose to arrive in Morocco first and then seek employment. The major cities like Casablanca, Fez, Rabat, Marrakesh, and Tangier have the most job opportunities, often with higher salaries compared to smaller towns.
- School Year and Hiring Schedule: The academic year in Morocco runs from September to June/July. However, private language schools may operate year-round, offering more flexible hiring periods.
- Visa Process: Those without pre-arranged employment typically enter Morocco on a 90-day tourist visa, converting it to a work permit after securing a job. If you have a job lined up beforehand, your employer usually handles the visa paperwork, allowing you to obtain a work permit before departure.
- Work Permit Requirements: To obtain a work permit, you will need your college diploma, a criminal background check, a TESOL certificate, and a work contract.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Morocco?
As the average salary for an ESL teacher is not that high in Morocco you should not expect to save much of your monthly salary. However, with the addition of some private tutoring on the side you should be able to cover all your bills and still have enough left to enjoy your time away from the classroom. On arrival you will need enough cash to see you through to your first payday. You will need to cover rent, a security deposit, groceries, transport costs, etc. To cover this we would recommend a sum of between $1,500 and $2,000 US, although anything over this could make the early part of your stay more comfortable.
The average cost of living in Morocco is around $500 to $1,000 US per month, depending on the lifestyle you lead. Just remember that this is considerably lower than in most western countries and every $5 you earn here will go that much further than what you are used to. Rent is usually the biggest expense for most teachers and this can vary from one city to the next. It is recommended that you do plenty of research into the current cost of living in the location you have chosen before you sign a work contract.
Also read: How does the lifetime job support service work?
