Teach English in Morocco

Would you like to teach English in Morocco? Morocco is an excellent choice for TEFL jobs because of its mild Mediterranean environment, rich history, and fascinating culture. Morocco’s culture and food are quite different from what you may be used to, being only a short ferry ride away from Europe. Eat delicious cous cous, rfissa, pastilla, snails, camel meat, or tagine meals, and if you prefer to get creative in the kitchen, buy food and haggle in a souk (local market) and enjoy weighing out different spices to use in the cooking at home. Other exciting things to do with your leisure include riding a camel in the desert or learning about Morocco’s centuries of history and multicultural culture.

Because of its proximity to Europe, many Moroccans wish to learn English in order to work in enterprises that do business with Europeans. As Morocco’s economy grows, more people are interested in finding teachers of English in Morocco. Morocco is only eight miles off the coast of Spain at its most northern point, but it feels a million miles apart from modern civilisation. Morocco has its own distinct personality, blending Mediterranean, African, and Islamic cultures. Teaching English in Morocco will never be boring because this country is known for its stunning mountain background, vibrant marketplaces, and beautiful cities. It offers a vast range of scenery to stimulate the traveller, from the many towns along the coast to the more hilly terrains in the interior of Morocco and the Sahara desert.

Job types 

So what types of jobs can you expect to apply for if you are looking to teach English in Morocco? In Morocco, Arabic and French have been the primary languages taught for decades. However, the Moroccan economy has recently made a number of breakthroughs that need the usage of the English language. As a result, English is in high demand for all levels of education. This chance provides a possible English teacher abroad in another country with a variety of options to consider, each one unique in its own way.

Private vs Public Institutions

Teaching experiences will vary depending on whether you teach English in Morocco in the public or private sector. This disparity is related to administration; in public schools, government rules are published with all teachers in mind. In private institutions, the rules are set by the owners, leaving teachers struggling for respect. Take note: Morocco offers English teaching chances, but only to those well-versed in the field and recognise that there will always be the possibility of shady contracts and untrustworthy employers. It is your obligation to research your teaching abroad employment options and make the best decision for you.

Volunteering

Volunteering to teach English in Morocco allows you to experience a different culture while also forming ties with people who are in desperate need of assistance. Anyone interested in assisting others in learning English can participate in this event; no prior teaching experience or certifications are required.

Whether you volunteer for a gap year, a professional sabbatical, or a volunteer vacation, you will play a vital part, and your efforts will be warmly appreciated. Volunteers are needed for English teaching projects as well as environmental and community projects. You will improve the lives of the people in your community, which is what volunteering is all about.

Teaching French, Spanish or  English in Morrocco: Volunteers teach foreign languages to Moroccan children from low-income families. These children cannot afford to attend private language centres; therefore, the volunteer’s presence ensures that they obtain the necessary skills for a successful future. In addition, volunteers will work with Moroccan children and teenagers, educating and aiding them in acquiring critical life skills that we frequently take for granted. Volunteers may, for example, teach languages, computer skills, and mathematics.

Women’s Empowerment: Volunteers work one-on-one with local women to help them achieve healthy, self-sufficient lifestyles. Volunteers will teach conversational English, among other things.

Private tutoring

There may be chances to provide additional tutoring sessions to kids who need or want them. Furthermore, as Morocco’s economy grows, many individuals seeking career advancement are looking for English tutors.

Finding a job teaching English in Morrocco

Visas

Any respected institution should be able to assist you in obtaining a working visa. If they are unable to assist you in obtaining one, this should instantly raise a red flag. You can still get a teaching job while on a tourist visa, but you’ll have to leave the country when it expires; a working visa will allow you to stay in Morocco for more than 90 days. Furthermore, a BA degree and suitable accreditation are required to teach English in Morocco lawfully and to have a bank account that allows you to transfer money out of the country. The government mandates these. If a school does not require these, they will be unable to obtain a work/residence permit for you and are most likely a private institution.

When to find a job teaching English in Morrocco

The best time to look for English teaching jobs in Morrocco is right now. English teachers in Morocco are in high demand due to the country’s developing economy. Refer to organisations such as the British Council, American Language Centres in Morocco, and AMIDEAST for assistance in making the best employment decisions.

Classroom and work culture

• University classes may or may not start on time, depending on the professor, who sometimes won’t even show up.
• About half of the girls wear a veil, while the rest choose not to cover their heads.
• At the university levels, grades follow the French system, which is based on 0-20, with 20 being perfect and nearly impossible to achieve. The average is around 12.
• The typical teaching style is lecture, and the students take notes verbatim.
• Punctuality is not usually a virtue in Morocco, although some things function on a strict timetable, such as public schools.
• Interruption and interrupting someone is standard practice.
• Moroccans are very careful and indirect in their communication style. Any confrontation with a Moroccan could cause a loss of face and shame for their family.
• It is considered better to express a criticism through a colleague or friend rather than face to face. A Moroccan adage reminds one to “Praise your friend in public but reprimand him in private.”

Safety and Cultural Awareness

As a foreigner to any country, it is imperative to be aware of all local customs, laws, and safety precautions. Keep the following important notes in mind when you are teaching English in Morocco:

• The use of drugs and public alcohol consumption are prohibited.
• Unauthorised importation of Bibles or other religious material is prohibited, except for personal use.
• Homosexual activity and all extramarital sexual relations are illegal.
• Possession of pornographic material is illegal.
• Photographing military or security interests can result in problems with authorities.
• Criticising Moroccan institutions or the monarchy is a crime and may result in imprisonment.
• Women travelling alone may be subject to certain forms of harassment and verbal abuse.
• Islamic practices and beliefs are adhered to in the country’s customs, laws and regulations. Therefore, dress conservatively, behave discreetly, and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.
• Carry your identification and vehicle documents at all times, as checkpoints are frequent.
• The border with Algeria is closed, and crossing by land should not be attempted.
• While swimming conditions in tourist areas are generally safe and problem-free, public beaches in major cities are often polluted and unfit for swimming.
• Medical facilities are adequate for non-emergencies in Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakesh. However, services may be limited elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment.
• Drink bottled beverages and avoid drinking water from ‘water sellers’.