TEFL jobs in Switzerland
A complete guide for TEFL teachers on teaching English in Switzerland
Overview
Would you like to teach English in Switzerland? If you have a sweet craving, this TEFL locale is worth considering for those looking to teach English in Switzerland. The Swiss consume more chocolate than any other country in the globe. Apart from the chocolate, you’ll have to assess the benefits and drawbacks of pursuing a TEFL career in this small country. Chocolate, cheese, and the beautiful outdoors (nowhere in Switzerland is more than 10 miles from a lake) are some of the highlights, but finding work, especially for seasoned English teachers who are looking to teach English in Switzerland, can be difficult. Work permits are required for any job that lasts longer than a summer, and only a limited number of permits are issued each year.
As a result, schools choose not to sponsor a permit for anyone less than the greatest teacher they can find, preferring instead to hire locally to avoid the permission burden, even if the teacher isn’t not going to be as qualified as an English teacher in Switzerland.
Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world, making it difficult to get by unless you have a well-paid job. Prepare to have a thick skin if you want to advance in your career. The Swiss have a highly hierarchical society, which is reflected in the workplace. Arguing with your manager could result in your hours being cut or your contract not being renewed despite previous assurances. Keep your head down, agree with the appropriate people, put up with any annoyances, and work hard if you want to succeed. If you do, you’ll be rewarded with some of Europe’s highest-paying TEFL jobs and enjoy teaching English in Switzerland.
Types of teaching jobs
Private schools
Clients of language schools are often local businesses (during the academic school year), and overseas students are also welcome during the summer. Language schools frequently strive to be as accommodating as possible to their students. This means that their itineraries have few restrictions–courses can range from a week-long intensive course to two hours per week for more than a year. You can teach English in Switzerland language schools in small or big groups at the client’s office, in a school setting, or to students of various levels.
The schedule is based on the needs of the clients and is highly flexible and fragmented. Teaching English in Switzerland in this setting can see you earning €15 per hour; however, the hourly rate can climb to €60 per hour. Therefore, working circumstances in language schools are not ideal for everyone who wants to teach English in Switzerland. However, this is a fantastic place to start for inexperienced teachers comfortable with change.
Private Finishing Schools
These are usually small single-gender colleges with an affluent international clientele. All teachers, including those teaching English in Switzerland, are periodically required to join pupils on abroad travels; therefore, full-time positions with paid vacations are available. The teaching equipment is up to date and ample, and the lessons are frequently intense and demanding.
Hotel Schools
Because all courses are taught in English, English is important to the curricula of hospitality schools. As a result, hotel schools provide a variety of English language classes to students with limited English skills. Hotel school English teaching in Switzerland pays from €2000 to €3000 per month for 22 to 25 hours per week, which is plenty to work and save. Working hours are 8 am to 6 pm, and schedules are set. Generally, hotel schools only offer semester contracts; however, full-time, permanent opportunities are occasionally available.
Private Language Lessons
You should be aware that as a private instructor, you are required by Swiss legislation to pay social insurance and taxes on your earnings. However, lessons are worth whatever you can get for them—the average hourly fee is roughly €60, but it can range from €30 to €115 for 45 minutes, including travel expenses.
Living costs
Prepare to be surprised… Switzerland consistently ranks as one of the most expensive countries in the world, with Zurich and Geneva regularly featuring in the top three priciest cities globally. This means inexperienced TEFL teachers may struggle to get by, while those with advanced qualifications and experience can secure higher-paying contracts that make living in Switzerland more manageable. Many new teachers start with summer camps, which often include accommodation and meals, allowing them to test whether they can balance income with costs in such an expensive country.
To find the cost of living figures, we use Numbeo.com, the world’s largest cost of living comparison website.
Key facts
Language: Mostly German (also French, Italian and Romansh)
Population: 8.9 Million
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Capital: Bern
TEFL job demand: High
Our TEFL rating: 4
Popular Locations for TEFL Jobs
Zurich, Bern, Basel, Luzern, Geneva, Winterthur, Ticino
The average salary for EFL teachers
Most jobs are freelance and paid hourly or by lesson (often 40 or 50-minutes). Hourly rates are usually around SFr60 (€60) but can range from SF20 up to SFr123 per hour (€18–€123). Work in a hotel school and earn SFr2,200–SFr3,000 (€2,000–€2,080) per month. Other full-time positions might exceed SFr 5,000 per month.
TEFL qualification requirements
At least a 120-hour TEFL qualification
Prerequisite university degree
Most jobs require a Bachelor’s Degree
Term times
The school year starts in August/September
Teaching programmes
Language Schools, Summer Camps, Private Finishing Schools, Higher Education Facilities, Private Lessons, Hotel School
Age restrictions
Postgraduate, apart from some summer camp roles
Previous teaching experience
Some jobs rank experience over a degree or TEFL experience, but others are happy to take new teachers. Inexperienced teachers can struggle even with getting summer camp positions, but they might get a job if they’re bilingual or multi-talented.
Key Points
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Got Questions?
Get clear answers about TEFL courses, certification, teaching jobs, and everything in between.
English teachers with a TEFLA certification and expertise in teaching business or exam preparation can expect to earn between €50 and €72 per hour.
Switzerland is the most expensive country in Western Europe and one of the world’s top three most expensive cities. As a result, inexperienced English teachers in Switzerland may struggle to make ends meet.
Some jobs teaching English in Switzerland may prefer teaching candidates who have a degree; however, it is not a requirement.