Teach English in Belgium the Complete Guide for TEFL Teachers | Reviewed August 2023

TEFL jobs in Belgium

Living costs Key facts FAQ’s Student Story TEFL jobs in Belgium

Because of its location at the crossroads of Western Europe, Belgium is noted for its multicultural environment, with influences from Dutch, French, and German cultures. The country boasts a rich cultural and gastronomic past, including world-renowned chocolates, beers, and waffles. Belgians are generally sociable, multilingual, and proud of their heritage. Numerous festivals, historic places, and museums may be found throughout the country.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) provides numerous options in Belgium, a diversified country with a high demand for language education. Here are some examples of frequent TEFL jobs in Belgium:

Language Schools and Institutes: English language lessons are available to a wide spectrum of pupils at language schools and institutes around Belgium. These schools frequently engage TEFL teachers to teach general English, business English, exam preparation (such as the TOEFL or IELTS), and other services.
International Schools: Belgium offers a number of international schools that teach English to both expatriate and native pupils. TEFL teachers may be employed to teach a variety of courses in English or to instruct English language classes.
University Language Centers: Many Belgian colleges feature language centers where international and local students can take English classes. These professions may necessitate a higher level of education, such as a master’s degree or higher, as well as expertise teaching English to adults.
Private Tutoring: Individual or small group private English tutoring can be a flexible alternative. Many students and professionals want to improve their English skills for academic or professional reasons.
Online Teaching: Through online platforms and video conferencing capabilities, chances to teach English to students in Belgium or around the world have grown as online education has grown.

It is critical to investigate the precise credentials and requirements for each post, as well as the terms of employment, compensation, and perks. Understanding any visa or work permit procedures for non-European Union residents is also critical if you want to work lawfully in Belgium.

LIVING COSTS

Belgium is sometimes seen as having a somewhat high cost of living when compared to other European countries. Here are some general costs to consider:

Housing prices, including rent and utilities, can be high, particularly in big cities like as Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. Apartment rentals are prevalent, and costs vary depending on location. Dining out and groceries might be pricey, despite the fact that there are many options. Fresh produce, meats, and craft goods are readily available. Belgium has an effective public transportation system that connects cities and towns by trains, buses, and trams. While public transit is reasonably priced, having a car may be more costly due to fuel costs, insurance, and parking fees. Healthcare and education are of excellent quality and are substantially financed by the government. Social security contributions can cover healthcare expenditures, and residents and citizens have access to education.

Belgium places a premium on work-life balance, with a normal workweek ranging from 38 to 40 hours. Employees are entitled to extensive yearly leave and public holidays. Personal time is respected in the country, and the café culture and leisure activities contribute to a balanced lifestyle.

To obtain the most up-to-date cost of living figures, we use the world’s biggest cost of living comparison website, Numbio.com.

Accommodation: €750-€900
Utilities: €200
Health insurance: €5-€25
Monthly transport pass: €53.80
Basic dinner out for two: €75
Cappuccino in an ex-pat area: €3.48
A beer in a pub: €4.39
1 litre of milk: €1.14

TEFL jobs in Belgium: KEY POINTS

SALARY

€15-€30 Per Hour

EDUCATION

BA degree required

MAIN JOB TYPES

International schools and language schools

TEFL CERTIFICATION NEEDED

180 Hour level 5 TEFL Diploma

KEY FACTS

Popular locations for TEFL jobs: Brussels: As the capital of Belgium and a major international hub, there is a high demand for English language training in Brussels. Many multinational organizations, notably the European Union and NATO, have their headquarters in Brussels, necessitating the hiring of English-speaking specialists. There are frequently language schools, international schools, and private tutoring alternatives accessible. Antwerp has a diversified population and a strong economic influence being Belgium's second-largest city and a major port. This can open up opportunities to teach English to both professionals and students looking to improve their language skills for business and travel. Ghent is a lively university town recognized for its student population and cultural environment. The presence of universities and academic institutions might lead to opportunities in language education and academic English courses.
English teacher salaries in Belgium: TEFL teachers working in language schools or institutions in Uruguay may earn an hourly wage ranging from €15 to €30. This range might vary depending on criteria such as the reputation of the institution, the number of hours taught, and the qualifications of the teacher.
TEFL qualification requirements: 180 Hour Level 5 TEFL Diploma
Prerequisite university degree: Many businesses, such as language schools and foreign schools, may require TEFL teachers to hold a bachelor's degree in a related discipline. The field of study, however, may differ based on the institution.
Term times: School terms in Belgium might range slightly amongst the country's three regions: Flanders (Dutch-speaking), Wallonia (French-speaking), and the Brussels-Capital Region (bilingual). The academic year is often divided into three terms: autumn term, spring term, and summer term. Here is a broad summary of Belgian school term times: Autumn Semester: Beginning: Around the beginning of September Finishes: Mid-December Spring Semester: Beginnings: Early to mid-January Lasts from late March till early April. Summer Session: Beginnings: mid-April to early May From late June until early July. Please keep in mind that actual dates may fluctuate slightly from year to year and between regions and schools. There are school holidays and breaks in addition to regular school periods, such as: Christmas vacation lasts about two weeks, from late December until early January. Easter vacation lasts about two weeks, from early to mid-April. Summer vacations last from early July to early September. In Belgium, the educational system is governed by Community Education (Flemish Community, French Community, German-speaking Community) and is dependent on the school's individual linguistic community. Each community has its own set of educational authority and rules.
Currency: Euro
Language: French, Flemish, English, German
Teaching programmes: Teaching adults or children in private language schools as well as international schools or as a private tutor.
Age restrictions: None
Previous teaching experience: is desirable for many roles but not essential

Facts about Teach English in Belgium the Complete Guide for TEFL Teachers | Reviewed August 2023

LANGUAGE

French, German, Flemish

POPULATION

11.6 Million

TEFL JOB DEMAND

Mid

CURRENCY

Euro

CAPITAL

Brussels

OUR BELGIUM TEFL RATING

3.4

TEFL jobs in Belgium: FAQS

How much can I earn as an English teacher in Belgium?

TEFL teachers employed in language schools or institutions in Belgium may earn an hourly wage ranging from €15 to €30 or more. The particular rate depends on elements such as the reputation of the institution, your qualifications, the sort of courses you teach, and the number of hours you work.

Is Belgium expensive to live in?

Belgium is widely regarded as having a moderate to high cost of living, particularly when compared to other European countries. The cost of living varies depending on your region, lifestyle choices, and personal spending patterns.

Can I teach English in Belgium without a degree?

Having a degree is often preferred by many employers and institutions when hiring English teachers in Belgium . Having a degree can enhance your job prospects and increase your eligibility for obtaining a work visa.