TEFL jobs in Norway
A complete guide for TEFL teachers on teaching English in Norway
Overview
Norway offers a unique experience, characterized by stunning natural landscapes, a high standard of living, and a distinctive culture. For English teachers, the country presents a variety of opportunities across different educational settings.
Types of teaching jobs
Language Schools and Institutes
TEFL teachers are frequently hired by language schools and institutes to teach English to both adults and children. These employment might be part-time or full-time, and they can involve teaching English at various levels.
Public Schools
Some Norwegian public schools may employ native English speakers as language assistants or guest teachers. These responsibilities could include supporting regular English teachers in the classroom and assisting students in improving their English language skills through conversation practice.
International Schools
Norway offers a number of international schools that provide English education. These schools may hire trained TEFL teachers to teach subjects other than English language classes in English.
Private Tutoring
Private tutoring offers a flexible option for TEFL teachers, allowing one-on-one or small group sessions with students. This is often a supplementary source of income and can be tailored to specific age groups or skill levels.
Living costs
Norway’s history, geography, and values strongly influence its culture. Key cultural aspects include:
Nature and the Great Outdoors: Norwegians have a deep connection to their natural environment. Hiking, skiing, and camping are popular pastimes, and spending time outdoors is a central part of daily life.
Work-Life Balance: Maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life is highly valued. Flexible hours and an emphasis on efficiency over long workdays are common in Norwegian workplaces.
Social Equality: Norway is renowned for promoting social equality and welfare. The society is inclusive, with a shared sense of responsibility for citizens’ well-being.
Nature Reserved: Norwegians are often seen as private and reserved. Building close relationships may take time, but these connections are typically genuine and lasting.
Norway also has a rich cultural heritage, encompassing traditional music, art, and literature. Festivals and cultural events celebrate these traditions. Despite being one of the more expensive countries in Europe, Norway consistently ranks high on quality of life indexes thanks to excellent healthcare, education, social services, and overall safety.
To obtain the most up-to-date cost of living figures, we use the world’s biggest cost of living comparison website, Numbio.com.
Key facts
Language: Norwegian
Population: 5.6 million
Currency: Norwegian Krone
Capital: Olso
TEFL job demand: Mid
Our TEFL rating: 3.5
Popular locations for TEFL jobs
Oslo: As Norway’s capital and largest city, Oslo provides a variety of options for TEFL teachers. There are various language schools, international schools, and institutions in the area. Bergen is a lovely city noted for its cultural life as well as its natural beauty. It has a number of language schools and educational institutes that may have TEFL opportunities available. Trondheim is a historical city with a thriving academic and cultural scene. It is the home of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) as well as several language centers.
English teacher salaries in Norway
Because of the country’s robust economy and high cost of living, earnings in Norway are often relatively high. Specific pay information, on the other hand, can alter with time. Language schools, public schools, foreign schools, and other educational institutions in Norway may hire TEFL teachers. Furthermore, freelancing or self-employed TEFL teachers may have a separate compensation structure.
TEFL qualification requirements
Minimum of a 180-hour TEFL certificate is typically required.
Prerequisite university degree
A degree is usually required to teach in Norway but may find work without.
Term times
School term times in Norway vary widely based on region and level of education (primary, secondary, etc.), but the academic year generally follows a pattern of three terms: fall, spring, and summer. Here is a general summary of Norwegian school term times: Autumn Semester (Hstsemester): Beginning in mid-August or early September. It will remain on display until mid-December. In October, there is a week-long autumn vacation (hstferie), which varies by location. Spring Semester (Vrsemester): It usually begins in early to mid-January. Continues till the end of June. Winter vacation (vinterferie) in February or March, which varies by location. Sommerferie (summer vacation): Summer vacation in Norway is often the longest, lasting from late June until mid-August.
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
Often desirable but not essential for entry-level roles
Key Points
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Got Questions?
Get clear answers about TEFL courses, certification, teaching jobs, and everything in between.
English teachers in private language schools may make a monthly salary of €2,600-€4,000 or more, depending on their qualifications and the number of teaching hours they perform.
Norway is widely regarded as an expensive place to live. Several factors influence Norway’s high cost of living, including a robust economy, high earnings, and a large social welfare system.
Most positions teaching English in Norway require a degree, and some even demand a teaching license from your native country. If you have a TEFL certification, you may be able to get work at language schools.