TEFL jobs in Ukraine
A complete guide for TEFL teachers on teaching English in Ukraine
Overview
Would you like to teach English in Ukraine? Ukraine, the cheapest country in Eastern Europe, is an excellent TEFL option for teachers who enjoy a warm, kind welcome, a low cost of living, and a little adventure. Although not the most accessible country to live in, if you can locate a professional position (complete with all the necessary legal documentation), you may enjoy a good quality of life here, with many teachers staying for several years.
Ukraine is also one of the world’s oldest countries. Over 500 cities were founded over 900 years ago, long before Christopher Columbus set foot on the American continent! As a result, there are plenty of unique archaeological excavations to choose from, ranging from Greek ruins going back to 400 BC to 14th-century outdoor enthusiasts.
TEFL students are frequently young students or young professionals looking to advance their careers. Therefore, experience teaching children and teenagers, as well as a background in Business English, would be beneficial. If you want to attempt to teach English in Ukraine, seek a summer camp position to acquire a taste of the culture before looking for full-time work once you arrive. Qualified English teachers who are already in the nation will find plenty of work. Teachers at all levels can find work in Ukraine: novice non-native teachers can find limited work, while those with qualifications and 3+ years of experience can obtain top-notch positions.
In this guide, you will find information on teaching English in Ukraine, how to find a role, what the living conditions are like and how much money you can earn. It also talks about the culture and cost of living as well as many other helpful pieces of advice for anyone looking to teach English in Ukraine.
Types of teaching jobs
Private Elementary Schools/ High Schools
English teachers in private elementary and secondary schools have the advantage of teaching in classrooms for several hours each day, usually the same hours every week. Although some schools demand a bachelor’s degree, most schools require a TEFL certification. Each semester’s hiring begins in January/February and August/September. The pay for this type of English teacher in Ukraine is sufficient to live comfortably. Look for openings at Kyiv’s well regarded International Baccalaureate institution.
Language Centres
In Ukraine, language centres are a popular way to learn English. English classes run all year since they are not bound to school semesters. There are dozens across the country, including in Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk, as well as in a few smaller towns like Lugansk. A TEFL or CELTA certificate is usually required, but there is plenty of opportunities out there for English teachers in Ukraine. Most classes are held in the evenings. Group talks, business lessons, adult classes, children’s classes, and English classes focusing on vocations such as restaurants, hospitality, or medical are examples of different types of classes. AEC, International House Kyiv, Cicerone, and the British Council are a few schools with locations across the country.
Private Lessons
Private classes are another popular option to teach English and make money in Ukraine. Even if a person works for a language centre or a private school, private courses are likely to supplement their income. Current students, friends of students, or recommendations are frequently used to find private pupils. Private sessions are available all year, and you can even teach English in Ukraine online to bring in a little extra money.
Living costs
Ukraine is the most affordable country in Eastern Europe, making it an appealing option for TEFL teachers looking to immerse themselves in another culture on a shoestring budget. While TEFL pay is not great in Ukraine, the low cost of living allows you to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while still saving for the future. Another advantage is that banks in Ukraine sometimes provide high-interest rates, frequently exceeding 10%, allowing you to deposit more money than you budgeted for with a local bank account. Because public transportation is inexpensive, getting around is simple.
Some schools provide health insurance or free housing as part of the profession; you may also find airfares are included. If your school does not offer accommodation as part of the post, they will have the local knowledge and be best placed to help you find somewhere to rent that meets your needs. Accommodation tends to be quite basic, and generally, you will find that apartment living is your best bet. In Ukraine, a one-bedroom apartment is around €220 in Dneprovski and €380 a month in more expensive, larger cities like Pecherski and Kyiv. At the same time, utility bills like electricity and water for English teachers in Ukraine come out to an average of €50-€100 monthly.
You’ll find the infrastructure lacking in comparison to what you’re used to, as it is in many cheap Eastern European countries, but once you have got used to it, life can be very enjoyable as an English teacher in Ukraine. Unfortunately, you will also get used to expecting a lot of red tape and piles of paperwork every time you try to accomplish anything. Also, some areas of Ukraine are deemed risky for travellers; please check with your embassy for the most up-to-date information before applying for jobs in Ukraine. Finally, it may be tough to get things done without knowing some Ukrainian or Russian, so it’s not the most straightforward area to get by in. Still, it’s a fantastic opportunity if you want a challenge and want to learn a new language.
In order to provide the cost of living comparison figures, we use Numbeo.com, the world’s largest cost of living comparison website.
Key facts
Language: Ukrainian or Russian
Population: 39 Million
Currency: Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH)
Capital: Kiev
TEFL job demand: High
Our TEFL rating: 3
Popular locations for TEFL jobs
Kiev/Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Lviv, Odesa, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Donetsk
The average salary for EFL teachers
The basic monthly salary for full-time positions is likely to be in the region of 7,000–30,000 UAH (€240–€980) per month. Hourly rates of 240–360 UAH (€8–€10.50) are achievable as tutors or in roles that pay by the hour.
TEFL qualification requirements
A 120-hour TEFL qualification will be required for most positions
Prerequisite university degree
Most jobs teaching English in Ukraine require a degree
Term times
September to June
Teaching programmes
Private Language Schools, Freelance, Business English, Public Schools, International Schools
Age restrictions
Usually, postgraduate
Previous teaching experience
Useful, not always essential
Key Points
Award-Winning Online Courses & Diplomas
Accredited TEFL Course 120-Hour Advanced International Standard
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Level 5 TEFL Diploma 180-Hour Comprehensive Ofqual Regulated
CELTA-equivalent, Level 5 TEFL for better global job opportunities.
A government-regulated qualification level equivalent to CELTA/Trinity Cert TESOL. It is ideal for aspiring teachers seeking higher-paying roles and increased international recognition.
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Got Questions?
Get clear answers about TEFL courses, certification, teaching jobs, and everything in between.
Ukraine is the most affordable country in Eastern Europe, making it an appealing option for TEFL teachers.
The basic monthly salary for full-time positions is likely to be in the region of 7,000–30,000 UAH (€253–€1,082)
A bachelor’s degree may be preferred for more prestigious teaching positions, but they are not needed.