Teaching English in Finland – Sipoo

Published: 06 September, 2015  |  Last updated: 11 October, 2016

Teaching English in Sipoo, Finland

 Sipoo, Finland

 

Report submitted on 17 July, 2015 by Suzanne Sistonen.

Teaching English in Sipoo, Finland:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Sipoo, Finland?
Jobs can be found but very few and far between.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full time English language school positions, part time English language school positions, teaching at kindergartens / pre-schools, teaching at state schools, teaching at private international schools, teaching at colleges / universities, teaching at companies, teaching at community centers, etc., private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.)

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
It depends on where you are willing to teach.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
Become a qualified as possible, the Finns really value qualified personnel.

What are the levels of payment?
Low, but it all depends on where you are planning on working.

How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week.

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
40 hours per week.

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
Generally you have one weeks winter holiday, then in July almost all of the Finns are on holiday.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Sipoo, Finland to teach English?
Secure a position before coming here, as once here you may find it challenging to find a position, if you are thinking of working in a kindergarten or school the salary is not that great.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Sipoo, Finland?
Parents really encourage their children to learn new languages especially English, although in most cases Swedish is there main second language.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Sipoo, Finland?
Over coming the language barrier, Finnish is a very hard and difficult language to learn, although most Finns will speak English, however they are very shy people.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Not enough teaching resources.

 

Living in Sipoo, Finland:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Finland?
Yes, but they you will need to look into this yourself.

What is the cost of living like in Finland?
Very expensive.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Very difficult, the rent is high here.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Sipoo, Finland?
It is a really safe country, the education system here is one of the best in the world, they have a good health service, plus childcare if needed is also very good.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Sipoo, Finland?
Long dark winters, cost of living is high.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Sipoo, Finland?
Bring very warm clothing, it can get to -30C during the winter months.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Food, teaching materials.

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Finland?
Safety, it’s a very safe country. however the cost of living is really expensive.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
English materials, mainly books and songs, very limited in this country.

Other comments:
The education level in Finland is very high and they have very high standards that you are expected to keep up with, this can create a lot of work, but if you are anything like me then you will enjoy it greatly, it’s a wonderful country to work and live, although be warned it’s very expensive.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Suzanne Sistonen

Nationality: British

Students I’ve taught in Finland: Toddlers (2-4 years), pre-school / kindergarten (4-6 years), elementary (6-12 years)

Where I teach: English Made Fun, Sipoo, Kerava, Porvoo. I have and own my own English club business. Teaching here for 10 years.

How I found my current jobs: When I first starting teaching in this country I found my first job on the Internet.

My school facilities: Very good – I develop my own curriculum and have many of my own resources, it’s hard to find any good English resources in this country, which was why I made a lot of my own materials.

Teacher support is available at my school: Training / workshops, lesson observations.

My school website: www.englishmadefun.fi

 

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