Teaching English in Lisbon, Portugal
Report submitted on 10 Aug, 2016 by Marie.
Teaching English in Lisbon, Portugal:
How can teachers find teaching jobs in Lisbon, Portugal?
By sending CVs.
The main English teaching jobs available are:
Part time English language school positions, teaching at kindergartens / pre-schools.
What are the minimum teaching requirements?
University degree + international certificate.
What teaching requirements would you recommend?
University degree in English Language + certification, only obtainable if you have already taught in a Portuguese public school – RIDICULOUS!!! Can you even imagine the thousands of qualified and experienced teachers that are not eligible because of this?!
What are the levels of payment?
Horribly low.
How many teaching days a week is normal?
4 days per week.
How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
20 hours per week.
What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
You normally don’t work during holidays.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Lisbon, Portugal to teach English?
I’d make sure you have as much qualifications as possible, including a university degree which is accepted in Portugal, a few years experience and drive a hard bargain – they will try to get you to work for peanuts. Also, private students help pay the bills.
What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Lisbon, Portugal?
People are very friendly and eager to learn. Good pronunciation too.
What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Lisbon, Portugal?
Teachers are not paid enough.
What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
You often have to provide/pay for teaching materials.
Living in Lisbon, Portugal:
Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Portugal?
Citizens of the European Union are not required to have a working visa.
What is the cost of living like in Portugal?
If you earn the average salary, making a living in Portugal is hard.
What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
You pay for all your own expenses.
Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Lisbon, Portugal?
People are really nice, food is superb, lots of sunshine, lots of beautiful placed and things to do.
Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Lisbon, Portugal?
The salary is low, very low.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Lisbon, Portugal?
Make sure you can make a living out of your salary. Other than that, you’ll be fine.
What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
I’m in my own country – but I’d say “the money.
What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Portugal?
The nice weather and the people.
What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Resources. Everything from books to flashcards, and special audio.
About Me and My Work:
My Name: Marie
Nationality: Portuguese
Students I’ve taught in Portugal: Babies (0-2 years), toddlers (2-4 years), pre-school / kindergarten (4-6 years), junior high school (12-15 years).
Where I teach: Queen Elizabeth’s School, Lisbon. Teaching here for 13 years.
My school facilities: Inadequate – Teaching resources / technology access / school library.
Do you teach English in Portugal?
Tell us about your experiences – click here to submit your report about teaching English in Portugal.
