Why is there a demand for English teachers? Belgium is a gem for English teachers looking to be right in the thick of Europe without having to pay those high living costs associated with nearby countries. Belgium attracts teachers who usually have a degree and who are eager to roll up their sleeves and teach business professionals, children or university students.Freelance teaching, summer camps and conversation classes are good sources of employment for enthusiastic EFL teachers.

How do I go about getting a job? The list of language schools in the Brussels Yellow Pages runs to 4 pages. If possible, get hold of the special ‘Schools Guide’ edition published in April by the weekly English Language magazine, The Bulletin. Prospects for business-orientated language teachers are very good in Belgium. Other areas of interest are primary teaching in the private sector, Skype teaching which has grown in popularity in Belgium, and why not advertise informal conversational classes at universities?

Where do EFL teachers live? New teachers will share an apartment with other English teachers, and new teachers often move into the vacant apartment of the teacher who just finished their contract. Some schools do provide free accommodation either on the school campus, home stay (if in a small town), private or shared apartment. Some employers provide free accommodation and utilities to help teachers cope with the cost of living. You may also find some contracts include additional benefits like reimbursing your air fare and providing medical insurance with your contract. Offers vary from one destination to another, and TEFL Institute highly recommends researching your placements in advance to make an informed decision regarding the job offer.

What is the food like?
The food is as refined as the French, with a discernible Dutch influence -- and served in portions that are near-German in size! Mussels with fries is the Belgian national dish, and if they're in season when you're visiting (from September to February) you can't miss this comforting meal. You'll find moules frites everywhere. Beer has also been a Belgian specialty for centuries. The country is home to more than 2,000 delicious chocolate shops and waffles are often eaten as a street snack.

What will I do in the evenings, on days off or on my holidays?
As well as being one of the best cities in the world for eating out (both for its high quality and range), Brussels has a very active and varied nightlife. It has 10 theatres producing plays in both Dutch and French which are wll worth visiting.

How much does it cost to travel  to Belgium from the UK? Prices start at at £69 to catch the Eurostar to Belgium. Budget airlines offer flights to Brussels from £50 one way.

 Is Belgium safe?
Belgium remains relatively free of violent crime, but low-level street crime is common.  Be alert and aware of your surroundings, and pay attention to what the local media have to say. You should be aware that small groups of young men sometimes target unwary tourists, usually at night and often in metro stations in Brussels. 

When is the best time to travel for English teaching jobs? The peak hiring months are September and January.

PAID TEACHING PLACEMENTS:

See our paid teaching placement in Belgium!