Why is there a demand for English teachers? Finns are admirably energetic and industrious in learning foreign languages. English is taught in every kind of educational institution from trade and technology colleges to universities, in commercial colleges and in Civic and Workers’ Institutes. Private kindergartens welcome a native English speaker with experience of teaching children.In recent years freelancing has largely replaced contracts, and summer schools have gained in popularity, with numerous ambitious programmes taking place across the country.

How do I go about getting a job? Although teaching vacancies in Scandinavia are not widely represented, you will find some postings on job websites such as www.tefl.com.The Education Officer at the British Council in Helsinki can send a list of about 20 private language schools in the Helsinki area. Richard Lewis Communications, with offices throughout Finland and Sweden as well as England, is a provider of English language teaching.  There is a significant demand for freelance teachers for business in Turku, Oulu and other cities. The norm in Finland seems to be that teachers do not have a contract guaranteeing a fixed number of hours per week - instead they work freelance for a school and supplement their income with private lessons.

Where do EFL teachers live? Accommodation is relatively cheap (although higher in Helsinki than elsewhere) and, if you are lucky enough to land a contract, it is often arranged for you by the school. Try to make sure that the cost of heating is included in your rent payment. You will find that eating out can be expensive and tax is around 30% of your salary, but Finland has an advanced health care system should you need it.

What is the food like?
Finnish cuisine is based on fresh and natural ingredients that vary according to the season. In addition to vegetables, mushrooms, berries and fish, Finnish food is typified by simplicity and purity of taste. Helsinki’s own cuisine also features influences from both the East and the West. Finland is one of the biggest coffee consumers in the world.

What will I do in the evenings, on days off or on my holidays?
Sweating your troubles away in a steamy sauna is one of the quintessential Finnish experiences. Harness up your huskies and whizz across the snow on a traditional Arctic dog sled. See the spectacular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) which transform the skies over Finland into a psychedelic light show during the polar night (kaamos) from November to May. In summer, the sun never truly sets and Finns take full advantage of the 24-hour daylight to party through the night. Finland's designers are world famous and you can explore their creations on specialist tours of Helsinki.

How much does it cost to travel to Finland from the UK?
Flights to Helsinki with budget airlines cost around £76.

Is Finland safe?
Finland remains a relatively safe environment. Finnish police services are excellent. All forms of public transportation are considered safe.  Street crimes such as muggings and pick-pocketing remain uncommon, but do occur.

When is the best time to travel for English teaching jobs? Generally, schools recruit for September/October or January. If you intend to try and obtain work on the spot it may be best to time your arrival with this in mind. Summer placements recruit around January to April.

PAID TEACHING PLACEMENTS:

Take a look at our summer paid teaching placement in Finland!