Our guide to living and working in Israel
Population: 7.3 Million
Language: Hebrew / Arabic
Capital City: Jerusalem
Religion: Majority Jewish (76.2%) - the other prominent religion of Israel is Muslim.
Climate: Summers are dry and warm, but winters can be wet with occasional snowfalls
EFL teachers salary (average): From £400 per month
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Why is there a demand for English teachers?
Due the large amounts of English-speaking Jews who have settled here from the USA, South Africa etc, many local native English speakers are recruited into the state education system so recruitment of teachers outside of Israel is relatively limited. The main demand for foreign EFL teachers lies in private language
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How do I go about getting a job in Israel?
There are a few routes that you can take to teach English as a foreign language in Israel. We would recommend that you wait until you are in the country before applying for a position as schools and universities are more likely to employ you if you turn up with a CV and TEFL certificate, so they can judge your level of English in person. You will then be placed in a position, if available. It is worthwhile checking the British Council , Wall Street Institute and Berlitz teaching centres in Jerusalem, Nazareth and Tel-Aviv for vacancies. Another route that you can go down is to check the local press for job advertisements requiring private tuition – this will provide you with fewer hours but more free time and the chance to do some exploring too. In upper-middle class areas many children require private tutors so finding a job in Israel should be quite an easy task.
Where do EFL teachers live?
Most EFL teachers find accommodation is included with schools, but if not you should look in local newspapers for adverts offering accommodation.
Do I need to learn Hebrew/Arabic?
Most signs are not only in Hebrew and Arabic, but also in English due to the growth of English as a prominent language. Because of this, there is no need to learn to speak Hebrew or Arabic.
What is the food like?
As Israel is predominantly a Jewish nation, many of the dishes that are served in restaurants will be Kosher and as a result you cannot mix meat and dairy products. Despite this, there are plenty of non-Kosher restaurants for those lovers of bacon and eggs! Traditionally, there are two types of Israeli cuisine – Ashkenazic and Sephardic. Ashkenazic cooking is sweeter, and relates to Jews from East/West Europe and Sephardic is full of aromatic spices and herbs and relates to Jewish people from Middle East countries.
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What will I do in the evenings, on days off or on my holidays?
If you are based in Jerusalem there is a free walking tour of the old city which covers the main sights in the three and half hour sightseeing trip. This is a must for new comers to the area, not only to show you the main tourist attractions but to discover the history to Jerusalem.
If history interests you a visit to the Yad Vasham Holocaust Museum is a must. As a prominent Jewish country this memorial is considered the largest Holocaust archive in the world - a powerful representation.
How much does not it cost to fly to Israel from the UK?
Flights cost around £330
When is the best time to travel to Israel for English teaching jobs?
If you plan to work in a school or university, it is recommended that you travel in time for the school term starting, as this is when most jobs will be available. However, turning up in person at any time of the year may land you a position as they are always looking for English teachers.
Is Israel safe?
In general Israel is a safe place to teach. The only place it seems unsafe is on the roads as Israeli drivers are known to be quite aggressive and impatient – so just take care if you decide to drive!