Teach English in Romania

Romania is a country full of contrasts, from the beautiful Carpathian Mountains to the buzzing cities of Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca. As an English teacher in Romania, you’ll have fun exploring diverse regions and be able to immerse yourself in Romania’s fascinating culture.

Romania is an ever-growing economy with a high demand for English teachers. With the increasing importance of English, there is a high demand for language skills in Romania’s tourism, hospitality, and business sectors. This means that as an English teacher, you can expect a wide range of job opportunities.

While there are English teaching opportunities across Romania, some cities offer more opportunities than others. Bucharest, the capital city, is the most popular destination for English teachers, followed by Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Brasov. These cities have a high concentration of international schools, language centres, and universities, making them ideal places to find English teaching jobs.

Bucharest 

For the big-city lovers

Being the largest city and capital city of Romania, Bucharest has a diverse population, with many international companies and expats. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, museums, and historical landmarks – such as the Palace of the Parliament.

Cluj-Napoca

A student town

Located in the heart of Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca is known for its medieval architecture and cultural festivals. The city has a large student population, with over 100,000 students attending its universities. 

Timisoara 

Off the beaten track

Located in western Romania, Timisoara is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, as well as its cultural diversity. It’s also a popular destination for online English teachers, as the city has a reliable internet connection.

Brasov

For the outdoorsy teacher

A charming city located in the Carpathian Mountains, Brasov is known for its stunning architecture, outdoor activities, and historical landmarks – such as Bran Castle. It’s an excellent place to teach English for those who love the outdoors and want to experience the beauty of the Carpathian Mountains.

It wouldn’t be a TEFL job abroad if there wasn’t paperwork involved! Let’s look at exactly what you need. 

1. Visa requirements

EU citizens are the lucky ones who can work in Romania without a work permit.

Non-EU citizens need to secure a job and apply for a National Long Stay Visa (D) before arriving in Romania. You need the following when applying for a long stay visa:

• Employment Permit
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of financial means
• Medical insurance
• Criminal record check
• Recent photograph
• International resume 
• Valid passport

2. TEFL certification

To teach English in Romania, you need a TEFL certification. Choose a basic Level 3 TEFL certificate (120 hours) if you already have teaching experience and classroom skills. Choose a Level 5 Combined Course (168 hours) if you don’t have any teaching experience or classrooms – this TEFL course gives you in-class teaching practice.

3. Degree

Most English teaching jobs in Romania don’t require a Bachelor’s degree, but it is preferred. Some English teaching positions may require a degree in Education or a related field.

4. English proficiency

You don’t have to be a native English speaker to teach English in Romania. Being fluent in English will suffice!

5. Experience

Some TEFL jobs in Romania require experience, while others are suitable for new and inexperienced teachers. 

If you want to gain some teaching experience before applying for a job, consider doing an internship or a volunteer contract. Gaining experience as an online English teacher is another option.

6. Start-up capital

It’s essential to have some start-up capital to cover initial expenses such as housing, transport, and food. A ballpark figure of $600 – $1,500 will be needed to get you set up in your first month of moving to Romania. 

• Accommodation: If accommodation is not provided by your employer or included in your salary, you’ll need the first month’s rent and a security deposit.
•  TEFL certification: A TEFL course can cost between $100 and $500, depending on the length and level of the course and the course provider. 
•  Document fees: Any costs related to certifying and notarising your degree and TEFL certificate.
•  Flight ticket: Variable. 
• Visa application: The cost of getting a visa is subject to your home country. A National Long-Stay Visa (D) will cost you around $130.
• Living expenses: You will need one month’s worth of start-up capital of about 5,000 lei ($1,200) to live off until your first paycheque.

English teaching jobs in Romania include teaching in public or private schools, universities, language centres, and private tutoring. You can work as an online English teacher from anywhere in Romania too. The average teaching hours for a TEFL teacher is 25 hours a week. 

Public schools 

Public schools in Romania hire English teachers for all grade levels, from Young Learners in primary school to young adults in high school. The minimum requirements for teaching in public schools include a Bachelor’s degree and a teaching certification. 

Many public schools require a TEFL certification and experience teaching English as a foreign language. The average salary for English teachers in public schools ranges from 4,000 – 7,000 lei ($875 to $1,600) a month.

Private schools

Private schools in Romania hire native English speakers to teach various subjects in English. Private schools offer more flexibility than public schools and have smaller class sizes. The average salary for English teachers in private schools ranges from  4,500 – 12,000 lei ($1,000 to $2,700) a month.

Language centres

Language centres in Romania offer English courses to students of all ages and levels. A TEFL certification and experience teaching English as a foreign language are often required for language centre jobs. 

The average salary for English teachers in language centres ranges from 40 – 100 lei ($9 to $21) an hour. 

Online teaching

Online teaching has become a popular option for English teachers in Romania, because Romania has some of the fastest internet speeds in Europe. The average salary for online English teachers in Romania ranges from 40 – 100 lei ($9 to $21) an hour.

Private tutoring

Private tutoring remains a popular way for English teachers to supplement their income in Romania. Private tutors work one-on-one with students to improve their English language skills. The average hourly rate for private tutors in Romania ranges from 50 – 145 lei ($11 to $32) an hour. 

To find English teaching jobs in Romania, you can search online jobs boards or contact language schools and universities directly. It’s a good idea to network with other English teachers and attend TEFL jobs fairs.

The best times to apply for TEFL jobs are in January and September, and most interviews will be in person, so be sure to account for these peak hiring times.

We hear you: show us the money! How much can we earn teaching in Romania?

The average monthly salary for English teachers in Romania ranges from 1,400 – 4,500 lei ($300 to $1,000), depending on the type of job and location. English teachers in public schools usually earn lower wages than those in private schools or language centres.

Employers may offer benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, health insurance, and assistance with housing and travel expenses.

The cost of living for an English teacher in Romania could be anywhere between $500 – $800 a month. The city you live in, your spending habits and salary will all play a part in your cost of living. To best calculate your cost of living have a squiz at some average costs of living in Romania:

Accommodation

• One-bedroom apartment in city centre: 1,700 lei ($378)
• One-bedroom apartment outside city centre: 1,200 lei ($267)

Utilities

• Gas, water, electrivity: 584 lei ($130)

Food and groceries

• Monthly shop: 750 lei ($165)
• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 35 lei ($8)

Transport 

• Monthly pass: 72 lei ($16)
• One-way trip (local transport): 3 lei ($0.66)

Internet

• Unlimited: 40 lei ($180)

Entertainment

• Gym, cinema, clubbing: 450 lei ($100)

The cost of living in Romania is lower than in most European countries, making it possible to save money as an English teacher. However, this depends on your spending habits and location.

Romanian culture is a mix of Eastern and Western European influences. Romanians are known for their warm hospitality, and they place great importance on family and community. 

Romanian cuisine is hearty and delicious, with dishes such as sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and mici (grilled minced meat rolls). Romania also has a vibrant arts and music scene, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year!

Romania has a rich culture and history, with beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant arts and music scene.

Romania has a relatively low cost of living compared to other European countries, with affordable rent, groceries, and dining out.

Although many Romanians speak English, the official language is Romanian, and it can be challenging to communicate in some areas.

When it comes to obtaining visas and work permits, the process can sometimes take quite a while.