Teach English in Zambia

One of the safest countries in the world, Zambia offers natural beauty on an unparalleled level. The home of Victoria Falls and the walking safari, Zambia is a must-visit destination for adventurers who love the great outdoors and getting close to nature.

Walking safaris and bush-camping ensure that you can get up and close and personal to the wildlife here and you can even go canoeing on the Zambezi alongside crocodiles, elephants and hippos. The sheer size of Zambia means that it can take a while to travel between destinations but this also means that you are likely to experience every safari-goers dream and find yourself alone in a vast wilderness with nothing but the landscape and wildlife for company.

Zambia has created the world’s largest man-made lake. The lake covers nearly 6,000 square kilometers and sits along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Lake Kariba supports tourism, commercial fishing, and provides electricity to Zambia and Zimbabwe through hydro-power. This artificial lake is home to a number of species including game fish, Nile crocodiles, and hippopotami. There are several islands on the lake, which make for a picturesque getaway. You can stay at one of the island lodges or safari camps and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Lusaka, the capital and largest city in Zambia is bustling with markets, lively bars and restaurants, and parks. On Sundays, you can head to the Craft Market to find local artworks and crafts. Or visit Kabwat Cultural Village, a historical trade centre with thatched roof huts. Make sure to try the local restaurants and sample some traditional ifisashi–greens in peanut sauce. Zambia’s newest national park, Lusaka National Park, is located just 30 kilometers outside the city centre. Here you can find more than 1,000 species, including the white rhino, blue wildebeest, and giraffes.

And of course, no visit to Zambia would be complete without a trip to Vic Falls, the largest waterfall on the planet. Situated on the border with Zambia and Zimbabwe, Vic Falls is also known as ‘the Smoke that Thunders’ and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Between August and January you can swim in the naturally formed rock pools and sit in Devil’s Pool on Livingstone Island for an up-close-and-personal view of the falls edge.

English is the official language of Zambia and it is used to conduct business and is the medium of instruction in schools, but Nyanja and Bemba are also widely spoken, as well as other indigenous languages. In fact, with more than 70 ethnic groups, a total of 73 languages are spoken in Zambia.

Though there are plenty of teaching positions available in Zambia, the majority of these are for teachers with a degree in Education. There is still a demand for EFL teachers but this is usually on a volunteer basis. Private schools usually offer housing and volunteer positions offer shared accommodation. Most positions, regardless of whether they are paid or volunteer, are in the capital Lusaka.

Teaching English in Zambia can have different degree requirements based on the type of placement. For volunteer placements, no degree is required, while a BA/BS/BEd degree is required for other placements. Contract lengths can also vary, with peak hiring seasons occurring from August to May, and year-round for volunteer placements. A work permit or a business visa is required for obtaining a visa, and students typically range from children.

The average monthly cost of living in Zambia ranges from 5,500 to 6,500 ZMW, while the average monthly salary ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 ZMW in local currency. With these factors in mind, teaching English in Zambia can be a great opportunity for those looking to gain teaching experience while volunteering or teaching in a paid placement in Southern Africa.

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