The Finns are eager to speak English well and many spend their spare time brushing up on the language. There are plenty of opportunities to teach here as long as you are prepared to be flexible.

Finding a teaching job in Finland without qualifications will be very difficult but if you look in the bigger cities like Helsinki and Turku you may be able to get hired by a company to teach their employees. The best time to look for work is in the spring, when schools start recruiting for the following September. Before setting off and looking for work, it is advisable to contact language schools in advance as you may find it hard once you’re in the country. Be prepared for taking on a lot of freelance work and the comparative instability associated with this.

 

Embassy in UK:

38 Chesham Place, London SW1X 8HW

Tel: +44 (0)20 7838 6200

www.finemb.org.uk

Embassy in USA:

3301 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20008

Tel: +1 202 298 5800

www.finland.org

British Council office:

Hakaniemenkatu 2, 00530 Helsinki

Tel  +358 (9) 774 3330

www.britishcouncil.fi

 

Ü  Visas/Work Permits:

A visa is not required for tourist or business stays up to 90 days. Any non-Scandinavian wishing to work in Finland must apply for a residence permit and a work permit before entering the country. The process usually takes 6 to 8 weeks and costs around £100.

Ü  Requirements:

College Degree, experience and a TESOL/TESL Certificate

Ü  Cost of Living:

Go to Finland with plenty of cash reserves. The cost of living is not cheap (as with all Scandinavian countries) and going out, eating and drinking will seriously dent your wallet.

Ü  Currency:

£1 = € 1.49  $1 = € 0.76

Ü  Salaries/Taxes:

Teaching rates moderate ranging from £8 – £12 per teaching hour. If you are planning to spend less than 6 months in Finland you must pay income tax at 25%.

Ü  Accommodation:

Ask if your employer will provide you with a place to live as accommodation is very expensive throughout the country.

Ü  Health advice:

There is a standard fee (relatively low) for medical services. Your insurance policy will cover it.

Ü  Tip:

As a rule, Finns are quite shy and you may find it takes some time before you start to make friends.