Options for teaching in the Netherlands
Despite their strong grip on the English language, there are still plenty of opportunities for English-speaking educators to teach in the Netherlands. International schools in the Netherlands can be found in cities all over the heavily populated country with a concentration of schools in the Amsterdam and Den Hague areas. To land a teaching job at one of these private institutions typically requires a college or university degree as well as a TEFL certificate.
Salary and benefits when teaching in the Netherlands
Teaching jobs in the Netherlands are well-paid, earning an average salary of $58 000 USD. However, there is a significant spread of salaries for teachers in the Netherlands as they range from approximately $36 000 to $79 000 USD depending on the teacher’s qualifications and level of education being provided; secondary teachers in the Netherlands tend to earn more than primary teachers. In order to earn the maximum salary, a teacher must have 12-15 years of teaching experience.
Teaching in the Netherlands – Hiring
The Dutch school year starts in late August and extends into early-mid July. Teaching jobs in the Netherlands become available throughout the year as well as during the summer months prior to the new school year.
What you need to teach in the Netherlands
Qualifications to teach in the Netherlands
A university degree is required to teach in the Netherlands, and most candidates will need a TEFL certificate in order to qualify for more competitive ESL teaching jobs.
Visas for teachers in the Netherlands
Non-EU citizens require a visa to teach in the Netherlands. It is the teacher’s responsibility to ensure that all documents are submitted to their hiring school.
Living in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a fantastic choice for people seeking teaching jobs abroad in a location populated with apt English speakers and fun, welcoming citizens.
Cost of living and housing in the Netherlands
The Dutch maintain a very high standard of living. As a result, newcomers to the Netherlands need be prepared to pay high taxes (30-40%) and steep housing prices. Housing rental rates vary from city-to-city, but on average apartments cost about $560 to $620 USD per month. In Amsterdam, rental rates for a studio apartment can be between $1000 and $1400 USD per month.
Transportation in the Netherlands
Teachers headed to Holland should fine-tune their bike riding abilities before heading abroad. Cycling is a very popular mode of transportation in the Netherlands and bike routes can be found in most major cities. The Netherlands’ capital and largest city, Amsterdam, has 400 km of bike lanes and nearly half of Amsterdam’s commuters travel by bike.
Rail service across the country is excellent; users can rely on fast and frequent train service.
OISE TEFL Certification for Private School Teachers
Many private schools in Netherlands require applicants to possess an OISE TEFL certificate. The University of Toronto’s OISE TEFL Certificate can help you become a leading candidate for some of the top private school positions in Netherlands.
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Netherlands at a glance
Country information
Capital: Amsterdam
Language: Dutch
Population: 16,947,904
Currency: Euro
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Climate: temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters
Size: 41 543 km2
Quick facts
The Netherlands ranked first in the world for having the healthiest and most affordable food according to a Oxfam report on 125 countries.
Approximately 87% of Dutch people speak English as a second language.
On average, a Dutch person cycles 2.5 km per day (900 km per year).
The Netherlands is the bike capital of the world with 18 million bicycles.
There are 4,000 km of navigable canals, rivers, and lakes in the Netherlands.
The word “Netherlands” literally means “lower countries” and is accurate since it is a relatively flat country.
A majority of Dutch people can speak more than one language.