TEFL jobs in Morocco

TEFL jobs in Morocco: FAQs

• Q: Why get a TEFL job in Morocco?

  There is an increasing demand for English language teachers in Morocco, especially from young adults in larger cities who want to improve their job prospects and their opportunities when working in other countries.

  A lot of your students will have the benefit of being able to speak more than one language, so you could say they’re natural linguists already, making your job easier!

  Morocco itself has plenty to offer TEFL teachers. It gives you the opportunity to experience a different culture with plenty to see and do across the country – from trekking in the Atlas Mountains or relaxing at beach resorts, to exploring markets where you can taste the spices in the air, Morocco has something for everyone. When it comes to food, try slow-cooked meat falling off the bone, fresh salads and delicious pastries.

• Q: Where to look for a TEFL job in Morocco?

  The places with the highest demand for English teachers are big cities – coastal Casablanca is prosperous and modern, the capital Rabat is clean and charming, Fez is full of history and culture, Marrakech is ideal for exploring the tourist parts of Morocco and Tangier is the gateway between Africa and Europe. All have booming TEFL industries with positions in private language schools, universities and international schools up for grabs.

  Check out our sister company’s job board to look for current vacancies.

• Q: Salaries for TEFL jobs in Morocco

  Although the salaries might appear quite low, the cost of living is equally low in some areas. The average salary for an English teacher is 6,650 – 8,550 MAD / £550- 700 / $700- 900 per month, which means, depending on your lifestyle, that you should have a little left over for weekends away exploring the country.

• Q: Cost of living in Morocco

  The cost of living is quite low, but it might not be as low as you think. Prices are comparable to countries in Europe, especially in big cities or areas with lots of tourists. In more rural towns, prices drop considerably and eating out can be affordable, even on a daily basis. Renting can be as expensive as European cities, but your school may subsidise or provide your accommodation for you – so look out for job adverts offering this. Nightlife can be expensive, especially alcohol, which is sold only in certain bars, hotels and restaurants.

  Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Casablanca costs around $500 per month but in Fez, the cultural capital, the rent is half this at around $250. A meal at a cheap, local restaurant in a city is around $3 but for somewhere more upmarket, expect to pay around $12. A beer costs around $3 and a coffee is around $1.50. A one-way ticket on public transport will cost you around 50¢, a cinema ticket is roughly $6 and a monthly gym membership costs between $20-30.

• Q: Benefits to getting a TEFL job in Morocco

  • The opportunity to get to know a fascinating culture, which juxtaposes the modern world of coffee shops and shopping centres, with souks selling live chickens, snake-charmers, and donkeys pulling rickety-old carts down the highway.
  • Experience a more relaxed work culture – you’ll still need to be professional and punctual but you might find your school more laid-back than in other countries.
  • Learning or improving your knowledge of Arabic or French.

• Q: Top tips when job hunting in Morocco

  • If you have the finances and the sense of adventure, look for jobs in person as many vacancies won’t be posted online. This could mean living in Morocco for a couple of weeks as you acclimatise and soak up the culture while you job hunt.
  • Keep an eye on online jobs boards as job adverts might be uploaded randomly throughout the year to cater to demand.
  • Bear in mind that you might need to change your wardrobe when you are working in Morocco. Although Moroccan people are extremely welcoming, they will expect you to dress appropriately and respectfully. This means covering at least your knees and shoulders when you’re out and about. You might also want to carry a light jacket or scarf as the temperatures can drop in the evening.

• Q: Types of jobs in Morocco

  There are three main types of teaching work in Morocco for English-speakers, catering to different students. English lessons haven’t taken off in public schools yet so teaching children is limited to working in an international school. These schools are situated in Morocco’s largest cities – Marrakech, Casablanca, Tangier and Fez. To work in these schools, you’ll need a degree as well as a teaching qualification in your home country plus qualified teacher status.

  There are also plenty of teaching opportunities in universities, which are usually part-time positions. For teaching positions in higher education, you’ll need at least a Master’s degree in your subject. However, lots of universities also have a language centre attached, where you can find TEFL jobs with a first degree and a TEFL certificate.

  The final option is Teaching English as a Foreign Language in a private language school. You’ll usually be teaching adult learners who want to improve their job prospects. In these positions, it’s usual to work in 8 hour shifts with a long lunch break in which you can plan your lessons and sort out your admin before your next lesson. You might be offered a subsidised apartment and healthcare depending on your contract. For these positions, you’ll need a degree and a TEFL certificate.

• Q: What visa do I need for a TEFL job in Morocco?

  If you’re from the USA, Canada or you’re an EU citizen, you can enter Morocco without a tourist visa for the first 90 days but you won’t be able to work. If you’re from another country, you’ll have to apply for a visa from the Moroccan Embassy to enter the country. To stay in the country, apply for a residency card as soon as you land. It’ll last for a year and means you can set up a bank account. To get a job sorted, you’ll need a residency card plus a work permit. Your new employer will organise your work permit but you’ll need to provide your passport, medical certificate and professional qualification. Ensure you keep records of any official documents, including your work contract.