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“I might have been born in Liverpool – but I grew up in Hamburg.”
WHY TAKE A TEFL COURSE IN GERMANY
Hamburg, Germany’s biggest port, is a vibrant and energetic city located on the Elbe River in the north of Europe.
Hamburg’s history as an independent city-state and major international trade hub has a lot to do with its connection with languages and particularly English, the international language of business – driving the language learning industry.
Hamburg rocks! Literally. The city is often rated as having the best nightlife in the world, and it seems that the party never ends if you’re on the Reeperbahn or Kiez , as the locals know it. As befits a maritime and trade city, there is plenty of entertainment, with pubs, clubs and restaurants aplenty. And let’s not forget that this is where the famed Beatles found their way to stardom, playing night after night in Hamburg clubs to hone their skills.
Add to this UNESCO world heritage sites, including the Speicherstadt , and the incredible Elbphilharmonie (the ultra-modern concert hall on the Elbe, and part of the major redevelopment of the city’s older dock area), the fine detail of Miniatur Wunderland (the world’s largest model railway and the city’s single biggest tourist attraction), the beauty of the Alster Lakes and over 2500 waterways, the stairs and beaches of Blankenese, river and canal cruises, trips to North and Baltic Sea beaches, beautiful old churches next to ultra-modern office blocks, and you’ll agree that Hamburg has so much to offer visitors: history, entertainment, cuisine, fashion and many tourist attractions- and top-quality TEFL teacher training.
Hamburg’s history as an independent city-state and major international trade hub has a lot to do with its connection with languages and particularly English, the international language of business – driving the language learning industry.
Hamburg rocks! Literally. The city is often rated as having the best nightlife in the world, and it seems that the party never ends if you’re on the Reeperbahn or Kiez , as the locals know it. As befits a maritime and trade city, there is plenty of entertainment, with pubs, clubs and restaurants aplenty. And let’s not forget that this is where the famed Beatles found their way to stardom, playing night after night in Hamburg clubs to hone their skills.
Add to this UNESCO world heritage sites, including the Speicherstadt , and the incredible Elbphilharmonie (the ultra-modern concert hall on the Elbe, and part of the major redevelopment of the city’s older dock area), the fine detail of Miniatur Wunderland (the world’s largest model railway and the city’s single biggest tourist attraction), the beauty of the Alster Lakes and over 2500 waterways, the stairs and beaches of Blankenese, river and canal cruises, trips to North and Baltic Sea beaches, beautiful old churches next to ultra-modern office blocks, and you’ll agree that Hamburg has so much to offer visitors: history, entertainment, cuisine, fashion and many tourist attractions- and top-quality TEFL teacher training.
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CERTIFIED CENTER
OUR iTTi GERMANY TEFL INSTITUTE
Based in Hamburg, iTTi Germany focuses on experiential teaching with plenty of interaction and group discussions. We believe that teaching any subject follows the same principles, and that education should be fun.
With extensive English teaching and teacher-training experience, in-class and online, we are well-positioned to start you on your TEFL/TESOL journey. Having been part of an international EFL/ESL school for over 16 years, our staff have in-depth knowledge of the English education market, and excellent understanding of the needs of English language learners.
Our courses are run in Hamburg at various bespoke training facilities; peer and practice teaching take place from the 2nd week of the full-time in-class course, with local volunteers as your students.
With extensive English teaching and teacher-training experience, in-class and online, we are well-positioned to start you on your TEFL/TESOL journey. Having been part of an international EFL/ESL school for over 16 years, our staff have in-depth knowledge of the English education market, and excellent understanding of the needs of English language learners.
Our courses are run in Hamburg at various bespoke training facilities; peer and practice teaching take place from the 2nd week of the full-time in-class course, with local volunteers as your students.
WORK IN HAMBURG/GERMANY AS A TEFL/TESOL TEACHER
Working in Germany and the European Union as an English teacher is not difficult for teachers with a TEFL/TESOL qualification. While almost all Germans learn English at school, the curriculum leans towards vocabulary-building and grammar, with little practical use of the language. This means that there is a gap for conversation skills, social English, and just general practice – and this is where TEFL/TESOL-trained teachers fill the gap.
The demand for good English teachers, especially teachers who can assist their students develop their English communication skills and confidence, is growing. German organizations recognize the need for English tuition, and many companies making use of freelance English teachers to teach their employees Business English.
A legitimate job offer is vital for any form of residency visa with the right to work in Germany. Most private language schools will accept a TEFL/TESOL certificate, especially when combined with some practical teaching experience. And, from a financial perspective, the potential to make a good living is definitely there. For more information on applying for a residency visa with the right to work, visit the following site: https://www.germany.info/us-en/service/visa/residence-visa/922288?openAccordionId=item-2435482-1-panel
If you want to work in the formal school education sector, you will need to have a degree in English, combined with a teaching certification, such as TEFL/TESOL. There is plenty of scope, as there is a shortage of teachers in formal education, but there is a more complex, bureaucratic process to follow to have your qualifications recognized and accepted.
Prerequisites for Teaching in Germany
Foreign teachers need to have a work permit. To apply for that in your home country, you must have a BA/BS and an iTTi TEFL Certificate with Teaching Practicum. Your prospective school must support you with the visa application paperwork just like it is in other countries.
If you are interested in a Freelance Visa, please download the article “How to Teach English in Germany on a Freelance Visa.”
[attach a questionnaire here: first name, last name, phone, email, TEFL certified: yes/no]
If you are a non-native speaker, your level of English must be perfect. What is perfect? Level C1 or C2—not only in speaking but also in writing. If you are unsure, take our free proficiency test and learn how you can improve your performance if required. (https://www.internationaltefltraininginstitute.com/proficiency-test-for-international-opportunities/).
Teaching Opportunities
Germany has several international schools offering positions for fluent English speakers. Teaching jobs in Germany are competitive, but are available at many levels, from young learners to universities. Teachers who wish to work in Germany’s international schools should hold a valid teaching license and generally have relevant teaching experience.
Business English is on the rise due to the foreign companies that are attracted by Germany’s economy. There is also a growing number of centers which offer in-company language training to the employees of various domestic and foreign companies. Unless you are a freelancer, you need a degree for any paid positions, and the higher your level of education, the better the salary you can expect.
Contract Length
Contracts differ from one month to 12 months depending on the type of school: private, public, international school, university.
Salary & Benefits
Teachers in Germany can expect to earn a comfortable living wage. While housing is not provided in all positions, teachers will receive assistance and resources to help with finding accommodation. Apartments in Germany’s larger cities can be expensive, but other costs – such as groceries – tend to be very reasonable, helping to balance out the expense.
Monthly English-teaching salaries range from 1,300 EUR (lowest) to 5,000 EUR (highest).
International schools: 2,500 – 5,000 EUR/month
Primary schools: 3,100 EUR/month
Secondary schools: 3,500 EUR/month
Language centers: 14 – 22 EUR/hour
Business English in Corporations: 3,350 – 5,300 EUR/month
As it is most everywhere, the higher your education, the more you will earn.
Healthcare System in Germany
The German healthcare system is a dual public-private system that dates back to the 1880s, making it the oldest in Europe. Today, its doctors, specialists, and facilities make it one of the very best healthcare systems in the world. Healthcare in Germany is funded by statutory contributions, ensuring free healthcare for all. The employer will register you for health insurance. Depending on your contract, they will pay for it entirely or make a certain deduction from your salary.
Pharmacies
The pharmacists in Germany are well-trained healthcare professionals. If you have a minor sickness and do not want to visit a doctor, you can rely on the pharmacists to give you professional advice about possible cures and non-prescription medicines.
Important Emergency Numbers
EU Emergency Service: 112
Ambulance: 112 (they speak English)
Fire Department: 112
Police: 110
Culture in Germany
Germans, overall, are punctual in every aspect. Here is the reason that trains and buses run on time. They are dedicated to their families but also to their communities. By nature, they follow rules. Organization in society equals wellbeing for all.
The German school system is excellent. It explains the tremendous progress in science and technology.
Germans are conscientious and hard-working. Their amazing economic growth has become a model for other countries. At the same time, it attracts large-scale immigration.
Languages Spoken
The main language is High German. In the north, it sounds very clear. As you move toward the south, the German changes due to local influences, not so much in grammar but in the selection of colloquialisms and certain sounds.
As English is part of the curriculum at public schools, young Germans do well at speaking English. It is the older generation that is monolingual.
Religion
Historically, Germany is a Christian country. The growth of the Muslim population makes the Moon and the Star of Islam important cultural symbols in daily life. There is religious freedom; people can practice their faith.
Food & Drinks
The cuisine of Germany is made up of many different local or regional cuisines. As part of the larger cultural region of Central Europe, Germany shares many culinary traditions with neighboring countries such as Poland and the Czech Republic. Southern regions, like Bavaria and Swabia, share dishes with Austrian cuisine and parts of Swiss cuisine.
The most popular drink in Germany is beer; Bratwurst with potatoes, gravy, and sauerkraut is a star among the delicious German dishes.
Prerequisites for Teaching in Germany
Foreign teachers need to have a work permit. To apply for that in your home country, you must have a BA/BS and an iTTi TEFL Certificate with Teaching Practicum. Your prospective school must support you with the visa application paperwork just like it is in other countries.
If you are interested in a Freelance Visa, please download the article “How to Teach English in Germany on a Freelance Visa.”
[attach a questionnaire here: first name, last name, phone, email, TEFL certified: yes/no]
If you are a non-native speaker, your level of English must be perfect. What is perfect? Level C1 or C2—not only in speaking but also in writing. If you are unsure, take our free proficiency test and learn how you can improve your performance if required. (https://www.internationaltefltraininginstitute.com/proficiency-test-for-international-opportunities/).
Teaching Opportunities
Germany has several international schools offering positions for fluent English speakers. Teaching jobs in Germany are competitive, but are available at many levels, from young learners to universities. Teachers who wish to work in Germany’s international schools should hold a valid teaching license and generally have relevant teaching experience.
Business English is on the rise due to the foreign companies that are attracted by Germany’s economy. There is also a growing number of centers which offer in-company language training to the employees of various domestic and foreign companies. Unless you are a freelancer, you need a degree for any paid positions, and the higher your level of education, the better the salary you can expect.
Contract Length
Contracts differ from one month to 12 months depending on the type of school: private, public, international school, university.
Salary & Benefits
Teachers in Germany can expect to earn a comfortable living wage. While housing is not provided in all positions, teachers will receive assistance and resources to help with finding accommodation. Apartments in Germany’s larger cities can be expensive, but other costs – such as groceries – tend to be very reasonable, helping to balance out the expense.
Monthly English-teaching salaries range from 1,300 EUR (lowest) to 5,000 EUR (highest).
International schools: 2,500 – 5,000 EUR/month
Primary schools: 3,100 EUR/month
Secondary schools: 3,500 EUR/month
Language centers: 14 – 22 EUR/hour
Business English in Corporations: 3,350 – 5,300 EUR/month
As it is most everywhere, the higher your education, the more you will earn.
Healthcare System in Germany
The German healthcare system is a dual public-private system that dates back to the 1880s, making it the oldest in Europe. Today, its doctors, specialists, and facilities make it one of the very best healthcare systems in the world. Healthcare in Germany is funded by statutory contributions, ensuring free healthcare for all. The employer will register you for health insurance. Depending on your contract, they will pay for it entirely or make a certain deduction from your salary.
Pharmacies
The pharmacists in Germany are well-trained healthcare professionals. If you have a minor sickness and do not want to visit a doctor, you can rely on the pharmacists to give you professional advice about possible cures and non-prescription medicines.
Important Emergency Numbers
EU Emergency Service: 112
Ambulance: 112 (they speak English)
Fire Department: 112
Police: 110
Culture in Germany
Germans, overall, are punctual in every aspect. Here is the reason that trains and buses run on time. They are dedicated to their families but also to their communities. By nature, they follow rules. Organization in society equals wellbeing for all.
The German school system is excellent. It explains the tremendous progress in science and technology.
Germans are conscientious and hard-working. Their amazing economic growth has become a model for other countries. At the same time, it attracts large-scale immigration.
Languages Spoken
The main language is High German. In the north, it sounds very clear. As you move toward the south, the German changes due to local influences, not so much in grammar but in the selection of colloquialisms and certain sounds.
As English is part of the curriculum at public schools, young Germans do well at speaking English. It is the older generation that is monolingual.
Religion
Historically, Germany is a Christian country. The growth of the Muslim population makes the Moon and the Star of Islam important cultural symbols in daily life. There is religious freedom; people can practice their faith.
Food & Drinks
The cuisine of Germany is made up of many different local or regional cuisines. As part of the larger cultural region of Central Europe, Germany shares many culinary traditions with neighboring countries such as Poland and the Czech Republic. Southern regions, like Bavaria and Swabia, share dishes with Austrian cuisine and parts of Swiss cuisine.
The most popular drink in Germany is beer; Bratwurst with potatoes, gravy, and sauerkraut is a star among the delicious German dishes.
TEFL Courses in Germany fill up quickly!
120-HOUR ON-SITE TESOL TRAINING
100% ON-SITE TRAINING Total tuition: US $1,500 Deposit: $500, due at registration. Balance payment: $1,000 due 30 days before the first course day.
Tuition includes course fee, certificate, moderation, and assistance in securing a teaching position.
Course Dates in 2023
16 January – 10 February 3 April – 28 April 3 July – 28 July 16 October – 10 November
Course Dates in 2024
15 January – 9 February 4 March – 30 March 6 May – 31 May 1 July – 27 July 2 September – 27 September 4 November – 30 November
ENROLL ME
120-HOUR COMBINED TESOL TRAINING
75% on-line/25% on-site training Total tuition: US $1,000 Deposit: $500, due at registration. Balance payment: $500 due five business days before start of the Teaching Practicum. Tuition includes moderation, certificate, and full career-support services (CV/resume setup, school information, interview guidance and departure support). You may start the online theory at any time and work at your own pace. Before you come for your Teaching Practicum to Dakar, please finish the online part. You will need the knowledge to teach proper English classes.
Teaching Practicum Dates in 2022
1 February – 10 February 2022
28 February – 9 March 2022
4 April – 13 April 2022
2 May – 11 May 2022
30 May – 9 June 2022
4 July – 13 July 2022
1 August – 10 August 2022
5 September – 14 September 2022
3 October – 12 October 2022
7 November – 17 November 2022
ENROLL ME
MEET OUR iTTi GERMANY TEFL TEAM
Shaun has been in language education for most of his working life. He has a Bachelor’s degree in English and History, a postgraduate diploma in education, TEFL certification and has completed Module 1 of the Erickson International Coaching Course.
Shaun taught English in the South African secondary school system before moving on to teach English in Taiwan and Germany. He then returned to South Africa to start a language school, which he ran for 16 years.
During this period, Shaun designed and delivered face-to-face TEFL/TESOL courses in South Africa, training over 600 TEFL teachers in a period of 13 years. He now brings this experience and in-depth knowledge of the practical realities facing EFL teachers to the iTTI family. He is passionate about education tailored to a rapidly-changing world, and the success of current TEFL/TESOL methodology in producing positive, measurable results.
Shaun taught English in the South African secondary school system before moving on to teach English in Taiwan and Germany. He then returned to South Africa to start a language school, which he ran for 16 years.
During this period, Shaun designed and delivered face-to-face TEFL/TESOL courses in South Africa, training over 600 TEFL teachers in a period of 13 years. He now brings this experience and in-depth knowledge of the practical realities facing EFL teachers to the iTTI family. He is passionate about education tailored to a rapidly-changing world, and the success of current TEFL/TESOL methodology in producing positive, measurable results.
Shaun Fitzhenry
iTTi Germany-Director of Studies
How to apply for a TESOL course
Step 1
To begin the admission process for iTTi Germany, you must first choose your starting date, complete the online application form, and pay a deposit of USD $500.
Step 2
An iTTi Enrollment Counselor will then contact you with instructions on how to complete the required English proficiency assessment test. If you are not a native speaker. You must obtain a B2/C1 level. A certificate will be provided by the iTTi School of English.
Step 3
Once you are notified of your acceptance to iTTi Germany, your remaining tuition balance is due 30 days prior to your course starting date.
Accreditation, Affiliation & Membership
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