If you’re a certified teacher looking to teach abroad, Finland might be just the place for you. While Finland is more remote and sparsely populated than some of the other Scandinavian countries, it has also quickly gained international recognition for its top-ranking education system.
Teaching is Finland’s most respected career and a highly prestigious field of study. As a result, the Finnish education authorities are dedicated to hiring qualified and trained foreigners with visa sponsorship and earning wages starting from €28 per hour.
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This article explores everything you need to know about teaching jobs in Finland, including the job role, visa options, and the application process.
What is a Teaching Job?
A teaching job involves educating students in various subjects and learning levels. Teachers create lesson plans based on curriculum guidelines and lead classes by lecturing, demonstrating, and assigning tasks.
They also encourage student participation and performance. Other duties include assigning homework, grading tests, documenting progress, and keeping up with parent communication.
To become a teacher, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in teaching or a related field. You may also need to obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
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Why You Should Take Teaching Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Finland
Taking a teaching job with visa sponsorship in Finland is attractive because of the country’s globally renowned high-quality education system.
Teaching is considered a prestigious profession in this country. It offers excellent working conditions, high salaries, significant autonomy for teachers, and a strong focus on professional development. This makes it a great option for educators seeking a rewarding career abroad with strong support from the government and employers.
In addition, Finland currently faces a teacher shortage, increasing the demand for qualified international teachers. Key reasons to consider teaching in Finland with visa sponsorship:
- Highly respected profession: Teaching is considered one of the most respected careers in Finland, and society places a high value on education.
- Top-ranked education system: Finland consistently ranks among the top countries globally in education performance, providing a great environment to learn from innovative teaching practices.
- Good salaries and benefits: Finnish teachers enjoy competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages.
- Teacher autonomy: Finnish teachers have a significant level of autonomy in their classrooms, which allows for creative curriculum development and teaching methods.
- Strong professional development opportunities: Continuous professional development is highly encouraged and supported by the Finnish education system.
- Visa sponsorship availability: Due to a teacher shortage, many Finnish schools are willing to sponsor visas for qualified international teachers.
- High quality of life: Finland is known for its high standard of living, with excellent healthcare, social services, and beautiful natural landscapes.
- Multicultural environment: While Finnish culture is strong, Finland has a growing international community, making it easier to adapt.
Teaching Salaries in Finland
The hourly pay for teachers in Finland varies depending on the type of school and the role:
- Primary school teacher: The average hourly pay is €24, with a salary range of €35,86 – €60,979 per year.
- English teacher: The average hourly pay is €28, with an estimated total pay of €30 per hour in the Helsinki Southern Finland area.
- Early childhood teacher: The average monthly pay is €2,725, with an estimated total pay of €2,748 per month in the Helsinki, Finland area.
- Private tutoring: The hourly pay ranges from €10 – €30.
Other teaching salaries in Finland include:
- Public schools: €2,600 – €4,300 per month
- Private or international schools: €30,000 – €40,000 per year
- Universities: €3,000 – €4,300 per month
Salaries in Finland can change from year to year, but the general proportions should remain similar.
Key Responsibilities of Teachers in Finland
Teachers in Finland have many responsibilities, including:
- Student learning: Teachers are responsible for students’ learning outcomes and well-being. They identify learning difficulties and special support needs early and prepare students for lifelong learning.
- Curriculum: Teachers participate in preparing the national core curriculum and also help create the local curriculum. They have autonomy in implementing the curriculum and choosing textbooks and teaching methods.
- Assessment: Teachers are responsible for assessing students, including deciding on the most suitable methods and how often to assess.
- Professional development: Teachers receive training in educational philosophy, educational sociology, and special needs education.
- Collaboration: Teachers are encouraged to work closely with their peers, mentoring and tutoring each other.
- Ethical commitment: Teachers are expected to respect every person, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, social standing, origin, opinions, abilities, and achievements.
Finnish teachers have a lot of freedom in their work and are accountable to themselves and their students rather than external bodies.
Skills Required to Become a Teacher and Earn €28 Per Hour in Finland
Here are some skills that are important for teachers to have:
- Patience: Teachers must be patient when addressing different learning paces, student questions, and hurdles. Patience helps create a safe space for students to learn at their own pace.
- Adaptability: Teachers need to be adaptable and flexible to evaluate what’s working for their students and what isn’t. Adaptability allows teachers to switch between different learning theories and teaching modes.
- Communication skills: Teachers must communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues to create a positive learning environment and build strong relationships.
- Critical thinking: Teachers must be able to consider their students’ best interests while also working within their institution’s goals and standards.
- Organization: Teachers need to be able to organize and prepare for the unknown. Studies show that organized teachers foster more effective learning environments.
- Teamwork: Teachers need to know how to work with various school staff members, from support staff to senior leaders.
- Collaboration: Teachers need to be able to work with others, such as sharing responsibilities with their teaching assistant or brainstorming new ideas with other teachers.
- Computer literacy: Teachers need computer skills to track grades and formulate lesson plans, worksheets, study guides, tests, and other deliverables.
Other characteristics of effective teaching include an engaging classroom presence, value in real-world learning, exchange of best practices, and a lifelong love of learning.
Visa Options for Teaching Jobs in Finland
To work in Finland as a teacher, you can apply for a work permit after finding a job in the country. Here are some other things to consider:
- Qualifications: To teach in Finland, you’ll need a master’s degree in pedagogical studies and teaching practice. You’ll also need the right educational and professional qualifications for the job.
- Job offer: You’ll need a valid job offer and confirmed employment from an employer in Finland.
- Income requirements: You must meet the minimum income requirements for the residence permit you’re applying for.
- Job opportunities: There are many opportunities to teach English in Finland, especially at private and international schools in urban areas. Finland is also experiencing a shortage of teachers, particularly special-needs teachers in the south and north, and teachers of Finnish/Swedish as a second language.
Some steps you can take to apply for a work visa in Finland include:
- Find a job
- Apply for a work permit.
- Visit a local Finnish mission.
- Wait for an answer
- Go to Finland
How to Find Teaching Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in Finland
To find teaching jobs with visa sponsorship in Finland, you can check job boards, work with recruitment agencies, and network with potential employers:
- Job boards: The TEFL Org Jobs Centre has listings. You can also check Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter for teaching jobs with visa sponsorship.
- Recruitment agencies: Consider working with a recruitment agency like Ado Finland, Staff Point, or Isa Kaisla.
- Networking: Join professional groups and attend events to meet potential employers.
Here are some other things to consider when looking for teaching jobs in Finland:
- Qualifications: Teaching English in Finland usually requires at least a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate. Teachers with advanced and specialized degrees are in high demand.
- Location: There is more demand for teachers in big cities like Helsinki, but there are also opportunities in smaller cities and towns, especially those with universities.
- Visa: Private schools in Finland often help new hires with visa costs and work permits. EU nationals tend to find jobs more easily than non-EU nationals.
- Finnish language: Learning basic Finnish can give you an advantage in the job market.
- CV and LinkedIn: Employers appreciate clear, concise CVs and a strong LinkedIn presence.
Costs and Considerations of Relocating to Finland
Relocating to Finland can be expensive, and the cost of living depends on the city and type of accommodation. Here are some things to consider:
- Housing: A one-bedroom apartment in a city center can cost between €800 – €1,200 per month, but prices are lower outside of city centers. Utilities like electricity and internet are usually not included in the rent.
- Food and drink: Groceries are more expensive than in some other EU countries, but the quality is good. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant typically costs around €60 – €80.
- Transportation: Public transportation is efficient and well-organized, with monthly passes costing around €50 – €70. Owning a car involves taxes, insurance, and relatively high fuel costs.
- Healthcare: Finland has a public healthcare system, and if you work for a Finnish company, you’re likely to be covered by their healthcare plan. There is also a private healthcare system, but it is more expensive.
- Other expenses: Other expenses include clothing, hobbies, entertainment, and pharmacy.
The cost of living in Finland for a single person is lower than for a family of two and may be lower in rural areas or small towns.
Conclusion
Understanding the visa options, job responsibilities, and application processes can help you navigate this path effectively and earn up to €28 Per hour as a teacher with visa sponsorship in Finland.