Nestled on Africa's northern coastline and renowned for its dual Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, Morocco is a prime destination for teaching English. It boasts an allure that spans from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert, attracting countless globetrotters to its natural wonders. Morocco sits at the heart of Arabic and Islamic culture, and it is home to the world's largest Berber population, an ancient ethnic group responsible for much of Morocco's traditional architecture, crafts, and clothing. The local cuisine and vibrant, colorful markets are other treats visitors can enjoy.
Also read: Can I learn a foreign language while teaching English abroad?
What are TEFL salaries in Morocco?
Typically, TEFL certified teachers in Morocco earn between 7,000 and 10,000 MAD (Moroccan Dirhams) per month, equivalent to roughly $700 to $1,000 US. Many teachers in Morocco supplement their salary with private tutoring in their spare time, charging between $10 to $20 per hour. Salaries can significantly vary, so it is advisable to explore multiple opportunities before committing to a specific role. Prior teaching experience may enhance your starting salary, and you may receive pay increases once you have demonstrated your value to your employer.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Morocco?
Private language schools employ the majority of ESL teachers in Morocco and they typically cater to adults who need English skills in their professional lives. International and bilingual high schools also offer a limited number of roles, usually requiring prior experience as they tend to pay more than typical language school roles. Some teachers manage to amass enough students to work full-time as private language tutors for either adults or young learners.
Also read: How many hours do EFL teachers teach?
What is the recruitment process for English teachers in Morocco?
Many schools in Morocco are quite small and may not always advertise their job openings online. Consequently, many foreign teachers arrive in the country before they start job hunting. The cities of Casablanca, Fez, Rabat, Marrakesh, and Tangier tend to have the most job opportunities and typically offer higher salaries compared to smaller towns. While the school year in Morocco runs from September to June/July, private language schools often operate year-round.
Without pre-arranged employment, you would typically enter Morocco on a standard 90-day tourist visa, converting it to a work permit upon securing employment. If you have a job secured beforehand, your employer should handle all visa paperwork, providing you with a work permit before departure. To obtain a work permit, you need your college diploma, a criminal background check, a TEFL certificate, and a work contract.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Morocco?
Considering the average teacher's salary in Morocco, you should not expect to save much of your earnings. However, with some additional private tutoring, you should manage to cover your bills and have some disposable income. Upon arrival, you should have sufficient funds to get you through to your first payday, covering rent, a security deposit, groceries, transport costs, etc. We recommend having between $1,500 and $2,000 US, although having more could make your initial stay more comfortable.
The typical living cost in Morocco ranges from $500 to $1,000 US per month, dependent on your lifestyle. Bear in mind that this is considerably lower than in most Western countries, and every $5 earned here stretches further. Rent is usually the most significant expense for most teachers and can vary across cities. It is advisable to thoroughly research the current cost of living in your chosen location before signing a work contract.
