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For those considering immigration to Europe as teachers, Finland is a top choice because of its robust economy, breathtaking natural landscapes, and welcoming community. Immigrants are especially attracted to Finland because it needs skilled professionals. This article will tell you how to work as a teacher in Finland by providing the key steps and requirements so that you can immigrate to Finland as a teacher successfully.

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Immigrate to Finland as a Teacher

How to immigrate and work in Finland as a teacher

Are Teachers in Demand in Finland?

Finland needs teachers, especially in early childhood education. The Helsinki Metropolitan Area has a worse shortage. Demand for education spans all levels, with a specific need for 2,300 special needs teachers, 4,000 early childhood educators, and 2,000 class teachers by 2030.

Are English Teachers Needed in Finland?

Yes, Finland has a growing need for TEFL teachers, especially in private language schools and international schools in urban areas like Helsinki. The demand for English teachers in Finland has led to more job opportunities.

Requirements to Immigrate and Work in Finland as a Teacher

Here is a general look at teaching requirements in Finland. Don’t worry. We will talk more about them in the following sections.

  • A degree from a recognized university
  • English teaching qualifications (for English teachers)
  • Proficiency in Finnish or Swedish
  • Finnish National Agency for Education approval
  • A job offer from a Finnish employer and a work permit (for non-EU nationals)

How To Immigrate to Finland as a Teacher?

If you are wondering: “How can I move to Finland as a teacher?” Let us answer in detail for you. Immigrating to Finland as a teacher involves several key steps:

  1. License and qualification recognition
  2. Job hunting
  3. Applying for a residence permit
  4. Preparing for the move
  5. Continuous professional development

Step 1. License and Qualification Recognition

Ensure you’ve got the right credentials to teach in Finland. Here is a list of Finland teacher qualifications:

  • The typical requirement is a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in education.
  • For teaching a foreign language, your teacher training should be at least a bachelor’s level, completed in the same language as you’ll teach in Finland.
  • Teaching licenses and certifications are required in many countries. Find out if your current qualifications are recognized in Finland or if you need additional certifications.
  • Teaching in Finland, especially in public schools, often requires fluency in Finnish or Swedish. At least a B2 level of proficiency in the CEFR is required. The National Certificates of Language Proficiency (YKI) tests are used to measure proficiency in Finnish, Swedish, and other languages.

Recognition Process for Teaching Licenses and Qualifications:

  1. For recognition of professional qualifications from the EU/EEA/Switzerland, contact the Finnish National Agency for Education. Non-EU/EEA graduates should apply to have their studies recognized as comparable to Finnish higher education degrees.
  2. You may need additional classes at a Finnish school if you don’t have an EU/EEA degree.
  3. Apply for a language study decision if you’re planning to teach a foreign language.
  4. Be prepared to take an aptitude test or an adaptation period if your qualifications don’t match Finnish standards.

Step 2. Job Hunting

Attempt to find Finland teaching jobs in an international school, private school, or university. Find teaching jobs in Finland using online job portals, educational forums, and networking. You can apply for teaching jobs at public schools, private schools, and universities in Finland by following these steps:

  • Public Schools. Visit local municipality websites or the Finnish National Agency for Education for public school job listings. The application process usually requires a resume, cover letter, and relevant qualifications. Candidates should be prepared for in-person or virtual interviews or teaching demonstrations.
  • Private Schools. Private schools post job openings on their websites. Each school’s application process is different, so follow their instructions. Networking and contacting schools can also help, especially for unadvertised positions.
  • Universities. Finnish universities post academic positions on their websites and job portals. Applications should include detailed academic background, teaching experience, and research and reference information. Research proposals and published work may be required for university positions.

Educational Forums in Finland

  • TES (Times Educational Supplement) Community
  • International School Services (ISS)
  • Council of International Schools (CIS)
  • Teachers of English as a Second Language (TESOL) Association forums
  • The International Educator (TIE) Online

Job Portals Websites

  • Monster Finland
  • Tiptopjob Finland
  • Jobs in Helsinki
  • Duunitori
  • Te- Palvelut
  • Careerjet Finland
  • Monster.fi
  • Indeed Finland
  • Rekrytointi.com
  • Learn4Good
  • Oikotie
  • The Hub
  • Glassdoor
  • Linkedin

Employment Agencies

  • StaffPoint
  • aTalent Recruiting
  • Adecco
  • Finnwards
  • Horton International
  • Barona
  • Eezy

Step 3. Applying for a Residence Permit

Finnish Work permits are generally included in Finnish residence permits. Applications are processed by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). The steps below will tell you how to teach in Finland and get a residence permit for work:

  1. You must have a job offer in Finland before applying for the permit.
  2. Gather the necessary documents. Those are things like your employment contract, proof of qualifications, passport, and maybe other stuff.
  3. Submit your application online through Migri or at a Finnish embassy or consulate. When it comes to international recruitment, some employers help with the application process.
  4. Pay the application fee. It depends on the type of permit and whether you’re applying in Finland or overseas.
  5. Wait for the processing. Migri might ask for more info during this time.
  6. You’ll get a residence permit if your application is approved.

Step 4. Preparing for the Move

When you immigrate to Finland as a teacher, you must take several steps to settle in. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

  • Accommodation. Use websites like Airbnb, Oikotie, Vuokraovi, and Tori.fi to find rental properties in Finland.
  • Health Insurance. Get health insurance. IF, Pohjola and Fennia are well-known providers. For the first few months, you will be covered by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you are from an EU/EEA country.
  • Banking. Open a bank account (Nordea, OP Financial Group, and Danske Bank) to receive your salary. This requires a Finnish personal identity code and a residence permit.
  • Local Registrations and IDs. Become a member of your local Digital and Population Data Services Agency. Get a Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus) if you haven’t already. Finland needs this for a lot of services. You must provide your personal information, Finnish address, and possibly employment information to register. Registration is necessary for public service access and is linked to your ID.
  • Transportation and Commuting. Get to know the local public transportation system. You can use applications like HSL (Helsinki region) and Matkahuolto (nationwide).
  • Cultural Adaptation. Get to know the Finnish language and culture. Join a language course or cultural orientation program. Engage with fellow teachers to better integrate culturally, join expat groups, or explore local communities.
  • Setting Up Utilities. Set up utilities like electricity, water, and internet if your accommodation doesn’t include them. Electricity companies like Helen and Internet providers like Elisa are common choices.
  • Healthcare Registration. Register with the local health center (terveysasema) to access public healthcare services.
  • Emergency Services and Contacts. Ensure you know how to contact emergency services and local services in case of an emergency.
  • Education System Familiarization. If you’re teaching at a public school, you should know the Finnish education system. You might get orientations or training from your employer.

Step 5. Continuous Professional Development

Working in Finland as a teacher requires you to learn the Finnish education system and its teaching methodologies. This may involve learning about Finland’s curriculum, standards, and pedagogy. Stay updated on educational trends and maintain your teaching license with professional development. Attending educational or professional workshops, seminars, and courses is possible. Success as a Finnish teacher requires continuous learning and adaptation to the educational system.

Infographic How to immigrate and work in Finland as a teacher

Teaching English as a Foreign Language in Finland

Teaching English as a second language in Finland involves several steps and requirements in addition to the previously discussed ones. Here are the key specifics for teaching English in Finland:

Educational Qualifications and Certifications

  • Most jobs require a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in English, linguistics, or education.
  • You can be more competitive if you hold an internationally recognized teaching certification like CELTA or TEFL.

Finnish Language Proficiency

  • Basic Finnish is useful for daily life and integration. However, the Finnish or Swedish proficiency requirement is less strict for English teachers in international or private schools.

Job Hunting

  • Look for English teaching jobs in Finland at international and private schools. These schools usually have English teacher openings and don’t require Finns to speak the language.
  • Look for jobs at higher education institutions or language schools that offer English.

Notes:

  • Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in English as a second language and foreign language teaching.
  • Learn about ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching methods and practices at workshops, seminars, and courses.
  • Get involved with English language educators’ organizations and forums, like TESOL and ELTA.
  • If applicable, register with any required educational bodies or associations in Finland.
  • Make your teaching methods fit students whose second language is English, considering the Finnish culture.

Can I Teach English in Finland Without a Degree?

In Finland, at least a BA/BS degree is required to teach English. Additionally, non-EU citizens need a residence permit based on their employment. English teachers are often hired for 6- to 12-month contracts.

Finland Teaching Jobs for Foreigners

Here, you can see lists of various teacher jobs in Finland. They include teaching vacancies in Finland in different fields and levels:

Teaching Jobs in Finland for Foreigners

  • Foreign Language Teacher
  • Cultural Exchange Teacher
  • International Program Coordinator

Teaching Jobs in Finland with Visa Sponsorship

  • International School Teacher
  • ESL Instructor
  • Bilingual Education Teacher

Kindergarten Teacher Jobs in Finland

  • Early Childhood Educator
  • Pre-School Teacher
  • Child Development Specialist

Teaching Jobs in Finland for Indian Teachers

  • Indian Language and Culture Teacher
  • International Curriculum Teacher (Indian Curriculum)
  • Cross-Cultural Educational Facilitator

Mathematics Teaching Jobs in Finland

  • High School Math Teacher
  • Middle School Math Instructor
  • Mathematics Curriculum Developer

School Teaching Jobs in Finland

  • Primary School Teacher
  • Secondary School Teacher
  • Special Education Teacher

Finland English Teacher Jobs

  • ESL Teacher for Adults
  • English Literature Teacher
  • English Language Arts Teacher

Teaching Jobs in Finland Universities

  • University Lecturer
  • Research Assistant in Education
  • Academic Advisor

Primary Teaching Jobs in Finland

  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Primary Education Specialist
  • Learning Support Teacher

Teaching Jobs in Finland for English Speakers

  • English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
  • English Language Instructor
  • Bilingual Education Teacher (English)

Do Teachers Get Paid a Lot in Finland?

Teacher pay is fair, and the profession is respected in Finland. Salary depends on institution and experience. Teachers in public, private, or international schools and universities earn different salaries, with private tutoring opportunities. Teachers in Finland live comfortably due to the salary structure.

How Much is the Salary of Teachers in Finland?

The salaries for teachers in Finland depend on the type of school and the teaching role:

  • Public schools: €2,600 to €4,300 per month
  • Private or international schools: €30,000 to €40,000 per month
  • University teachers: €3,000 to €4,300 per month
  • Private tutoring: It is more common for English teachers, ranging from €10-€30 per hour​​.

How to Become a Kindergarten Teacher in Finland?

Foreigners who wish to teach kindergarten in Finland typically need a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field. Some international institutions accept English speakers, but most require fluency in Finnish or Swedish.

Getting your qualifications accredited by the Finnish National Agency for Education is important. Additionally, you’ll need Finnish pedagogical training. Early childhood education experience is also important. It’s important to understand Finnish culture and education, plus get a work visa. You can also benefit from networking and applying to international or private schools.

How to Become a Teacher in Finland?

Now, let’s answer the question: “How to be a teacher in Finland?Becoming a teacher in Finland involves several steps. You can see them below:

  1. Finding a Finnish university for teacher education
  2. Getting admission to a Finnish university
  3. Obtaining a Finnish student visa
  4. Studying to become teachers in Finland:
  5. Working in Finland as a teacher

Step 1. Finding a Finnish University for Teacher Education

Finland has a high regard for teacher education, and universities select motivated and well-suited candidates for admission. To be one of the candidates, do a thorough search and find a suitable Finland teacher training program and a Finnish university you find ideal for you.

Famous Finnish universities for teacher education in Finland include:

  • University of Helsinki
  • University of Turku
  • University of Jyväskylä
  • University of Oulu
  • University of Tampere
  • Ã…bo Akademi University

Step 2. Getting Admission to a Finnish University

Finnish universities accept applications online at Studyinfo.fi. Joint applications for September start in January, which lets you apply to six-degree programs in one go. However, there might be different deadlines for different programs.

Check admission requirements and eligibility criteria on Studyinfo.fi, apply for programs and scholarships during the open application period, wait for the results, and then confirm your study place once you’re accepted.

Step 3. Obtaining a Finnish Student Visa

Once you’ve been admitted to university, get a Finnish student visa, which is basically a residence permit. You can apply online at enterfinland.fi. Online applications cost €350, and paper applications cost €450. Visas are good for two years or the duration of your study program. You can work up to 25 hours a week on non-degree-related jobs during your semester. You can work on anything related to your degree.

Step 4. Studying to Become Teachers in Finland:

Finish your studies in Finland. Much of the curriculum is about guiding students who need extra help, creating learning environments, using digital technologies, multicultural society issues, school-home cooperation, and work integration. You’ll study for a Bachelor’s degree for three years, followed by a Master’s for two years. University and program tuition fees vary but are generally affordable for non-EU/EEA students.

Step 5. Working in Finland as a Teacher

You can get a work visa if you want to stay in Finland after graduating. The options are a regular work visa, a one-year job-seekers visa, or a researcher visa if you’re researching. After you graduate, if you land a job or other eligible position, you can apply for permanent residency after living in Finland for about 5 years.

Immigrate to Finland as a Teacher: Let’s Recap

Immigrating and teaching in Finland is a wonderful experience since Finland is considered one of the happiest countries in the world. This guide detailed the steps necessary to immigrate to Finland and take a teaching position. However, if you have any follow-up questions or request additional clarifications, feel free to ask in the comment section. You can also use our free consultation services.

FAQ

How do teachers teach in Finland?

Students are encouraged to solve problems independently and be creative with Finnish teachers. There’s a lot of autonomy in how they teach.

How many hours do teachers work in Finland?

In Finland, primary school teachers work about 680 hours a year, lower secondary teachers work 595 hours, and upper secondary teachers work 567 hours.

How are teachers treated in Finland?

Finns respect teachers and treat them like professionals, with plenty of autonomy and collaboration.

How to immigrate to Finland as a teacher from India?

To immigrate and work in Finland, Indian teachers need a recognized university degree, Finnish or Swedish language proficiency, and a job offer.

What language is used to teach in Finland?

English and other foreign languages are also taught in Finnish schools, as well as Finnish and Swedish.

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