Macedonia Overview
| Main Cities/Areas | Salary range (USD/month) |
| Skopje | $500 β $1000 |
The Republic of Macedonia is one of Europeβs last largely-undiscovered countries. The capital Skopje is slowly increasing in popularity, but outside of the city life is a real adventure (usually a safe one).
Unfortunately, there are not many ESL opportunities in Macedonia, and because of the very high unemployment rate, this is not likely to change anytime soon. A handful of language centers exist but the well-paid work is in International Schools.
If you do manage to find a job you are likely to have an absolutely wonderful time in what is a very beautiful country. Note that it is quite difficult to find work from outside Skopje.
Typical Requirements and Tips
| Degree? | TEFL Certification? | EU National? | Experience? |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
The English Language Teachersβ Association of Macedonia (ELTAM) website is well worth a look.
You may wish to supplement your income with extra private lessons which are easy to arrange once you have made a few contacts.
If traveling through more remote parts of the country, do plenty of research beforehand as ethnic tensions exist in certain areas.
EU nationals should have no problems whatsoever as they can enter the country visa-free for up to 90 days.
Accommodation, transport and food are all low in price.
Taxes will be paid by your employer on a monthly basis as is the norm.
Pros and Cons of Teaching in Macedonia
Pros:
- A beautiful country
- Fabulous architecture and culture in Skopje
- An unusual destination for TEFL teachers which means you will have a totally unique experience
Cons:
- Very few jobs available
- Low salaries
- Tensions still exist between different ethnic groups in the country and this has the potential to escalate
Fun Fact About Macedonia:
An interesting fact about Macedonia that might intrigue an English teacher is that Macedonia is home to the ancient city of Ohrid, which has been referred to as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans.” Ohrid is not only rich in historical significance, but it is also known for its literary heritage, being the birthplace of the first Slavic University and boasting over 365 churches, earning the city a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
