Teach in Morocco
Quickly rising in stature as one of the world’s top tourist destinations, Morocco is not only home to the top English teaching job markets in the Middle East. It also offers fantastic career opportunities for licensed teachers at the country’s many international schools.
Options for teaching in Morocco
As a result of recent economic advances and a huge uptick in tourism, the demand for English language learning has increased exponentially in Morocco, meaning there are lots of opportunities for experienced ESL teachers and TEFL certified bachelor’s degree holders to teach business English to adults as well as children at Morocco’s many English tutoring centers.
From elementary and secondary public schools to international schools and language centers, there are a wide variety of teaching jobs for overseas educators across all subjects and experience levels.
In recent years, Morocco has undertaken a massive education reform initiative as part of a concerted effort to make education more accessible and effective for its youth. The huge strides Morocco has already made is evident in their rising child literacy rate, which had grown to 95% as of 2017, compared with only 82% in 2011. In an effort to remove education barriers, there are also currently plans underway to narrow Morocco’s gender gap in school enrollment across primary, secondary and tertiary education levels.
Certified teaching jobs in Morocco
International schools in Morocco
Certified teachers looking for opportunities to teach in Morocco can do so in international schools. Teaching jobs are available at the preschool through high school level. The majority of international schools are located in major cities like Ifrane, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Fez, Rabat and Tangier.
For international schools in Morocco, the school year runs from September to June, following a typical North American calendar.
English teaching jobs in Morocco
Private language schools in Morocco
Demand is high for English teachers in Morocco, meaning English teaching jobs can be found in language schools across the country, with students of all ages.
Requirements to teach in Morocco
Teaching English in Morocco - Requirements for ESL teachers
Typically, the minimum requirements to land a job in a private language school in Morocco include a bachelor’s degree, native English proficiency and a TEFL certificate. Teaching experience, while considered an asset, is not strictly required.
Teaching in Morocco - Requirements for certified teachers
Teachers looking to teach at an international school in Morocco should hold a bachelor’s degree, preferably from a school of education as well as an active teaching license. Teaching experience, while considered an asset, is not required.
Salary and benefits while teaching in Morocco
Most international schools in Morocco offer a lucrative benefits package on top of your monthly salary as well as free flights, medical insurance and housing.
| Teaching Benefit Type | Teaching Benefit Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly salary | $1,000 - 2,100/month, tax free |
| Accommodation | Housing allowance |
| Airfare & baggage allowance | Included |
| Working hours | Up to 40 hours/week, 5 days a week |
| Vacation | June - August, plus all national holidays |
| Tuition | Subsidized tuition for dependents included |
| Professional development | Included |
| Health insurance | Included |
Visas for overseas teachers in Morocco
Depending on your nationality, you may need to acquire a residency permit in order to teach in Morocco. Your employer will be able to assist you with obtaining a work visa.
Living in Morocco
Thinking about teaching and living in Morocco? Better start working on that Morocco travel bucket list!
Morocco’s diverse landscape boasts a mixture of desert, beaches and mountains, making for some truly spectacular scenery. Combined with the warm weather, there’s plenty for adventurous teachers to see and do. Morocco has a fascinating history and culture, making it a great country to explore. Beautiful Marrakesh, filled with several stores, cafes, hotels and bars, is well worth a visit, while the imperial city, Fez, is world famous for its mosques and tanneries.
All cities in Morocco are home to thriving expat communities. The cost of living in Morocco is extremely low, especially in comparison to most Western cities, meaning your salary as either an ESL or certified teacher should allow you to live comfortably.
Getting around Morocco is relatively easy as the country has an expansive public transport system including ferries, buses and trains. There is also easy access to Europe, with direct flights available to several major destinations near Morocco, including London, Madrid, Amsterdam, Paris and Barcelona.
Morocco at a Glance
Capital - Rabat
Language - Modern Standard Arabic, Berber
Population - 35 million
Currency - Moroccan dirham
Government - Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Major Religion - Sunni Islam
Climate - Moderate, subtropical
- Morocco is located in northwest Africa, with Mediterranean and North Atlantic coastlines.
- Morocco has the fifth largest economy in all of Africa.
- Films that have been made in Morocco include Prince of Persia, Sahara and The Mummy.
- French is widely spoken in Morocco and as a result is considered the nation’s unofficial second language.
- As of 2002, English became a mandatory subject from the fourth grade onwards in all Moroccan public schools.
- Morocco has traditionally had strong economic and political ties to the West - France and Spain are currently the country’s leading trade partners.
- Couscous is the national dish of Morocco.