Morocco: Desert Delights and Mediterranean Magic for TEFL Teachers

Morocco offers TEFL teachers a captivating blend of Mediterranean, African, and Islamic cultures just a short ferry ride from Europe. This North African gem provides rich cultural immersion alongside growing teaching opportunities, creating an experience that feels simultaneously accessible and exotic. With inspiring mountain backdrops, bustling markets, romantic cities, and diverse landscapes from coastal towns to the Sahara desert, Morocco presents a feast for the senses that extends far beyond the classroom.

Teaching Landscape

The TEFL market in Morocco continues to grow as the country’s developing economy creates increasing demand for English proficiency. Many Moroccans seek to learn English to secure positions in businesses that trade with Europe, and English is actually required for university entrance, creating steady demand for qualified instructors.

Teaching opportunities in Morocco typically fall into several categories:

• Public schools
• Universities
• Private language institutes
• Business English training
• Volunteer positions

Public sector positions often provide more consistency due to government regulations, while private companies offer varying experiences depending on the employer. Teachers should note that the traditional “chalk and talk” approach dominates in public schools, sometimes making it challenging to implement more interactive teaching methods.

Salary and Cost of Living

TEFL teachers in Morocco typically earn between £720–£1,500 ($1,000–$2,100) monthly. While these figures may not match those in Gulf states, Morocco’s low cost of living ensures teachers can maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Those who embrace local markets (souks) for shopping and enjoy Moroccan cuisine rather than imported goods find their salary stretches surprisingly far.

Budget-conscious teachers who’ve completed a cheap TEFL course online should research money transfer options carefully, as Western Union stipulates that transactions are “inbound only,” making it challenging to send money home.

Qualifications and Requirements

To teach English in Morocco, you’ll typically need:

• A bachelor’s degree
• A TEFL certification
• Teaching experience (preferred but not always mandatory)
• Age under 60

The country remains open to non-native English speakers with proper certification, though some employers like the American Language Center prefer North American or British teachers. Face-to-face TEFL certification may be preferred over online qualifications for certain positions.

Finding Work

Several organizations regularly hire TEFL teachers in Morocco:

• The American Cultural Association (requires native speakers with BA and TEFL)
• American Language Center (branches in Casablanca and Rabat)
• Amideast
• Chantiers Sociaux Marocains (non-profit NGO)
• Moroccan Voluntary Work (volunteer positions)

The academic year begins in September, making summer the prime hiring season, though language institutes may recruit year-round.

Cultural Immersion

Morocco’s vibrant culture provides endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. After completing online TEFL course training, imagine spending weekends wandering through the labyrinthine streets of ancient medinas, where centuries-old walls enclose vibrant marketplaces filled with the scents of exotic spices, the sounds of traditional music, and the colors of handcrafted treasures—creating a sensory feast that takes you back in time while connecting you to Morocco’s living cultural heritage.

The country’s cuisine offers delicious adventures—from couscous and tagine to pastilla and even camel meat for the adventurous. Teachers who enjoy cooking find the colorful spice markets particularly rewarding, offering the chance to experiment with flavors rarely found at home.

Regional Considerations

While tourist destinations like Marrakech and Casablanca offer abundant teaching opportunities, teachers should consider smaller cities and towns that provide cheaper living costs, less street crime, reduced pollution, and more authentic cultural experiences. Don’t limit your job search to the famous cities—some of Morocco’s most rewarding teaching experiences await in its lesser-known communities.

Volunteer Teaching

Those seeking volunteer opportunities should prepare for potential challenges, including limited resources and organization. Some volunteers report being “thrown in the deep end” without adequate materials or translator support. However, many find the challenges worthwhile, particularly as host families typically treat volunteers extremely well, especially with generous servings of delicious home-cooked meals.

The Final Word

For TEFL teachers seeking an accessible introduction to North African culture with the comfort of proximity to Europe, Morocco offers an ideal blend of challenge and reward. The combination of growing English demand, rich cultural experiences, and stunning geographic diversity creates an environment where professional development occurs alongside profound personal growth.

Those who’ve invested in a cheap TEFL course and seek adventure alongside career development will find Morocco offers both in abundance. From camel rides in the desert to haggling in colorful souks, the experiences gained—both professionally and personally—create an unforgettable chapter in any teacher’s international journey.