EFL Teacher in Athens (adult students)
Refugees who have left the protection of camps on Lesvos and other islands experience homelessness and food insecurity in Athens. As of July 2025, Greece implemented a migrant policy which includes jail time and ankle tags for those on deportation lists and asylum rejection for many new arrivals. Further, other European countries have implemented migrant polices to return refugees to the country of their arrival into Europe: Spain, Italy, and Greece. Beyond Borders is committed to supporting non-formal educational opportunities for asylum seekers on the mainland of Athens. We use a trauma-informed approach for teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL), incorporating expressive arts and peacebuilding themes into language instruction for pre-literate and literate learners.
As an Adult EFL Teacher, you will teach very vulnerable adult learners.
- Current teaching opportunities include Malakasa refugee camp and the men’s prison in Korydallos, Greece (70 percent of the inmates are refugees).
- All prison ministries require a two year committment.
- Emerging teaching opportunities include sex-workers in legal brothel districts and in the women’s prison in Thiva, Greece.
- Teachers are responsible for providing education on basic EFL skills and other subjects appropriate for preparing students for transition.
- Other expectations include creating a loving and safe environment to build relationships with learners and engage in faith discussions when appropriate outside the classroom setting.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: Any church or school teaching experience recommended
CERTIFICATION: TEFL recommended
LENGTH OF SERVICE: At least 3 months (potentially negotiable); see more information below
Volunteers serve for 90-day rotations throughout the year. This applies to non-European Union applicants from North America/Latin America, etc. due to visa restrictions. The estimated cost of living is $2,500 (single) and $3,500 (two people) for three months, not including airfare.
