Why Choose Tirana?

Nestled between rugged mountains and the shimmering blue Adriatic sea – Tirana is a city that vibrates with colour, energy, and possibilities. Cobbled streets echo with the laughter of children while cafes spill out onto the pavement in a rhythm that feels both European and uniquely Albanian. In this vibrant capital, tradition meets transformation – Ottoman architecture and Italian villas sit beside bold modern murals as the city hums with the vitality of a culture eager to share its story with the world.

To teach at our partner school in Tirana is to step into a learning environment guided by curiosity, respect, and discovery. As a Montessori school – classrooms are calm and inviting spaces where children explore at their own pace, and independence is nurtured from the earliest age. Teachers serve as thoughtful guides, encouraging creativity, hands-on learning, and joyful engagement. With beautifully prepared environments and a deep commitment to the Montessori philosophy, it’s a place where you can develop your career and truly focus on what matters – supporting each child’s unique journey.

Beyond the school walls, life in Tirana offers something rare. Hike into the nearby Dajti Mountains, sip espresso under the shade of blossoming trees whilst you seek refuge from the hot sun, or explore local markets bursting with fresh produce and handmade goods. In Tirana, teaching is more than a job – it’s a way to connect, explore, and grow in a city that feels like home from the moment you arrive.

Cost of Living

Despite it’s great liveability and so much to do – Tirana is one of the most affordable capital cities in Europe. Renting a small apartment close to the city centre can often be done for around £300 to £400 a month, with utilities and internet rarely pushing the total much over £500. Eating out is budget-friendly too, as a tasty meal and drink at a local restaurant usually comes in under £10. Groceries are reasonably priced and local markets offer great deals on fresh produce. Getting around the city is easy and cheap with public transport fares typically under 50p, making everyday life in Tirana both accessible and affordable.

Salary

Our wonderful partner school in Tirana offers a monthly salary of €1,900 (around £1,600), this is far more than a competitive wage for the region. While that may not stretch as far in some Western countries, it offers a very comfortable lifestyle in Albania. With a little bit of smart budgeting you’ll find that living well, enjoying the rich local culture, traveling across Europe, and saving is entirely achievable on this salary. It’s a fantastic opportunity for you to enjoy a fulfilling career and earn what you deserve in a place where your money goes a lot further, all while maintaining a high quality of life in the beautiful city of Tirana.

Is Tirana Right for You?

Our partner school is looking for teachers with two to three years of Montessori experience. 

If that’s you and you’re passionate about education, eager to grow professionally, and want to be part of a vibrant city that offers a rich cultural experience – Tirana is the perfect place for you. Our fantastic partner, a Montessori school in the city, offers a nurturing environment where you can truly make an impact on the young minds of the future. Plus, with a salary that allows for a comfortable lifestyle and the opportunity to explore the beauty of Albania and beyond, it’s an incredibly exciting place to live and work.

This buzzing capital city also offers a unique blend of modern life and tradition, all with the backdrop of enchanting mountains standing tall in the distance. Old streets, lively bars, and bustling markets create an atmosphere that’s both dynamic and welcoming. If you love being in a city full of life but also need quiet moments of reflection or time spent in nature, Tirana provides that balance. Whether you’re into hiking or would prefer to enjoy the many beautiful beaches – you’ll find plenty of ways to unwind and recharge.

So – if you’re looking for a place to make a meaningful difference in education, enjoy a high quality of life, and have the chance to explore a city rich in history and natural beauty – Tirana might be exactly the place you didn’t know you needed.

5 Things to Do in Tirana

Explore Local Markets

Enjoy the Many Green Parks

Get Historical at Bunk’Art 2

Go Bar Hopping and Meet Locals

Escape the City for Some Nature

School Life

Our fantastic partner school in Tirana follows the Montessori curriculum, which is an educational approach designed to foster independence, curiosity, and a love of learning in children. Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, it emphasizes hands-on, self-directed learning within a structured environment. Children work with specially designed materials that support exploration in subjects such as maths, languages, science, and geography, as well as practical life skills.

The curriculum is individualized which allows each child to progress at their own pace, and classrooms typically mix age groups to encourage peer learning. The focus is on nurturing the whole child – academically, socially, emotionally, and physically through respect, freedom within limits, and guided choice. Therefore, our partner school is looking for teachers with two to three years of Montessori experience.

They are completely committed to delivering personal and quality education outside of the traditional standards of the current educational system, and strongly believes that children like these are the most likely to be able to fully exercise their tasks as citizens of a civilized community. Children at the school acquire at least the “same final product” as in a traditional centers, but are also a lot more prepared for everything else that’s necessary on their lifelong adventure, as they are used to freely exercising their own judgment and will whilst being guided by their imagination and enthusiasm to learn.

3 Must Try Foods in Tirana

Burek

(flaky pastry packed with meat/cheese)

Stuffed Peppers

(filled with meat and rice)

Seafood

(fresh from the Adriatic Sea)

Location and Climate

Nestled between rolling hills and mountains, with the imposing Mount Dajti rising to the east, Tirana sits in the central part Albania. Its strategic position just 35 kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea makes it a great base for exploring both inland and the beautiful coastline. The international airport offers easy access to the whole of Europe – but you can get to Croatia, Greece, and the rest of the Balkans without even boarding a flight!

Tirana experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The weather is warm and sunny from May to October, similar to countries such as Spain and Italy. Spring and early autumn are especially pleasant with warm weather, fewer tourists and lush, green landscapes.

The combination of Tirana’s fantastic climate and location makes it the perfect starting point for exploring Albania’s diverse regions. During your time off school, you can head south for gorgeous beaches and explore UNESCO sites like Berat and Gjirokastër. Whether you’re into nature, history, or food – Tirana’s climate and central location make it a fantastic place to live all year-round.