UWC East Africa

Moshi and Arusha, Tanzania

About UWC East Africa: UWC East Africa, also known as UWCEA is located in Tanzania on two campuses – Moshi and Arusha.

School Mission: ​​​​​UWC East Africa makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. The school is committed to developing balanced global citizens who are empowered to act responsibly in a complex world.

Visit the school website for more information about this school.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Recommend – while the salary package may not be as high as other schools (and bigger families may struggle with only two children covered) the lifestyle and feedback about this school is overwhelmingly positive for families, especially young families

Overall compensation package rating

While not as high paying at some other international schools, the package is still able to support a family (though savings are likely to be modest)

Tuition benefits

Tuition is covered for two dependants (100%)

Housing

There is a staff housing benefits – many of the housing is provided on campus. There is also some off campus homes – typically single-story family homes with a garden and security

Flights

Flight allowance is provided at the beginning and end of placement

Healthcare

Private healthcare is provided as part of your teaching package

Adjustment for kids

The majority of the almost 700 students are international, with the majority of students in the Post 16 age group.

The teachers are also predominantly international from around the world making the classrooms truly diverse

Average class sizes

Class sizes usually range from 10 (in nursery) to 22 students.

Teaching experience required

Teachers need to have at least three years of teaching experience (no newly qualified teachers) with full teaching qualifications from their home country

Curriculum

International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, DP)

Retirement/pension benefits

A pension benefit is included in the package which is 10% for teachers, matched by the school

School history & stability

The school was opened in 1969

UWC East Africa – Additional Benefits

  • Accommodation benefits
  • Laptop allowance
  • Start and end of contract relocation allowance
  • Private healthcare
  • Places for staff kids (capped at 2 currently)
  • Teacher induction program

What Teachers are Saying About UWC East Africa

UWCEA is a wonderful place to raise kids. The children aren’t obsessed with techhnology. Instead you’ll see kids outside every afternoon playing basketball, football, frisbee, netball etc. The playground is full of kids playing hopscotch, limbo or enjoying the monkey bars. And the weather is good all year round!

CURRENT INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, UWCEA

Moshi offers a beautiful, outdoor happy life for children. But the workload can be massive. Expect lots of events and games to attend as well. Also be aware that if you have a male partner who isn’t teaching, Tanzanian immigration won’t allow residency for your husband.

EX INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, UWCEA

I taught in Tanzania and absolutely loved it. Our whole family cried buckets when we left (our boys were 10 and 12). There are small classes in the primary and a diverse student body throughout. The students are a dream to teach: motivated, world-changers.

EX INTERNATIONAL TEACHER AT UWCEA
Zebras grazing under the sunrays of the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania
Elephant roaming the savannah in front of Mount Kiliminjaro in Tanzania
Busy street market in Arusha, Tanzania with shops and urban life - what you can expect if you work at the Arusha campus at UWC East Africa

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: Fair – Both Moshi and Arusha are pretty safe for expats. Petty theft can happen in markets or on public transport, but violent crime is rare. Most teachers live comfortably by taking basic precautions (e.g. securing valuables and avoiding walking alone at night etc). Both towns have a reputation for being friendly and laid-back.
  • Adaptability: Moderate – Life in Moshi and Arusha is calm and community-oriented. English is widely spoken, especially in education and tourism sectors, though Swahili is helpful. If you enjoy an outdoors lifestyle, you can access national parks, hiking, and weekend safaris. But infrastructure can be inconsistent. You may experience power outages, inconsistent internet, and limited shopping choices. The school community provides a key role in support and social connection.
  • Cost of Living: Moderate – Day-to-day expenses in Moshi and Arusha are generally affordable. Local produce, transport, and domestic help are reasonably priced. Imported goods can be hard to find and expensive. While the 30% tax reduces your take-home pay, many teachers say they can live comfortably, support a family, and save modestly.

General Overview for Teaching Families

UWC East Africa (UWCEA) is a mission-driven, not-for-profit international school located in Tanzania. It boasts two campuses – one in Moshi, on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The other in Arusha, which is well known for being the safari capital of Tanzania.

With an established history (originally founded in 1969) and part of the global United World Colleges network (UWC), UWCEA offers the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP). The students are diverse, from over 70 nationalities. Its core mission appears to be woven into every part of school life, offering teachers a unique opportunity to live and work with purpose.

The school fosters strong academic engagement, global citizenship, and outdoor education. Its Outdoor Pursuits Programme offers students and staff the chance to hike, camp, and explore East Africa’s natural beauty. Classes sizes are small, and the teaching environment is said to be both collaborative and holistic. There are genuinely strong relationships between staff and students. UWCEA from all accounts appears to be deeply student-centred, and there are many opportunities for pastoral and extracurricular involvement.

There are around 80 teachers working across the Moshi and Arusha campuses. Teachers need at least three years of experience and a teaching qualification. While IB experience is valued, it’s not essential. UWCEA is best suited for educators who are flexible, community-minded, and feel connected to the school’s mission. The school year begins in August, with recruitment typically starting in November.

UWCEA offers a decent compensation package for East Africa, including housing on or near campus, medical insurance, and full tuition for up to two dependents. Salaries are taxed at 30%, but the cost of living in Moshi is relatively low. So there are savings potential (although not as high as other schools and destinations).

For families, the on-campus lifestyle offers a peaceful and enriching environment. Expect gardens for kids to run around, and a tight-knit community. The backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro and proximity to national parks can be a big drawcard for nature loving families.

UWCEA is a strong fit if you value mission over luxury, and are eager to contribute to a diverse, values-led school community.

Worked at UWC East Africa? We’d love to hear from you about your experience. Please get in touch or complete our teachers survey to share your insights.

Latest from the Blog (For Teachers)