TEACHING IN LATIN AMERICA
Latin America, including Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Brazil and Argentina to name a few, has a high demand for English teachers and offers some of the most rewarding, enjoyable teaching environments. As a novice TEFL teacher, this may be a good region to start as you will more than likely find work, regardless of your prior experience. Additionally, most countries in the region prefer, but do not require university degrees.
Latin America is popular as a back-packing destination. In most parts of Latin America foreigners are still something of a novelty and you will be welcomed with open arms into one of the most hospitable cultures in the world. Latin America offers a vast array of teaching opportunities and cultural experiences, including some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the world and some of the most spectacular landscapes you will find anywhere.
Hiring season is all year round. Language centres and schools tend to hire in January/February and again in July/August. Most jobs in Latin America are found by actually being there and applying in person, but if you hunt around you may find some schools that will conduct interviews online and hire from overseas. Wages are modest, but the cost of living is low and you can generally live quite comfortably on language centres wages. Private tutoring is a popular means of supplementing income.There are a few very lucrative opportunities available with private bilingual schools that offer packages including high salaries, housing allowance, return fares home, paid holidays and other benefits, but you will most likely need a degree and some teaching experience for these jobs.
Latin America is popular as a back-packing destination. In most parts of Latin America foreigners are still something of a novelty and you will be welcomed with open arms into one of the most hospitable cultures in the world. Latin America offers a vast array of teaching opportunities and cultural experiences, including some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the world and some of the most spectacular landscapes you will find anywhere.
Hiring season is all year round. Language centres and schools tend to hire in January/February and again in July/August. Most jobs in Latin America are found by actually being there and applying in person, but if you hunt around you may find some schools that will conduct interviews online and hire from overseas. Wages are modest, but the cost of living is low and you can generally live quite comfortably on language centres wages. Private tutoring is a popular means of supplementing income.There are a few very lucrative opportunities available with private bilingual schools that offer packages including high salaries, housing allowance, return fares home, paid holidays and other benefits, but you will most likely need a degree and some teaching experience for these jobs.
| Country | Degree requirement | Typical contract length | Peak hiring seasons | Visa info | Typical Students | Average monthly cost of living | Average Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | BA/BS Not Required | 6 & 12 months | Feb-Mar, Jul-Aug | Tourist Visa | Business Professionals | 1,500-2,500 ARS | 1,500-2,500 ARS |
| Bolivia | BA/BS Not Required | 6 & 12 months | Feb-Mar, Jul-Aug | Tourist Visa | Business Professionals | 2,800-4,200 BOB | 2,800-4,200 BOB |
| Brazil | BA/BS Not Required | 6 & 12 months | Feb-Mar, Jul-Aug | Tourist Visa | Business Professionals | 1,200-2,000 BRL | 1,200-2,000 BRL |
| Chile | BA/BS Not Required | 6 & 12 months | Feb-Mar, Jul-Aug | Tourist Visa or work visa | Business Professionals, Children with Public Schools | 250,000-430,000 CLP | 250,000-430,000 CLP |
| Colombia | BA/BS Not Required | 6 & 12 months | Feb-Mar, Jul-Aug | Tourist Visa | Business Professionals | 950,000-1,700,000 COP | 1,300,000-2,700,000 COP |
| Costa Rica | BA/BS Not Required | 6 & 12 months | Jan-Feb, Jun-July | Tourist Visa | Business Professionals | 300,000-360,000 CRC | 300,000-360,000 CRC |
| Ecuador | BA/BS Not Required | 6 & 12 months | Feb-Mar, Jul-Aug | Tourist Visa | Business Professionals | 308-493 USD | 800-986 USD |
| Mexico | BA/BS Not Required | 6 & 12 months | All Year Round | Tourist Visa. Some work visa | Business Professionals | 10,000-12,000 MXN | 10,000-12,000 MXN |
| Panama | BA/BS Not Required | 6 & 12 months | Feb-Mar, Jul-Aug | Tourist Visa | Business Professionals | 550-740 USD | 800-1100 USD |
| Peru | BA/BS Not Required | 3, 6 & 12 months | Feb-Mar, Jul-Aug | Tourist Visa | Business Professionals | 1,700-2,300 PEN | 1,700-2,300 PEN |
| Uruguay | BA/BS Not Required | 6 & 12 months | Feb-Mar, Jul-Aug | Tourist Visa | Business Professionals | 8,500-12,800 UYU | 8,500-12,800 UYU |
