TEFL jobs in Mexico
A complete guide for TEFL teachers on teaching English in Mexico
Overview
Would you like to teach English in Mexico? Read this guide to learn all the tips, and information about culture, living costs and salary as a TEFL teacher. As more Mexicans seek to study English, the need for TEFL teachers remains high. So, if you are looking to teach English abroad in Mexico, this could be a dream come true. English is the most widely taught foreign language in Mexico, followed by French. Around 24 million individuals in the country are believed to study English in some way; nevertheless, only about 5% of the population has a high level of English proficiency. In addition, Mexico has a flourishing tourism business, and it is increasingly exporting to English-speaking countries like the United States and Canada. Furthermore, the desire to relocate to the United States for better work possibilities is so strong that many Mexicans continue to come illegally. Those who can improve their English abilities and apply for decent jobs will be able to obtain work that will allow them to enter the country legally, which puts English teachers in Mexico in great demand.
Speaking English is an absolute need for many Mexican nationals who want to excel in the business world. Because of their close relations with the United States, many Mexican enterprises do some of their business in English, and it’s not uncommon for individuals looking to push ahead to schedule English lessons during their lunch break or skip their siesta for a language session. Because of the proximity to the United States, there is a slight preference for American English, but English of any accent is in high demand, and if you’re a trained, experienced TEFL teacher, you won’t have any trouble finding work. When it comes to applying for positions, having expertise as an English business teacher in Mexico will help you stand out. There are also opportunities for people who wish to work with children and young learners, as there are numerous international schools around the country.
The rest of this guide details the types of jobs you will find for English teachers in Mexico and goes over the requirements you will need to teach there. It also looks at local life, cost of living and other factors that might influence your decision to explore teaching English in Mexico.
Types of teaching jobs
Elementary School
Teaching English in Mexico to children in a bilingual elementary school offers a consistent schedule and pay. Elementary school teachers, on the other hand, earn the least. Hours are typically 7 am to 2 pm, and you may be asked to teach specific courses in English rather than English as a whole.
Furthermore, because children require teaching methods that are specifically tailored to their developmental level, you should have some past expertise.
Language Centre
Working in a language centre allows you to teach English in Mexico to both adults and children while also providing networking opportunities. However, language centres typically cannot promise a consistent schedule or income, and typical work schedules can range from 7 to 8 am on weekdays, and 8 am to 2 pm on Saturdays.
After you gain more experience and have demonstrated your ability to teach English in Mexico and dedication to the language centre, your workload will most likely increase progressively. In language centres, the hourly wage is halfway between that of company classes and that of elementary schools. In 2006, language centres in Cuernavaca paid between 50 and 120 pesos per hour.
Company Classes
Company class teachers who are teaching English abroad in Mexico work with highly motivated professionals who put their new English skills to use in their everyday work. The hourly wage is the highest, and there are several networking opportunities.
However, because these programmes are held either before or after work, the timetable can be restrictive and exhausting. You’ll have to spend time and money commuting from one company to the next.
Private Lessons
In Mexico, private English tutors are common. Tuition fees on the open market are difficult to come across, but they are unlikely to be as high as those at private language schools. However, one of the benefits of being a private instructor is that it may be a part-time career, and you can still enjoy teaching English in Mexico.
Salaries, requirements & visas
Popular locations for TEFL jobs
Mexico City, Monterrey, Nezahualcóyotl, Tijuana, Cancún, and Queretaro
The average salary for EFL teachers
The basic monthly salary for full-time positions is likely to be in the region of 8,000–20,000 pesos (€350–€800) per month. For freelance or hourly work, the usual pay is 45-120 pesos (€2–€6) per hour up to 250 pesos (€10) for private lessons in the city.
TEFL qualification requirements
A 120-hour TEFL qualification will be required for most positions
Prerequisite university degree
Not required, but employers often have a preference for one
Term times
The school year in Mexico starts in mid-August and ends in mid-July
Teaching programmes
Public Schools, Private Schools, Universities, Corporate Teaching, Private Lessons, Volunteering
Age restrictions
None
Previous teaching experience
Experience isn’t always necessary but will offer you more opportunities, particularly if you’ve taught business English
Living costs
While the average TEFL teacher pay in Mexico isn’t exceptionally high, the cost of living is low, so even a modest salary will suffice. Full-time employers are unlikely to provide housing, but they can assist you in finding a suitable rental. Volunteer employment frequently includes free lodging and, on occasion, a small monthly salary. Mexico has a lower cost of living than 67 per cent of Latin American countries and 79 per cent of the world. As a result, even on a modest salary, you may live an adventurous life in Mexico, travelling and seeing many of the country’s most renowned tourist sites.
Numbeo.com is the world’s largest cost of living comparison website and provides the figures shown above.
Accommodation
€433–€870
Utilities
€46
Health insurance
Cost of a typical visit to a GP: €24
Monthly transport pass
€24
Basic dinner out for two
€14
Cappuccino in an ex-pat area
€3,10
A beer in a pub
€1.55
1 litre of milk
€1.20
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