TEFL jobs in South America
A complete guide for TEFL teachers on teaching English in South America
Overview
South America is not one teaching market. Pay, visas and safety differ sharply from country to country: Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs rates Argentina and Chile Normal Precautions, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia and Colombia High Degree of Caution, Ecuador Avoid Non-Essential Travel and Venezuela Do Not Travel. Choose the country first, then the job.
What Irish teachers should know first
There is no South American visa, no regional work permit and no region-wide minimum wage, so any single figure quoted for “South America” is meaningless. What does apply everywhere is Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs security rating, published on a four-tier scale — Normal Precautions, High Degree of Caution, Avoid Non-Essential Travel, Do Not Travel. Checked on 8 September 2026, the Department rated the countries we hold guides on as follows.
- Argentina — Normal Precautions (last updated 6 May 2026)
- Chile — Normal Precautions (last updated 10 August 2026)
- Brazil — High Degree of Caution (last updated 7 May 2026)
- Peru — High Degree of Caution (last updated 17 June 2026)
- Bolivia — High Degree of Caution (last updated 8 July 2026)
- Colombia — High Degree of Caution (last updated 12 August 2026)
- Ecuador — Avoid Non-Essential Travel (last updated 18 August 2026)
- Venezuela — Do Not Travel (last updated 1 July 2026)
Two of those ratings should change your plans rather than your packing. For Ecuador the Department recommends postponing travel unless absolutely necessary; for Venezuela it advises cancelling any plans to travel, and says its ability to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens there is extremely limited. Ratings are revised without notice, so check ireland.ie before you book a flight or sign a contract.
We publish no salary figure on this page. We hold no audited pay data for the region as a whole, and several South American currencies sit outside European Central Bank reference-rate coverage, so a euro conversion could not be verified against an official rate. Where we have a sourced figure it belongs on the individual country guide, not on a regional page. That absence is deliberate and is dated 8 September 2026.
Why do teachers choose South America?
South America has become one of the most popular countries for teaching English abroad because of its mind-boggling blend of magnificent natural beauty, different cultures, and dynamic cities. Costa Rica, Chile, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the main cities of Brazil are some of the most popular areas to teach in Latin and South America. In addition, while earnings are not as high as those in Asia or the Middle East, the region’s low cost of living makes it financially appealing.
Would you like to teach English in South America? There’s something for every sort of teacher, including English teachers in South America, whether you want to live in the mountains, on the beach, or in a bustling city! From the architectural and linguistic influences of Spanish and Portuguese to the ancient Mayan ruins, any educator will find that South America is an excellent location to educate. As the number of tourists visiting the region grows each year, an increasing number of people hope to learn English in order to connect and collaborate with ex-pats and individuals from other countries. So there’s no better time than now to get a piece of the action and teach English in South America!
Which country guide should you read next?
Start with the country, because that is where the visa rules, the pay and the safety rating actually live. Our regional guides cover Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia and Venezuela. For live vacancies across every region, see teaching English jobs abroad, and if you still need the qualification itself, our TEFL courses in Ireland are the starting point.
No obligation and no sales pitch. Tell us what you want out of the year and we will tell you honestly whether South America fits.
Types of teaching jobs
Language Schools
English language schools are by far the most prevalent employment option for English teachers in South America. These institutions are an excellent choice for both experienced and inexperienced teachers, as they provide a wide range of courses for all types of students. In addition, students at language schools, which include young learners, working professionals, and those in the tourism industry, frequently attend evening and weekend programmes to supplement their education. Because of the flexibility of this class schedule, you will have the opportunity to explore the local area and neighbouring cities during your spare time! In Brazil, language schools are extremely popular.
International Schools
If you plan to stay in South America for a long time, you should consider working at an international school. Most schools prefer teachers with a master’s degree in their field of study; thus, this is an excellent alternative for qualified educators searching for two-year contracts. For example, there is an international school in Argentina’s Buenos Aires.
Private Tutoring
You can earn some extra money by giving private classes once you’ve settled down to teaching English in South America. Many families or individuals engage foreign teachers to gain additional instruction in order to improve their English skills. You can educate young students in elementary English language classes or businessmen who want to improve their conversational English skills. Tutoring is a terrific opportunity to meet people in your neighbourhood and earn money in any case. However, tutoring should not be your primary source of revenue. Sometimes students will cancel or skip lessons at the last minute! Before committing to instructing pupils, make sure you have a solid cancellation policy.
Volunteering
South America is still in need of massive educational reform, particularly in lower-income or neglected populations, despite the fact that it is classified as ‘developing’ in a number of countries. Teachers are frequently given the opportunity to integrate into their small town’s community by living with a host family or simply spending time with their students. Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador are the most common locations for volunteer teachers of English in South America.
Living costs
The cost of living in South America is often relatively low. It is simple for a teacher to live on a budget in this region because it is deemed ‘developing.’ Although some places, such as Sao Paolo and Bogota, have high living costs, most rural and urban areas offer reasonable housing and food. Providing private teaching services is an excellent method to supplement your income. In addition, offering your services as an English or other topic tutor will be easier once you have established a local network of coworkers and friends.
To get an accurate cost of living for South America, we use numbeo.com, the world’s biggest cost of living comparison website.
Key facts
Language: Spanish and Portuguese
Population: 447 Million
Currency: Peso & Dollar
Capital: 
TEFL job demand: High
Our TEFL rating: 4Popular Locations
Argentina, Columbia, Costa Rica, Brazil, Mexico, Peru
Average Salary of an EFL teacher
Salaries EFL teachers earn vary across continents, and as they are usually paid in local currency, they should also be considered within the prism of the local living costs.
Education needed
TEFL Qualification
Term times
February – December
TEFL qualification requirements
A 120-hour TEFL qualification will be required for most positions
Teaching programmes
Private Schools, International Schools, Language Schools, Private Tutoring, Volunteering
Award-Winning Online Courses & Diplomas
Award-Winning Online Courses & Diplomas
120-Hour Advanced International Standard Course | Accredited TEFL Course
Ideal for beginners, an entry-level qualification to teach English online or abroad.
Widely recognised as the international entry-level standard, this is one of the most budget-friendly TEFL courses available online. Ideal for teaching in countries with minimal entry requirements, such as parts of Asia and Latin America.
✨26hrs of Weekly TEFL Mentorship (Online)
✨ 6 Hours Job Coaching Sessions
✨ 6 Months Access + Mobile Learning App
180-Hour Comprehensive Ofqual Regulated Course | Level 5 TEFL Diploma
CELTA-equivalent, Level 5 TEFL for better global job opportunities.
A government-regulated qualification level equivalent to CELTA/Trinity Cert TESOL. It is ideal for aspiring teachers seeking higher-paying roles and increased international recognition.
✨ 29hrs of Weekly TEFL Mentorship (Online)
✨ 6 Hours Job Coaching Sessions
✨ 6 Months Access + Mobile Learning App
300-Hour Advanced Ofqual Regulated Course | Advanced Level 5 TEFL Diploma
Advanced TEFL for higher-paying teaching careers.
The top course is for the highest pay scale and better opportunities. Gain the expertise to teach anywhere in the world and stand out by mastering in-demand specialisms, including teaching English for Exams and online teaching.
✨ 29hrs of Weekly TEFL Mentorship (Online)
✨ 6 Hours Job Coaching Sessions
✨ 6 Months Access + Mobile Learning App
Find the Right Destination For You
View our InternshipsGot Questions?
Get clear answers about TEFL courses, certification, teaching jobs, and everything in between.
When it comes to teaching English in South America, there are several TEFL course providers to select from. First, however, you must ensure that whichever option you choose is accredited/regulated, that you have completed at least 120 hours of training, and that you have tutor support.
In South America, there isn’t a negative option. In almost any country in South America, there are several possibilities to immerse oneself in the local culture. If you want to improve your Spanish and live like a local, stay away from large cities and tourist sites. It’s easier to get by in areas like Buenos Aires or Cuzco without totally immersing yourself in local culture because they’re more international by nature. Look for programmes that give you some control over where you’ll be put or that emphasise teaching in more rural regions. You’ll get the immersion experience you want, teaching English in South America no matter where you go.
Once you’ve got your shiny new TEFL certificate, you can start applying for jobs as an English teacher in South America straight away. Remember, you’ll need funds to cover your flights, travel insurance and spending before you start to get paid from your new TEFL job. The best place to look for teaching English in South America jobs is online on TEFL jobs boards.