
TEFL jobs in South America
A complete guide for TEFL teachers on teaching English in South America
Overview
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!
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.
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.
Salaries, requirements & visas
Popular 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
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.
Accommodation
€230-€540
Utilities
€77-€110
Health insurance
€40-€80
Monthly transport pass
€7-€45
Basic dinner out for two
€10-€25
Cappuccino in an ex-pat area
€1-€2
A beer in a pub
€3.60-€5.50
1 litre of milk
€0.80-€1.20
Award-Winning Online Courses & Diplomas
Best for Beginners120-Hour Advanced International TEFL Course
Best for Confident BeginnersTop-Rated, Government Regulated, 180-Hour Online Level 5 TEFL Diploma, Accredited TEFL Course
Best for Higher-Paid Positions300-Hour Level 5 TEFL Advanced Diploma
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