Teach English in Mexico City

There are so many great reasons to start teaching English in Mexico City! 

For starters, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a rich and diverse culture that’s bursting with so much energy and excitement. From delicious food to colourful festivals, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in this fiesta-filled city. 

And let’s not forget about the incredibly friendly people who will embrace you with open arms and make you feel right at home. 

Plus, teaching English is a rewarding and fulfilling career that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of others. By helping your students improve their language skills, you’ll be giving them the tools they need to succeed in a globalised world. 

So why wait? Take the leap and start teaching English in Mexico City today!

Read more: Top tips for teaching to Spanish learners

Sounds great, right? Well, let’s look at what you need to teach in Mexico City.

If you’re considering teaching English in Mexico City, there are a few things you’ll need to have in order to qualify for teaching positions.

Be a native English speaker

You should be a native English speaker, as this is typically a requirement for most schools and language institutes.

Have a TEFL certification

You need to complete a TEFL program and obtain an accredited TEFL certification. It is highly recommended that you obtain a Level 5 certification as this may be required by some institutions.

Visa requirements

You need to get a work visa to legally work in Mexico City. This can be issued in your home country or in Mexico. If you arrive in Mexico on a tourist visa, you’ll need to leave the country to activate the visa. Some teachers teach on a tourist visa but this is not recommended. 

Working on a tourist visa is illegal and won’t give you access to a local bank account or healthcare. Plus, you are subject to fines and deportation if found out.

It’s important to save up for basic start-up costs before making the move to Mexico City. This includes things like airfare, rent, utilities, and groceries for the first few months. You will most likely not receive your first paycheque until your first full month.

TEFL certification: A TEFL course can cost between $100 and $500, depending on the length and level of the course and the course provider. 

Document fees: Anything you pay related to legalising your certificates and travel documents. 

Flight ticket: Variable. You may be compensated for your flight by your employer. 

Visa application: A Temporary Residence work visa will cost $3,207 ($150 USD).

Living expenses: You may be offered housing support by your employer. If you aren’t, you may need to be a month’s rent and a deposit. The cost of rent for a one bedroom apartment outside the city centre is roughly $8,665 ($484 USD). 

Without the cost of rent, the average cost of living in Mexico City is around $11,407 ($637USD). If you can bring around that figure with you to the country, you should be fine to live comfortably until your first paycheque lands!

Teaching in Mexico City is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant culture and make a difference in the lives of others. So if you’re up for the adventure, jump in!

There are several types of English teaching jobs available in Mexico City. Here are some common types of English teaching jobs and their average salaries:

Private Tutoring

This teaching position involves working with individual students or small groups and can pay anywhere from $270 – $720 MXN ($15 – $40 USD) an hour depending on experience and location. Teaching privately gives you the opportunity to choose between teaching Young Learners and adults.

Language centres

These are institutions that specialise in teaching English to non-native speakers and typically offer full-time positions with benefits. The average salary for language schoolteachers in Mexico City is around $ 14,500 – $ 22,000 ($800 – $1,200 USD) a month.

International schools

These schools typically offer classes in English and may be geared towards expat children or local students looking for bilingual education. Salaries for international schoolteachers in Mexico City range from $27,000 – $54,000  ($1,500 – $3,000 USD) a month, depending on qualifications and experience.

Universities

Teaching positions at university programs in Mexico City typically require a Master’s degree or higher in speciality courses and can pay upwards of $36,000 – $54, 000 ($2,000 – $3,000 USD) a month.

Keep in mind that these salary ranges are just averages and vary depending on experience, qualifications, and the specific institution you’re working for.

If you’re interested in teaching English in Mexico City, there are several steps you can take to secure a job:

1. Get a TEFL certification: A TEFL certification from an internationally recognised and accredited course provider is needed for a work visa. There are many online TEFL courses available. Our recommendation? The TEFL Academy, of course!
2. Network: Reach out to language schools, universities, and other English teaching institutions in Mexico City and inquire about job openings. You can connect with other English teachers in the area through social media groups and forums.
3. Apply online: Many language schools and institutions in Mexico City post job openings on their websites or on job search websites like LinkedIn or Indeed.
4. Be prepared for the interview process: Depending on the institution, you may be asked to complete a demo lesson or teach a class during the interview process. Make sure you’re prepared with lesson plans and materials.

Keep in mind that the process of finding a job teaching English in Mexico City may take some time and effort. Se paciente! Be patient, persistent, and open to different types of teaching opportunities, and you’ll increase your chances of finding a fulfilling teaching job in this vibrant and exciting city.

To teach English online to Spanish students, there are a few basic requirements. First and foremost, you need to be a fluent English speaker with a good understanding of grammar and vocabulary. Additionally, you need a reliable internet connection and a computer or laptop with a webcam and microphone. Some online teaching platforms may require you to have a teaching certification or a degree, but this depends on the platform or company you use.

To find online English teaching jobs for Spanish students, there are several websites and platforms that specialise in connecting teachers with students.  You can search for job listings on general job websites such as Indeed or LinkedIn. When applying for online teaching jobs, be sure to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, and be prepared to undergo a demo lesson or interview to showcase your teaching skills.

Some online teaching platforms offer a fixed rate for teachers, while others allow teachers to set their own hourly rate based on their experience and qualifications. The average hourly rate range between $180 – $540 ($10 – $30 USD), which is influenced by factors such as the number of hours worked, the type of lesson, and the student’s level of English proficiency.

How many enchiladas can you afford in Mexico City on a teacher’s salary? Good question! Let’s see what you can expect when it comes to the cost of living and day-to-day life in Mexico City.

Mexico City is a vibrant and bustling city with a relatively low cost of living compared to many other major cities around the world. 

Accommodation

• One-bedroom apartment in city centre: $15,000 ($830)
• One-bedroom apartment outside city centre: $8,000 ($440)

Utilities

• Gas, water, electricity: $915 ($50)

Food and groceries

• Monthly shop:  $3,500 – $5,500 ($200 – $300)
• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $150 ($8.50)

Transport

• Monthly pass: $340 ($18)
• One-way ticket: $6 ($0.30)

Internet

• Unlimited: $520 ($30)

Entertainment

• Gym, cinema, clubbing: $4,500 ($250)

Other factors to consider include the cost of food, entertainment, and healthcare. However, overall, Mexico City is an affordable and exciting place to live and work as an English teacher.

Mexico City is a vibrant and culturally rich city with a lively atmosphere and friendly locals.

• As an English teacher in Mexico City, you can expect to work with a diverse group of students, including children, teenagers, and adults. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your teaching skills and make a positive impact on your students’ lives.
• Mexico City is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich history and diverse population. You can explore the city’s many museums, galleries, and cultural events to immerse yourself in Mexican culture and learn more about the country’s history and traditions.
• Mexican cuisine is famous for its delicious and flavourful dishes, such as tacos, tamales, and chilaquiles. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to try new foods and discover your favourite Mexican dishes.
• Mexico City is a bustling city with busy streets, crowded markets, and lively neighbourhoods. You’ll need to adjust to the noise and chaos of the city, but you’ll also enjoy the energy and excitement of living in such a vibrant place.
• Mexicans are known for their warm and friendly hospitality, and you’ll find that locals in Mexico City are welcoming and helpful to foreigners. You’ll have the opportunity to make new friends and practice your Spanish.

So, are you ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime by teaching abroad? If you are, get your paperwork ready and start applying!