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Teaching in South America
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Teaching in South America
Mexico, Central & South America offer some of the most rewarding teaching environments. The continent is vast and offers an inspirational array of cultures and landscapes to explore.
The region is less popular as a “backpacking” destination for European travellers; as a result many of the areas often feel as though they are “off the beaten track”, but don’t let this put you off. Latin America can be the perfect start for a new TEFL teacher’s journey.
Summertime in most of South America is the opposite of that in the UK. Summer holidays finish at the end of January and so a major hiring season is February/March; the secondary hiring season is in July/August. Interviews can begin months in advance.
Wages are modest in the region, but the cost of living is very low. TEFL teacher can enjoy a far more comfortable lifestyle than many of the locals. Most jobs are teaching adults in private language schools. One of the biggest bonuses to the region is that university degrees are not required for most countries.
Schools will help their TEFL teacher acclimatise to the locality and will help teachers find suitable accommodation. Many teachers often start at one school at the same time and end up finding and sharing accommodation together. This is also a great way to meet new friends.
Teaching requirements by country
Degree Requirement |
Typical Contract Length |
Peak Hiring Seasons |
Visa Info |
Typical Students |
Average Monthly Cost of Living in Local Currency |
Average Monthly Salary in Local Currency |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Argentina |
Not required | 6 - 12 months | January - September | Tourist visa convert to work visa | Business professionals, children | 3,600 - 6,100 ARS | 3,600 - 6,100 ARS |
Bolivia |
Not required | 1 - 12 months | January - February and June - July | Tourist visa | Business professionals, children | 2,780 - 4,174 BOB | 2,780 - 4,174 BOB |
Brazil |
Not required | 1 - 6 months | March - August | Tourist visa | Business professionals, children | 1,850 - 3,555 BRL | 1,850 - 3,555 BRL |
Colombia |
Not required | 6 - 12 months | March - August | Work visa | Business professionals, children | 958,962 - 1,342,550 COP | 1,342,550 - 1,917,000 COP |
Costa Rica |
Not required | 6 - 12 months | October - December | Tourist visa | Business professionals, children | 240,000 - 400,000 CRC | 252,000 - 544,400 CRC |
Ecuador |
Not required | 6 - 12 months | February - March and July - August | Tourist visa | Business professionals, children | 400 - 700 USD | 400 - 800 USD |
Panama |
Not required | 6 - 12 months | March - August | Tourist visa or work visa | Business professionals, children | 700 - 1,000 PAB | 800 - 2,500 PAB |
Paraguay |
Not required | 6 – 12 months | March | Work permit | Students | PYG 7 500 000 – PYG 10 000 000 | PYG 5 000 000 – PYG 10 000 000 |
Peru |
Not required | 6 - 12 months | All year round | Tourist visa or work visa | Business professionals, children | 800-1,500 PEN | 1,120-2,240 PEN |
Uruguay |
Not required | 6 - 12 months | March - August | Work visa | Business professionals, children | 6,230 - 10,435 UYU | 6,230 - 10,435 UYU |
Please note the information provided above is given as a general guide only. Information and currency conversions were correct at the time of publication, but they may change at any time.
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