It’s a fact of life that you will not get rich teaching once you enter the world of TEFL. TEFL jobs in Bolivia are a case in point, and while you won’t make a lot of money, you can expect a life-enriching experience should you decide to teach there.

TEFL jobs in Bolivia are plentiful, but the majority tend to be for low pay or no pay. Volunteer jobs are abundant, mostly with NGOs and other non-profit organisations. While most volunteer positions provide free accommodation and a small stipend, it is not enough to live on – this type of job would be well suited to someone who wishes to take a working holiday, or perhaps a retiree. And, let’s face it, money is not the primary reason most people travel abroad to teach – they are there for the experience. Read More

It’s a fact of life that you will not get rich teaching once you enter the world of TEFL. TEFL jobs in Bolivia are a case in point, and while you won’t make a lot of money, you can expect a life-enriching experience should you decide to teach there.

TEFL jobs in Bolivia are plentiful, but the majority tend to be for low pay or no pay. Volunteer jobs are abundant, mostly with NGOs and other non-profit organisations. While most volunteer positions provide free accommodation and a small stipend, it is not enough to live on – this type of job would be well suited to someone who wishes to take a working holiday, or perhaps a retiree. And, let’s face it, money is not the primary reason most people travel abroad to teach – they are there for the experience.

EFL and ESL jobs in Bolivia do not require a degree for the most part, nor do they require that you have a TEFL, CELTA or DELTA. All that said, if you do happen to have a degree or certificate, your chances of a finding job are much better.

Finding a paying TEFL job in Bolivia is more easily accomplished if you apply once you are in the country. There are a few places where you can apply online, or you can wait until you arrive to find a job once you are in the country.

Now turning to the issue of a work visa – the first thing to know is that Bolivia does not issue work visas. They do, however, have Specific Purpose Visas, which you must have before you travel to Bolivia. Once in the country you will apply for a residency permit, and once you have a job offer you can get a work permit. Do not arrive with a tourist visa as you will not be allowed to apply for the required Specific Purpose Visa.

With the advent of the global economy and the growth of the tourist industry in Bolivia, English is fast becoming a necessity for many businesses. As a result, there are numerous new private language schools popping up all over the country. If you were thinking of a rural area to settle in, bear in mind that the majority of opportunities for a TEFL job in Bolivia are found in the larger centres such as La Paz. As mentioned previously, do not expect a huge paycheque. That said, the cost of living is relatively low, so you should be able to live comfortably on what you make.

As Bolivia is the poorest of the South American countries, the bulk of the students you will encounter will have had no opportunity for education, and are very eager to learn, making your job as a TEFL teacher pleasant. This, coupled with the fascinating culture, will make your time as an EFL or ESL teacher most pleasant and very memorable.