The outlook for ESL and EFL teachers has been strong in Ecuador for some time now and the prospects for the future do not seem to be much different. That said, do not expect to get off the plane and find a job the day you arrive. It will take some searching and a bit of door knocking.

There is no minimum requirement to securing a teaching job in Ecuador, but a TEFL certificate will open doors, and if you supplement the certificate with a degree in any discipline, your chances of successfully landing a decent and higher-paying job will increase exponentially. Read More

The outlook for ESL and EFL teachers has been strong in Ecuador for some time now and the prospects for the future do not seem to be much different. That said, do not expect to get off the plane and find a job the day you arrive. It will take some searching and a bit of door knocking.

There is no minimum requirement to securing a teaching job in Ecuador, but a TEFL certificate will open doors, and if you supplement the certificate with a degree in any discipline, your chances of successfully landing a decent and higher-paying job will increase exponentially.

A heads-up is in order here – be prepared to travel to Ecuador to conduct your job search as it is difficult to obtain a position from outside the country. Employers prefer to meet their prospects face to face, so make your plans accordingly – bring enough money to live on for a month or two while you are looking for a job. Employers for the most part do not cover your airfare or accommodation, although some may give you a little assistance with finding a suitable place to live.

Jobs can be found in private and public schools as well as in the universities of Ecuador, and you can expect to work from 20 to 25 hours a week, depending on the school and its enrollment. Universities and public schools will usually require some teaching experience, and may require a teaching certification from your home country. Once you have a job offer in hand, most employers will help you with the paperwork required for you to obtain a working visa in order to work legally in the country.

Peak hiring seasons for ESL and EFL teachers are in February and March, as well as July and August, but jobs can be found year round. Salaries range from USD $400 to $800 a month (or USD $4 to $5 an hour), and while this is not a lot of money when compared to the European and Asian teaching markets, it will afford you a comfortable, if not somewhat modest, lifestyle while you are living in Ecuador.

So, do not expect to earn or save a lot of money while teaching ESL in Ecuador, but then again, money is typically not the reason people travel to South America to teach ESL or EFL.

Ecuador has mountains, rainforests and pristine beaches aplenty to keep you busy even if you are on a budget. And don’t forget the Galapagos Islands and an authentic South American living experience among some of the warmest, most welcoming people you are ever likely to meet anywhere.

Transportation is cheap while you are living in the country, as is the cost of food and drink. Housing is cheap, even in the larger centres, and you can expect to find a comfortable apartment for approximately $200 a month.