Top teaching destinations in Latin America (for native & non-native speakers!)
Latin America is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for English language teachers due to the great opportunities and experiences that can be found there. No matter where you go, you’ll likely have access to culturally and historically vibrant environments, while also being able to visit some of the most breathtaking wonders of the world.
If you’re a non-native English speaker then you’re also in luck – out of all of the regions in the world, Latin America easily offers the most teaching opportunities for non-native speaking English teachers.
In this article, we’re going to look at the formal legal requirements needed to teach in each country as a foreigner. The requirements in Latin America are usually quite optimistic, with many countries only requiring you to have a TESOL/TEFL certificate to get started teaching at an entry-level position. As with many other industries, having a degree will obviously help to open up more doors and increase your chances of landing better-paying jobs. Similarly, having previous teaching experience would always be of use, even if it’s volunteer work or tutoring. However, if you’re fluent in English and can demonstrate your value as a teacher, it is still entirely possible to start teaching with just your TESOL/TEFL certificate.
Let’s have a look at all of the amazing countries in Latin America where you can teach as a non-native speaking ESL teacher.
Great destinations for non-native teachers in Latin America
Mexico
Being the largest economy in Latin America and due to its close proximity to the other N.A countries, the demand for English teachers in Mexico has been consistently high.
More recently, thanks to its booming tourism industry, Mexico is becoming even more popular by the day, as opportunities are increasing. Mexico is a great destination for those looking to experience a variety of natural scenery in a culturally and heritage-rich country.
Degree: Not required, but recommended
TESOL/TEFL: Required
Experience: Not required, but preferred
El Salvador
Famously referred to as “The land of Volcanoes”, El Salvador offers the opportunity to experience a diverse natural landscape of untouched beaches, natural hot springs, and active volcanoes.
This small nation is great for teachers seeking a biodiverse destination that also has a rich cultural heritage.
Degree: Required
TESOL/TEFL: Highly recommended
Experience: Not required, but preferred
Guatemala
The demand for English teachers in Guatemala is increasing as the country is slowly starting to become more developed.
Despite being a quite poor country, Guatemala offers the opportunity to experience breathtaking natural beauty mixed in with a vibrant history and relaxed lifestyle.
Degree: Not required, but preferred
TESOL/TEFL: Required
Experience: Not required, but preferred
Nicaragua
Nicaragua has recently become more popular due to its natural landscapes and culturally diverse population.
Teachers seeking to experience a mix of cultures, while exploring sandy beaches, beautiful lakes, and volcanoes, should look this way. As the country is slowly developing, there will be many teaching opportunities in the future.
Degree: Not required, but recommended
TESOL/TEFL: Highly recommended
Experience: Not required, but preferred
Honduras
In the same spirit as its neighboring nations, Honduras offers the experience of a lifetime if you are into the outdoors and nature.
With its many natural wonders and cultural heritage sites, Honduras is a great destination for those looking to experience and support an up-and-coming developing country.
Degree: Not required, but helpful
TESOL/TEFL: Required
Experience: Not required, but preferred
Costa Rica
Famous for its relaxed lifestyle and breathtaking natural scenery, Costa Rica is one of the more popular destinations for teachers in Latin America.
Despite being a small country, there are many great teaching opportunities in Costa Rica thanks to the country’s political and economic stability. Combine this with good infrastructure, a laid back friendly population, and you have the perfect destination for nature-loving teachers seeking a relaxed work-life balance.
Degree: Not required, but recommended
TESOL/TEFL: Required
Experience: Not required, but preferred
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Panama
Famous for its man-made Panama Canal, Panama offers so much more for those interested in the outdoors.
This is an excellent teaching destination for adventure lovers, as Panama offers the chance to experience aquatic beach life mixed with adventurous rainforest exploration.
Degree: Not required, but helpful
TESOL/TEFL: Required
Experience: Not required, but preferred
Peru
Peru has long been a popular tourist destination thanks to its grand Inca ruins, such as Machu Picchu.
Thanks to its tourism, the demand for English teachers is high, making this a good destination for those interested in experiencing a highly bio-diverse country with a rich and mysterious cultural heritage.
Degree: Not required, but strongly recommended
TESOL/TEFL: Required
Experience: Not required, but preferred
Colombia
Due to its turbulent past, the ESL industry in Colombia is still relatively unexplored.
Since its stabilization, the country has started to attract more teachers and is slowly becoming a popular destination for teachers looking for an early-bird experience in the most bio-diverse country in the world.
Degree: Not required, but helpful
TESOL/TEFL: Required
Experience: Not required, but preferred
Ecuador
Ecuador is an up-and-coming destination that offers plenty of opportunities, as the demand for English teachers is very high.
Be it beaches, mountains, or tropical forests, thanks to its small size, Ecuador offers the chance to easily experience a great variety of natural wonders, making it an adventurer’s dream destination.
Degree: Not required, but helpful
TESOL/TEFL: Highly preferred
Experience: Not required, but preferred
Argentina
If you are looking for variety, then Argentina is the place for you. Argentina offers a great mix of bustling cities and beautiful natural sceneries of all kinds. Combine this with great cuisine, vibrant culture, and a friendly local population, and you have a perfect first teaching destination!
Being the third-largest economy in Latin America, the need for English teachers is high and teaching opportunities are plenty, with positions ranging from simple part-time gigs to more qualified and higher-paying teaching positions. Argentina has something for everyone.
Degree: Not required, but highly recommended
TESOL/TEFL: Required
Experience: Not required, but preferred
Chile
Chile is a great destination for nature lovers, especially if you are into hiking.
This mountainous country is quickly becoming the popular choice for English teachers, as the standard of living is quite high compared to other countries in the region.
Combine this with a vibrant culture and great wine, and you have a top teaching destination in Latin America.
Degree: Not required, but strongly preferred
TESOL/TEFL: Required
Experience: Not required, but preferred
Bolivia
Bolivia is a rapidly developing country that is gaining popularity in the ESL industry, thanks to its increasing demand for English teachers.
Famous for its authentic indigenous lifestyle and amazing natural wonders, such as massive salt lakes, mountains, and rainforests.
Bolivia is a great place to teach if you are interested in untouched natural exploration and adventure.
Degree: Not required, but helpful
TESOL/TEFL: Required
Experience: Not required, but preferred
Paraguay
Paraguay is a country rich in both culture and history. It is a teaching destination that is becoming more popular thanks to its great mix of culture and natural scenery.
Being a landlocked country, Paraguay offers amazing opportunities for exploration, whether its ancient ruins, lakes or towering waterfalls.
Degree: Not required, but recommended
TESOL/TEFL: Required
Experience: Not required, but preferred
Uruguay
Uruguay is a hidden gem that provides a great mix of natural wonders and vibrant city life.
Being one of the more stable and progressive countries in the region, Uruguay is a great destination for those looking to explore a culturally rich country that is also considered very safe.
Degree: Not required, but highly recommended
TESOL/TEFL: Required
Experience: Not required, but strongly preferred
Brazil
The largest country in Latin America offers something for everyone. Whether you are into the beautiful natural wilderness of the rainforest or the vibrant and passionate Brazilian city lifestyle, this is a destination where you are able to experience it all. Brazil is known for being a melting pot for many different cultures, making it a very interesting destination to teach in.
The teaching industry in Brazil is quite stable and developed, making it a good choice for people that have yet to build up the courage to explore some of the smaller nations throughout Latin America.
Degree: Not required, but helpful
TESOL/TEFL: Required
Experience: Not required, but preferred
Summary
As you can tell by now, Latin America offers a lot of great opportunities to teach English abroad for both native and non-native speakers alike. Whether you are just starting out with your teaching career or if you are simply looking to try something new, Latin America has something for everyone. Although many of the countries have quite low requirements, it’s still good to remember that the more qualified you are, the better pay and opportunities you can expect. It can, therefore, be a good idea to spend some extra time and money on further developing your skills as an ESL teacher.
A good way to do this is to pursue additional certification, like obtaining an accredited TEYL certificate.
Do you have a favorite country in Latin America? Let us know below!
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