Teaching English in Chile
Teaching English in Chile
Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree: Preferred, not required
Monthly Salary: $600-1,200 USD
Peak Hiring: July – August
Visa Information: Tourist and work visa
Housing: Not compensated
Airfare: Not reimbursed
Student Types: Business English and children
At a Glance
With a stable economy and impressive education system, Chile has become an increasingly popular destination for teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) teachers. In recent years, demand for English classes has risen among all ages and socioeconomic groups throughout the country. This has led to many openings for TEFL teachers, especially in private language schools or universities.
Overview
Chile is known for being a safe country. In fact, it’s ranked as the most peaceful country in Latin America. But it’s also very scenic with an abundance of wildlife, nature, and unique cultural history such as on Easter Island.
You need a TEFL certificate to work there. It’s possible to teach English without a degree in Chile. But some employers will only hire you if you have one. Santiago has similarities to any American city, and it’s the biggest market for teaching English in Chile.
Teaching English in Chile is often the perfect opportunity for foreign teachers because of its economic growth, political stability, and modern cities. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the biggest TEFL markets in South America, specifically in business English.
English Language Schools in Chile
Most jobs are in Santiago, which is the economic center of Chile. There are jobs teaching adults in business English. You typically have to be in Chile to find a job. The peak hiring seasons are in March/April and in July/August, which is the best time to hand out your CV/resume.
To get a work visa, employers have to sponsor you. Unlike other countries in South America, schools in Chile will assist you in the process. Employers check for TEFL certification. A Bachelor’s degree isn’t necessary but it helps to get hired in some schools. Typically, you can work in language centers, international schools, and private tutoring.
International Language Schools
If you want to work at an international school or university in Chile, you’ll need a valid teaching license and/or degree in education. These are some of the most difficult jobs to get hired for and often require prior teaching experience.
Private Tutoring
Most English teachers work for private companies where you go to people’s homes or offices to teach 90-minute classes to individuals or small groups. You get paid per class so your salary will vary by month. Hours are commonly in the mornings and evenings and you might have to travel. The best thing to do is build up a client base and freelance, setting your own rate.
Language Institutes
If you are considering teaching English in Chile, there are private language schools where foreign teachers can work at. The academic year starts after the summer in March, so that is when there are more positions available.
Salary
As with everywhere in South America, salaries are low. While you should be able to meet the day-to-day costs, you are unlikely to save anything at all. The cost of living is relatively high so as you can imagine you need a lot of hours to feel comfortable here.
You can expect to earn a monthly salary of 400,000-800,000 CLP ($600-1,200 USD). If you work in Santiago in a higher pay job, you can make up to 800,000 CLP ($1,200 USD). At an hourly rate, some institutes pay up to $15 or maybe a bit more.
Teachers are responsible for paying their own airfare to Chile. Housing may be provided, but this is generally only where the salary is too low to live on. Teachers are likely to have to pay 50-100% of the visa costs. Teachers rarely save a significant amount of money in Chile.
| Monthly Salary | Total |
|---|---|
| US Dollars (USD) | 600 to 1,200 USD |
| Chilean Peso (CLP) | 400,000-800,000 CLP |
Certification
TEFL certification will equip you with the right skills you need to become a proficient teacher in Chile. And there are few countries in the world that are as diverse as Chile. With its lush rainforests, arid deserts, and everything in between, this country has almost every natural ecosystem on Earth. It also has a great deal of cultural diversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can expect to earn a monthly salary of 400,000-800,000 CLP ($600-1,200 USD). If you work in Santiago in a higher pay job, you can make up to 800,000 CLP ($1,200 USD).
Chile has a high standard of healthcare. It’s relatively safe without as much disparity between socioeconomic groups. Chileans put a strong emphasis on family life and values.
Students range in age level from adults to young learners. Business English learners are eager. Institutes may provide you with textbooks for the lower levels, so class preparation time can be quite low. The more advanced level classes are catered to what the students want. There is often a focus on English conversation at the highest levels.
Visas can be a hassle working in Chile. They can be quite expensive depending on where you are from and can take a few months to get everything finalized. Obtaining a work visa is a bureaucratic process and it’s known that some schools hold back part of a salary because of it.
No. A degree is not required. But employers often ask for TEFL certification.