Teach English in South America

Yes, you can teach English in South America, and the region offers some of the most rewarding and affordable teaching experiences in the world. The biggest markets are Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Argentina and Ecuador. Most jobs are at language institutes and in business English, a 120 hour TEFL certificate is the usual requirement, and the legal route to work varies a great deal by country, so choose your destination with the visa in mind.

Which South American country is best for English teachers?

It depends on what matters most to you: legal routes, pay, cost of living or lifestyle. The table compares the main markets. Each country name links to our full, up to date guide.

Smaller markets include Uruguay and Bolivia. We do not currently recommend Venezuela, where several governments advise against travel. Just north of the region, Mexico is one of the largest and most accessible markets in the Americas.

What kinds of English teaching jobs are there in South America?

Language institutes. The main employer of foreign teachers across the region, teaching children, teenagers and adults, mostly in the early morning, evening and on Saturdays.

Business English. In-company classes for professionals, often arranged through agencies, and usually the best hourly rates, especially in São Paulo, Santiago and Bogotá.

Bilingual and international schools. Better paid and more stable, but usually looking for qualified schoolteachers with a degree and often a teaching licence.

Private and online teaching. Most teachers add private students, and many add online lessons paid in foreign currency, typically around US$10 to US$25 an hour, which protects income in countries with volatile currencies.

Volunteering. Some programmes place volunteer teachers in schools and communities. Check what visa a programme provides before you commit.

How do visas work for English teachers in South America?

There is no single South American work visa. Each country has its own rules, and the most important general points are these:

• Visitor entry does not allow you to work for a local employer anywhere in the region, even where tourist entry is visa free.
• Employer sponsored work visas exist everywhere but are more often offered by universities, bilingual schools and large institutes than by small schools.
• Working holiday visas are often the simplest legal route for eligible young teachers. Argentina and Chile, for example, have agreements with countries including Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
• Mercosur residence lets South American nationals live and work in member and associated countries.
• Digital nomad visas in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Ecuador can suit teachers working online for students abroad, but they do not cover local employment.
• Rules change. Brazil, for example, introduced visas for US, Canadian and Australian visitors in April 2025, and Chile’s 2021 migration law generally requires work residence to be applied for before arrival.

Working informally on tourist entry is common in parts of the region, but it is not legal and we do not recommend it. Each country guide sets out the current routes, and our Visa Desk tracks changes.

How much do English teachers earn in South America?

Pay is modest in international terms but generally covers a comfortable local lifestyle, especially outside the most expensive capitals. Most institute work is paid by the hour in local currency, and business English and private lessons pay more. Full time employment contracts must pay at least each country’s minimum wage, shown in the table above. Teachers in Argentina in particular often rely on online income in foreign currency because of inflation. Compare pay across the world on the TEFL Salary Index.

What qualifications do you need?

A TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours is the standard requirement across the region, alongside native or near native English. Many language institutes do not insist on a degree, but bilingual schools, universities and most work visas do. Business English and young learner training are both valuable.

Our 120 Hour Advanced TEFL Course meets the standard requirement, and the Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL course is a regulated qualification any employer can verify on the Ofqual register. Some Spanish, or Portuguese for Brazil, makes daily life and paperwork far easier.

When should you apply?

Most of South America follows a southern hemisphere school year starting around February or March, so the main hiring season runs from January to March, with a second round around July. Colombia and Ecuador are exceptions, with school calendars that vary by region and school type. Language institutes across the region hire year round.

What is it like teaching in South America?

Learners across the region tend to be warm, sociable and keen to speak, and relationships matter in finding work and keeping students. Schedules can be more flexible than you may be used to, and many employers prefer to interview in person and decide quickly. Dress smartly for work, take local advice on neighbourhoods and safety, and expect a welcoming, lively classroom.

Last updated: 1 October 2026. Minimum wage figures are from each country’s official decree or labour authority for 2026. Pay, prices and immigration rules change, so check the individual country guides and official sources before you travel.