Top 6 TEFL Destinations in Latin America

With lush rainforests, relics of ancient civilisations, and a high demand for English speakers – Latin America is a great spot of TEFL teachers seeking career opportunities and a varied lifestyle. But with so many interesting cultures to choose from, narrowing down which country to call your new home isn’t easy. 

In celebration of launching our new guide to teaching English in Latin America , we’ve created a list of some of the top countries to consider on the continent! 

How did we choose these countries? 

We chose these countries based on a combination of factors, like job availability, salary and cost of living comparison, and lifestyle opportunities.

If you want to find out more about these countries, from the cost of living, jobs types, visa process, and much more, download the full guide to teaching English in Latin America !

Mexico

Mexico combines a huge TEFL market with plenty to embrace outside the classroom, from ancient cities, famous festivals, spicy and colourful cuisine. English is in high demand among students and adults studying Business English – especially given its close proximity to the United States. Some employers at private language schools accept entry-level and non-degree holders, while experienced teachers can work at international schools. 

City dwellers and extroverts can relish the busy streets of Mexico City , while culture seekers have plenty to see at ancient ruins of Teotihuacán or Tula and festivals like Day of the Dead. If you’re a foodie, head to the culinary capital – Oaxaca !  

How much can you earn teaching in Mexico in 2026? 

English teachers in Mexico can earn around MXN 8,765–26,290 ($500–$1,500 / £375–£1,120) per month. If you have years of teaching experience, you can earn more at a British or American international school. 

What are the requirements for teaching in Mexico? 

Teachers generally need a TEFL certificate; a bachelor’s degree and teaching experience are preferred by some employers (but not all). 

Check out English teaching jobs in Mexico .

Costa Rica

Although it’s not a lucrative opportunity, Costa Rica ’s pura vida (“pure life”) outlook is reflected in its relaxed pace of life, making it one of the best countries if you’re prioritising lifestyle over saving potential. From ecosystems of wild sloths, surfing and hiking spots, a busy coffee culture, and eco-conscious efforts, you can enjoy a lifestyle that prioritises happiness beyond the classroom in Costa Rica. 

Some of the best places to teach in Costa Rica include San José – the business capital – and surrounding areas like Heredia and Cartago. But bear in mind – the cost of living has risen significantly over the years. 

Tip : Many employers don’t sponsor visas and instead have teachers work on tourist visas – this is illegal and risks fines or deportation.

How much can you earn teaching in Costa Rica in 2026? 

English teachers average around ₡280,000–660,000 ($600–$1,400 / £450–£1,050) per month working at private language schools. 

What are the requirements for teaching in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is one of the most flexible TEFL locations, and you don’t need a degree to teach here. But while a TEFL certificate is often enough, many employers gravitate towards teachers with American accents.

 Check out teaching jobs in Costa Rica .

Argentina

From the tango halls and streets of Buenos Aires to the icy glaciers of Patagonia, Argentina offers plenty to explore outside the classroom. Between popular cities like Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Córdoba, you can go from sipping clericó in colourful neighbourhoods with European architecture to hiking mountainous terrain.

Teaching English in Argentina isn’t a lucrative opportunity, but it’s a great way to learn Spanish and embrace a lively culture. Some of the best locations for teachers include Buenos Aires, where you’ll find the bulk of teaching opportunities. But don’t overlook other cities like Mendoza or Córdoba which offer a more laid-back lifestyle and lower costs of living.

How much can you earn teaching in Argentina in 2026? 

Monthly salaries typically range from around ARS 750,000–1.8 million ($500–$1,200 / £370–£890) , while international schools can offer up to ARS 3–3.7 million ($2,000–2,500 / £1,485–£1,855) . 

What are the requirements for teaching in Argentina? 

Many employers prefer a university degree and expect teachers to have at least 120 hours of TEFL training. Language assistant programmes like British Council and Fulbright usually require teachers who can speak Spanish to some degree. 

Check out teaching jobs in Argentina .

Peru

Peru is a huge market for English teachers, and while the salaries aren’t that high, its low cost of living means you can live a very comfortable lifestyle as an English teacher.  With large cities like Lima, Cusco and Arequipa, teaching jobs in Peru come in the form of language schools and international schools, entry-level and advanced positions are available across the country. 

But there’s plenty of things to enjoy away from the classroom. From Machu Picchu to the Amazon rainforest, its combination of European and indigenous heritage, Inca Trails and surf spots like Chicama beach, Peru can cater to any lifestyle. 

How much can you earn teaching in Peru in 2026? 

English teacher salaries range from around S/.1,500–3,500 ($440–1,030 / £330–£775) per month at language centres, rising to around S/.5,000–9,000 ($1,470–$2,650 / £1,105–£1,990) at international schools

What are the requirements for teaching in Peru? 

A 120-hour TEFL certificate is commonly preferred, while a university degree (in any subject), teaching experience and native English proficiency can improve your job options but aren't always essential.

Check out teaching jobs in Peru .

Brazil

Brazil makes up for around half of South America’s landmass. From the Amazon rainforest to the Atlantic coast, Indigenous heritage, colourful festivals and energetic cities, the fifth largest country in the world has plenty to offer English teachers. 

It’s also the only Portuguese-speaking country on this list, making it a great option for those who have an interest in learning Portuguese their work. Where should you consider? While Rio de Janeiro offers a mix of city life and beaches, São Paulo is Brazil's economic centre and has strong demand for Business English teachers.

How much can you earn teaching in Brazil in 2026? 

English teachers can earn around R$2,540–R$5,000 ($670–$985 / £500–£735) per month, or R$6,000–R$12,000 ($1,180–$2,365 / £880–£1,760) at international schools if you have years of classroom experience.

What are the requirements for teaching in Brazil?

Teachers generally need a TEFL certificate, and most employers prefer a bachelor's degree (in any subject) and experience but they’re not essential, especially at private language schools.

Check out English teaching jobs in Brazil .

Chile

Chile stretches for more than 2,650 miles from north to south, so you can expect a geographically diverse landscape in this unique country from the chilly glaciers of Patagonia to the Atacama Desert. But beyond its landscapes, there’s more to The Tapestry of the World; teachers can embrace a mix of indigenous heritage and colonial architecture.

Foreign teachers can find most teaching opportunities through private language schools, international schools and assistant-teaching positions in public schools in spots like Santiago, Valparaíso and Concepción.

How much can you earn teaching in Chile in 2026? 

English teachers can earn around CLP 600,000–840,000 ($640–$900 / £475–£665) per month. Advanced teachers can earn up to CLP 1.5 million ($1,605 / £1,190) at international schools. 

What are the requirements for teaching in Chile? 

Teachers need a TEFL certificate, and a bachelor’s degree in any subject is preferred (but isn’t a legal requirement). 

Check out English teaching jobs in Chile .

How to teach English in Latin America

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on finding your dream job in Latin America. 

1. Get TEFL certified : Most employers look for foreign teachers with at least 120 hours of TEFL certification . This covers the teaching essentials from lesson planning, classroom management, grammar, and more. 
2. Check the industry requirements : Look for jobs that are suited to your level of experience. Generally speaking, private language schools are more flexible in their hiring process, whereas public or international schools have higher entry requirements. 
3. Start your job search : From The TEFL Org Jobs Centre to Dave’s ESL Cafe and beyond, there are many platforms to find a TEFL job in Latin America. This usually requires applying and interviewing online, before processing your visa. Some teachers prefer to look for work in-country, but this is costly and requires completing a visa run after finding a job.
4. Book your flight : Don’t forget to bring a financial safety net with you, stay connected with friends and family, and research the location thoroughly before you start teaching.

Take the first step towards teaching in Latin America 

Teaching in Latin America is a great opportunity to build a career while living in a foreign country, and you’ll need to make sure that you’re enjoying your time spent in the classroom too. With a TEFL course , you’ll learn how to navigate disruptive behaviour, use engaging materials, personalise lessons, and so much more. 

Get started today by taking our internationally recognised 120 hour TEFL course !

To find out more about TEFL in South America download our FREE guide to Teaching English in Latin America!