With Mexico and Guatemala in touching distance, it’s easy to ignore Belize as a promising location for English teachers. But Belize is unlike any country in Central America; it’s the only country in the region where English is an official language, and from the Belize Barrier Reef, tropical rainforest, and ancient Maya ruins, there’s plenty to do outside the classroom.

While the teaching market is smaller than neighbouring countries, there are still plenty of opportunities across the country. Read on for The TEFL Org’s guide to teaching English in Belize, from the requirements, salary expectations, visa process, and more.

Key Takeaways

• English is an official language, but many locals speak Spanish, Belizean Kriol, or even Mayan.
• To find teaching jobs in Belize, you’ll need a TEFL certificate, a bachelor’s degree, and prior teaching experience is preferred (but not essential).
• Teaching jobs come in public and private institutions, like language centres and international schools.
• The average salary for TEFL teachers ranges from BZ$1,085–2,500 ($530–$1,245 / £400–£920) per month (but salaries vary from one teacher or school to another).
• Job openings can be found online, but it’s more effective to search for work in-country.
• Teachers need an employment visa known as the Temporary Employment Permit.
• Top locations include Belize City, San Ignacio, and Belmopan.

Requirements for Teaching English in Belize

Teaching English in Belize comes with a different set of challenges compared to neighbouring countries like Mexico and Guatemala. The country was exposed to English in the 17th century, so English has been a staple in daily life for centuries.

But not everyone speaks English, so there’s still opportunity to teach. Some schools have more flexible entry requirements than others, while competitive roles are likely to ask for additional qualifications or previous teaching experience.

Here’s everything you need to know about the requirements for teaching in Belize.

Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach English in Belize?

You’ll need a TEFL certificate to teach English in Belize. It sounds strange teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) where English is an official main language, but not all locals have native English fluency in Belize.

Most employers require at least 120 hours of TEFL training, and others might ask for more — like a Level 5 TEFL course or a teaching licence if you’re applying for international school jobs. But generally, a 120-hour TEFL certificate is enough for most TEFL jobs.

Can I teach English without a degree in Belize?

Most teaching jobs in Belize require a bachelor’s degree. This is a requirement for the work permit, and it’s also an employer preference too. In some cases, a degree in any subject is enough, but employers might ask for a degree in education, teaching, or English.

But don’t worry, you can still teach English without a degree in Latin America! Or, you can join a volunteering programme in Belize to gain teaching experience.

Do I need teaching experience to teach in Belize?

It’s not impossible to teach English without experience in Belize, but most employers look for teachers who’ve stepped in the classroom before. But as long as you’re TEFL certified, schools might be open-minded because your certification shows that you’re classroom-ready.

Can I teach in Belize as a non-native speaker?

Belize is a multilingual country, so it’s not an essential requirement to be a native speaker to teach English. As long as you have a TEFL certificate and a degree (in most cases), you can teach English as a non-native speaker in Belize.

Visa requirements for teaching English in Belize

To work legally in Belize, you need to secure a job offer first, after which your employer handles or sponsors a Temporary Employment Permit (TEP) application through the Belize Labour Department Office.

Once it’s approved, collect your approval letter from the Labour Department and take it to the Immigration Office, where you’ll pay the fee and get instructions for getting your Income Tax Letter from the Belize Tax Service.

You’ll need to provide the following documents:

• Signed job contract with a local employer in Belize
• Proof of academic and professional qualifications
• Clear criminal background check
• Valid passport
• Proof of health insurance

Salary and Cost of Living

Teaching English in Belize offers a comfortable standard of living, and while salaries can be low, so can the cost of living. Here’s everything you need to know about the teacher salary, living expenses, and how much you can save.

How much can you earn teaching English in Belize?

Belize isn’t exactly somewhere you’d go as a teacher if making a mountain of money is your ultimate goal. TEFL teachers usually earn a salary of around BZ$1,085–2,500 ($530–$1,245 / £400–£920) per month, but salaries vary from one school to another.

International schools generally offer the highest salaries, while public schools and language schools tend to pay less. Your qualifications and teaching experience can also make a difference.

If you’re earning a salary on the lower end of the scale, you’ll need to apply some budgeting tips to live comfortably.

How much does it cost to live in Belize?

Belize is around 35–60% cheaper than western countries like the US or the UK, but because teaching salaries are relatively low, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending habits. After all, it’s a small country that imports most of its goods.

Cost of living without rent averages at around BZ$1,265 ($630 / £465) per month, and rent can range from anywhere from BZ$705–3,000 ($350–$1,490 / £260–£1,105) depending on the location and level of luxury.

So in some cases, the average spending exceeds the average TEFL salary, but you can still live comfortably on a TEFL teacher’s budget in Belize:

• Travel during low season: As a teacher, you have the benefit of not rushing around when it comes to travelling. Consider travelling during the low season from June–November, when hotels and excursions will cost much less.
• Skip tourist spots: Cities that have high levels of tourism like San Pedro are generally more expensive than other cities in Belize.
• Embrace free activities: Belize is a goldmine for enjoying free activities, whether you want to sunbathe on the beach or trek through dense rainforests.
• Eat like a local: From Fry Jacks to Salbutes, Panades, and Garnaches, there are plenty of local delights to enjoy in Belize without breaking the bank.
• Split the rent: Teachers often live with other teachers or expats to cut costs, and it’s a great way to meet people. You can save around 30% by renting a 3-bed flat instead of a 1-bed flat per month, and this can go towards other expenses.

English Teaching Jobs in Belize

The teaching market in Belize is much smaller than in other TEFL locations, mainly because English is an official language. But most opportunities can be found in public schools, while language schools, international schools, and universities offer fewer roles for advanced teachers who specialise in specific areas.

The school year runs from September–June, so plan your applications earlier in the months leading up to the summer to get your timings right. Private language schools usually hire year-round because there’s a consistent demand across the year. When it comes to finding jobs, most are advertised locally rather than online, so it’s not a bad idea to look for jobs “boots on the ground” style if you can afford it.

Otherwise, you can check job boards like The TEFL Org Job Centre.

Public schools

English is the main language of instruction at public schools in Belize, but these jobs usually go towards local workers, but it’s not impossible as a foreigner (especially if you also speak Spanish). But compared to private schools in Belize, public schools usually lack the resources especially rural and southern areas, and classroom sizes are usually larger.

Public schools are run by the Catholic Church and the Belizean government — but you don’t have to be religious to teach at one of these schools.

What to expect at public schools:

• Large class sizes and modest resources
• Following the national curriculum
• September–June school year

Private language schools

There’s less of a demand for private language schools in Belize. But they still exist especially in larger cities like Belize City and San Ignacio, and they tend to focus on ESP (English for Specific Purposes) courses like Business English and exam preparation, so having a teaching qualification in these subjects is particularly useful for teachers.

What to expect at private language schools:

• Evening and weekend classes
• Smaller class sizes
• Focus on ESP subjects like Business and Academic English
• Teaching adult learners and young learners

International schools

Like language schools, international schools are rare in Belize, because students already receive English education in the public school system. But some still exist in Belize for international students who want to focus on an American or British curriculum, or focus on bilingual education. These offer an ideal environment for teachers because class sizes are small, and they have access to excellent facilities. But while salaries and benefits are great, expectations are high.

Requirements vary by school, but these roles generally require teachers to have a teaching licence, bachelor’s or master’s degree, and years of teaching experience.

What to expect at international schools:

• Small class sizes of international students
• Following an international curriculum (US or UK)
• Excellent salaries and benefits, but a high amount of responsibilities

Universities

Belize doesn’t have many universities, but many of them offer English-taught programmes. It’s a competitive gig to get into, but if you have a master’s degree or a PhD and previous teaching experience, you could find yourself teaching English in Belize’s higher education system. These roles may include fewer teaching hours, but you’ll need to spend plenty of time preparing for lectures and seminars.

What to expect at universities:

• Lecture-based teaching
• Teaching young adults
• Focus on career guidance, academic research

Private tutoring

Private tutoring can be a useful way to supplement your income once you’ve found your feet in Belize, but you’ll need to find and market yourself to students. You’ll also need to be careful if your current teaching contract forbids extra teaching. Private tutoring offers flexibility, and there’s a demand in areas like Business English or English for Academic Purposes, but hours can be unstable.

What to expect as a private tutor:

• Flexible but unstable hours
• Requires marketing and networking
• Teaching 1–1 or small groups

Teaching English in Major Cities

With attractions like the Belize Barrier Reef and the Caribbean Sea on the coast, Mayan ruins to explore and a low cost of living on a teacher’s salary, Belize ought to interest anyone with a TEFL certification and an interest in Central American countries.

Teach English in Belize City

It’s no longer the capital, but Belize City remains the country’s largest city and commercial centre, making it the best place to look for teaching jobs. You can find opportunities in public schools, private schools, and international schools, but there’s also plenty to explore beyond the classroom.

Split in two by Haulover Creek, Belize City is home to colonial-era buildings, bustling markets, museums and a busy waterfront. When you’ve finished work, you can visit nearby wildlife sanctuaries or learn more about Belize’s history at the Museum of Belize.

It’s also the perfect base for exploring the rest of the country. Head inland towards tropical rainforests and ancient Maya ruins, or take the boat out to Goff’s Caye and Caye Caulker to snorkel through the Belize Barrier Reef.

Teach English in San Ignacio

Heading more inland, San Ignacio sits at the Guatemalan border, and its surrounding rainforest and conservation areas make it a popular choice for teachers who’d rather spend their weekends in the jungle than on the beach.

From private language schools, corporate training centres, to international schools and private tutoring, teachers can find TEFL jobs in different settings. Outside the classroom, you can visit the ancient Maya city of Xunantunich, hike through Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve or stop by the Green Iguana Conservation Project.

Teach English in Belmopan

With a population close to 20,000, Belmopan isn’t an obvious choice to host the National Assembly, the Supreme Court, the University of Belize and a wealth of other vital sites. But after Belize City was devastated by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, Belmopan was chosen as the capital city.

While it doesn’t boast the same number of teaching opportunities as cities like San Ignacio or San Pedro, due mainly to the difference in population, Belmopan is still well worth considering. As the educational, judicial, political and economic hub of Belize, English is highly valued here, and it’s become increasingly popular, with more people and businesses moving to Belmopan year after year.

Ready to Teach English Abroad? Don’t Forget Your TEFL Certificate

Ready to start your career teaching abroad? Don’t forget your TEFL certificate! While studying a TEFL course will help you find English teaching jobs in Belize and beyond, you’ll also become a more confident and qualified teacher. From differentiating plural and collective nouns to managing large groups of students, you’ll feel like you belong not just in Belize but also the classroom.

Get started today with our 120-hour TEFL course.