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teach english in central america

Teach English in Central America

With so many outstanding teaching destinations in Central America, the hardest thing you’ll have to do is narrow down your choices!

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If you’re a TEFL teacher in search of adventure, incredible natural landscapes, rugged terrain, a vibrant arts and cultural scene and astonishing history, Central America has more than enough to satisfy. In a varied region with plenty of demand for English teachers, there’s plenty of scope to make a decent living or to make a social impact through volunteering or helping to construct English teaching infrastructure at an organisational level.

With countries in Central America like Costa Rica, Panama and Guatemala all increasingly welcoming large numbers of tourists and international trade partners, the demand for English has never been higher. Some countries, which we’ll come to later, have surprisingly high levels of English proficiency, owing to a range of socio-economic factors. Other countries within Central America offer a different kind of challenge, with particularly low rates of English literacy but an eagerness to improve and compete in global business and tourism.

There are many different teaching opportunities in Central America. Private language schools are a common route to employment, but there are also state schools, private schools, international schools, a wealth of universities and colleges, and plenty of opportunities for private tutoring. 

Where can TEFL teachers find fantastic opportunities to teach English abroad in Central America? Where can the best opportunities be found? What are salaries like, where is the cheapest place to live, and what requirements must be met? Let’s take a deep dive into teaching English abroad in Central America.

Central America: an overview 

Central America is highly underrated as a destination for teaching English abroad. Though teaching salaries aren’t as high for English teachers as in the Middle East, Asia or parts of Europe, the cost of living is significantly lower than much of the rest of the world. It’s a TEFL heaven for teachers who don’t want to be tied down on long contracts and would like to move from country to country exploring the outdoors. There are certainly plenty of great Central American countries to explore, too - you can find ESL teaching jobs in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and more!

Additionally, it’s a great place for newer ESL teachers to launch their English teaching careers. The requirements for teaching English abroad in Central America are also, on the whole, laxer than in other parts of the world, with more opportunities available to those who want to teach English abroad without a degree or without experience. Gaining your first teaching job in English language instruction can be remarkably straightforward, with many ESL teachers finding that having a TEFL certificate and access to local job boards does the trick!

There's significant demand for business English in Central America, so if you're an English teacher who's specifically trained in that area, you'll find teaching jobs relatively quickly. Completing an advanced TEFL course in Business English will certainly help, as will certificates in English for academic purposes and teaching young learners. Why? There are also plenty of ESL jobs for English teachers who can prepare students for English-speaking universities and colleges and ESL teachers who can handle large classes of children.

Best places to teach English abroad in Central America 

So, you want a job teaching English in Central America, but you’re unsure where to start looking? Here are some recommendations for unique destinations so you can find teaching jobs and join the ranks of TEFL-certified educators teaching English abroad in countries like El Salvador, Panama or Costa Rica!

Costa Rica

Costa Rica (‘Rich Coast’ in Spanish) is utterly gorgeous. Situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, the country offers mountains and endless coastline all at once. It’s a perfect location to teach abroad if you have an innate sense of adventure, with loads of great teaching jobs and much to explore in your downtime.

Costa Rica is also one of the happiest places in the world. It’s one of the greenest, which is something to consider for any English teacher interested in ecology or conservationism. If that wasn’t enough, there’s an impressive healthcare system, too.

Regarding earnings, TEFL-certified teachers in Costa Rica typically earn £480 - £800 / $600 -  $1,000, depending on qualifications, experience, institution and where you are within Costa Rica. Expect 20-25 working hours per week, with contracts lasting 6-12 months. For an hour’s tutoring, you can charge £7-£15 / $10-$20.

TEFL certificate: You'll need TEFL certification to teach English in Costa Rica.

Degree: Preferred by some employers

Experience: Preferred

Visa: At first, your best bet as a TEFL teacher is to become a self-employed tutor. Or, move only if you have a guaranteed job. Getting a work visa or a residency permit in Costa Rica can take time and effort. You’ll need your birth certificate and background check notarised and authenticated in Costa Rica. 

Guatemala

Guatemala, a captivating nation steeped in Mayan heritage, offers English teachers a truly distinctive experience, even in terms of teaching English in Central America. Its dynamic capital, Guatemala City, is a bustling centre of culture and commerce, though it’s truly the smaller cities, the towns and the rural areas that make Guatemala so fascinating. With an increasing demand for English, numerous opportunities await those who want something different when they teach English abroad. 

Quetzaltenango, or Xela, is ideal for TEFL teachers seeking opportunities beyond Guatemala City. While the capital offers a wealth of teaching positions, it also carries a challenging reputation and can be intimidating for newcomers. Xela, dramatically framed by ten surrounding volcanoes, is witnessing rapid population growth, which fuels the demand for education and English learning, though many roles are voluntary. The city hosts five universities and various language schools, making it an excellent base for any ESL teacher - especially those who like to tutor university students.

The basic salary for full-time positions in Guatemala is around £350 - £590 / $475 - $800 monthly. The hourly rates aren’t fantastic - £1.50 - £3.50 / $2 - $5 in language schools or up to £6 / $8 per hour for private lessons, depending on experience, location and qualifications.

TEFL certificate: TEFL certification is a vital requirement to teach abroad in Guatemala.

Degree: Preferred, required by some employers

Experience: Normally required for paid positions but not usually required for voluntary positions

Visa: A job offer is the foremost requirement for entry into Guatemala as an English teacher. Your employer will need to write a letter of invitation for you to include as part of your visa application. You can obtain a temporary residence permit valid for 3 months if granted a visa. You can then apply for a Visa Ordinaria, which is valid for 6 months, and a Visa Ordinaria Extension, which is valid for 2 years.

Panama 

A nature lover’s dream and an extremely underrated destination for teaching abroad, Panama should be on the list of anyone who wants to teach in Central America. As soon as you arrive, you'll feel the warmth of the Panamanian people and their welcoming culture. 

Panama’s enormous appetite for learning English stands out. English teaching jobs are plentiful, with primary and secondary schools incorporating English into their curriculum. EF ranked Panama 75th in the world for English proficiency, something the Panamanian government is trying to improve. Educational infrastructure is developing in the cities, but the conditions are more difficult outside of major urban centres. 

For an entry-level English teaching position in Panama, you can expect an average salary of around £610-£1,145/$800-$1,500 per month. This figure can vary depending on the city or town, school type, qualifications, and teaching experience.

TEFL certificate: Yes, TEFL certification is essential.

Degree: Yes

Teaching experience: Yes

Visa: Panama is relatively easy to access initially. Many nations have citizens who do not require visas to stay for 90 days or less. If you’re from Canada or the USA, you don’t need a visa to stay for as long as 180 days. 

Attaining a work permit, however, is different. You’ll have to obtain permanent residence first. To gain a work permit, you’ll need:

  • A work permit application completed by a legal professional
  • A letter from your employer
  • Documentation from the National Immigration Service
  • Residence ID
  • 4x passport photos

Nicaragua

Nicaragua might be your perfect destination if you're a TEFL-certified teacher eager to explore diverse natural landscapes, abundant English teaching jobs, and vibrant cities. Whether you teach English in bustling cities like Managua, León, or Granada, you'll find numerous ESL teaching opportunities and enthusiastic learners in different institutions.

Venture beyond the urban areas and discover stunning volcanoes and beautiful beaches. Nicaragua is an ideal place to teach English if you’re an amateur photographer, a trail runner, a nature enthusiast, or just like beautiful scenery!

Spanish is the primary language (as is standard in Central America and Latin America). Still, there’s both a solid level of English proficiency in Nicaragua and, in turn, demand for English teachers. A word of caution, however, political unrest has made Nicaragua less safe than it used to be, with government crackdowns on civil liberties and extremely harsh policing. Consult with your local embassy on Nicaragua's overall safety and political situation before launching your visa application.

TEFL certificate: Yes, TEFL certification is an essential requirement.

Degree: No

Experience: Preferred, not mandatory

Visa: Your best option for work visas is to work on a tourist visa and have it renewed every 90 days. To do this, you must cross over to Costa Rica and then return to Nicaragua.

Honduras 

The EF English Proficiency Index lists Honduras as 31st out of 113 countries. For reference, that’s higher than incredibly popular TEFL destinations, including France, South Korea, and India. In terms of English abilities, Honduras outperforms much of Latin America. Honduras’ status as a master exporter is a significant factor in this level of proficiency. Port cities and towns are typically more multicultural, but English is the lingua franca of business and plays a vital role in trade.

Regarding opportunities to find teaching jobs in Honduras, here’s some good news: English has become a mandatory pre-elementary subject. State education in Honduras isn’t amazingly funded but progress is being made in terms of overall literacy and English proficiency. Teaching jobs are available in private language schools, and many Honduran students like to learn one-on-one with ESL teachers.

Typically, a monthly starter salary in Honduras ranges between £395 and £790 / $500 and $1,000. Teaching salaries can rise to around £1,263-£1,580 / $1,600-$2,000 per month at fee-paying institutions like international schools.

TEFL certificate: Yes

Degree: No

Experience: Preferred, not mandatory

Visa: A job offer is needed. The usual work permit given to ESL teachers is the Special Residence Permit, valid for 1-5 years. If you find yourself between Special Residence Permits during your stay in Honduras, you can transition to a Temporary Residence Permit as your original visa nears expiration.

To obtain a Special Residence Permit, you will need:

  • A valid passport
  • Copies of your qualifications (TEFL certificate, degree, if applicable)
  • A copy of a job offer from a Honduran institution
  • Proof of income
  • Criminal background checks from every country you have resided in
  • A birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)

El Salvador

El Salvador, a fascinating and unique blend of ancient Mayan culture and Spanish influence, is an ideal location for English teachers fascinated by Central America. El Salvador is a small but formidable Central American nation undergoing a cultural and economic transformation, making it an exciting place to live and work teaching English abroad.

El Salvador is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with its gorgeous coastline, lush rainforests, and active volcanoes. Add in extremely welcoming locals, an appetite for English proficiency, a country's rich history and vibrant culture - with some fantastic music - and you have endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

As an English teacher in El Salvador, you'll have the chance to make a real impact on the lives of your students through the economic and educational opportunities it can provide. The demand for English language skills is growing, and numerous teaching jobs are available in schools, universities, and private language schools. Teaching English in El Salvador allows you to engage with diverse learners and contribute to developing English proficiency in Latin America.

Like anywhere else, the wage you receive to teach English in El Salvador can vary depending on experience, qualifications, and the institution you teach. Average monthly salaries range from £800 to £960 / $1,000 to £1,200. The US Dollar is El Salvador’s official currency, making life a little easier for stateside ESL teachers.

TEFL certificate: Yes

Degree: Yes

Experience: Preferred

Visa: There are 141 nations and territories whose citizens can travel to El Salvador visa-free. If you’re not from any listed countries, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay visa, which needs to be renewed annually. Don’t fret - the process is straightforward, and if you have a solid job offer, an employer will handle most of the responsibilities.

To be eligible, you’ll need a valid passport for at least six more months from the time of application. Additionally, you’ll need a completed application form, proof of address (hotel or permanent dwelling), health insurance information, civil status documentation, flight details, photos, and a bank statement. 

Download our teaching English in Latin America guide

Requirements for teaching English in Central America

What are the requirements for teaching English in Central America? Well, that’s a broad question, and it’s impossible to answer outright. Every country, individual school, and business will have its specific requirements for an ESL teacher to meet. Nonetheless, here are some commonalities we’ve noticed across Central America.

TEFL certificate

Most English-speaking teachers you’ll meet will have completed a TEFL course. Why? TEFL certification is a ticket to many jobs in Central America and the world. Accredited, high-quality TEFL courses can give you the grounding to teach English in many unique locations.

Completing a 120-hour course is the industry standard and the minimum employers will expect of you. If you have completed advanced TEFL courses in specialist areas, then all the better!

Degree/No Degree

There’s no getting around it: having a bachelor's degree in any field can be extremely helpful in finding TEFL jobs. Lots of employers will ask for one. However, it's not always a strict requirement, especially in Central America. Indeed, having a degree will be mandatory for some TEFL jobs, particularly in fee-paying institutions like international schools, private schools and universities. Still, in terms of getting a visa, many Central American countries don’t need you to have a degree.

Experience

Much like a degree, teaching experience is always helpful, and it’s a must for some positions. However, it’s not always mandatory, especially for entry-level positions in Central America. Don’t get us wrong - like a degree, it can help to land prestigious jobs and a more lucrative salary. At the same time, Central America is a great destination if you’re looking for your first job teaching English. Many teachers launch their careers teaching English in Central America or South America because fewer employers are concerned about previous experience.

Visa 

Obtaining a work permit and visa is a crucial step in teaching abroad, and that’s as true of Central America as it is in wider Latin America, Europe, or anywhere else in the world. The specific requirements can vary by country and change constantly. We’d advise speaking to your local embassy and researching online to find the visa and work permit regulations for the specific country you're interested in.

Country Avg. monthly salary Degree required Start of term Teaching experience Housing & flights included Suitable for non-native English speakers Age restrictions

Types of jobs in Central America 

Ready to teach abroad in Central America? Here’s some good news: many different types of jobs are available just waiting for a talented teacher like you. Central America has opportunities for new teachers, especially in public schools and private language schools. For experienced TEFL experts,  you can find a role at an international school or a university that fits right in on your hefty CV.

Public schools 

Many public schools across Central America need native English-speaking teachers and TEFL talent who are exceptionally fluent in Spanish. The best way to find public school jobs is, in general, to be in the right place at the right time—many of these jobs are advertised locally.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. How to teach English in Central America?

    Countries in Central America have different visa requirements, and employers will have their requirements, too. However, gaining a high-quality TEFL certificate is a great way to find English teaching work in Central America.

  • Q. How much do English teachers make in Guatemala?

    The basic salary for full-time English teaching positions in Guatemala is around £350 - £590 / $475 - $800 monthly. Guatemala's cost of living is low, which is essential to remember.

  • Q. Which Latin country is best for teaching English?

    Latin America is full of great countries for teaching English as a foreign language. From Mexico to Argentina, Latin America and South America are packed with amazing destinations for English teachers.

  • Q. How do you teach English in South or Central America?

    Countries in South America and Central America have different visa requirements for entry. Similarly, employers will have their targets and standards for prospective employees to meet. As a first - and potentially most important step - aspiring English teachers should gain a TEFL qualification from a respected, recognised provider.