Top 7 Spanish Speaking Countries for Teaching English Abroad
Learning a new language while teaching English abroad is a great way to immerse yourself into a new culture. On top of that, a new language skill will be a great advantage when applying for jobs back home when you decide to return.
With over 400 million native speakers, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world behind Chinese with 1.2 billion. English comes in third with 360 million native speakers worldwide.
If you are interested in learning Spanish, check out the top seven Spanish-speaking countries for teaching English abroad.
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7. Teaching English in Costa Rica
It is really no surprise that Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations for teaching English abroad. The country boasts exceptional natural wonders, such as lush rainforests and pristine beaches. While teaching salaries aren’t the highest, teachers in Costa Rica can enjoy a comfortable and relaxed lifestyle in the tropics. The country is also a paradise for surfers - beginners and experts alike.
If you are interested in teaching English in Costa Rica, you will find that the best time for job hunting within the country is January/February as well as June/July. You can also find jobs before Christmas and start work in the second week of January.
Get started and take our 4-week in-class TEFL certification course in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica and find out more about living and working in Costa Rica in our country guide.
6. Teaching English in Chile
The most economically stable and prosperous nation in the region, Chile is a great place for teaching English abroad. While the demand for English teachers has slowed down a bit recently, it is still possible to find plenty of vacant positions in the country’s largest cities. On top of that, Chile is one of the few Spanish-speaking countries where a legal work permit is relatively easy to obtain. The salaries on offer aren’t bad either allowing teachers to live a comfortable middle class lifestyle. It is worth noting that teachers with a TEFL certificate usually earn a higher salary.
Chile has a lot to offer its visitors, including a vast coastline, picturesque mountains, and world-class wine regions. Santiago, the country’s capital and largest city, offers the best chance of landing a dream job teaching English in Chile. However, you can also find positions in other cities such as Valparaiso or Concepción, as well as in more rural parts across the country. The main hiring season in Chile is either February/March or July/August.
Find out more about living and working in Chile in our country guide.
5. Teaching English in Argentina
Argentina is the fourth most populated Spanish-speaking country in the world and it has plenty of opportunities for English teachers across the country. Attracted by the vibrant culture, exciting nightlife and spectacular natural wonders, many thousands of people come to live in Argentina every year.
Buenos Aires is the country's capital and it sees the highest demand for qualified teachers. The majority of teachers are hired via face-to-face interviews rather than from abroad so it is best to come to Argentina to undertake your job search. The main hiring seasons are February/March and July/August. Once you start applying for jobs you will find that salaries in Argentina are amongst the highest in the region.
Get started and take our 4-week in-class TEFL certification course in Buenos Aires, Argentina and find out more about living and working in Argentina in our country guide.
4. Teaching English in Peru
Peru’s mysterious Inca history, especially the thrilling Machu Picchu ruins, and its unbelievable natural beauty are the main attractions of the country. Paired with the vibrant culture and welcoming nature of the locals, Peru is not only a great travel destination but also a wonderful place to live and teach English. While Lima, the country's capital and largest city, has the most job opportunities for TEFL certified teachers, the cities of Arequipa and Cusco also have a healthy demand.
While it is not uncommon to teach English in Peru “under the table” on a simple tourist visa, it is possible for determined teachers to obtain a work visa after one or two years. Just like most other countries in South America, the main hiring seasons in Peru are February/March and July/August.
Get started and take our 4-week in-class TEFL certification course in Cusco, Peru and find out more about living and working in Peru in our country guide.
3. Teaching English in Spain
Even though the economy in Spain has been a little rocky recently, it is still an attractive destination for many people wanting to teach English in a Spanish-speaking country. Spain is actually one of the most popular places for English teachers in Europe as it has so much to offer, including a long and interesting history, a vibrant culture, delicious food and a variety of landscapes.
The big cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Seville offer the most opportunities for qualified teachers. A TEFL certificate is almost always required and also gets you a higher salary. While EU citizens will not need a work visa to work in Spain, teachers from outside the EU often work on a tourist visa, which is technically not legal but still very common. Alternatively, you can easily obtain a student visa if you enrol in a Spanish language course. This visa allows you to work 20 teaching hours per week.
American and Canadian teachers can also apply for the Cultural Ambassadors Program, where 2,500 North Americans every year are placed into elementary or secondary schools across the country to work as assistant language teachers.
Get started and take our 4-week in-class TEFL certification course in Barcelona, Granada, Seville or Malaga and find out more about living and working in Spain in our country guide.
2. Teaching English in Colombia
Colombia is a rising star on the EFL teaching market. The country has left the days of drug violence and political turmoil behind and is one of the fastest growing economies in the region today. The country also attracts many teachers because of its beautiful beaches and lush rainforests.
The capital Bogota and the city of Medillin are the hotspots for English teaching positions in Colombia. While most positions can be found at private language institutes, the Colombian Ministry of Education is now also recruiting more and more foriegn teachers into public schools across the country.
Get started and take our 4-week in-class TEFL certification course in Chia, Colombia and find out more about living and working in Colombia in our country guide.
1. Teaching English in Mexico
Mexico has almost twice as many people as the next largest Spanish-speaking country, offering limitless opportunities for qualified English teachers. Since the United States is Mexico’s largest and most important trade partner, English language skills are extremely important for people in Mexico. It is also relatively easy to obtain a work visa for teaching English in Mexico.
You can find teaching positions year-round in large cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Puebla. However, you can also find positions in dream destinations like Cancun, Acapulco, or Puerto Vallarta, where people working in the tourism industry need to learn English.
Get started and take our 4-week in-class TEFL certification course in Chiapas, Mexico and find out more about living and working in Mexico in our country guide.
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