Teach English in Argentina

Teaching English in Argentina provides an exciting opportunity for educators looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of South America. 

The Argentine people have an immense appreciation for the English language and an enthusiasm for learning, which makes teaching an absolute pleasure.

This demand for English teachers in Argentina is largest in the Business English sector, with many business professionals and executives looking for classes. This is particularly true in Buenos Aires and Cordoba. 

If you are not interested in teaching Business English, then there are more touristy areas where it is possible to find teaching opportunities. These include Bariloche, Mendoza, Marde, Plata and Salta.

Buenos Aires

The Paris of South America

Buenos Aires is the obvious choice for TEFL teachers looking for work because it offers the most opportunities. Language schools abound and private students are aplenty. Outside the classroom, there is muchos to keep you entertained – from late-night dance halls to asados (barbecues) to cultural events.

Rosario

The cradle of the Argentine flag

Rosario is growing steadily thanks to international trade in the area. Business English teachers are in high demand here. But it’s not all work! Set along a picturesque river, Rosario offers natural beauty in abundance.

Mendoza

Wine country

If you’ve tasted a Malbec, then you’re familiar with the wines of Mendoza. The wine industry – and its natural beauty – has resulted in Mendoza becoming a hot tourist destination. With that, there is a need for English proficiency for all those in the tourism and hospitality industries.

Cordoba

A vibey student town

Cordoba is Argentina’s second-largest city. A vibrant university town, there’s a neverending demand for English lessons because of the student population.

The requirements to teach English in Argentina are not as strict as in some countries, similar to other South American countries. 

Teachers generally enter the country on a tourist visa and then convert it to a work visa with the support of their employer, ensuring compliance with immigration regulations. To be eligible for a tourist visa you need to prove sufficient funds for your stay.

If you’d rather not take the chance of entering on a tourist visa to look for work, you need to apply for an Entry Permit. This permit is your permission from the Argentinian Immigration Authority to work legally in the country.

If you are offered a long-term working position, your school will apply for a work visa on your behalf. For this visa you need a TEFL certificate and a criminal record check.

Not at all. Many new TEFL teachers find placements in Argentina. Of course, teachers with teaching experience can expect higher rates of pay.

Although a Level 5 TEFL certificate is not a mandatory requirement, having this qualification will help you secure higher-paid work. This becomes important for teachers when considering the cost of living. 

A degree is not typically required to teach English in Argentina, making it accessible for aspiring teachers from various backgrounds. Having said that, a degree is a gateway to better-paying positions.

Absolutely. English is taught in schools from an early age, but the level of English proficiency in the country is still quite low (≅ 15%). For this reason, Argentines appreciate the linguistic expertise TEFL teachers bring with them.

Start-up capital obviously depends on a range of factors but as a rule of thumb, you should have at least $1,500 as capital for start-up costs. Here are a few costs you need to consider when starting out in Argentina:

• Accommodation: First month’s rent and security deposit.
• TEFL certification: A TEFL course can cost between $100 and $500, depending on the length and level of the course and the course provider. 
• Document fees: Any costs related to certifying and notarising your degree and TEFL certificate.
• Flight ticket: Variable. 
• Visa application: The cost of a visa is subject to your home country. You can expect to pay between $100 and $150.
• Living expenses: You will need one month’s worth of start-up capital of about $600 – $800 without rent.

In Argentina, you will find teaching opportunities in language schools, international schools, and businesses offering English courses for professionals.

The work ethic in Argentina is quite laid-back and relaxed, so part-time and freelance opportunities are readily available.

Private language schools

Teaching at private language schools is the most popular position for English teachers. However, many teachers take on private students after hours to supplement their income.

Public schools

Opportunities exist in public primary, secondary schools and universities. Wages are lower than in private language schools, so public school teachers often tutor privately on the side.

Private lessons

Private lessons are common throughout Argentina for students of all ages. Younger students may take private lessons after school or on the weekends and during holidays. Adults may be looking for private lessons for conversational English or for Business English for their jobs.

Online

Teaching English online offers you the opportunity to teach students from anywhere. Living in Argentina and teaching English online is a smart choice considering the low cost of living. Online English teachers generally charge between $5 and $20 an hour.

Other teaching programs in Argentina

Another option for teaching English in Argentina is corporate work.

Corporate work

Businesses and organisations often utilise foreign English language teachers to upskill their employees’ English skills. In such cases, TEFL teachers teach Business English and English for Communication so their students can compete in the global market.

The majority of English teachers enter Argentina on a tourist visa and find employment once they are in the country. Tourist visas are valid for 90 days, after which they must be renewed by doing a border run. 

Teaching vacancies are advertised online and in newspapers. Many jobs are also found through word-of-mouth so make the most of your networking skills. 

Don’t be shy to visit language schools in person and drop off your CV. You can phone ahead to secure a meeting or you can visit and leave a speculative CV with a staff member.

There are a variety of teaching opportunities in Argentina for English teachers. Your salary will differ based on which teaching route you choose to follow. 

• Private language schools pay $5 – $15 an hour.
• In public schools, teachers can earn $600 – $1,200 a month.
• For private lessons, TEFL teachers usually charge $10 – $20 an hour.

Because of the temporary nature of many teaching positions in Argentina, benefits for teachers are few and far between.

Schools in Argentina do not offer benefits packages as in the Middle East or Asia. But they will provide you with assistance in finding accommodation. 

Common benefits for teachers include paid holiday and health insurance. 

The average monthly cost of living is approximately $600 to $800, allowing teachers to maintain a comfortable lifestyle within their means.

What is the cost of living in Argentina?

Here are some of the usual costs for living in Argentina – but bear in mind, these vary quite a lot depending on which region or city you are in:

Accommodation

• A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre: $500 a month
• A one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre: $400 a month

Utilities

• Electricity, water, and gas: $50 – $100 a month

Food and groceries

• Monthly shop: $50 – $200 
• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $7

Transport

• Monthly travel pass: $15 
• One-way ticket: $0.30

Internet 

• Unlimited: $20

Entertainment

• Gym, cinema, clubbing: $100 a month

Many teachers do not come to Argentina to make a fortune, as in some Asian or Middle Eastern countries. The teaching rates are not very high, and then there is the issue of finding full-time work. Instead, the draw for a TEFL teacher is to live and work here to experience Argentina’s vibrant and colourful way of life.

Our top tips for saving money in Argentina: 

• Live like a local. Imported goods and Western-style food will set you back. Shopping at supermarkets and supporting local businesses will save you loads of money.
• If you live in a bigger, more expensive city (like Buenos Aires), try to find accommodation near the outskirts of the city, rather than in the city centre.
• If you can, share accommodation. The biggest expense that teachers face is accommodation. This question can be solved through shared living arrangements with other teachers. 

Teaching English in Argentina combines the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives while experiencing this beautiful country’s vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes.

• 6-Month teaching contracts are common. Many TEFL teachers have multiple streams of income due to the unstable nature of teaching.
• Buenos Aires is not only alive through its famous dance, the tango but through its inhabitants, in their stylish clothes, enjoying Argentinean cafe life against the exquisite backdrop of coloured houses. 
• Outside of Buenos Aires, Mendoza, famous for wines and the high peaks of the Andes, provides a stunning vista to while away your time. 
• Patagonia offers outdoor adventures on its wild plains.
• English teachers in Argentina can expect to work with a diverse range of students, including business professionals and children, providing a rewarding and varied teaching experience. 

Start your teaching journey with a certified TEFL course provider!