Teach English in Mexico

Teaching English in Mexico doesn’t come with many benefits – besides living in Mexico, of course!

Some positions include shared accommodation or an accommodation allowance. No matter where you work, you’ll be given from 1 to 4 weeks’ paid leave for the year.

If you’re working as an English teacher on a tourist visa, you’re not entitled to any government benefits. 

If you’re teaching English in Mexico on a FM3 visa, you’re eligible for access to the national healthcare system.

The most popular cities to teach in Mexico are Mexico City, Guadalajara, Leon and Monterrey.

Salaries are higher in international schools and universities, but these positions are usually offered to degreed or experienced teachers. Mexico City is the most well-known for having a high number of positions at these types of institutions. 

Business English teachers are in high demand in Mexico. Teachers with Business English experience or a specialised qualification in teaching Business English can ask for higher rates of pay.

Schools in bigger cities offer slightly higher salaries in comparison to more rural areas, but this is dependent on the area.

Living in Mexico is fantastically cheap. Living in Mexico is cheaper than living in 80% of countries worldwide. 

A single person can expect to pay around MX$11,000 ($650 USD) per month, excluding rent.

Mexico is not the place to be a TEFL teacher if you want to save your pennies. The cost of living is low but so are the salaries. Teaching in Mexico allows you to eat well, live comfortably and travel domestically, but don’t expect to have many pesos in savings. 

Many TEFL teachers offer freelance lessons in their spare time to supplement their income.

Our top tips for saving in Mexico:

• Rent in a local neighbourhood rather than a touristy or expat area.
• Eat at local markets or street stalls. Restaurants and even fast food have higher price tags.
• Use public transport. Most cities in Mexico offer a range of public transport options, like bus, tram, metro and bike. E-hailing apps are cheaper than taxis. Renting a car is the most expensive option.
• Learn the language. Speaking Spanish is not essential for living in Mexico but it can save you money. Speaking Spanish enables you to haggle with marketplace vendors, service providers and even your landlord.
• Vacation within Mexico. There’s no need to take your hard-earned pesos out of the country to enjoy exotic destinations and adventure-filled holidays. 

Ready to don your sombrero? Here are a few easy steps to start teaching in Mexico:

• Get TEFL-qualified

The first step, but arguably the most important. Enrol on a TEFL course from an internationally recognised and reputable TEFL course provider and get started on your teacher training. It’s not necessary to have a degree to teach English in Mexico but a TEFL is non-negotiable.

• Look for teaching jobs in Mexico.

There are two options when it comes to looking for and applying for teaching jobs in Mexico. The first option is to apply online from home. In this case, your employer will help you organise an FM3 visa before you arrive.

The other option is to enter Mexico as a tourist. This lets you apply for jobs face-to-face. Once you’ve signed a contract, your employer will help you convert your tourist visa to an FM3 visa.

• Start teaching!