Teach English in Central America

Central America might not be the most famous of TEFL destinations, but there are a slew of reasons why you will find yourself being coaxed in once you scratch beneath the surface. The stunning natural landscapes, the famous laid-back lifestyles and the most incredible array of flora, fauna and wildlife are all hallmarks of Central America, here are some of the biggest benefits of teaching English abroad here:

• Growing market: Central America is one of the fastest-growing markets for English teaching abroad. By teaching abroad today, you can get ahead of the competitive curve! 
• Travel opportunities: 7 countries make up Central America, all of which offer incredibly unique and rewarding travel experiences. What’s more, the close-knit geography of the continent means hopping between these countries is easier than ever! 
• Develop yourself: for locations that push you out of your comfort zone, Central America has to be at the top of the list! The continent is a non-stop adventure, and the experience is sure to show you exactly what you’re capable of. 
• The lifestyle: the lure of la pura vida, or the ‘relaxed lifestyle’ adopted by the locals serves as the biggest attraction. The chilled-out work/life balance gives tutors ample opportunity to enjoy the tropical wildlife, array of natural wonders and historical landmarks.

Overall, Central America provides the perfect fuel for your wanderlust, whilst simultaneously standing as a rewarding and fulfilling teaching destination. It represents the ultimate adventure that will help you grow personally, but also professionally! 

Each country in Central America houses their very own unique cultures, traditions and histories that help them all stand out to everyone from the adrenaline junkies to the chilled-out beach lover. 

Costa Rica 

Best for cultural immersion

Costa Rica holds a wealth of opportunities for TEFL teachers abroad, offering cultural exchange programs that allow you to work closely with students learning all about a new way of life. It is the perfect place to develop your resume and gain valuable experience. 

Dominican Republic

Best for authentic Caribbean scenery

The Dominican Republic is renowned for its vibrant colonial cities, lush forests, stunning mountain ranges and stretches of pristine beaches. The Republic is the top golfing spot in the Caribbean, but its landscapes make it an all-around top destination for all adrenaline junkies! 

El Salvador 

Best for seafood and surfing 

The tropical climates of El Salvador are home to quaint little fishing villages and ancient Mayan citadels. It is the ultimate destination for water sports enthusiasts, with paddle boating, jet skiing, and wakeboarding all extremely popular around the country.  

TEFL teaching positions in Central America can be some of the most accessible and flexible in the market. But, whilst every country and every employer have its own unique set of requirements, here are some of the general things 

• A Bachelor’s degree: Some positions will ask for a Bachelor’s degree. Usually, the field it is in won’t be important, but some may prefer a degree in education, or linguistics.
• A TEFL/TESOL certification: TEFL or TESOL certification is usually a big preference for employers. 
• Prior teaching experience: Whilst it isn’t normally a must-have, prior teaching experience can be a huge asset when applying for positions. 
• Native or near-native proficiency in English: A high level of proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing English is naturally important for a position teaching English abroad.
• Visa requirements: To work legally as an English teacher in Central America, you will often need a work visa. The requirements and costs behind these visas vary from country to country, so be sure to do your research before jetting off!

As we mentioned, Central America has opened up as one of the world’s fastest-growing and most exciting job markets. Opportunities for English teachers include teaching programmes in public and private schools, volunteer teaching and tutoring in language schools:

• Classroom teacher: There are opportunities to work as an English teacher in Central America working with both young and adult learners. 
• Tutor: Private tutoring is a popular route for English language educators. These roles will see a teacher work one-to-one with students or families. 
• Volunteer: volunteering has emerged as one of the best ways of teaching abroad and giving something back to those in need. Despite English being a mandatory part of the curriculum across Central America, plenty of areas have been deprived of qualified English tutors.

And of course that doesn’t even touch the surface of how teaching English online can be a great way of reaching students across Central America and taking your TEFL teaching career with you wherever you go! 

Many Central Americans are now looking to ensure their children are the first bilingual generations in the region’s history, with many schools now having English as a core part of their curriculum. The process of finding a TEFL job in Central America is similar to the rest of the world: 

1. Research: Start by researching English teaching opportunities in the countries and regions that interest you. You can search job boards, networking sites, and online directories.
2. Application: Prepare a strong CV, cover letter, and any other required application materials. Highlight your relevant education, experience, and skills, and tailor your application to the specific job and institution you’re applying to.
3. Applying: Once you have submitted your application, be sure to check in with your employer if you haven’t had a response from them in a reasonable time. 
4. Paperwork: Check the specific visa requirements for the country you plan to work in, and allow time to get all your documents in order. 

As with any job hunt, the real key to success here is understanding that finding the right position requires patience, perseverance and persistence! 

Want to stand out from the competition? Our Level 5 – 168-hour TEFL course is the perfect resource for helping you get the skills and qualifications you need to begin your teaching career in Central America!

Against regions like the Middle East, Central America is not the most lucrative part of the TEFL teaching market. While it’s possible your employer will assist you with flights, accommodation and other utility costs, the average salary in Central America for English teachers is between $250 – $1,400 (USD) per month. 

Of course, salaries vary depending on your position, qualifications and experience. Here are some rough average teacher salaries from across Central America: 

• Dominican Republic: $700 – $2,000 a month.
• El Salvador: $1,000 – 1,500 a month. 
• Costa Rica: $600 – $1,200 a month
• Panama: $800 – $1,500

The average cost of living across Central America is significantly lower than in the Western world. Depending on your location, the cost of living as a single person in Central America could be up to $1,000 a month.

Here are some estimates of what monthly expenses (rent, utilities, food, transportation and health care) might add up to in a few Central American countries:

• Dominican Republic: $620 – $900 a month.
• El Salvador: $650 – $1,000 a month. 
• Costa Rica: $780 – $1,100 a month.
• Panama: $800 – $1,200 a month.

It should be remembered that these are just estimates. Always do your research before moving abroad, and remember that it’s always better to have more than you need, rather than not enough!