Leverage your native English-speaking skills for the benefit of others with an international career teaching English as a foreign language! The demand for TEFL teachers is an all-time high as nearly 2 billion people worldwide are learning English. This means there are literally thousands of employment opportunities for English teachers, even those without prior teaching experience.
Latin America is a great place to launch your English teaching career, or even prep for it. There are 33 countries in this region, from South America to Central America and Mexico, including some islands of the Caribbean. As the “New World,” whose people shared the experience of conquest and colonization by the Spaniards and Portuguese starting in the 15th century, it’s also one of the most interesting regions on the planet. In addition to Latin American culture – both high culture (literature and high art) and popular culture (music, folk art, and dance) – Latin America is enriched by the Africans who survived the Transatlantic slave trade, bringing with them influences in music, cuisine, and religion. It’s also a fusion of Asian cultures, due to immigration and indentured laborers who arrived late in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Spanish is the primary language spoken throughout Latin America, with Portuguese spoken in Brazil, and French in parts of the Caribbean and French Guiana, but English is highly sought after by those entering the workforce. In fact, it’s vitally important that people all across the world have access to quality English education.
When you complete a TEFL certification program in Latin America, you’ll be able to teach English to learners of all ages and skill levels even if you don’t have any prior experience as a teacher. More importantly, TEFL certification opens up new job opportunities and paid internships globally.
Take a look at some of the top TEFL and teach abroad opportunities you can sign up for in Latin America!
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Maximo Nivel is a leader in international education, study abroad, and travel in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. Founded in 2003, this organization is a top-ranked local provider in Latin America, specializing in work abroad, study abroad, and travel abroad programs.
Maximo Nivel works with more than 4,000 travelers each year to deliver high-quality, safe, and affordable programs.
Maximo Nivel offers internationally accredited programs for students, including TEFL certification, Spanish immersion courses, study abroad, and university study at its world-renowned institutes. Get TEFL certified at Maximo Nivel’s four-week, 150-hour course in Latin America and find paid English teaching opportunities worldwide. As a TEFL trainer, you’ll participate in 100 hours of in-class instruction, 35 hours of reading and writing assignments, and 15 hours of observation and practical teaching. Spend the final week of your course teaching an English class with real, non-native students so you can become more familiar with the work you’ll do as an ESL instructor. Click here to learn more!
TEFL certified or want to gain experience as a volunteer? Take a look at the following teaching programs offered by Maximo Nivel in
Central America
- Guatemala – Teach at the Maximo Nivel English Institute in Guatemala or at public schools in Antigua, Guatemala City, and Xela. Students are eager to learn, making this opportunity a great choice for a first-time English teacher.
- Costa Rica – Teach at the Maximo Nivel English Institute in Costa Rica, or at public schools in San Jose. Students here are serious about their studies, with the pura vida attitude, which makes Costa Rica a great place to begin an international English teaching career.
South America
- Peru – Teach at the Maximo Nivel English Institute in Peru, or public schools in Cusco, Arequipa, Trujillo, Chiclayo, and Lima. Peruvians value their academic credentials and wish to advance their English language skills to succeed in the international job market.
Get TEFL certified with International TEFL Academy (ITA) and start teaching English online or abroad, including in Latin America! ITA offers accredited, 4-week TEFL certification courses in countries like Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Mexico. These courses, led by university-level instructors, prepare you with 100+ hours of academic work and hands-on teaching experience.
After certification, ITA provides lifetime job search assistance, connecting you with English teaching opportunities across Latin America. Whether you’re looking to teach in bustling cities or serene rural areas, TEFL certification opens the door to meaningful, well-supported teaching roles in the region. Plus, ITA’s certification is recognized globally, ensuring you can teach anywhere with confidence.
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is a leading volunteer travel organization, aligned with NGOs and community-based groups in more than 40 destinations around the world. Founded in 2007, IVHQ offers more than 200 affordable projects and has placed more than 94,500 volunteers abroad. A trusted volunteer organization, IVHQ offers volunteer programs, internships, TEFL certifications, as well as adventure travel.
Teaching English as a foreign language is a challenge, and if you’re an aspiring teacher, or if you’re interested in improving your current teaching skills, consider an online TEFL certification course with IVHQ, which has partnered with CCELT Online to offer discounted rates for this program. This 100-hour course was developed by language acquisition specialists to help you teach abroad successfully – it’s a flexible option that you can schedule around your current studies or work schedule, and complete at your own pace. Learn more here and get started today!
Access to education and the opportunity to study the English language is highly valued overseas, and your assistance is gratefully accepted in the countries where IVHQ is located. As a teaching volunteer, you’ll work alongside local teachers to promote literacy, support higher education, build vocational skills, and help enhance the future prospects of students in needy countries.
Choose to teach independently, support educational staff, or team up with other international volunteers to offer lessons in non-traditional settings, such as community centers, childcare centers, and special needs facilities. Learn more about teaching English overseas with IVHQ here, or check out the following Latin American destinations that are in need of English teachers:
- Mexico – Merida – Join IVHQ in Merida to teach English, inspiring Mexican students to build bright futures. While on the project, learn Spanish with affordable lessons. Help to plan activities to reinforce the weekly theme, prepare worksheets, play educational games, help with homework, and review lessons.
- Costa Rica – Teach English in San Jose or Manuel Antonio, helping to develop the English language skills of students from low-income communities of Costa Rica.
- Guatemala – Teach in Antigua, and help to provide free English lessons to adults and children so they can learn the language.
- Argentina – Buenos Aires or Cordoba – Volunteer teaching as part of an integrative educational project that addresses issues of poverty and illiteracy in low-income communities.
- Brazil – If you have a passion for teaching, you can help supplement what students have learned in school and provide those who have never had any English instruction with an opportunity to learn the language.
- Peru – Cusco or Lima – Work in local schools as well as community and rehabilitation centers, providing tutoring to students, hosting workshops, assisting teachers, and organizing educational games and activities.
- Ecuador – Volunteer to assist Ecuadorian teachers in primary and kindergarten classes, teaching preschool math, writing, reading, and art lessons, as well as helping out with lunch and playtime.
GoEco is a renowned international volunteer organization offering meaningful travel experiences through responsible volunteering programs. GoEco connects volunteers with impactful projects around the world, and their programs provide a unique opportunity for travelers to make a difference while exploring new destinations.
In San José, Costa Rica, you’ll help underprivileged children by providing educational enrichment and care. As part of this program, you’ll improve your Spanish, engage in cultural activities like dance and cooking classes, and have time to explore the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Volunteers work 3-4 hours a day, contributing to activities, games, and schoolwork for the children. Weekends are free to discover Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.
Volunteers in the Galápagos Islands assist local schools by teaching English and supporting classroom activities. This program offers a chance to experience the Galápagos’ unique environment while empowering local students. Volunteers work 4 hours daily and have weekends to explore the islands. You can also engage with community members through continuing education programs. Accommodations include shared volunteer houses or homestays with local families, allowing for a fully immersive cultural experience.
Projects Abroad offers impactful English teaching programs across Latin America, empowering both communities and volunteers.
Each program includes training, host family accommodations, and cultural immersion, enabling volunteers to make a positive impact while gaining valuable teaching experience.
Involvement Volunteers International (IVI), an Australian charity founded in 1989, has placed over 20,000 volunteers worldwide. Offering affordable TESOL courses, IVI’s English teaching programs support all educators. With ethical practices, 24/7 support, transparent fees, and opportunities for work experience and university credits, IVI empowers communities and offers cultural immersion.
Their comprehensive teaching abroad programs span Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru, catering to both experienced educators and newcomers eager to make a difference.
Program Highlights:
- Costa Rica: Volunteers teach English in Manuel Antonio or San Jose, enhancing students’ language skills and supporting local teachers. Activities include lesson planning, one-on-one tutoring, and engaging educational games. Accommodation with host families provides a deep cultural immersion.
- Ecuador: Based in diverse regions like the Coast, Highlands, and Amazon, volunteers assist in government schools, improving conversational English and supporting students with reading and writing. Host family stays ensure a supportive environment.
- Mexico (Puerto Escondido): Volunteers collaborate with local educators to teach English and lead extracurricular activities such as sports and arts. The picturesque seaside town offers a vibrant cultural experience with opportunities for adventure.
- Guatemala: Located in the historic city of Antigua, volunteers teach English in government schools and community projects. Programs include creating lesson plans, tutoring, and organizing educational activities, all while experiencing rich colonial heritage.
- Peru (Cusco): Volunteers work in disadvantaged schools, providing English lessons and supporting teachers. The stunning backdrop of ancient Incan sites enriches the volunteer experience, fostering both personal and professional growth.
Volunteering Solutions offers affordable and meaningful Teaching Volunteer Abroad Programs, dedicated to spreading education in underprivileged communities worldwide.
In partnership with TEFL UK, they provide an excellent online TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course, perfect for enthusiastic individuals eager to teach English while exploring the globe. Suitable for high school graduates, gap year travelers, career changers, and experienced educators, the 120-hour course covers grammatical awareness, lesson planning, interactive learning, and more, allowing you to learn at your own pace and qualify for international teaching opportunities.
English Teaching Programs in Latin America
- Costa Rica – Santa Barbara de Heredia: Volunteer teachers assist in primary and middle schools, community centers, and orphanages, teaching English through interactive activities, games, and reading. Responsibilities include lesson planning, one-on-one tutoring, and promoting good hygiene practices. Volunteers stay with local host families, immersing themselves in Costa Rican culture with weekends free to explore Heredia and San Jose. Requirements include being 17+ years old, a clean criminal background check, and preferably some Spanish skills.
- Peru – Cusco: In Cusco, volunteers teach English to diverse age groups in local schools, enhancing students’ conversational skills and supporting teachers with pronunciation and classroom management. The program includes creating lesson plans, engaging in interactive teaching methods, and assisting with math basics. Volunteers live with host families, experience rich Peruvian culture, and enjoy free weekends to visit iconic sites like Machu Picchu. Requirements are similar to Costa Rica, with an added advantage for those with intermediate Spanish.
GVI offers affordable, impactful English teaching programs in Costa Rica, focusing on quality education, gender equality, and community development.
Volunteers teach primary and middle school students, assist local teachers, and engage in interactive activities. There are also hands-on internships available.
Participants live with host families, immerse in local cultures, and contribute to sustainable projects aligned with UN SDGs. Ideal for passionate individuals seeking meaningful experiences and professional growth in vibrant Latin American communities.
Look Before You Leap
Excited to get started? Look before you leap, because not all TEFL classes are the same. There are established professional standards that are recognized globally, so don’t opt for the first inexpensive, self-taught certifications you may find online. Choose an accredited curriculum from a trusted, recognized organization that offers job placement assistance and you’ll be set up for success.
Once you’re a trained teacher with a TEFL certification, you will enjoy a rewarding and satisfying teaching experience abroad. You owe it to yourself to get proper training before traveling if you want to feel confident and comfortable in a classroom as an English teacher abroad!
Want to know more about TEFL certification abroad? Check out these articles!
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Robin Van Auken · Writer
Robin is a researcher, writer, and a registered professional archaeologist, a skillset she uses every day as a cultural communication specialist with Hands-on Heritage. Her projects connect communities with an emphasis on interpretation and education and conserve cultural and environmental legacies.