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Teach English in Chile

Teach English in Chile

Coastal living doesn’t get much better than in Chile, but it’s also a country packed with opportunities for TEFL teachers.

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Chile, a long, thin South American country (and the world’s southernmost one)  is an enticing place for English teachers, with a growing TEFL market. Government initiatives to improve English education are increasing the number of English speakers, but Chile is far from being a bilingual country - making it an exciting place for ESL teachers! 

In this article, we’ll discuss teaching English in Chile, arguably the most fascinating part of South America, covering jobs, requirements, salaries, and other essential factors.

Quick Facts about Chile

  • Country Name: Republic of Chile
  • Capital: Santiago
  • Official Language: Spanish (Chilean Spanish)
  • Population: 19.8 million (Worldometer)
  • Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)

Why teach English in Chile?

With a higher standard of living than some other locations in Latin America, Chile is an attractive choice for TEFL teachers wanting to work abroad. Chile has a higher cost of living than neighbouring countries, but the wages are usually higher. For adventurous teachers, though, earning a liveable salary is good enough. There’s so much to see and do, whether you’re on a short contract or eager to make this your permanent home for teaching English abroad.

Chile is a beautiful country with stunning natural landscapes. Many expats move to Chile for the views alone. The Andes are a major draw, while the diverse ecosystem makes it an ideal location for nature lovers - the fjords and canals of the south contrast against the arid, desert heat of the north. Chilean food is famous, with Spanish influences and Chilean Mapuche cuisine combining beautifully. The country’s music scene and passion for sport, particularly football, are enticing.

English Proficiency in Chile

In terms of English, Chile has moderate proficiency. By South American standards, the country performs relatively well, and efforts have been made to boost the levels of English proficiency. 

The English Opens Doors Program (Programa Inglés Abre Puertas), established in 2003 by the Chilean Ministry of Education, has impacted English learning from early education to the latter stages of high school. It’s also sped up the development of TEFL teachers, established English teaching networks, and provided both language camps and volunteering opportunities. 

However, there’s still much room for improvement in Chile, and English teachers there are in demand.

Requirements to teach English in Chile

Though jobs have different requirements, you’ll need a TEFL certification with at least 120 hours of training to find paid teaching jobs in Chile. A Bachelor's degree will certainly boost your job prospects, but it isn’t always essential. 

Native and non-native English speakers can teach in Chile, though non-native English speakers will require a TOEFL or IELTS certificate. As for work visas, you’ll need either a Temporary Resident Visa or a Chile Work Visa (known as Visa Sujeta a Contrato).

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to teach English in Chile.

TEFL certification

The best way to find a teaching job in Chile is by completing an accredited TEFL certificate with at least 120 hours of TEFL training. After 120 hours of high-quality teaching from experienced tutors, you’ll be ready to meet the needs of most English learners in Chile.

Given the specific needs of students in Chile, Advanced TEFL certification is also a good idea. There’s also a large audience of young professionals in Chile who would benefit from learning Business English.

Education requirements

A degree will help you find more teaching positions in Chile, especially in private and international schools. Not all employers insist on a degree, and TEFL jobs can be found without one, but a bachelor’s degree definitely helps!

Visa and work permit requirements

To teach abroad in Chile, you’ll require either a Temporary Resident Visa or a Chile Work Visa (Visa Sujeta a Contrato). For these visas, you’ll need a job offer. The Temporary Resident Visa is valid for up to a year.

To apply for a visa in Chile, you’ll need:

  • A valid passport and scans of passport pages
  • Proof of legal status in your country of residence (if applicable)
  • Digital passport-sized picture
  • Flight itinerary
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Bank statements (previous three months)
  • A cover letter explaining your plans in Chile
  • Letter of invitation (or job offer letter)

Language proficiency

You need to show evidence of your English language skills to work as an English teacher in Chile. (Your passport and educational history will do if you’re from an English-speaking country) If you’re a non-native English speaker, it can help you to have completed IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent qualifications.

Spanish proficiency is also helpful, but it’s not usually required for English teaching jobs in Chile.

Tip: Chilean Spanish is distinct, with many regional dialects and variations. If you’ve learned general Spanish before heading to Chile and still have trouble understanding Chileans, don’t worry - you’ll adjust!

Salary & cost of living in Chile

In Chile, teaching jobs pay relatively well compared to much of Latin America. There are also more long-term, permanent teaching jobs available to teachers, while government initiatives also help to attract TEFL talent to stay in Chile. Though English teacher salaries can look low at first glance, this is contrasted against a low cost of living, especially by the standards of South America as a whole.

So, what can English teachers earn in Chile? On average, a full-time teaching job in Chile pays around CLP 656,371 - 713,649 (£546 - £594 / $702 - $762) per month. 

Based on qualifications and experience, wages in elite institutions like international schools can reach CLP 1,367,924 (£1,079 / $1,450) per month. On average, private language schools pay more per month than state schools.

Country Avg. monthly salary Degree required Start of term Teaching experience Housing & flights included Suitable for non-native English speakers Age restrictions
Teach in Chile
713,649 CLP
£594 GBP
$762 USD 		March None

Cost of living

At the time of writing, Chile’s economy is stable and growing. It can be helpful to compare the cost of living in Chile’s capital city with that of another nearby capital. We’ve chosen Buenos Aires, Argentina, as a benchmark. So, what are the differences? According to Numbeo, Santiago, the capital of Chile, has 7% cheaper rental prices, restaurant prices are around 23% lower, and the overall cost of living is nearly 8% lower. 

How much does it cost to live in Santiago? The cheapest one-bedroom apartment we found for rent in the Chilean capital costs £149 / $198. Average rental costs for a one-bedroom city centre apartment in Santiago are around £376 / $500. Outside the city centre, that reduces to £323 / $430 per month.

You need to think about your monthly bills - how much will your bills come to as an English teacher in Santiago? You can expect to pay about £96 / $128 per month on basic utilities, while internet access costs about £16 / $21 per month. That’s ideal if you want to supplement your income by teaching English online!

Here’s a complete list of common expenses in Santiago, Chile:

Restaurants
CLP
USD
GBP
Inexpensive restaurant meal
Domestic beer (0.5 litre)
Regular cappuccino
Water (0.33 litre)
Markets
CLP
USD
GBP
Regular milk (1 litre)
Loaf of white bread
Regular eggs (1 dozen)
Apples (1 kg)
Transportation
CLP
USD
GBP
One-way ticket (local transport)
Monthly pass (regular price)
Taxi start (normal tariff)
Gasoline (1 litre)
Utilities
CLP
USD
GBP
Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage (for a regular apartment)
Regular prepaid monthly mobile tariff with 10GB+ data
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)
Clothing and shoes
CLP
USD
GBP
Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or something similar)
Summer dress in a chain store
Nike running shoes (mid-range)
Men's leather business shoes

Other benefits 

Outside of private or international schools, don’t expect a range of additional benefits if you teach English abroad in Chile. The most common benefits for ESL teachers working in these schools are accommodation, Spanish lessons and assistance with the visa application process.

Spanish lessons are often included in other types of schools, but there aren’t extensive bonuses or benefits to be found outside elite schools

Types of English teaching jobs in Chile 

If you choose to teach English abroad in Chile, you’ll find a host of opportunities across a range of different institutions. Across the country, the need for English language education is vast, with English teaching jobs in state schools, private schools, international schools, and private tutoring. 

With a considerable audience of young learners, school pupils, and adults alike, let’s examine where ESL teachers can find teaching positions in Chile.

Public schools

Thanks to the efforts of the Chilean government, the country's state education system has several opportunities for ESL teachers. The Programa Inglés Abre Puertas (English Opens Doors Programme) has performed well in placing both full-time and volunteer English teachers in public schools, whether in Santiago or under-represented rural communities. 

To work in a Chilean public school, you’ll need at least a 120-hour TEFL certificate on your CV, while experience is beneficial. If you plan to work as a language teaching assistant (LTA), you may not require a degree, but a bachelor’s degree is usually necessary for full-time teaching positions.

Best cities to teach English in Chile

We know there are opportunities for a fantastic teaching experience in Chile, with different institutions offering various teaching jobs and exciting avenues for TEFL teachers. So, where are the top places to live and work in Chile? Here are our picks:

Santiago

Home to about 40% of Chileans, Santiago is a fantastic representation of a modern, Latin American capital city. Brimming with life and opportunity, Santiago is where most teaching jobs can be found, with a range of international schools, private language schools, well-funded state schools and eager students looking for private lessons.

If you’re looking for city views, you can’t top the Cerro San Cristóbal, which towers over the city’s skyscrapers and offers hilltop sightlines aided by a cable car. Or, if you want to be inspired by Chilean literature, why not try the home of Pablo Neruda, La Chascona, which has been turned into a museum and visitor centre?

Santiago offers various English teaching opportunities. It is both the beating heart of Chile’s economy and a cultural hotspot. You can work with anyone from school pupils and budding poets to eager young professionals looking to make their mark internationally. 

Valparaíso

Valparaíso is the type of place TEFL teachers dream about when they think about teaching English abroad. A port city, and while it has plenty of the typical seaside fare, Valparaíso is also a UNESCO World Heritage city, a city characterised by its gorgeous skylines and church spires.

Drawing artists, tourists, and students from across the world, Valparaíso is uniquely beautiful. With several universities and language schools, it’s an engaging, exciting, and eye-catching city to teach in.

Concepción

Concepción strikes an interesting balance between a relaxed seaside town and a modern city with plenty of amenities. A university city and a commuting hub, the city is both an economic centre and a place for dreamers: musicians, artists, and writers can thrive in such a picturesque, cultural destination.

For TEFL teachers intrigued by this slice of South America, the main job opportunities are tutoring university students or professionals looking to upskill in English. State schools and some private language schools exist, but this is primarily a university town. Living here is also relatively cheap, with far lower rents and daily costs than Santiago.

How to find teaching opportunities in Chile 

The TEFL Org Jobs Centre is an ideal place to start your job search. If you complete a TEFL course through The TEFL Org, you’ll gain lifetime access to the Jobs Centre and can find teahing opportunities online, across Latin America, and worldwide.

Other job portals can help: Serious Teachers, LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor are helpful places to start.

Particular employers in Chile have proven fruitful for English teachers abroad, including:

For volunteering positions, try VE Global, where TEFL teachers can work in children’s shelters, community centres and a special needs school in Santiago. To start volunteering and teaching English in Chile, you'll typically need a TEFL certificate.

Get started teaching English in Chile. 

With its modern cities, seaside towns, and rugged terrains, Chile is a fascinating part of South America to visit and a great place to stay long-term.

Here’s what you need to know about getting started teaching English in Chile:

  • Average salary: Teachers working in Chile can expect to earn around CLP 656,371 - 713,649 (£546 - £594 / $702 - $762) per month. Salaries in institutions like international schools can rise to CLP 1,367,924 (£1,079 / $1,450) per month.
  • Top teaching destinations: Santiago, Valparaíso and Concepción.
  • Requirements: A 120-hour TEFL certificate is crucial for teaching English in Chile. Many jobs will require abachelor’s degree and teaching experience.
  • Visas: Teachers in Chile need the Temporary Resident Visa or the Visa Sujeta a Contrato. You must also have a job offer.
  • Best opportunities: public schools, private language institutes, and private tutoring for adults.
  • Advanced courses: Business English or Exam Preparation courses can increase your job prospects and salary significantly!

With so many great locations to teach, a low cost of living, and amazing opportunities for outdoorsy adventures, Chile is an incredible place to teach English as a foreign language.

More on teaching English in Chile

Frequently Asked Questions

    There are tons of great questions online about teaching in Chile. Here are our answers!

  • Q. Are English teachers in demand in Chile?

    English teachers with TEFL certification are in high demand across Chile. You can earn a living teaching English in Chile's state schools, international schools, language schools, universities or through private tutoring.

  • Q. Do I need to speak Spanish to teach English in Chile?

    You don't need to speak fluent Spanish, but a working knowledge of Chilean Spanish can help while teaching abroad in Chile.

  • Q. What kind of visa do I need to teach in Chile?

    What kind of visa do I need to teach in Chile?

    To teach English in Chile legally, you'll need either a Temporary Resident Visa or a Chile Work Visa (Visa Sujeta a Contrato). You'll also need a permanent job offer, and a range of documents including your travel and accommodation plans, your TEFL certificate, your degree (if applicable), and a valid passport.

  • Q. When is the best time to apply for English teaching jobs in Chile?

    Based on local hiring trends, the best times to apply for teaching jobs in Chile are around March and summer, particularly July.