Top 15 Cities to Teach English in Latin America

Afifa Mushtaque
8 min read

In This Article:

In this article, we will look at the top 15 cities to teach English in Latin America. We have also discussed the challenges of teaching English in Latin America. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, head straight to the Top 5 Cities to Teach English in Latin America. 

Latin America and the Caribbean are currently facing a shortage of teachers, with an estimated need for 3.2 million teachers to meet educational goals by 2030. Despite varying salaries across countries, most teachers are poorly compensated compared to professionals with similar training. For instance, Julio César Rodríguez Molano in Colombia earns a meager $813 despite his advanced degrees. The disparity between salaries and the cost of living is glaring, leaving many teachers struggling to make ends meet.

The shortage of teachers stems from various factors, including job insecurity, inadequate government support, and outdated infrastructure. Attrition rates are concerning, with many teachers leaving the profession due to low wages and burnout, exacerbating the shortage further. Moreover, the digital divide exacerbates challenges, with many educators lacking access to essential training in technology and digital tools. The pandemic has worsened the situation, with prolonged school closures leading to significant learning setbacks and a further exodus of students from the education system. 

It is also concerning to note that Latin America grapples with strikingly low levels of English proficiency. For example, Haiti ranks 98th in the list 113 countries based on the proficiency levels, with 113 being the lowest proficiency. Despite localized efforts to enhance language education, Latin America has emerged as the region with the one of the poorest grasp of English. This deficiency primarily stems from substandard language instruction within public schooling systems and obstacles to accessing supplementary training due to a scarcity of language institutes or prohibitive costs. 

Moreover, the landscape of English instruction is marked by profound inequalities. While English is mandated in most countries, access remains unequal, particularly in rural areas and public schools. Notably, less than 10% of schools in Mexico teach English, exacerbating the linguistic divide. Adult proficiency, especially among those aged over 40, is shaped by professional demands or personal investments in language learning. To read more about English teaching, see Top 10 Tropical Countries for Teaching English Abroad.

Nonetheless, TEFL jobs in Latin America offer a promising blend of vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and bustling cities, making it a sought-after destination for teaching English abroad. Popular countries are Costa Rica, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. While salaries may not match those in Asia or the Middle East, the low cost of living ensures comfortable living. 

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