Dreaming of an adventure abroad? Picture yourself teaching English in Latin America – exploring Mayan ruins after class, sipping coffee at a Costa Rican café, or watching the sunset over the Andes. For adventurous career seekers, teaching English abroad in Latin America offers the perfect mix of travel, cultural immersion, and career development.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to teach English in Latin America, from getting TEFL-certified to volunteer programs.
Let’s dive in!
Why Teach English in Latin America?
- Rich Culture & Adventure: Trek rainforests, explore colonial towns, surf Pacific waves, and dance salsa — Latin America’s diversity awaits.
- Friendly People & Language Immersion: Warm locals welcome you, and daily immersion helps you learn Spanish or Portuguese quickly.
- Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary covers cheap street food, hostels, and transport—enjoy more without overspending.
- Growing Job Market: Strong demand for English teachers in schools, institutes, and private tutoring—from cities to villages.
TEFL Certification in Latin America
A TEFL certificate is often your ticket to better-paying jobs and shows schools that you’re serious and qualified.
Two highly respected providers offering TEFL in Latin America are International TEFL Academy and Maximo Nivel. Their programs are perfect for young adventurers who want a solid teaching foundation and an awesome abroad experience. Here’s a look at what they offer:
Want to earn your TEFL on a tropical beach? Maximo Nivel offers an internationally accredited 4-week TEFL/TESOL certification program in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, just minutes from the ocean. You’ll master teaching methodologies, classroom management, and get real teaching practice with local students, plus lesson-planning breaks surrounded by rainforest and monkeys!
Maximo Nivel has been running TEFL courses across Latin America for years, so they know the local job market inside out and provide guaranteed job placement assistance not just in Costa Rica but in Guatemala and Peru, too. Check out their other programs:
- Guatemala (Antigua): A 4-week TEFL/TESOL course in the charming colonial city of Antigua, complete with hands-on teaching practice in local schools and cultural excursions.
- Peru (Cusco): A 4-week program in historic Cusco, where you’ll teach in local classrooms before exploring Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley on weekends.
Aside from TEFL courses, Maximo Nivel also runs excellent volunteer and internship programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru.
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If you’re looking to get certified in a vibrant city, check out International TEFL Academy’s course in Guadalajara, Mexico. This 4-week in-person TEFL program in Mexico’s second-largest city gives you pro-level teaching skills and an accredited certificate recognized worldwide.
ITA provides job search guidance and has a network of schools across Mexico, so after you get your certificate you can jump right into teaching. Plus, Guadalajara offers a great mix of modern amenities and rich Mexican culture – think lively music, delicious street food, and weekend trips to beaches or historic towns.
For those drawn to South America, International TEFL Academy’s TEFL course in Quito, Ecuador is a top pick. Quito is a stunning high-altitude city cradled in the Andes, and it’s an ideal place to start your teaching journey. ITA’s month-long course in Quito covers all the TEFL essentials: from grammar and lesson planning to actual teaching practice with local learners.
You can also check out their course in Costa Rica!
Volunteer and Internship Programs in Latin America
Not ready to commit to a full-time job right away? Latin America is full of volunteer and internship opportunities that allow you to make a difference, beef up your resume, and see the world at the same time.
Many new teachers start out in volunteer roles, which can sometimes lead to paid jobs later.
A leader in affordable volunteering, IVHQ offers dozens of projects across Latin America. IVHQ’s fees are low and support is high – a great combo for younger travelers on a budget. Here are our top picks:
IVHQ’s Teaching English and Youth Development project empowers vulnerable youth aged 16 to 25 through language training and cultural exchange. You can volunteer for one to 24 weeks, up to 6 hours per day, and stay in a homestay or hostel.
You’ll lead small-group and one-on-one English practice, support basic vocabulary and pronunciation, and mentor students facing social risks. Situated in the City of Eternal Spring, you’ll also explore vibrant street art, local cafés, and scenic park cable-car rides on weekends.
IVHQ’s Córdoba project improves access to quality education for children in underprivileged neighborhoods. You can volunteer alongside qualified local teachers — no prior experience required, but intermediate Spanish is essential. You’ll tutor English, math, and science, assist with classroom activities, and inspire students to stay in school and pursue better futures.
Accommodation is a homestay, offering daily breakfast, dinner, and deep cultural immersion. Orientation and airport pickup are included, making your transition into Córdoba’s lively university city seamless.
In IVHQ’s Rio program, you’ll teach English in community centers for up to 5 hours per day, plan lessons, and connect with students, all from a dormitory-style hostel in Santa Teresa. Fluent English is required and TEFL is recommended.
Arrival on Sunday includes airport pickup and Monday orientation. Outside volunteering, dive into Rio’s beaches, Carnival atmosphere, and landmarks like Christ the Redeemer to round out your Brazilian adventure.
GoEco is known for responsible volunteer projects worldwide. Join a volunteer teaching program in Cusco, Peru, helping local schools and community centers teach English to children and adults from low-income families.
Immerse yourself in Andean culture and history, receive orientation and support, and explore Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley on weekends.
One of the largest volunteer organizations globally, Projects Abroad has a strong presence in Latin America. Here are our top picks for Volunteer Teaching:
Volunteer in the Galapagos, assisting qualified teachers to teach conversational English to children and adults. Live with a host family or share with volunteers, join workshops, optional French or SEN teaching, summer camps, and literacy programs.
Gain classroom experience, cultural immersion, and unforgettable adventures in this unique island setting.
Teach English, French, German, Italian or Japanese in Guadalajara schools or universities. Support local instructors, lead conversation classes, plan activities, and boost students’ confidence. Stay with a host family, explore Mexico’s volcanoes, deserts, beaches, and ruins. No experience required — training, workshops, and supervisor support included year-round for practical teaching experience.
Volunteer in Córdoba, Argentina to support qualified teachers and lead English or French classes in schools, institutes, or universities. Prepare lessons, create resources, and improve pronunciation and conversation skills. Live with a host family, experience local culture, and explore historic sites while gaining practical teaching experience and professional guidance.
IVI is an Australian-based non-profit that offers affordable volunteer abroad programs in various countries. They’ve been around since 1989 and emphasize meaningful community engagement. In Latin America, IVI has partnered programs (often with local NGOs) where you can teach English.
In Antigua, volunteers complete an ESL intro course then teach children and adults in government schools, fire rescue stations, and the tourism police.
You’ll design lesson plans, educational games, and teach grammar, reading, writing, pronunciation, spelling, and conversational English. Live with a host family or share volunteer housing.
In Cusco, Peru, volunteers join schools, day-care centres and community hubs to teach English to children, teens and adults. After an ESL crash course, you’ll create lesson plans, games, sports and hygiene workshops, tutor one-on-one, and support local staff. Live with a Peruvian host family and explore the city.
In Manuel Antonio and San José, Costa Rica, volunteers take an ESL intro course then teach English to children and adults in public schools, community centres and shelters. You’ll design lesson plans, educational games, grammar and conversation activities, tutor one-on-one, and live with a local host family.
Volunteering Solutions provides a wide range of volunteer and intern opportunities at reasonable costs. In Latin America, you can join programs like:
In Costa Rica, teach English to primary and middle school students in schools, community and childcare centres.
Assist local teachers, plan and deliver interactive lessons, games, hygiene and reading activities. Work 5–6 hours daily, Monday to Friday. Weekends free to explore Heredia and San José.
In rural Cusco, volunteer as a kindergarten assistant supporting “promoters” in classrooms of 15 to 40 three to five-year-olds. Help deliver goals in language and social skills, create crafts, organise activities and distribute meals. Stay with a Peruvian host family and explore the Sacred Valley.
GVI offers award-winning volunteer and internship programs focusing on conservation and community development. Join a teaching internship in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, teaching English and life skills to children and adults.
Gain classroom management, leadership, and cross-cultural communication expertise. Partner with local NGOs on education and community development initiatives, receive mentoring and qualifications — and explore the coast.
Live and Thrive in Latin America!
Whether you’re craving the thrill of exploring ancient ruins, the satisfaction of mastering a new language, or the fulfillment of making a real impact, teaching English in Latin America delivers on all fronts.
From earning your TEFL certification on a sun-drenched beach to volunteering in bustling city schools or remote mountain villages, every path leads to unforgettable experiences and professional growth. So pack your bags, brush up on your Spanish, and take the leap — your next adventure awaits in classrooms across Latin America, where you’ll leave a lasting legacy and return home forever changed.
Munira Maricar ยท Travel Writer
With an international living background spanning Singapore, Qatar, Japan, and Mexico, Munira enjoys sharing insights on immersive travel while emphasizing the vital role of cultural respect and ethical engagement. Her extensive experience offers a unique perspective that inspires others to explore the world through service, ensuring that every journey respects and contributes positively to local traditions and communities.