TEFL jobs in Argentina

TEFL jobs in Argentina: FAQs

• Q: Why get a TEFL job in Argentina?

  As the economy in Argentina is steadily climbing, business professionals are moving to this metropolitan nation from all over Latin America to look for better job opportunities. Due to English being the worldwide business language, a lot of these businesses expect their employees to learn English. With this in mind, the demand for English in Argentina has risen, meaning that there are a number of jobs available in language institutions, private and public schools and private tutoring. If you are TEFL qualified and can legally work in the country, you should be able to find teaching work relatively easily. You’ll also find that the start-up cost for foreign teachers is less than in Europe.

• Q: Where to look for a TEFL job in Argentina?

  The most popular place to teach English in Argentina is Buenos Aires, though it is possible to teach in small cities as well, such as Cordoba. These are some of the most populated, built-up cities in the country where there’s a greater need for English teachers.

  Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and the birth place of Tango. It boasts lots of atmospheric neighbourhoods, all with their own captivating characteristics. The architecture has European heritage, and with the vibrant nightlife and range of majestic restaurants, you’ll never get tired of exploring. The TEFL jobs market in Buenos Aires is not just the biggest in Argentina but the biggest in the whole of South America.

  Cordoba is Argentina’s second largest city and is the most populous city after Buenos Aires. It is known for its Spanish colonial architecture and has one of South America’s oldest universities. Cordoba offers TEFL jobs for those with experience in teaching Business English due to its vast business and commerce.

  Rosario is a major port city located next to the Paraná River in the province of Santa Fe and is the third populous city in Argentina. It’s possibly most famously known now as the birth place of Lionel Messi. The economy is also booming in this part of the country and though the schools may not pay as well as those in Buenos Aires or Cordoba, the competition is less fierce.

• Q: Salary for TEFL jobs in Argentina

  TEFL teachers in Argentina are not particularly well-paid but you should earn enough to live reasonably comfortably. The average salary for an English teacher in Argentina is around 22,400-44,800 ARS / £470-940 / $600-1,200 per month which will allow you to live comfortably with an active social life, but don’t expect to come home with any savings.

• Q: Cost of living in Argentina

  The cost of living in Argentina is significantly cheaper than many European countries, such as France, Germany, and the UK. You can expect the start-up costs for foreign teachers to be a lot less than those in Europe of around $1,200-1,650.

  Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the centre of Buenos Aires costs roughly $300 per month. A meal at a local restaurant costs about $7 per person, a beer costs $2 and a coffee costs $1.60. A one-way ticket on public transport is about 35¢, a cinema ticket is $5-6 and monthly gym membership costs roughly $30. To lower costs, many teachers share accommodation with their colleagues, other expats or locals.

• Q: Benefits to getting a TEFL job in Argentina

  • Lots of TEFL teachers in Argentina are offered 20-25 teaching hours per week, leaving plenty of time to travel and explore Argentina.
  • Argentina borders with Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay, making exploring around South America easy.
  • The Argentinian people are incredibly friendly and welcoming – so, you’ll find yourself invited to parties in no time

• Q: Top tips when job hunting in Argentina

  • Search for work as early as December through to February, ready for the new academic year in March. Schools often have a second recruitment stage in July and August.
  • For getting private one-to-one lessons, the best months are February and March, June and July, and November and December, when students have exams to sit. Hourly rates for private lessons range from $10-15.
  • Most private language schools require a 120-hour TEFL certificate, though as the demand for teachers is quite high, some schools can be lax about this.
  • Keep in mind, most teaching positions in Argentina run for less than a year, from the beginning of the school term (March) until the end of term (December). If you plan to stay longer than this, make sure to ask your employer about renewing your contract or teaching work over their summer holidays.

• Q: Types of jobs in Argentina

  The most popular type of teaching work in Argentina is teaching children at public schools or private language centres. You’ll need a TEFL certificate to secure work at these types of schools, and a small number of schools may only consider candidates with a basic level of Spanish. Though a bachelor’s degree is not required in Argentina, be prepared for a competitive job search if you don’t have one, as it can be strongly preferred by some employers.

  Another popular type of teaching work is offering private tutoring. You’ll find both adults and children in need of private English tutoring, and most tutoring work will be found in Argentina’s larger cities. Many teachers also teach online to make extra money for travel.

• Q: What visa do I need for a TEFL job in Argentina?

  To work within the private sector, you’ll be required to obtain a work permit, which your employer will have to apply for on your behalf. There are no nationality or age restrictions on work permits and these are issued by the National Directorate of Migration.

  It’s not unusual for English teachers to work under the table on a tourist visa in Argentina as obtaining a work permit is not common. It is your responsibility to be aware of the potential consequences, should you choose to work under the table.