TEACH ENGLISH IN BOLIVIA

About Teaching English in Bolivia

In order to teach English in Bolivia, you will need a TEFL certificate. A 4-year college degree is preferred but not required. Native English proficiency is also expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in Bolivia is about $500 - $900 USD per month.

Bolivia does not quite rival its larger neighbors like Peru, Chile & Argentina as a major job market for teaching English in Latin America, but with a major growth in tourism and increased integration into the international economy, demand for English language instruction has been increasing. Bolivia is a solid choice for those teachers really passionate about perfecting Spanish language skills. While off the beaten path for some, Bolivia offers TEFL certified teachers the chance to dive into the local culture.

English teaching jobs in Bolivia typically start in February-March or July-August. In most cases, schools interview and recruit teachers locally on the ground in Bolivia. While there aren't necessarily degree or citizen requirements to teach English in Bolivia, a TEFL certification is typically required. Wages are modest - you certainly won't get rich teaching English in Bolivia. Since the cost of living is very low, you can expect to cover all of your expenses and to live comfortably. The English teaching job market in Bolivia is strongest in major cities like La Paz, Cochabamba, El Alto, Oruro, and Santa Cruz.

How to Teach English in Bolivia: Requirements

TEFL Certification for Bolivia

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Bolivia. You do not need any prior teaching experience, but earning your accredited TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. 

Teachers typically interview in person in Bolivia. Therefore, it is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

You do not need to be a native English speaker to teach English in Bolivia, however, you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for teaching jobs. Citizenship from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is typically preferred but not always required.

Degree Requirements

While a Bachelor's degree is not required to secure a job in Bolivia, it still can be strongly preferred by employers. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search.

How to Find TEFL Jobs in South America & Bolivia

English Teaching Jobs in Bolivia

The most common teaching jobs in Bolivia consist of:

• Teaching adults in private language schools.
• Private tutoring adults.
• Teaching Business English to adults.
• Teaching English Online.

TEFL Bolivia: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Bolivia can expect to find jobs between February-March and then again in July-August. Teachers most commonly find their teaching jobs in-person and interview face-to-face upon arrival in Bolivia.

Teachers enter Bolivia on a tourist visa. Teachers can apply for the consulate before traveling or upon arrival in Bolivia. This tourist visa currently costs about $135-$160 depending on where you get it processed. The cost of this visa can change, so be sure to check on the consulate website for current prices. Tourist visas are valid in Bolivia for five years.

Work as an English Teacher in Bolivia: Hours

English language schools in Bolivia offer approximately 20 to 25 hours of classroom work per week plus additional hours for prep time. This allows for plenty of time to travel and explore. 

Teaching Bolivian Students

It is most common that your students will be children, adults, and business professionals. 

Teaching English in Bolivia Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs will range from $1,000 - $1,200 USD. These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Bolivia until you receive your first paycheck and may include things like rent, apartment supplies, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

English Teacher Salary in Bolivia

A solid hourly wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Mexico. English teachers in Bolivia can expect to make $500 - $900 USD per month. It is common for teachers in Bolivia to also teach English online to supplement their income.

There are no flight or housing benefits/stipends provided so you will need to remember to account for accommodation or temporary housing for your first few weeks in your start-up costs until you find an apartment to rent. 

Cost of Living & Savings

The cost of living typically ranges between $500-$900 USD per month.

English teachers in Bolivia can expect to break even month over month. This means you can cover your rent and bills, support yourself, live comfortably, and enjoy your life abroad to the fullest, but you shouldn't expect to save money at the end of the month. If you are hustling and taking on private tutoring lessons and/or teaching English online in addition to your regular teaching schedule, you may increase your ability to save.