About Teaching English in Chile
In order to teach English in Chile, 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 Chile is about $750 to $1,000 USD per month.
ITA Chile's Insights
| Degree | Cost of Living | Types of Students |
Salary Range |
Savings Potential |
| BA/BS preferred, not required | $650-$1,000 USD | Business Professionals or Children in public schools | $750-$1,000 USD | Breakeven |
- Starting in 2003, the Chilean Ministry of Education ran the English Open Doors program. Since 2020 the program has been on pause, but there is now a new volunteer program to improve the English proficiency of students in public schools so that they would be better equipped for a globalized world.
- Chile is ranked #52 by the EF English Proficiency Index out of 113 countries.
- According to Cultural Atlas, 10.2% of Chileans speak English.
Boasting the most advanced and developed economy in South America, Chile is one of the top job markets for teaching English on the continent. The draws of living and teaching in Chile are endless. With a coastline stretching more than 2,400 miles, Chile is home to some of the most diverse terrain on the globe. The Chilean Andes are among the world's highest and most beautiful mountains (offering
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For English teachers considering Chile, it's important to keep in mind the peak hiring seasons which are March & April and also July & August. One aspect of teaching English in Chile that differs from many other Latin American nations is that schools do typically sponsor work visas for their teachers.
In terms of getting hired, many schools will interview teachers in advance over the phone and via email. More commonly though, English teachers will find jobs on the ground in Chile, where most job interviews are conducted in-person. Teachers will also be responsible for their airfare, as well as housing. Many English teachers share an apartment with coworkers.
A solid hourly wage allows English teachers to live comfortably in Chile. Schools typically offer around 20-25 hours per week of work, leaving you plenty of opportunities to travel and explore all that Chile has to offer. TEFL-certified teachers looking to teach in Chile will find most jobs in Santiago, Valparaiso, Serena, Concepcion, and Vina Del Mar.
"I'm a big saver, but I also have the "treat yourself" mindset. I cook daily (because I love it & because I refuse to eat another fried empanada) which saves a lot of money that I prefer to save up to travel. I like staying in cute Airbnbs & eating out when I travel. I'm all for being a bit stingy throughout the month to be able to drink that overpriced restaurant wine stress-free." 
Founded in 2010, International TEFL Academy (ITA) is a world leader in TEFL certification for teaching English abroad and teaching English online. ITA offers accredited TEFL certification classes online and in 20+ locations worldwide and has received multiple awards and widespread recognition as one of the best TEFL schools in the world. ITA provides all students and graduates with lifetime job search guidance and has certified more than 40,000 English teachers. Our graduates are currently teaching in 80 countries worldwide.
