TEACH ENGLISH IN ECUADOR

About Teaching English in Ecuador

To teach English in Ecuador, you will need a TEFL certificate. A 4-year college degree is not required but is strongly preferred. Native English proficiency is also expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in Ecuador is about $500 - $700 USD per month.

Boasting a striking array of geographic diversity (including the Galapagos Islands) in addition to bustling historic cities and rich indigenous culture, Ecuador represents a growing job market for teaching English in Latin America. 

Hiring for English teachers in Ecuador is typically conducted in February-March and again in July and August. English teachers should expect to interview in-person locally in Ecuador. Most English teachers work primarily at independent language schools, and many work part-time as private tutors.

A solid hourly wage and a low cost of living enable English teachers to live modestly, but comfortably.  Schools typically offer around 20-25 hours per week of work, leaving you plenty of opportunities to travel and explore.  Major cities for English teaching jobs are Cuenca, Quito, and Guayaquil.  

Please note, that while a Bachelor's degree is not required to secure a job in Ecuador, 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 Teach English in Ecuador: Requirements

TEFL Certification for Ecuador

A TEFL certification is typically required to teach English in Ecuador. You do not need professional teaching experience but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. 

English teachers in Ecuador typically interview in person in Ecuador, 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 Ecuador, 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 often preferred but not always required.

Degree Requirements for Ecuador

While a Bachelor's degree is not required to secure a job in Ecuador, it is often strongly preferred by employers. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search, but don't be discouraged!

Read more: What are the requirements for teaching English in Ecuador?

How to Find TEFL Jobs in Ecuador

English Teaching Jobs in Ecuador

The most common teaching jobs in Ecuador consist of:

• Teaching adults or children in private language schools.
• Private tutoring both children and adults.
• Teaching Business English to adults.
• Teaching English Online.

TEFL Ecuador: Hiring & Visa

Major hiring seasons in Ecuador are February-March & July- August, though some schools might recruit it other months. It is most common to interview on the ground,  in-person.

Most English teachers in Ecuador work on a volunteer visa or a professional visa. 

Read More: What Type of Visa Can I Use to Teach English in Ecuador?

Work as an English Teacher in Ecuador: Hours

English language schools in Ecuador offer approximately 20 to 30 hours of classroom work per week plus additional hours for prep time. This allows for plenty of time to travel and explore. 

Teaching Ecuadorian Students

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

Teaching English in Ecuador 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 Ecuador 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 Ecuador

How much can I earn teaching English in Ecuador?

A solid hourly wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Ecuador. English teachers in Ecuador can expect to make the equivalent of $500 - $700 USD per month. It is common for teachers in Ecuador 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-$700 USD per month.

English teachers in Ecuador 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 should not 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.