TEACH ENGLISH IN MEXICO

About Teaching English in Mexico

In order to teach English in Mexico, 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 Mexico is about $500 - $800 USD per month.

Boasting broad cultural and natural diversity, Mexico offers one of the largest job markets for TEFL Certified English teachers. In fact, teaching English as a foreign language is one of the top fields for jobs for Americans in Mexico. Instructors teaching English in Mexico can typically find work year-round (though major holiday periods like Christmas & Easter will be slow). While there are many opportunities to interview in advance over the phone and via e-mail, most English teachers interview in person and are responsible for airfare and housing. Most English teachers live in apartments and many share accommodations with other English teachers.

Living like a local in Mexico, you'll have the chance to truly recognize the extent of its awe-inspiring cultural and natural attractions. Whether browsing the wares of street vendors in Mexico City, soaking up the sun in Acapulco, or exploring ancient Mayan ruins in Tulum, the history and culture of Mexico are among the most captivating in the Western Hemisphere. Mexico is an ideal choice for those looking to improve their Spanish language skills!

A solid hourly wage affords English teachers the opportunity to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Schools typically offer around 20 to 25 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to travel and explore.

English teaching jobs in Mexico are found in the larger cities of Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puebla, Juarez, Puerto Vallarta, and León.

How to Teach English in Mexico: Requirements

TEFL CERTIFICATION

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Mexico. 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. 

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

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

NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER

You do not need to be a native English speaker to teach English in Mexico. 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 Mexico, 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 Become an English Teacher in Mexico

ENGLISH TEACHING JOBS IN MEXICO

The most common job types in Mexico consist of:

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

Read more: a 6-Step Plan to Get a Job Teaching English in Mexico

FINDING A JOB IN MEXICO: HIRING & VISA

English teachers in Mexico can expect to find jobs year-round (though major holiday periods like Christmas & Easter will be slow). While there are some opportunities to interview in advance over the phone and via e-mail, most English teachers in Mexico interview on the ground, in person.

You enter Mexico on a tourist visa. Once you secure your teaching job and offer of employment, you can apply for your work visa which is known as an FM3. This visa not only enables English teachers to work in Mexico, but also provides other benefits like access to the national health care system. 

HOURS

English language schools in Mexico 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. 

STUDENTS

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

TEFL Mexico Salary & Cost of Living

START-UP COSTS

Start-up costs will range from $1,300 - $1,800 USD (this includes a $400 work visa fee). These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Mexico 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. 

SALARY

A solid hourly wage enables teachers to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Mexico. Teachers can expect to make $500 - $800 USD per month. It is common for teachers in Mexico 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. 

Read more: How much can English teachers make in Mexico?

COST OF LIVING & SAVINGS

The cost of living typically ranges between $500-$800 USD per month.

English teachers in Mexico 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.