TEACH ENGLISH IN URUGUAY

About Teaching English in Uruguay

Uruguay offers the perfect escape from fast-paced cities, with its beautiful coastlines, charming cities, and relaxed lifestyle. The cuisine is similar to that of other countries in the region, featuring big steaks and even bigger glasses of wine. Venture outside of the capital city, and chances are you will feel like the only foreigner in the country.

English teachers in Uruguay typically find teaching jobs start in February through March and again in July and August. Teachers most commonly interview in person in Uruguay and are also responsible for their own airfare and housing. Most teachers live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers, and many share a flat with coworkers.

A solid hourly wage allows English teachers to live a comfortable lifestyle. Schools typically offer around 20-25 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to travel and explore. Teachers aren't required to have a bachelors degree, but it is often times preferred by employers. Teachers are also required to have an accredited TEFL certificate.

In order to teach English in Uruguay, 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 Uruguay is about $900 - $1,300 USD per month.

Most teaching jobs are found in Montevideo, Canelones and other major cities throughout Uruguay.

How to Become an English Teacher in Uruguay: Requirements

TEFL Certification Uruguay

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Uruguay. You do not need prior 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 Uruguay. 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 Uruguay, 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 Uruguay, 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 Uruguay

English Teaching Jobs in Uruguay

The most common teaching jobs in Uruguay consist of:

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

English Teacher Jobs Uruguay: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Uruguay can expect to find jobs between February-March and again in July-August. Teachers typically get hired in person in Uruguay during these peak hiring months.

Teachers typically teach on a "Cedula," or a Temporary Residence Permit. This allows teachers to work legally in Uruguay. This Cedula can be processed in Uruguay once you get your job. It can take a few months to process this Cedula, but as long as you've applied for it you are technically legal to work. 

TEFL Uruguay: Hours

English language schools in Uruguay 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 Uruguayan Students

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

TEFL Uruguay Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs will range from $1,600 - $2,200 USD. These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Uruguay 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 Uruguay

A solid hourly wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Uruguay. Teachers can expect to make $900 - $1,300 USD per month. It is common for teachers in Uruguay 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 $900-$1,300 USD per month.

English teachers in Uruguay 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.