Teaching English in Chile

Chile has a relatively strong economy compared to other countries in South America and the growth in jobs teaching English in Chile has matched the economic growth. There is a thriving market for jobs teaching business English and an increasing demand for teachers of young learners. There are many private language schools, particularly in the capital city of Santiago, and certified English teachers should have little problem finding suitable employment.

To find a job teaching English in Chile, it is best to contact schools 6months ahead of your arrival. Schools advertise positions on all major TEFL jobs sites but also take a pro-active position and contact schools directly. Good sources of contact details and language school directories, business directories such as the white pages, national newspapers both English and Spanish language. Keep a record of which schools you have applied to and send follow-ups. Demand for English teachers is dynamic and fluctuates week to week, and sometimes day to day. Emphasize your international experience, education, and your TEFL training/ teaching experience.

The school year in Chile begins at the end of March, so try to apply for jobs by the previous October. If you do apply early, schools will not usually contact you until the New Year. If you cannot apply in October, then anytime before March is a good second best with last minute recruitment being quite common.

Once a school has shown an interest in you, they will request an interview either in person or by telephone. If they offer you the job, you will usually have a few days to reply. Schools like prompt replies to job offers so you need to decide quickly. Schools are obliged to offer you a contract, which is necessary in obtaining a work visa. If you are hired without a contract, you will have to leave the country every three months to gain another 3-month tourist visa. Bureaucracy runs quite slow in Chile so obtaining paperwork can take some time. Schools are well versed in how to prolong your visa. Most schools run their own in-house training, but this is usually forfeited for those who have undertaken a 4-week TEFL courses, or a 100-hour on-line TEFL course.

Class sizes vary from one to twelve students. Your teaching schedule can be quite varied with early morning and late afternoon/early evening classes. This leaves afternoons free for lesson planning, catching up on sleep, private lessons, or other recreational activities.

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Sample Job offer for Teaching English in Chile

Native English Teachers needed to teach at Codelco Norte, the northern sector of the largest copper mining company in Chile, based in Calama. A monthly salary of 1.000.000 Chilean pesos is paid. The package also includes room and board and transportation to and from your current location.

Chile
Capital city	Santiago
Language	Spanish
Currency	Pesos
Typical TEFL teacher salary	US$500
Major TEFL locations	Santiago, Punta Arenas