TEFL Jobs in Brazil

Being the fifth largest country both in terms of population and land mass, there are plenty of TEFL jobs in Brazil, particularly in the more populous cities, as well as in some smaller towns. A teacher equipped with TEFL qualifications usually can find work relatively quickly.

It’s a lot easier to get a job if you’re already staying in the country. Very few schools here will bother offering you a job while you are abroad. The typical TEFL job salary pays well enough to lead a comfortable lifestyle by local standards, but don’t expect to be able to save much money or go traveling a lot on your income in Brazil.

Brazil TEFL Job Realities

Most prospective English teachers in Brazil come to this country with only a visitor’s visa and then look for a TEFL Job once they get here. It’s really very rare for an employer to offer sponsorship for a work visa or to help you through the difficult process to attain one.

Most employers expect you to work under the table. This is, of course, illegal and not without risk to both employer and employee, but nevertheless a common practice. We are, obviously, not endorsing this behavior in any way, but merely stating the common state of affairs for English teachers and TEFL jobs in Brazil.

How to Find TEFL Jobs in Brazil

English schools can be found in both large cities and small towns here. Working in a smaller town offers some distinct advantages over working in Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro for instance. The larger cities are truly vast, and travel time to lessons can be considerable. In addition, if you choose to forgo the cosmopolitan experience for the rural, the locals will respect this immensely, admiring your decision to deeply immerse yourself in the experience of authentic Brazilian culture.

Pay for English Teacher’s in Brazil

As stated earlier, pay is not great relative to many other Latin American and Asian countries. However, teachers often find it easy to pick up private students, sometimes as much as doubling their income. As you get to know people in your community, let it be known that you are available to teach English on a private basis. As you get some students, don’t be shy to ask them to recommend you to their friends, family and co-workers.

As is the case in practically all TEFL job markets worldwide, it’s easier and better to look for work once you’ve arrived in the country. You get to have a more thorough look at your prospective employer and get a better feel for what working conditions will be like.

You will also give your future employer more confidence in you that you will actually be showing up to make good on your commitment to your new position. From time to time, however, you will find teaching positions in Brazil being offered on various TEFL web pages, and these employers will be more likely to make you an offer while you are outside the country.