Argentina is one of the most popular TEFL destinations in the Americas due to a range of attractions that include a healthy job market, stunning natural landscapes, the European influenced culture, and a laid back approach to life. The capital city, Buenos Aires, is home to the largest number of job opportunities, although smaller locations such as Cordoba, Rosario, Mendoza, and the beach resort of Mar del Plata are all well worth checking out to see what is available.
How much can I expect to earn while teaching English in Argentina?
Despite being a very popular teaching destination, Argentina is not famous for offering the best TEFL salaries. Teachers choose to come here for all the other attractions the country has to offer, however, with some patience and hard work you can still live a comfortable lifestyle. TEFL qualified teachers can earn anywhere from $600 to $1,200 per month, depending on factors such as your level of qualifications and previous experience. In order to afford a good lifestyle many teachers also earn additional income via private tutoring outside of their everyday job. Private tutoring rates average around $10 to $15 per hour. It is worth noting that the vast majority of jobs at the higher end of the pay scale will expect applicants to have completed an internationally recognized TEFL Qualification to be considered for the position.
What type of employer will I work for while teaching English in Argentina?
Local restrictions mean that the state school system is out of reach for most foreign teachers, which means that the majority of teachers find jobs with private language schools. This type of school can be found in most populated areas where they provide lessons to young learners seeking additional English instruction or adults who need to improve their English for work, study, or travel purposes. Some teachers will work exclusively on the school premises, while others will provide lessons to individual companies. These business English type lessons typically cover subjects such as telephone skills, presentations, business meetings etc. Every job will have its own working hours, but it is common for teachers to be available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Can I earn extra cash as a private English tutor in Argentina?
As mentioned, it is common practice for teachers in Argentina to take on extra private tutoring work on top of their regular job. The market for private lessons is very strong in many areas and it is a great way to earn that bit extra that you might need to ensure you can live life the way you want to. Many teachers choose to make it a full-time option once they have established themselves as you are free to set your own pay scale and working hours. When undertaking private lessons it is advisable to have a cancelation policy agreed with your students in advance to avoid problems caused by last minute cancellations.
How does the cost of living affect TEFL teachers in Argentina?
TEFL jobs in Argentina do not typically offer a high salary when compared to many other parts of the world, however, the cost of living is relatively low making it possible to live comfortably. Essentially, if you need to save some of your income to pay off debts or fund further travel, this might not be the best choice of destination for you. On the plus side, everyday expenses such as public transport, utility bills, and groceries are affordable on an average salary. On the down side, accommodation in popular areas can be very expensive, particularly in Buenos Aires. Outside of the capital, rents are considerably cheaper, but if you have your heart set on living and working in Buenos Aires you should look at districts such as Montserrat, Belgrano, or Almagro as they are safe and generally more affordable. It is most common for teachers to share accommodation or rent a room from a local family to keep expenses down to an affordable level.
