A Guide to Teaching in Argentina

If you have decided you want to teach in Latin America then why not settle and start a teaching career in Argentina. There is a lot to see in Argentina, you can explore the beautiful country during your free time.

Usually you will work 5 days per week from Monday to Friday. If you are not already qualified you might like to take a TEFL certification course in Argentina. You will get to experience the Latin atmosphere of the country and enjoy visiting one of the most popular teaching abroad destinations in South America.

 

Education in Argentina

Education is compulsory from the ages of five to sixteen and kindergartens are available for young children. The responsibility for education is divided between the national government, the provinces and federal districts as well s private institutions that provide their own funding.

For expats with very young children, kindergartens are popular as they help children to learn Spanish in Argentina at a faster rate. Children of expats are able to enrol in local schools and while there may be some period of adjustment this can help children to become fluent in the local language much more quickly. It can often be difficult for older children to integrate as they will find it harder to pick up the language.

Public schools do not charge any fees, aside from the usual costs for school uniforms and books. Private schools are often run by the church or other organisations and charge tuition fees.

There are lots of highly rated international schools in Buenos Aires that teach in English but also offer lessons in Spanish as part of the curriculum in an effort to improve fluency in the language. As Argentina is a popular location for international teachers it is likely that there will be at least one English speaker working at the school.

Some students attend school from 8 am until noon while others will begin at 1 pm, finishing at 5 pm and the school year runs from March to December. Private schools divide the year into three terms while public schools have two semesters.

University education is free for those attending state universities, and there is no entrance exam. Private universities do charge tuition fees and these vary depending on the institution. Argentine universities have more part-time students than those in other parts of the world and often a degree will take a minimum of five years to complete.

In Argentina students can choose from thirty-eight national universities, forty-one private universities, six-state institutes and twelve private institutes, one provincial university, one university for foreigners and one international university.

 

Top Reasons to Teach in Argentina

  • Experience a beautiful country with diverse cities and nature
  • Local people are very friendly especially if you converse in Spanish
  • Meet other people from all over the world who are studying or teaching here
  • The cost of living is very cheap compared to other countries
  • You will get to live and work in famous destinations like Buenos Aires

 

TEFL Courses in Argentina

One of the best ways to get a teaching job is to take a TEFL certification in Argentina. There are classroom TEFL courses available to book in Buenos Aires and throughout the country where you will be trained by experienced staff and get to hands on tuition which is great if you have no previous experience.

These courses are an internationally recognized and accredited certification boosting your chances of getting a job teaching English in Argentina and worldwide. Most TEFL schools offer packages which include accommodation, training, a certification and they also organise excursions and activities.

TEFL companies usually have excellent links with recruiters and some offer guaranteed paid jobs on completion of a course.

 

Types of TEFL Jobs in Argentina

  • Private language academies
  • Schools
  • Private lessons

 

FAQ

  • Peak Hiring Times: February/March & August/September
  • Average Monthly Salary: US$500-$900
  • Cost of Living: US$400-$600
  • Visa: A lot of schools will hire you with a visa so you can enter the country as a tourist but there are some which will sponsor a work visa for you.
  • Help / Advice: If you would like to teach abroad in Argentina and have any questions or need any help arranging a job please get in touch.

 

Argentina TEFL Reviews & Testimonials

If you have ever taught in Argentina and would like to share your experience, review a company/agency or give any recommendations to future teachers please contact us. Below you can read past experiences from previous English teachers.

"I am from England, but am currently living and teaching English in Salta, Argentina. I came out to South America with my boyfriend in September 2014. We started by doing a TEFL course in Ecuador and stayed there for 5 months. We then moved south to Argentina in February of this year and have been here in Salta since. This is our second time in South America, having travelled around Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile. We loved it so much so we decided to return and get to know the continent a bit more by living and working here. We have also become involved in a volunteer project in Argentina, in Salta in order to meet new people and contribute a bit to the local community. It's been a fantastic experience and I feel that everyday I am learning more about the country and its people." - Ellena, UK