Teach English in Chile: What Every Teacher Should Know

Chile offers teachers a rare chance to explore a country that displays deserts, volcanoes, and ice-capped mountains in one long geological sweep. Educators who choose to teach English in Chile will find an environment where dramatic landscapes sit beside modern cities, efficient infrastructure, and a culture that balances tradition with innovation.

Chile invites adventurers to experience a rich culture and a well-developed economy. These qualities draw many educators to work as EFL teachers in Chile. If you plan to teach English in Chile, this guide gives you everything you need to know about available opportunities and the requirements you must meet to get your TEFL journey started.

If you’re new to teaching, you’ll want to get initial training and qualification with a TEFL certificate. You can explore our online TEFL courses to get started!

Is there a high demand for English teachers in Chile?

Chile maintains a consistently high demand for English learning, which helps new teachers start TEFL careers and allows experienced teachers to progress. Many young learners attend English classes at school, and parents often sign them up for after-school tutoring to help them practice English or maintain strong grades.

Several universities run exchange programs abroad, and students who apply for these programs often need to take proficiency exams such as IELTS or TOEFL. More and more professionals in Chile are seeking English training to perform better at work or pursue opportunities with multinational companies. This demand increases the offer of Business English teaching jobs.

Most jobs are in the country’s capital, Santiago, where teachers will find the largest number of language institutes and international schools, as well as corporate clients. Teachers should also check for opportunities in cities like Viña del Mar, Antofagasta, and Puerto Montt.

Learn more about the trends in Business English and stay ahead of the competition.

What qualifications do you need to teach English in Chile?

TEFL/TESOL certification

Most English teaching jobs in Chile require teachers to hold a TEFL/TESOL certificate. Teachers secure stronger opportunities when they earn a certification with sufficient hours to meet baseline qualifications.

Teachers who specialize in areas such as Business English or exam preparation gain an additional advantage. Bridge’s 60-hour Specialized Certificate in Teaching Business English or the 20-hour Micro-credential in Teaching IELTS Prep allow teachers to stand out, expand their market, and prepare for specific niches or age groups.

Degrees

Many schools and institutes prefer teachers who hold a bachelor’s degree. Chile still offers opportunities for teachers without a university degree. Some employers accept an associate’s degree. Strong TEFL certification and teaching experience can compensate for the lack of a degree.

Prior teaching experience

Many employers prefer teachers with previous experience. Most positions do not require it. Teachers can build experience to strengthen their applications and increase confidence:

Teachers can offer private tutoring either in person or online.
Teachers can teach English online through companies or marketplaces like Preply or Verbling.
Teachers can complete the 20-hour Guided Teaching Practicum or the 60-hour Practicum in Teaching English Online, both of which provide real teaching practice and direct feedback.

Visas

Teachers must obtain a work visa, a temporary visa, or a permanent visa to work and teach in Chile. Teachers process these visas through the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones once they secure a work contract. Many companies help teachers with visa processing and provide the required documents.

Already an experienced teacher? Explore the many ways to pursue a career in EFL.

How much do English teachers earn in Chile?

Chile has a higher cost of living than some neighboring countries. Chile also offers some of the highest salaries in South America. English teachers typically earn between $650 and $1,500 USD per month, working in private language centers and private tutoring. These salaries usually cover basic living expenses and allow some savings for travel.

The cost of living varies by region. Santiago is more expensive, yet teachers can find affordable neighborhoods near key areas like schools, downtown districts, and financial hubs. Many newcomers live in shared houses or apartments to reduce initial expenses.

The price for a one-bedroom apartment in Santiago ranges from 350,000 to 600,000 CLP ($350 – $650), depending on location and proximity to the city center. Smaller cities and towns generally offer lower living costs, though travel and transportation may be less convenient than in Santiago.

Learn the best way to set your rates as an independent English teacher and get an extra income.

What types of English teaching jobs can you find in Chile?

Institutions in Chile invest heavily in English curriculum and bilingual programs. Teachers can find positions with very young learners, elementary learners, or high school students in international, bilingual, or private schools. Teachers looking to work in schools should consider obtaining additional certificates and developing new skills, especially in CLIL methodology – the global trend in bilingual education.

These jobs often require teaching experience or a teaching degree. English language institutes operate across many regions of Chile. These institutes serve Business English students, especially professionals in the mining sector. Teachers at institutes often travel to students’ offices or homes for in-person classes.

Many foreign teachers begin in these institutos de inglés, then build a private tutoring base or move toward independent teaching. Teachers can also work online, and many learners in Chile welcome online English classes. Teachers who prefer digital nomad lifestyles can work full-time online for companies or as private tutors.

Learn more about the Bridge 60-hour Specialized Online Certificate in Teaching CLIL Methodology.

What do teachers say about teaching English in Chile?

Chile welcomes non-native English teachers. Larissa, from Brazil, began her TEFL career in Chile and has grown professionally.

She said, “I discovered my niche while living here. I discovered that I really like teaching Business English, and lately, I’ve dedicated myself to this type of class. I’ve taken different courses about Business English and how to teach different kinds of students. And, more than that, I’ve also learned about teaching online.”

Bridge graduate Elaine, from Singapore, moved to Chile and transitioned to teaching Business English online. She encouraged teachers to prepare for cultural differences and varied learner profiles. She recommended learning at least A1 or A2 Spanish to better support learners. She explained that even basic Spanish helps teachers understand what learners experience.

Teaching English in Chile offers educators a chance to grow professionally while experiencing one of the most geographically and culturally diverse countries in the world. Chile offers teachers clear pathways into schools, institutes, and online work, and welcomes both new and experienced educators who want to build meaningful teaching careers.

Those who choose to teach English in Chile gain practical experience, steady opportunities, and an environment that values English education across all ages and sectors. If you decide to begin your TEFL journey here, Chile offers the structure, support, and daily discoveries that make teaching abroad both rewarding and sustainable.

Are you ready to join Chile’s rewarding and competitive TEFL market? Prepare yourself with the Bridge 120-hour Master TEFL Certificate, and step into roles in Santiago and beyond.