{"id":21888,"date":"2022-12-12T11:21:33","date_gmt":"2022-12-12T18:21:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=21888"},"modified":"2026-02-06T19:27:46","modified_gmt":"2026-02-07T02:27:46","slug":"krzl-from-the-philippines-on-teaching-english-in-chile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/krzl-from-the-philippines-on-teaching-english-in-chile\/","title":{"rendered":"Krzl, From the Philippines, on Teaching English in Chile"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Known as a long country with diverse landscapes, excellent wine, and unique traditions, Chile might just draw you in if you\u2019re an English teacher looking for nature-filled trips and adventures in South America. A Bridge grad from the Philippines, Krzl Nunes, who is currently teaching EFL in Chile, shares what teaching and living in Chile is like as well as how you can succeed as an English teacher in this country.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hi, Krzl! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m from the Philippines and I moved to Chile about nine years ago. I have a degree in Journalism, and I worked as a writer at a TV station in my home country before switching to teaching English online<\/a> around 10 years ago. I also have TEFL certification<\/a> and a Specialized Certificate in Teaching English Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love learning languages, so I always want to inspire and help my students improve their English skills, knowing that this will open a lot of doors for them too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of my greatest passions include surfing and traveling. I’ve also ventured into becoming a digital nomad<\/a> so that I can travel to different beaches and still teach English online. So, when I\u2019m not teaching, you\u2019ll usually find me at the beach! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Krzl surfing in Chile<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why did you decide to grow your teaching career in Chile?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before I moved to Chile, I had heard that the country has a big market for English teachers. I also saw this potential to thrive in English teaching when I got here, as I realized that many Chileans want to learn English. There were also several language institutes I could apply to, giving me flexibility in how I could shape my career while in Chile. The opportunities I\u2019ve found and seized have also led me to build my own student base, which gave me the confidence to eventually become a fully independent English teacher<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where have you taught there?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

My first in-person English teaching jobs were with several English language institutes in Santiago, the capital of Chile. Then, I decided to go freelance and run my own in-person English teaching business. When the pandemic started two years ago, I switched back to fully teaching online. Since then, I\u2019ve been teaching all my private students virtually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Krzl teaching her adult English student online<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How\u2019s your English teaching experience been in Chile?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s been exciting and rewarding! I love that my students are very motivated to learn and improve in the language. I\u2019ve worked with young learners, teenagers, and adult professionals \u2013 practically all age groups and students with different English levels. I also love taking up challenges, so I\u2019m always amazed at my students\u2019 progress. I\u2019ve had absolute beginner students, for example, who were able to hold a conversation in English after only a few months of studying!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How high is the demand for English teachers in Chile?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

More and more Chileans are keen on learning English, so there\u2019s always a high demand for English teachers in Chile. Whether you want to teach kids or adults, you can always find English students, most of whom are from the big cities. If you’re open to working with an institution, there will be a consistent client flow to get you started, especially if you want to teach in person. If you’re already a digital nomad, you can keep your current online students and pick up additional students to tutor that live in Chile. There’s really no downside to becoming an English teacher in this beautiful country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the top reasons why Chilean students learn English?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Depending on their age, Chilean learners have different motives for studying English. For instance, my university students typically want to improve their English skills to prepare for proficiency tests like the IELTS exam<\/a> or the TOEFL exam<\/a> in order to get into student exchange programs abroad. On the other hand, my Business English students<\/a> \u2013 most of whom work for multinational companies \u2013 learn English to be able to communicate better in the workplace and boost their job prospects. The majority of my students take English lessons in order to brush up on their speaking skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Krzl with another English learner during an online class<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Where do English teachers usually find opportunities in Chile?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

English teachers in Chile can work in schools, language institutes, and summer camps. Especially if they\u2019ve already built a good network and student base, they can also teach English as a freelancer<\/a>. Hiring season starts around March and April, when Chileans come back from their holidays and students return to school. It’s important to know what approach to teaching will work best for you before you jump in feet first. There are so many options to choose from, but knowing your strengths and preferences will make establishing your reputation as an English teacher even easier. I recommend checking out this step-by-step guide<\/a> from Bridge that will make evaluating your opportunities and options a breeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the typical requirements for becoming an English teacher in Chile?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

English schools or companies typically look for a TEFL\/TESOL certificate and a bachelor\u2019s degree (in some cases). Teaching experience is also preferred, although it\u2019s not a must. You\u2019re not also required to speak Spanish, although it can be helpful, especially if you\u2019re teaching beginner English learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Krzl teaching English online<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the cost of living like in your area? Is it possible to make a living teaching English there?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chile is considered the most expensive country in South America. Renting an apartment in the city, for instance, can range between $300 to $500 USD. Monthly expenses can also range from $200 to $600 USD, depending on one\u2019s lifestyle. The good news is that teaching salaries<\/a> in Chile are higher than in neighboring countries. So, English teachers can build a life in Chile and even travel within the country or around South America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How important is it for English teachers to learn Spanish while in Chile?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As it may be difficult for many Chileans to communicate in English to foreigners, English teachers may need to learn at least basic Spanish in order to get around or do day-to-day activities. Chilean Spanish is also known to be fast-paced and full of unique slangs, so don\u2019t be shocked when you hear words or phrases that you probably didn\u2019t learn in Spanish class!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Krzl in the south of Chile<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the best thing about living in Chile?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chile has all types of topography, so there\u2019s just tons of places to explore! From deserts to beaches to glaciers, you have so many travel destinations to choose from. Especially if you like being out in nature or doing outdoor activities, Chile is a great place for having fun adventures and unforgettable experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What will English teachers from other countries have to adjust to when they move to Chile?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re coming from a warm or tropical country, be prepared for freezing winters in many parts of Chile!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the top places you recommend visiting in Chile?<\/h2>\n\n\n