Teaching English in Bolivia

The vibrant country of Bolivia is a nation of “highests”: the landlocked nation has the world’s highest capital city, the highest commercially navigable lake, and one of the highest populations of indigenous people.

Bolivia TEFL Profile
Your Typical English Students	K-12 University Adults
Best Time to Get Hired	January – February June – July
Typical Start Dates	January – February June – July
Average Length of Commitment	6- to 12-month contracts
Typical Teaching Schedules	Full-time and part-time schedules available
Average Pay	$400 – $600 USD per month
Average Cost of Living	$400 – $600 USD per month depending on lifestyle

Typical Requirements	Benefits may include
Bachelor’s degree TEFL certification See recommended courses below Native speaker of English	Visa assistance Free Spanish lessons In-country orientation Travel stipend for off-site classes Reimbursement of Emergency Travel Insurance Reimbursement of airport pick up

Demand for English Teachers

A culturally fascinating nation, Bolivia is now also enjoying political and economic stability. As more Bolivians discover that the English language is an important key to key to economic and social progress, the demand for instruction is escalating. In La Paz, the national capital, there are many opportunities for teachers in private language schools.

Typical English Students / Popular Teaching Destinations

Your English students in Bolivia will range from elementary school children to adults, with class sizes of 15 to 20 for younger students, and smaller groups for adults. Because Bolivia is one of the poorest South American countries, not all residents have the opportunity for an education. This means your students will typically be eager to learn English, as well as to get to know EFL teachers from other countries. While most schools in Bolivia can’t afford to pay the world’s highest salaries, the cost of living is low, so you can live reasonably while immersing yourself in a colorful and unique traditional culture.

The largest country in South America, Brazil boasts exotic rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, beautiful beaches, and alluring coastal cities in which two-thirds of the country's population lives.

Bolivia Overview

One of the most remote countries in the Western hemisphere, Bolivia is a land of adventure. From ancient Incan trails to riveting Andean landscapes, this landlocked nation provides plenty to discover. Aside from its tropical valleys and rugged canyons, Bolivia is known for its altitude. The national capital, La Paz, touches the sky at 11,910 feet (3,630 meters) above sea level, making it the world’s highest capital. Bolivia also has one of the world’s largest indigenous populations; about 60 percent are of pure Native American descent. Infrequent contact with neighboring countries has allowed Bolivia to preserve its ancient culture and unique lifestyle.

In fact, Bolivian traditions have seen little change in the past hundred years. Customs and attire are heavily influenced by the altitude, with local women making thick, colorful attire from llama wool and carefully-crafted Borselino hats. The national capital of La Paz has a population of over 1 million and counting, yet traditional customs still thrive between the city’s surrounding cliffs and soaring high-rises. In the eastern part of the country, exotic Amazon forests give way to Santa Cruz—Bolivia’s second largest city—where rich history is preserved in the old town colonial architecture.

Recommended TEFL Courses

In Bolivia, you’ll find that online and classroom based courses are accepted.
We recommend a course of at least 100 hours to increase your chances of getting hired!

Learn more about TEFL Certification