Teach English in Chile: Jobs, Visas & Pay Info

If you’re dreaming of teaching English abroad, Chile might be your perfect destination. With its stunning landscapes, welcoming culture, and growing demand for English education, Chile offers fantastic opportunities for TEFL teachers—especially those willing to be flexible and adventurous.

When is the Best Time to Find TEFL Jobs in Chile?

The peak hiring periods are in March and July, as many schools align recruitment with the academic calendar. However, unlike some countries where you can secure a job months in advance, most TEFL teachers in Chile wait until they arrive to start job hunting. Why? Because many schools prefer in-person interviews and might even hire you on the spot. So don’t rush into accepting the first offer—take your time and explore your options locally.

Do I Need a Visa to Teach English in Chile, and Which One Should I Get?

Yes, you absolutely need a visa—it’s illegal to work on a tourist visa, no matter what some shady employers may tell you. There are two main visa types:

Sujeto a Contrato Visa: Tied directly to your employer. If you change jobs, you’ll need a new visa. Your job must offer a minimum salary of 100,000 pesos/month.

Visa de Residencia Temporaria: A more flexible option if you don’t want to be tied to a single employer, but it involves more paperwork.

Visa fees are generally higher for British citizens than for Americans. If you're under a certain age, you might also be eligible for a working holiday visa, depending on your home country.

What Are the Peak Hiring Seasons for TEFL Jobs in Chile?

The capital city Santiago has the highest number of TEFL opportunities. It's a bustling hub with a wide range of private language schools, international institutions, and public programs. If you're looking for better work-life balance or lower cost of living, smaller cities and rural areas may be a good choice. Salaries are often lower outside Santiago, but so are housing and daily expenses—and there's often less competition for jobs.

Which Employers Hire TEFL Teachers in Chile?

Here’s a snapshot of notable employers across Chile:

Academia de Idiomas del Norte: 6–9 month contracts, shared housing sometimes included.

British Council: For UK/Irish citizens with basic Spanish; university placements; 1-year contracts.

ChilEnglish: provides teaching schedules of 25 to 30 hours per week, with monthly earnings averaging approximately 500,000 pesos.

Executive English Solutions: Competitive hourly rate (8,000–12,000 pesos), ideal for teachers with degrees and 1+ years of experience.

English Opens Doors Program: Government-run volunteer program placing assistants in public schools across the country.

Grant’s English: Requires teachers already in Santiago; hourly pay from 9,000 pesos.

Instituto Chileno-Británico de Cultura: Evening work, full-year contracts, around £700/month.

Instituto Chileno-Norteamericano de Cultura: Prior experience required; $1,100/month for full-time roles.

Redland School: Offers gap year placements and full contracts; includes lunch and CPD.

Wall Street English: operates in eight different cities throughout Chile, with a total of ten language centers.

Bonus Tip: Check The TEFL Org Jobs Centre for current openings in Chile.

What Are the Pay and Working Conditions Like for TEFL Teachers in Chile?

Pay in Chile is modest compared to some other countries, but manageable if you live smart. Expect:

Hourly pay: Around 8,000–12,000 pesos/hour

Monthly pay: 430,000 to 1,100,000 pesos/month

Hours: Typically 20–30 teaching hours/week

Schedules: Often include evening classes, especially at institutes

Perks: Some employers offer shared housing, lunch, or relocation grants

Because British accents are less common in Chile, some schools may offer higher pay to teachers from the UK.

Final Tips and Resources

Be on the ground during hiring seasons for best results.

Avoid any school that encourages working illegally on a tourist visa.

Weigh location vs. salary—a lower-paying job in a smaller city may offer better savings overall.

Use platforms like The TEFL Org Jobs Centre to get ahead of the competition.

Teaching in Chile can be a rewarding adventure. Just do your research, get the right visa, and start brushing up on your Spanish—you’re going to need it!