Teaching English in Mexico can be an enriching cultural experience and a . It combines the opportunity to immerse yourself in Mexican culture with helping others improve their English language skills. If you're looking for a comprehensive understanding of how to teach English in Mexico, you’ve come to the right place.
Vibrant culture, teaching experience, and opportunities to travel—it’s all possible once you know how to teach English in Mexico.
Teaching English in Mexico is an adventure that goes beyond the classroom. With this comprehensive manual in hand, you’re now ready to embark on this rewarding journey to navigate the requirements to teach English in Mexico, seize the job opportunities, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Mexican lifestyle.
Can I teach English in Mexico without a degree?
Yes, , but opportunities may vary.
Some institutions like academic schools require teachers to have a degree or . Places that specialize in business English may prefer English teachers with a background in specific business or technical fields, while others, like conversational English institutions, are more flexible if you possess expert-level English fluency and some teaching experience.
Some institutions also offer their own training, especially if they’ve developed their own methodology, and do not require any qualifications or certifications—just being an English speaker would suffice! If you’re (i.e., not paid work) then the requirements are much more flexible.
However, , you might face challenges in securing work visas or higher-paying positions. While Mexico is open to English teachers from diverse educational backgrounds, a bachelor’s degree opens the door to more lucrative teaching opportunities.
To increase your chances, . This showcases your commitment and equips you with relevant skills. Additionally, building connections with local language schools or English learning communities can help you find opportunities.
4 requirements to teach English in Mexico
1. Expert-level English ability
Many institutions require teachers to demonstrate a high level of English proficiency. This can be assessed either internally by the company or by getting a high score on a , or it can be —countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand are considered “English-speaking countries” and therefore just being a citizen can be enough to qualify you for jobs. And remember, there are many opportunities for teaching English in Mexico without a degree.
2. Job offer from a company registered in Mexico
Got the job? You’re well on your way to your new adventure.
If you want to earn a salary teaching English in Mexico, you must have a confirmed job offer from a school or institution based in Mexico. It’s important to secure employment before beginning . This is imperative in order to receive the necessary visa required to live and work in Mexico.
3. Visa with permission to work
Normally, and will apply on behalf of the employee. Ideally, this should be your way of getting a temporary residence visa with permission to work, which is first valid for one year, and then renewable for up to three years afterward.
Many people enter Mexico as a tourist to find and secure a teaching job opportunity. The company will then begin the temporary residency application, and the employee has to leave Mexico and return within 30 days to complete the process.
You could also go through this process by yourself without a company, which brings us to the next (optional) requirement…
4. Proof of economic solvency
Anyone who wishes to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days must apply for a . You can apply for one yourself but it will not be with permission to work, which means you’ll need to show proof of existing income.
However, this method should be a last resort—remember that in order to teach English and earn money in Mexico, you'll still need to apply for a , or a Mexican work permit, which still requires an offer letter from a company.
If you’re looking into how to be an English teacher in Mexico temporarily (less than 180 days) and your main goal is to only teach English for the experience rather than the money, you may not need to follow all of the aforementioned requirements to teach English in Mexico. can help you avoid the hassles of paperwork.
How to teach English in Mexico
Ready to find out why teaching abroad is pretty much ? Follow the steps below to discover how to become an English teacher in Mexico!
1. Get qualified
The time you put into getting your TEFL certification will pay off in jobs abroad.
While not always required, having a bachelor’s degree and a of getting a job. Some prestigious institutions may require a master’s degree or higher qualification in (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
Some places may require you to take an English proficiency test to demonstrate your natural English ability. You also may need to take an English proficiency test if you want to try teaching English in Mexico without a degree.
2. Research the job market
Identify in Mexico. Bigger cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey have a higher demand for English teachers, but those jobs also come with higher competition and those cities with higher living costs.
Different types of institutions (private schools, language institutes, public schools, universities) have varying pay scales and requirements. also requires living in a place that has access to a stable internet connection.
3. Prepare your documents
Make sure is up-to-date. You’ll also need to gather other necessary documents like your diploma, certificates, CV, and reference letters if any are required for your job application.
Some places may require a police clearance and may require these documents to be translated into Spanish. Check with your closest Mexican embassy or consulate on authorized translation services and notaries.
4. Apply for jobs
You can in Mexico both online and in person. Some people choose to secure a job before they arrive in the country, while others travel to Mexico first and then start their job hunt.
Remember that the ideal way to get a residency visa with a work permit in Mexico is to do so with a job offer in hand. Make sure you read contracts thoroughly before signing. If a contract is entirely in Spanish, it’s a good idea to read them through with someone you trust who can translate the details for you.
5. Get your residencia temporal with a work visa
Once you have a job offer, you’ll usually need to apply for this visa at a Mexican embassy or consulate outside of Mexico. Your employer in Mexico should have started the process for you by providing you with a letter of employment, which is a necessary part of the application process.
6. Plan your journey
You have your job offer and visa organized, so get that flight booked!
Once your visa is approved, you can . Choose where in Mexico you want to live, , find out about local transportation, understand the cost of living, and learn about the local culture and customs. Be sure to have two months’ worth of to cover startup costs like deposits on rentals.
7. Start teaching
When you arrive in Mexico, report to your employer, finalize your living situation, and ! Ensure you understand your responsibilities, class schedules, and curriculum.
8. Continue your education
Continue improving while you’re working. Attend workshops, participate in professional development activities, and . It’s also a to truly have an enriching time in Mexico!
9. Build your client base
When you’re able to control your pay rate and schedule, you can truly make the most out of your experience teaching English in Mexico. The easiest way to do this is to become an independent worker who is not tied to a school or institution. You can do this by and working on your own after some time.
What can I expect from a teaching English salary in Mexico?
English teachers in Mexico typically earn between 8,000 to 15,000 Mexican Pesos per month and can go up to . Do note that the large majority of people in Mexico earn below 15,000 pesos a month, so depending on where you live, how you live, and what your needs are, a teaching English in Mexico salary can definitely be a livable wage.
Teaching English can mean earning a liveable wage so you can explore more of Mexico.
How much you earn depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Location: Teachers in larger cities like Mexico City or Guadalajara may earn more than those in smaller cities or rural areas. Many teachers also work remotely and , and per-hour classes can range from 180 pesos per hour up to 1,000 pesos per hour depending on group size and the type of class given.
- Type of institution: Public schools, private schools, language institutes, universities, and private tutoring all have different pay scales. Typically, private schools and language institutes tend to pay more, but they will demand more working hours and require higher qualifications.
- Experience and qualifications: Teachers with a higher level of education (such as a master’s degree), recognized , or more years of teaching experience generally earn more.
- Working hours: The number of hours you work per week can also significantly affect your earnings. Some teaching positions may only require 20 hours per week, while others may require 40 or more. Being part of the staff in a school with children may also require a commitment to after-school programs or school events.
Many people who teach English in Mexico for a living tend to start with institutions, then leave to teach privately after building a client base. If you’re an independent worker, you can control your hours and negotiate your rate directly with your clients or students.
It is not uncommon to start with lower pay, but it is generally easy to work your way up. Students and private ESL clients in Mexico tend to be loyal to teachers they get along with well, so as long as you’re doing your best and giving your all, it’s not difficult to in Mexico!
Teaching English in Mexico is a great way to build your resume and fund your travels!
Pack your bags (and teaching materials!), because you’re on your way to a fulfilling teaching career in Mexico.
Teaching English in Mexico is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich, vibrant culture and make a real impact in the lives of your students. With the right qualifications, experience, skills, and legal paperwork, you can in Mexico. Now that you know how to become an English teacher in Mexico, you’re ready to start your career path!
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