TEFL Certificate

 

The Country

The relatively strong economy in Chile in comparison to other South American countries is matched by the increase in English teaching job opportunities. Two of the biggest English teaching growth areas are in business and young learners. Private language schools abound throughout the country and most notably in the capital Santiago. Certified English teachers should have few difficulties in securing suitable employment.

The best method of sourcing an English teaching job in Chile is to contact the school approximately six months in advance of your arrival. Job opportunities are posted by institutions on nearly all leading TEFL job sites but you are also advised to contact schools directly. Premier sources of contact details are language school directories, business directories including the white pages and national newspapers both English and Spanish language. Make sure you maintain a log of those schools that you have submitted applications to and follow up those applications at regular intervals. Demand for English teachers is booming and job vacancies therefore change over relatively short periods of time. The emphasis should be placed on your international experience, qualifications and your TEFL training/practical experience.

The academic year in Chile runs from late March, so make sure you start applying for jobs at least six months in advance of that period. Schools will then usually respond early in the New Year. If you miss the six month deadline do not panic. Application at any time prior to March may result in you obtaining a good job because last minute job offers are also in abundance.

As soon as a school responds positively to your application they will ask to interview you either in person or by telephone. Once a job offer is made you will usually have a couple of days to decide as schools in Chile prefer a quick response. You will then be offered a contract which is a necessary precursor to obtaining a work visa. Employment secured without a formal contract will necessitate your leaving the country every three months to gain a further 3 month tourist visa. The completion of paperwork in Chile is quite time consuming so schools have become experts in methods to prolong your visa. Usually schools will have their own training in-house. For those who have obtained a 4 week TEFL course certificate or a 100 hour on-line TEFL course this training requirement is waived.

The size of a class typically varies from one to twelve individuals. Teaching schedules are usually varied and can consist of morning, late afternoon and/or early evening classes. This affords you the opportunity to use your afternoons to plan lessons, catch up on much needed sleep or take private lessons.

 

 

Sample Job offer for Teaching English in Chile

"Native English Teachers needed to teach at Codelco Norte, the northern sector of the largest copper mining company in Chile, based in Calama. A monthly salary of 1.000.000 Chilean pesos is paid. The package also includes room and board and transportation to and from your current location."