Teaching English in Uruguay

Those looking for an escape from the fast-paced city life can turn their attention the South American nation of Uruguay that features a relaxed lifestyle, charming cities, and beautiful coastlines. It has a cuisine that is not too dissimilar to what others in the region have to offer with its big steaks and substantially bigger glasses of wine. A trip outside the capital city can often create the feeling of being the only foreigner in the whole country.

Teachers coming to teach English in Uruguay usually find teaching jobs in the period of February-March and July-August. In-person interviews are the norm and candidates are expected to bear their housing prices and airfare. Teachers are often found living in apartments previously rented by other teachers while many opt for shared accommodation with their coworkers.

English teachers get to lead a life of comfort thanks to the solid hourly wages on offer. A work week is usually no more than 20 to 25 hours long which gives plenty of time for them to travel and explore the place. A bachelor’s degree is not needed for teaching in the country but candidates who possess one usually get the preference while a TEFL certification is a mandatory requirement. Major cities such as Canelones and Montevideo are the ones where most of the teaching jobs can be found.

While it is not necessary to have a Bachelor’s degree for securing a job in Uruguay, many employers tend to prefer candidates with one. Not having a degree could mean a long and intensely competitive job search process.