TEACH ENGLISH IN URUGUAY

Everything you need to know to get a job teaching English in Uruguay.

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About Teaching English in Uruguay

Uruguay offers the perfect escape from fast-paced cities, with its beautiful coastlines, charming cities, and relaxed lifestyle. The cuisine is similar to that of other countries in the region, featuring big steaks and even bigger glasses of wine. Venture outside of the capital city, and chances are you will feel like the only foreigner in the country.

English teachers in Uruguay typically find teaching jobs start in February through March and again in July and August. Teachers most commonly interview in person in Uruguay and are also responsible for their own airfare and housing. Most teachers live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers, and many share a flat with coworkers.

Teach English in Uruguay TEFL Classroom an English teacher in Uruguay


A solid hourly wage allows English teachers to live a comfortable lifestyle. Schools typically offer around 20-25 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to travel and explore. Teachers aren't required to have a bachelors degree, but it is often times preferred by employers. Teachers are also required to have an accredited TEFL certificate.

In order to teach English in Uruguay, you will need a TEFL certificate. A 4-year college degree is not required but is strongly preferred. Native English proficiency is also expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in Uruguay is about $900 - $1,300 USD per month.

Most teaching jobs are found in Montevideo, Canelones and other major cities throughout Uruguay.

How to Become an English Teacher in Uruguay: Requirements

TEFL Certification Uruguay

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Uruguay. You do not need prior teaching experience, but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. 

Teachers typically interview in-person in Uruguay. Therefore, it is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

You do not need to be a native English speaker to teach English in Uruguay, however, you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for teaching jobs. Citizenship from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is typically preferred but not always required.

Degree Requirements

While a bachelor's degree is not required to secure a job in Uruguay, it still can be strongly preferred by employers. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search.

How to Find TEFL Jobs in Uruguay

English Teaching Jobs in Uruguay

The most common teaching jobs in Uruguay consist of:

  • Teaching adults in English language schools.
  • Private tutoring to adults.
  • Teaching Business English to adults.
  • Teaching English Online.

English Teacher Jobs Uruguay: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Uruguay can expect to find jobs between February-March and again in July-August. Teachers typically get hired in person in Uruguay during these peak hiring months.

Teachers typically teach on a "Cedula," or a Temporary Residence Permit. This allows teachers to work legally in Uruguay. This Cedula can be processed in Uruguay once you get your job. It can take a few months to process this Cedula, but as long as you've applied for it you are technically legal to work. 

TEFL Uruguay: Hours

English language schools in Uruguay offer approximately 20 to 25 hours of classroom work per week plus additional hours for prep time. This allows for plenty of time to travel and explore. 

Teaching Uruguayan Students

It is most common that your students will be adults and business professionals. 

TEFL Uruguay Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs will range from $1,600 - $2,200 USD. These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Uruguay until you receive your first paycheck and may include things like rent, apartment supplies, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

English Teacher Salary in Uruguay

A solid hourly wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Uruguay. Teachers can expect to make $900 - $1,300 USD per month. It is common for teachers in Uruguay to also teach English online to supplement their income.

There are no flight or housing benefits/stipends provided so you will need to remember to account for accommodation or temporary housing for your first few weeks in your start-up costs until you find an apartment to rent. 

Cost of Living & Savings

The cost of living typically ranges between $900-$1,300 USD per month.

English teachers in Uruguay can expect to break even month over month. This means you can cover your rent and bills, support yourself, live comfortably, and enjoy your life abroad to the fullest, but you shouldn't expect to save money at the end of the month. If you are hustling and taking on private tutoring lessons and/or teaching English online in addition to your regular teaching schedule, you may increase your ability to save.

 

What Does Teaching in Uruguay Look Like?

Check out our blog to read stories from our alumni teaching English in Uruguay and Latin America.

Want more? We've got you covered! Visit our Video Library to watch day-in-the-life videos from our alumni and get a glimpse into what your life as an English teacher in Uruguay & Latin America could look like!

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Teaching English in Uruguay FAQs

Do I need a degree to teach English in Uruguay?

To teach English in Uruguay, make sure you understand what is and is not required:

Required:

  • A TEFL certification
  • Understanding of the types of English teaching jobs that are available
  • Savings for start-up costs

Not Required:

  • A four-year college degree is not required to secure a job in Uruguay, however, it is still strongly preferred by employers. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search.
  • You do not need to be a native English speaker, but you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for teaching jobs. Citizenship from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is typically preferred but not always required.

How much money can I make teaching English in Uruguay?

English teachers in Uruguay can expect to make $900 - $1,300 USD per month. It is common for teachers in Uruguay to also teach English online to supplement their income.

There are no flight or housing benefits/stipends provided so you will need to remember to account for accommodation or temporary housing for your first few weeks in your start-up costs until you find an apartment to rent.

What type of visa do I need to teach English in Uruguay

English teachers in Uruguay typically teach on a "Cedula" Temporary Residence Permit. This allows English teachers to work and live legally in Uruguay. Your Cedula can be processed in Uruguay once you get your teaching job. You are technically legally allowed to work while your Cedula is processing. 

Does Uruguay need English teachers?

There is a demand for English teachers in Uruguay. You can expect to find jobs between February-March and again in July-August. English teachers in Uruguay typically get hired in person during these peak hiring months.

Recommended TEFL Courses for Teaching English in Uruguay

Part-Time Online TEFL Course

What's included 👇

  • 170-Hour Online Certification
  • 11 Weeks Part-Time
  • OFQUAL Level 5 Accreditation from TQUK
  • Live Office Hours with Your Instructor & Peer-Participation with Classmates
  • Lifetime Job Search Guidance
  • 20-Hours Live Practice Teaching

Intensive Online TEFL Course

What's included 👇

  • 4 Weeks Full-Time (40+ hours per week) - required class time typically 6-8 hours daily
  • OFQUAL Level 5 Accreditation from TQUK
  • Live Office Hours with Your Instructor & Peer-Participation with Classmates
  • Lifetime Job Search Guidance
  • 10-Hours Live Practice Teaching (Virtual) built into the course

Heredia, Costa Rica TEFL Course

What's included 👇

  • In-Person 4 Weeks, Full-Time
  • OFQUAL Level 5 Accreditation from TQUK
  • University-Level Instructors
  • Lifetime Job Search Guidance
  • 6-10 Hours Live Practice Teaching
  • Small Class Sizes
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Reviews From ITA Students Who Now Experience TEFL in South America

Mikael Worku

Taught English in Chile

Mikael Worku

We were taught how to get the best out of our students and how to effectively teach the English language to them with various methods. All in all, it was a very useful course, and not only for teaching English.

Adria Baebler

Taught English in Uruguay

Adria Baebler

Uruguay is a very simple, quiet country, and people value the time they get to spend with others. Common cultural activities are sitting around drinking mate (a tea-like drink), walking along the rambla (boardwalk) during nice weather, or going to a park. 

Kristen Schott

Taught English in Costa Rica

Kristen Schott

Stop considering and start doing. The decision to move abroad is one that will bring people, places, and events into your life that will shape you into the person you always wanted to be.