10 Reasons Why You Should Teach English Abroad in Mexico in 2027

Here are 10 reasons why you should teach English abroad in Mexico in 2027:

1. Become fluent in Spanish, finally.

When teaching English abroad, you don’t need to speak the language of the country that you're moving to. If you do, though, it makes the experience even more dynamic!

In Mexico, you'll have constant access to one of the most neutral dialects of Spanish. Affordable Spanish classes can be easily found throughout Mexico. This is also a great way to meet other teachers and foreigners living in your new home. Don’t want to spend your salary on Spanish classes? 

You can learn how to speak like a native speaker by finding an intercambio de idioma (language exchange partner). It costs nothing, since half the time you'll speak English and half the time you'll speak Spanish. This is also a great way to meet people, learn about Mexican culture, and teach your partner about your own. 

2. The food, of course.

Traditional Mexican food will have you regret ever waiting in line for Chipotle. With the combination of pre- and post-Spanish influences, each dish tells a little story from Mexico’s diverse history.

You'll find world-class seafood in Mexico’s Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy ceviches, shrimp empanadas, and fish fillets in the many charming Mexican beach towns you will visit. A michelada (a beer bloody mary) is the perfect pair for any seafood dish! In the city, seek out street carts where you will find tacos cheaper than Taco Bell and, again, will make you regret never having real Mexican food before.

If you're new to it, start with tacos al pastor. Need a vegetarian option? Beans, cheese, rice, and nopales (cactus paddles) are common options at these carts, too! If street fare isn’t your vibe, post up at a restaurant, order a Modelo, and when you see enchiladas, pozole, mole, tostadas, tamales, or chilaquiles, just say “todos, por favor!”

3. Work visas.

In many Latin American countries, it's customary for English teachers to teach on a tourist visa. Mexico, however, is one of the few countries where a work visa can be processed after accepting a position. This visa not only allows English teachers to work legally, but also provides other benefits, such as access to the national health care system.

4. No degree or age cap requirements.

A 4-year degree is not required for English teachers in Mexico! Being a TEFL-certified fluent English speaker will qualify you for fantastic teaching positions in Mexico. The country is also an excellent choice for teachers over 40, as it is a country open to hiring older teachers due to high demand.

Read more: Requirements for teaching English in Mexico 

5. Opportunities to interview in advance.

While most schools in Mexico recruit and hire English teachers locally in person, some will interview and offer a job in advance. If you are nervous about flying down and finding a job teaching English in person without having a job lined up in advance, Mexico might be a good option for you.

6. Year-round hiring.

The demand for TEFL-certified English teachers in Mexico grows yearly. There's never a bad time to find a job teaching English in Mexico. This gives you plenty of flexibility when planning your move abroad.

Read more: How Much Do English Teachers Make in Mexico?

7. Big cities? Beaches? Check.

Are you a city person? Beach bum? Outdoor enthusiast? You'll find your own little piece of heaven while teaching English in Mexico! From tropical coastlines to mountain highlands - Mexico offers it all.

Mexico City is the largest metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere. Home to the most museums of any city in the world, Mexico's capital is a place to love, whether you seek fantastic architecture, vibrant nightlife, or world-class art. Also, from street-side tacos to cutting-edge fusion cuisine, Mexico City has also become recognized as one of the top foodie cities in the world.

For outdoor lovers, check out Cozumel. Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, it has become one of Mexico's most famous scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The brand-new Tren Maya has also made exploring the peninsula easier than ever! 

For history buffs, head to the jungles of Chiapas, where the ruins of the ancient city-state of Palenque are home to some of Mexico's most famous Mayan architecture and sculpture. Most of these structures date from approximately 600 AD! Whatever kind of lifestyle you are seeking to live, you can find it in Mexico!

8. Culture.

Teaching English in Mexico offers you the unique opportunity to experience a culture thousands of years old. It's a unique blend of indigenous, Spanish, and other immigrant cultures.

You'll see this unique blend of culture manifested in celebrations every year like Día de los Muertos, Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Las Posadas, and Cinco de Mayo.

9. Affordability.

Vacationing in Mexican resorts may be expensive, but living and traveling in Mexico as a local is quite the opposite. Housing, food, and travel are all affordable and typically far cheaper than in the U.S. or Western Europe. Even on a first-time English teacher’s salary in Mexico, you can live a really nice lifestyle.

Pro tip: In addition to super-cheap public buses, Uber is in Mexico, so getting around is becoming cheaper, safer & more convenient.

10. Opportunity to travel, a lot.

Mexico is a bridge between Central America and the rest of North America. Want to hop down to Costa Rica for the weekend? This is totally doable. Want to visit the States for a few days? No problem!

It's in a similar time zone to the US, and many airlines have direct flights to and from Mexico. Although regional travel throughout the Americas is very accessible and affordable from Mexico, you could easily stay busy solely exploring Mexico.

11. BONUS REASON - TEQUILA!

While living and teaching English in Mexico,  you will come to realize that tequila is not just a tasty beverage to loosen your inhibitions on Cinco de Mayo or during Spring Break. In fact, tequila is a national Mexican treasure and must be produced according to specific standards like Champagne or Cognac. Tequila can only be made in a specific region (the Mexican state of Jalisco), and an astounding array of standards and tests measure its varieties. In fact, top-quality tequilas are meant to be tasted and enjoyed much like the most elite whiskies in Scotland or fine wines in France - as one of life's true pleasures meant to be savored for its craftsmanship and exquisite flavors.

Finally, whichever reason you pick, be sure to check out our Country Profile for English teaching jobs in Mexico, our onsite TEFL Course in Guadalajara, and our 6-Step Plan to Get a Job Teaching English in Mexico.