Wondering how to find TEFL jobs in Mexico? We've devised a 6-step plan to help you teach English in Mexico in 2027!
With a population of 128 million and an economy heavily dependent on tourism and trade with countries like the U.S., Mexico offers one of Latin America's largest job markets for TEFL-certified teachers. With its proximity to the U.S., many American ESL teachers enjoy the short, affordable flight home, which lets them travel as they please. But convenience isn’t all Mexico offers. Throw in fantastic history and culture, a low cost of living, a warm climate, and delicious cuisine, and it’s not hard to see why so many ESL teachers make Mexico their home away from home.
Teaching English in Mexico in 2027: Quick Facts
- Degree Required? No (A bachelor's degree is preferred for some university roles, but not legally required to teach).
- TEFL Certification Required? Yes (120+ hour accredited TEFL certification recommended).
- Average Monthly Salary: $800 – $1,500 USD (15,000 – 30,000 MXN) — covers comfortable local living expenses, rent, dining, and weekend travel according to cost of living metrics for Mexico.
- Visa Type: Temporary Resident Visa (Residencia Temporal) with work authorization.
- Peak Hiring Seasons: August–September & January–February (Private language schools hire year-round).
- Top Hiring Cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Querétaro, Cancún, and Puerto Vallarta.
How Do I Become an English Teacher in Mexico?
To get a job teaching English in Mexico, research teaching opportunities, earn your TEFL certification, prepare your resume and travel plans, and apply and interview with schools. Once you accept a job offer, work with your employer to arrange the required visa and work authorization before you begin teaching.
How to Apply as an English Teacher in Mexico in 2027
Now, let’s take a detailed look at the following 6 steps to help you teach English in Mexico:
1. Call an Advisor and Begin Your Research
Not sure where to begin? Request a copy of our free Teaching English in Mexico ebook or give us a call at 773-634-9900 to speak with an ITA expert advisor to discuss your options and questions. All of our Admissions Advisors at ITA have spent time living, traveling, and teaching abroad, and they understand the rewards and challenges of living and working in a foreign country. They will work with you throughout your research. They will answer questions on up-to-date teaching market information, hiring procedures and timelines, average salary and living costs, TEFL certification options, education requirements, visa eligibility, and more.
If you have already been assigned to an advisor, send them an email or give them a call to set up a time to talk.
To learn more about teaching English in Mexico specifically, check out the following resources:
- Mexico Country Profile
- The Requirements for Teaching English in Mexico
- How Much Do English Teachers Make in Mexico?
- 10 Reasons Why You Should Teach English in Mexico
Additionally, check out the Mexico section of our blog and video library, where you can discover hundreds of FAQs, Q&As, articles, and day-in-the-life alumni videos giving you a firsthand glimpse into what life teaching English in Mexico could look like for you!
2. Enroll in a TEFL Course
Successfully completing a TEFL certification course will provide you with the skills and qualifications needed to teach English in Mexico. This certification is a recognized qualification that thousands of schools and institutes, not only in Mexico but also worldwide, seek and require when hiring new English teachers. Even if you are a certified or experienced teacher, unless you have a degree in TESOL, you will still want to get TEFL certified.
Because many schools in Mexico conduct on-the-ground, in-person interviews, most Americans and Canadians take our 170-hour online TEFL course or our in-person TEFL course in Guadalajara, Mexico. Both courses are excellent options for different learning preferences and timelines. So let’s take a closer look at the two:
- 170-hour Online TEFL Course
- Part-time: This course spans 11 weeks, offering you the flexibility to get TEFL certified while working or going to school full-time.
- 20 Hours of Hands-On Live Practice Teaching: This course includes a mandatory live practice teaching component that you will be expected to complete to fully prepare you for the classroom.
- One-on-one lifetime job search assistance is guaranteed, whether you just graduated or are looking for a teaching position a few years down the road.
- The online TEFL class is the most cost-effective way to earn your TEFL certification.
- Guadalajara, Mexico In-Person TEFL Course
- Full-Time: This course spans 4 weeks (40+ hours a week) with required class time typically being anywhere from 6-8 hours each day.
- Classes are capped at 12 students.
- Hands-On Live Practice Teaching: This course includes a mandatory live practice teaching component with local ESL students.
- Spend 4 weeks in one of Mexico’s most vibrant and historic cities.
- Receive job search guidance in Mexico and one-on-one job search guidance for life!
Looking for other TEFL certification options? Check out ITA’s complete index of online and in-person TEFL courses around the world.
3. Prepare for Your Job Search & Make Travel Arrangements
ITA’s Student Affairs team will help you conduct your job search successfully, showing you everything you need to do and know to become an English teacher in Mexico. You will be teamed up with your own personal Student Affairs Advisor who can help you with:
- Preparing your resume and cover letter;
- Resources to connect you with recruiters, job listings, and recommended schools in Mexico looking to hire;
- Visa information, processes, and much, much more.
Most schools in Mexico conduct face-to-face interviews, meaning you will need to be on the ground and in Mexico to apply and interview for jobs. Although rare, some schools will interview in advance over Zoom.
If you plan to find work in person in Mexico, make any necessary travel arrangements, including flight and accommodation, and enter Mexico on a tourist visa.
Learn more about International TEFL Academy’s lifetime Job Search Guidance.
4. Apply for Positions and Interview
ESL teachers in Mexico can expect to find jobs year-round (though major holiday periods like Christmas & Easter will be slow).
The most common teaching jobs in Mexico consist of teaching adults or children in English language schools or teaching Business English to adults. Many ESL teachers also teach English online or take on private students to supplement their income.
Pro Tip: Earning USD by teaching English online to international students while paying local living costs in Mexican Pesos (MXN) is a popular strategy many teachers use to significantly increase their savings and disposable income while living in Mexico.
While there are some opportunities to interview in advance via Zoom or email, most English teachers in Mexico interview on the ground, in person.
Remember to keep your options open. If you have the opportunity, interview at a handful of different schools and compare the offers you receive to see which school best fits you and provides the best benefits. As part of ITA’s lifetime job search guidance, our Student Affairs team can review your contract to ensure it is fair and in line with pay averages based on where you plan to teach English within Mexico.
5. Sign a Contract and Make Visa Arrangements
Once you’ve accepted a job offer and signed your contract, you will work with your employer to secure legal work authorization. To teach English in Mexico, you will need a Temporary Resident Visa (Residencia Temporal), which allows you to apply for a Temporary Resident Card with work authorization once you arrive in Mexico.
You can apply for your visa in person in Mexico or at your nearest Mexican Consulate in your home country:
- Applying in Mexico: Most teachers enter Mexico on a tourist visa (citizens of the U.S., Canada, UK, and EU do not need to apply for a tourist visa in advance) and find a job on the ground. Once you secure a job offer, you will transfer your tourist status to a Temporary Resident Visa. Make sure you bring all necessary visa application documents with you from home before traveling!
- Applying from Home: If you secure employment in advance, your employer will sponsor your visa process so you can attend your visa appointment at a Mexican Consulate in your home country before departure.
Timeline & Validity: The initial visa entry stamp is valid for 180 days. Within this window, you must convert it at an INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) office in Mexico into a Temporary Residence Card, which is valid for 1 year and can be renewed annually for up to 4 years.
Checklist: Required Documents for Your Temporary Residence Permit
- Visa Application: Completed and signed.
- Valid Passport & Copy: Original passport and a clear copy of the photo ID page. (Non-U.S. citizens applying in the U.S. must provide original and copies proving legal US residency, such as I-797, I-20, or Green Card).
- Passport Photograph: One color passport-size photo (front view, white background, no eyeglasses).
- Application Processing Fee: Approximately $54.00 USD (non-refundable).
- Letter of Invitation / Purpose of Travel: Provided by your hiring school, which must include:
- An original letter stating your full name, nationality, job title, duties, and employment duration.
- The school’s official name, registration number, purpose, address, and contact details.
- A copy of the official ID of the person signing the invitation letter (and potentially proof of financial solvency for the institution).
- Consulate-Specific Documents: Additional items requested by your specific consulate. Always double-check your local consulate's website before your appointment!
For a detailed breakdown of the work visa process for Mexico, please read How Can I Get a Work Visa to Teach English in Mexico?
6. Begin Your New Job!
While it may seem like the adventure has already begun, that was just the beginning! You’re about to put all that training into action and help change lives! Congrats and best of luck with your English teaching job in Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching English in Mexico
Can I teach English in Mexico without a college degree?
Yes! A four-year college degree is not legally required by Mexican immigration to teach English. While some private universities prefer a degree, many language institutes actively hire teachers with an accredited TEFL certification regardless of degree status.
Where are the best places to teach English in Mexico?
Mexico City and Guadalajara offer the largest concentration of job opportunities and business English contracts. Other top destinations include corporate hubs like Querétaro and Monterrey, as well as coastal cultural spots like Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, and Oaxaca.
Is it safe to live and teach English in Mexico?
Yes. Popular expat and teaching hubs like Mexico City (neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Polanco), Guadalajara, Querétaro, and Mérida host large international communities. Using common sense and precautions helps to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience. When you first arrive, ask your colleagues for guidance and tips.
Do I need to speak Spanish to teach English in Mexico?
No. TEFL immersion methods require teaching entirely in English. While knowing Spanish isn't required for the classroom, basic conversational skills will help with daily life and settling in. If mastering, or just improving your Spanish, is a personal goal, teaching English in Mexico provides a perfect opportunity.
How much startup money should I bring to Mexico?
We recommend bringing $1,500 – $2,500 USD in startup capital to cover your initial housing, meals, transport, visa fees, and living costs while you interview and await your first paycheck.
Want to Learn More About Teaching English Abroad & Online?
Request a free brochure or call 773-634-9900 to speak with an expert advisor about all aspects of TEFL certification and teaching English abroad or online, including the hiring process, salaries, visas, TEFL class options, job placement assistance and more.
"I was also blown away by positive reviews from alumni. And the job assistance has proven invaluable. I love that ITA offers so many resources, manuals, and webinars that make the job search process a lot less scary."
- Caroline Cassard
Teaches English in Mexico
