TEACH ENGLISH IN BOLIVIA

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

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About Teaching English in Bolivia

In order to teach English in Bolivia, you will need a TEFL certificate. A 4-year college degree is preferred but not required. Native English proficiency is also expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in Bolivia is about $500 - $900 USD per month.

Bolivia does not quite rival its larger neighbors like Peru, Chile & Argentina as a major job market for teaching English in Latin America, but with a major growth in tourism and increased integration into the international economy, demand for English language instruction has been increasing. Bolivia is a solid choice for those teachers really passionate about perfecting Spanish language skills. While off the beaten path for some, Bolivia offers TEFL certified teachers the chance to dive into the local culture.

female English teachers in Latin America English teachers in Bolivia visiting Salt flats


English teaching jobs in Bolivia typically start in February-March or July-August. In most cases, schools interview and recruit teachers locally on the ground in Bolivia. While there aren't necessarily degree or citizen requirements to teach English in Bolivia, a TEFL certification is typically required. Wages are modest - you certainly won't get rich teaching English in Bolivia. Since the cost of living is very low, you can expect to cover all of your expenses and to live comfortably. The English teaching job market in Bolivia is strongest in major cities like La Paz, Cochabamba, El Alto, Oruro, and Santa Cruz.

How to Teach English in Bolivia: Requirements

TEFL Certification for Bolivia

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

Teachers typically interview in person in Bolivia. 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 Bolivia, 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 Bolivia, 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 South America & Bolivia

English Teaching Jobs in Bolivia

The most common teaching jobs in Bolivia consist of:

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

TEFL Bolivia: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Bolivia can expect to find jobs between February-March and then again in July-August. Teachers most commonly find their teaching jobs in-person and interview face-to-face upon arrival in Bolivia.

Teachers enter Bolivia on a tourist visa. Teachers can apply for the consulate before traveling or upon arrival in Bolivia. This tourist visa currently costs about $135-$160 depending on where you get it processed. The cost of this visa can change, so be sure to check on the consulate website for current prices. Tourist visas are valid in Bolivia for five years.

Work as an English Teacher in Bolivia: Hours

English language schools in Bolivia 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 Bolivian Students

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

Teaching English in Bolivia Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs will range from $1,000 - $1,200 USD. These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Bolivia 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 Bolivia

A solid hourly wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Mexico. English teachers in Bolivia can expect to make $500 - $900 USD per month. It is common for teachers in Bolivia 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 $500-$900 USD per month.

English teachers in Bolivia 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 Bolivia Look Like?

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

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

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Teaching English in Bolivia FAQs

Do I need a degree to teach English in Bolivia?

To teach English in Bolivia, 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 Bolivia, 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 Bolivia?

English teachers in Bolivia can expect to make $500 - $900 USD per month. It is common for teachers in Bolivia to also teach English online to supplement their income. With the cost of living being low in Bolivia, you 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.

What type of visa do I need to teach English in Bolivia?

Teachers in Bolivia typically teach on tourist visas. This tourist visa can be processed before traveling to Bolivia or it can be processed upon arrival. Tourist visas in Bolivia are good for five years and allow you to enter the country three times in a year for a cumulative stay of no more than 90 days. 

On occasion, teachers can obtain a Special Purpose Visa to teach in Bolivia, but this is very uncommon. 

Recommended TEFL Courses for Teaching English in Bolivia

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Reviews From ITA Students Who Now Experience TEFL in Latin America & Bolivia

Emily Hollister

Teaches English in Peru

Emily Hollister

The course went above and beyond my expectations. It was probably the most challenging 4 weeks of my life. My instructors were not only passionate about EFL education but were also knowledgeable and experienced. I still lean on their expertise and regularly reach out to them for advice and guidance. 

Erin Durian

Taught English in Chile

Erin Durian

I had a great experience living and teaching abroad. I met so many great people and got to travel and made some great memories. Chile is a good option if you want to go to a Spanish speaking country, teach legally, and have opportunities to travel South America.

Tehmina Brohi

Teaches English in Mexico

Tehmina Brohi

I worked really hard to save money before I left home so I was able to work only 15 hours a week. I was paid enough to live comfortably and used my savings to travel around a bit. I worked mainly for a language school and was able to pick up some private clients here and there with some networking.