Teaching English in Chile

Frequently Asked Questions

We have attempted to cover as much as possible in our Frequently Asked Questions section on Chile. If you have a question which is not covered below, we have an easy solution for you: Contact us!

General Information About Our Teach in Chile Program

How much will I be paid?

Our teachers receive a monthly stipend of 60,000 Chilean pesos. Stipends are generally paid out upon contract completion.

Will I make enough money to live on with my stipend, or will I have to use my savings?

The minimum monthly salary in Chile is around $372USD. You will receive approximately a third of that amount as your monthly stipend. Your stipend is meant to cover expenses that are related to your teaching position, such as getting to and from work, doctor’s visits, or replacing personal belongings.

Volunteers are expected to have enough money in savings to cover any additional expenses that they might incur throughout the duration of their contract.

Do I have to pay for my flights to and from Chile?

Yes, you are responsible for paying for your flights to and from Chile.

What are the contract lengths for teaching in Chile?

We have four-month and eight month contracts available. Please refer to our Teach in Chile page for a list of service dates.

What qualifications do I need to teach in Chile?

Be a native or near-native English speaker
Be between 21 and 35 years of age
Have a full university degree
Have sufficient funds to cover any additional expenses that you might incur throughout the duration of your contract
Have experience traveling or living abroad
Be physically and mentally fit for teaching children
Have an interest in Chile and in Chilean culture

Do I need a university degree?

Yes, you must have a full university degree from an accredited university.

Do I need a TEFL certificate?

A TEFL certificate is not required, but we strongly encourage you to become TEFL certified, especially if you’ve never taught before. Teaching English as a Second Language is an immensely rewarding experience, but it is also extremely challenging. The better prepared you are for your adventure abroad, the happier you will be. We recommend a number of excellent TEFL programs on our TEFL page. Furthermore, as a Reach To Teach teacher, you will receive an additional 10% off of the purchase of an i-to-i 100+ hour course. Check out this article on Why You Should Get a TEFL to Teach Abroad for more information.

Can I apply with a friend?

We will consider joint applicants for the program, but volunteers will be placed with separate host families. We will do our best to ensure that you are placed within the same area.

Is there a fee to volunteer as an English teacher in Chile?

Yes, there is a fee to participate in this program. Your program fee goes towards the cost of administrative duties carried out by Reach To Teach, pre-departure information and support leading up to your departure, on-going support throughout your time abroad and your in-country coordinator.

Questions About Teaching in Chile

Will I have to teach in more than one location?

It’s possible that you might be assigned to more than one school. It depends on where you are placed.

What age group will I be teaching?

You will find out more about your placement upon your arrival in Chile. Placements at a particular grade level cannot be guaranteed.

Volunteers teach classes from the 5^th grade (10-11 years of age) and above. Some teachers may be required to teach all grade levels, depending on the size of the school.

How many students will be in my class?

Chilean public school classes are quite large. You will have between 35 and 45 students in each class.

How many hours a week will I teach?

You will teach 25 hours a week with your Chilean head teacher. Additionally, you will also spend 10 hours a week leading an extracurricular activity of your choice.

Will I have support in the classroom?

Yes, you will be working alongside a Chilean head teacher.

Is training provided?

Yes, it is. You will attend an orientation session in Santiago. Your 7-day orientation session is paid for by the Chilean Ministry of Education. Volunteers receive information and instruction on the Chilean school system and Chilean culture. You will also receive some basic classes on teaching English as a Second Language.

Will there be other foreign teachers at my school?

No. Most schools do not have a native English teacher on staff.

Should I bring materials for my class?

The Ministry of Education provides volunteers with teaching supplies such as pencils, markers, tape, and glue, etc. However, photos, books, magazines, stamps, stickers, and other treats from home are great incentives for your students.

Questions about Location and Accommodation in Chile

Where will I teach? Can I specify my preference for location?

We have placements available all over Chile. Please do your research and put some thought into where you would like to be placed. Your location preferences will be taken into consideration; however, volunteers will ultimately be placed where they are most needed.

It’s important to remember that there aren’t generally a lot of opportunities available in popular areas such as Santiago and Viña del Mar.

When will I find out about my school location?

You’ll find out about your placement region two weeks prior to starting your volunteer service. You’ll learn specific information about your city, school, head teacher and host family upon arrival.

What are the living arrangements like?

Volunteers receive free room and board with a Chilean host family. Living with a local family is a great way to practice and improve your Spanish, as well as learn about Chilean culture first-hand.

How will I communicate with my host family?

Although it is possible that there is someone in the host family (or someone related to the host family) that is able to speak English, it is also likely that there may be no one in the host family that speaks English. Spanish language skills are not a requirement for this program, but our volunteers are encouraged to study and take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

Can I choose to live independently?

Yes, you can choose to live independently. Should you choose this option, you will receive the accommodation stipend that is designated for your host family. This equates to 130,000 Chilean pesos per month. By choosing this option, you must be prepared to have funds available for the duration of your volunteer service to cover the cost of rent. Additionally, you are expected to cover the cost of expenses that are associated with living independently.

Will I have access to the Internet?

An Internet connection is not a host family requirement, but many host families have Internet in their homes. You will also have access to the Internet at your school. Additionally, Internet cafes are quite common in Chile.

Will I have health insurance?

Yes, you will have health insurance. Your insurance policy will be with SegurViaje and it will cover things like medical assistance for illness and accidents as well as personal accident insurance and prescription drugs, among others. We will send you more information about your insurance policy after you have passed the interview phase.

How are host families selected?

Host families must meet a certain number of criteria in order to be considered for this program. These families are selected through a series of preliminary interviews and by visiting the family home.

Prior to your arrival, selected families receive material that includes your profile and contact information. Additionally, they will also be sensitized to cultural differences.

What can I expect from my host family?

You will have your own separate bedroom.
We do our best to find host families that are located within a 30-minute commute of the school. Some volunteers can expect to be placed within walking distance of their school, while others may need to commute to school by bus or taxi.
Your neighborhood will be evaluated as acceptable by an English Regional Representative of the English Opens Doors program prior to your arrival in Chile.

Can I break my contract?

You are required to pay a $200USD fee to cover the your training if you depart from your volunteer service. You will also be expected to cover the cost of your training if you decide not to continue with your service placement three days before your volunteer service date begins or if you decide not to participate or are dismissed during training.

Information About Chile

Is Chile a safe country to live in?

Chile is one of the safest countries in South America. Crime rates in Chile are lower than crime rates in North America.

What is the cost of living?

Chile is not an expensive country to live in. The general cost of living is between 25-40% cheaper than North America, but this really depends on your lifestyle and location.

What kind of healthcare can I expect to receive in Chile?

The health care system in Chile is excellent. Health care facilities are on par with what you would receive in North America. Affordable medical services are available in major cities and towns. Additionally, you will receive health insurance through SegurViaje when your placement commences.

Where can I read more about life in Chile?

The websites and blogs listed here offer some great insight into living and working in Chile.

Teaching English in Chile – FAQs