Teaching English in Chile – FAQs

Home → About Reach To Teach → Frequently Asked Questions → Teaching English in Chile – FAQs

Teaching English in Chile

Frequently Asked Questions

We have attempted to cover as much as possible in our Frequently Asked Questions section on Chile.

General Information About Our Teach in Chile Program

How much will I be paid?

Salaries vary according to experience, qualifications and placement region. Your Reach To Teach advisor will speak with you directly about salary levels.

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-, eight-, and twelve-month contracts available.

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, and we will do our best to ensure that you are placed within the same area.

Does Reach To Teach charge teachers to participate in their programs?

No. There is no fee to participate in this program. All Reach To Teach programs are 100% free.

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 5th 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 classes can be quite large. You will have between 35 and 45 students in each class.

How many hours a week will I teach? 

The number of hours you teach will vary from contract to contract. Most of our teachers are teaching between 20 and 25 hours a week.

Will I have support in the classroom?

Yes, you will have support in your classroom.

Is training provided?

Your school will provide in class training upon your arrival.

Should I bring materials for my class?

Your school will provide you 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, teachers 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.

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, your school will provide you with health insurance. Additionally, Reach To Teach requires all teachers to be covered for their first two months abroad. This plan must be purchased in advance and it will cover you while you are waiting for your Chilean health insurance to start. We work with World Nomads. You can find more information here.

Can I break my contract?

You are required to pay a $200USD fee to cover the cost of 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.