Teach English in Central America

While Belize, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Panama all offer various TEFL/TESOL certification programs, individuals looking to spend hands-on time teaching abroad in Central America will benefit from focusing their search on Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Honduras.  

Costa Rica has the highest number of teaching jobs available for individuals looking to teach in Central America. Although obtaining a paid position can be a bit more difficult than what would be expected in other Central American countries, there are a variety of options for teachers with a wide range of experience. The “pura vida” lifestyle of locals and incredible biodiversity help make Costa Rica the eco- and adventure-tourism capital of Central America. Costa Rica has a high demand for English instruction at every level - from primary education students to adult professionals. San José, the capital city and centrally located hub of the nation, is where the majority of teaching placements in Costa Rica can be found.

Guatemala is the ideal location for beginner teachers looking to gain experience and adventure through volunteer teaching in Central America. Internal conflict, political instability, and lack of resources have increased the need for volunteer teachers across the country in both urban and rural public schools. Some paid teaching jobs in Guatemala can also be found in private and international schools in larger cities - such as in the capital, Guatemala City - including teaching primary education, English language instruction, and various middle and high school subjects. 

Honduras offers international teachers the chance to teach in private bilingual schools. While the major cities of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula provide the majority of teaching placements in Honduras, recently high crime rates and violence make the smaller towns and outlying areas more desirable. Honduras is a destination for teachers with a desire to make a difference in their student’s lives as well as the local community, and although Christianity is not a requirement to teach in Honduras’s private school system, teachers should at least be comfortable reflecting Christian values.