Chile may be the best place to teach in South America because of its beautiful geography alone, which includes the Chilean Patagonia in the south and Peru and Bolivia to the north, but the high demand for international English instructors is an even better reason to teach abroad in Chile.

Santiago, with nearly seven million residents in the metropolis, represents over 40 percent of Chile’s population. Nestled in Chile’s central valley, the capital of Santiago offers the highest concentration of teaching jobs in Chile, so it can be the easiest place to find a teaching placement. Teachers in Santiago will enjoy the Mediterranean climate and the city has also recently undergone a bit of facelift. The city invested a great deal in a “new” Santiago, complete with museums, lovely parks, and cultural centers.

Valparaiso. This charming city has earned a reputation as the artistic and free spirited hub of Chile; the colorful port town was once the home of Pablo Neruda. It is less than two hours northwest of Santiago, and is even more popular for tourists than the capital.

Other locations worth exploring teaching opportunities in are Concepción, Vina del Mar, Talcahuano, Antofagasta, Puerto Montt, Osorno, and La Serena. As a general rule of thumb the higher the population of the city and surrounding area, the more teaching opportunities will be available. However, placements in Chilean public schools are available throughout the country, from Arica to Patagonia.

Tourism Hotspots. Popular tourist locations, such as Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine, Patagonia, and San Pedro de Atacama, are meccas for teaching English in Chile, because locals and other foreigners working in the industry need to know the language to cater to tourists. If you are interested in teaching English for tourism purposes, the high tourist season typically begins in November and ends in March, so the demand is even higher a couple of months prior.

It all boils down to how you like to spend your free time and if you prefer the city or the countryside, the coast or the mountains. Choose to teach in Chile in a location that suits your desires best or simply take the leap into the unknown.