TEFL Courses & Certification in Argentina

Most TEFL courses in Argentina are available in the capital of Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is the second largest city in South America after São Paulo and one of the 15 largest cities in the world. The citizens of the city are referred to as porteños because of the Port. The return of democracy in 1983 brought about a cultural revival and the 1990’s brought an economic revival of sorts.

Argentina and Buenos Aires have been influenced by waves of European immigrants, Spanish, German, and particularly Italians, who all influence the history and present day culture of the city. With a Jewish population of over a quarter million in Buenos Aires. These cultural influences have resulted in a cosmopolitan and vibrant city often referred to as the “Paris of South America.”

The majority of TEFL certificate programs and schools are located in Buenos Aires and are similarly constructed, offering a four week course with 120 to 150 contact hours. All TEFL Certification programs are internationally recognized, meeting all international accreditation standards. TEFL and TESOL courses in Argentina usually include practical classroom training and job placement. Many TEFL participants also have the chance to study the Spanish language while learning how to teach English as a foreign language. Some TEFL Certification programs in Argentina even offer internships and volunteer opportunities in addition to TEFL certification.

Most programs accept experienced teachers as well as individuals with no teaching experience, and even individuals who are 18 years or older with or without a degree. 

While TEFL courses in Argentina cost between $1,200 and $2,000 USD the cost of living is relatively low. Teachers can expect to earn from $500 USD a month to $1,200 USD a month teaching English in Argentina, though wages are typically paid by the hour.

Private tutoring can also enhance teacher’s income, at an hourly rate around $8 to $12 USD an hour.  A full time teaching contract is typically six months or a year and includes 20 to 25 hours in the classroom each week. Airfare is almost never included, as hiring is almost always done in country. Teachers can expect to spend up to $1,000 USD a month for living costs with typical accommodations costing from $400 USD to $900 USD per month.

TEFL Certification schools will often provide a variety of housing options to take advantage of during TEFL abroad. Homestays with local families offer the advantage of meals, Spanish language practice, and local networking. Other housing options include apartments, shared flats,  and school residences. Hotels are also available but are the most expensive option.

The majority of teachers arrive on a tourist visa and renew it every 90 days with a quick trip to Uruguay. While technically this is not the legal visa required for teachers, problems are unheard of.  Many schools require teachers to get a CUIT number and thus require that you pay taxes as a “freelance” teacher.

The best times to find a job as an English teacher in Argentina are during the summer months, December to February or March and April. Therefore the best time to take TEFL courses in  Argentina are the months preceding these hiring peaks.

Argentina is a great place to earn a TEFL Certificate in South America. There are obvious benefits of living in a cosmopolitan city like Buenos Aires too. The wine vineyards of Mendoza and the raw beauty of Patagonia makes Argentina one of the most attractive destinations for teachers in South America. Throw in the rich cultural influence from Europe, the tango, and the biggest steaks in the world, and you have a great place to earn TEFL certification abroad.

Additional job options are open to those who take up TEFL courses in-country; language schools, for example, typically hire teachers on the spot, requiring a physical presence which can best be established by earning your TEFL or TESOL certificate locally.

While English teachers will probably not save a lot of money, Argentina is a great destination to earn a decent salary and enjoy a lower cost of living in a country with more amenities than many of its neighbors. ESL Teachers come for the culture and geography of Argentina, but many stay for the quality of life.