TEFL Courses & Certification in Bolivia

Landlocked in the middle of South America, Bolivia makes up for its lack of ocean with its incredible variety of terrain. The northern lowlands offer some of the most diverse parts of Amazon Rainforest, while high altitude cities such as La Paz, Potosi, and Uyuni lie within the dizzying heights of the Andes. You’ll also find beautiful colonial architecture surviving in the capital city of Sucre and more modern buildings and increased wealth in the cosmopolitan hubs of Cochabamba and Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Bolivia is a country that will never fail to astonish you, yet it remains one of South America’s least visited gems.

If you’re looking to gain a TEFL certification in Bolivia, La Paz is likely where your courses will take place. While taking TEFL courses in La Paz, you’ll be struck by the city’s energy, and the juxtaposition between Andean traditions (in the traditional and exceptionally colorful clothing worn by the locals) and modern conveniences, such as the fashionable restaurants in trendy Sopacachia and Zona Sur. If that isn’t enough to seduce your appetite, La Paz is a thrill-seeker’s dream. Its proximity to the infamous Death Road biking experience, and profusion of tour operators offering treks up the nearby 19,000 ft. mountains, mean that your weekends needn’t only be focused on studying. Take note: at 11,975 ft. above sea level, La Paz is the highest administrative capital in the world, so acclimatization and even just getting up steps will take some getting used to.

Looking into the future, once you’ve earned your TEFL certification, a popular city for teaching English in Bolvia is Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Thanks to its low altitude, it’s a perfect place to teach in Bolivia if you prefer the heat and endless summer evenings of a more tropical climate. Not only this, but if you need your home comforts, Santa Cruz’s chic restaurants and shopping malls will do the trick. And although it may not be known for its tourist attractions, it’s well-connected bus routes and the plethora of airports in Bolivia put interesting travel opportunities right at your fingertips. A trip to the bohemian town of Samaipata will take four hours, while the fascinating colonial cities of Sucre and Potosi are an overnight bus journey, or 30 minute flight away.

Cochabamba also makes for a great place to live and teach after earning your TEFL certificate in Bolivia. Its “Eternal Spring” climate is the envy of all other Bolivian cities, and makes for a very pleasant base for teaching in Bolivia. Not only this, Cochabamba has nightlife and bars to suit any taste, plus easy access to stunning national parks. Over a weekend, you can easily visit nearby Parque ToroToro, which is home to an incredible array of dinosaur footprints and cave complexes to explore.