How much can I earn teaching English in Brazil?

As it is the largest country in Latin America, it is no surprise that Brazil offers plenty of potential for TESOL qualified teachers. Due to a fast growing tourist industry and a booming economy, Brazil has a strong demand for ESL teachers in many areas. For teachers, the country has many attractions including a warm climate, stunning landscapes, exotic wildlife, a colorful social scene, and some of the best beaches in the world.

What are TESOL salaries in Brazil?

The relaxed way of life is more likely to attract foreign teachers to Brazil than the average monthly salary of around $800 to $1,500. Although you are not likely to be able to save a great deal of your income, teachers should still earn enough to live a comfortable life away from the classroom. In general, teachers in Brazil are more often paid by the hour rather than a basic salary. For new teachers the rate is usually around $10 to $15 per hour, while experienced teachers can earn between $20 and $25 per hour.

Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Brazil?

New and inexperienced teachers are most likely to find work in a private language school. There are a large number of these all over the country, particularly in big cities. These schools cater to a wide range of students, so they are a good place to gain teaching experience with all ages and language levels. You might find yourself teaching young learners or adults on the school premises, or you could be teaching employees of a local business in their own office. One-to-one classes are also a possibility, with lessons taking place in the student?s own home or even in a neutral location such as a cafe or park. Regardless of the type of class or venue, your students could be at any language level from absolute beginners to advanced English speakers.

Once your experience levels have grown you might want to consider private tutoring as an alternative. This is a popular route to take for many teachers as it is possible to earn considerably more working privately than working for a language school. It is common for teachers to start taking on a few private students while working for a language school and then making it a full time operation once they have built up a good client base.

What is the recruitment process for English teachers in Brazil?

Although the peak hiring seasons are in March and August, jobs in language schools can often be found at anytime of the year. However, January and February are not the best time to be job hunting as these are the main vacation months in Brazil. Most employers will want to interview you in person, so you will need to be in the country during your initial job search. The hotspots for ESL teaching jobs are Sao Paulo, the country?s financial center, and Rio de Janeiro, the main center for tourism. Brazil also has another dozen cities with a population of over 1 million, such as Fortaleza, Recife, Salvador, Belo Horizonte, and the capital city Brasilia.

The qualifications required by employers varies greatly in Brazil. Some will employ you simply for being a native English speaker, while more respected schools will expect a TESOL certificate and even a degree. If you have a good standard of Portuguese language you will be even more sought after in the job market. To officially work as a teacher in Brazil you will need to get a work visa that should be organised by the employer. However, due to the extensive paperwork involved, many schools will be happy to let you work with just a standard 3-month tourist visa which can be renewed for a further 3 months.

What is the cost of living for English teachers in Brazil?

As Brazil is such a vast and diverse country, the cost of living can vary greatly from one area to another. Popular tourist destinations such as Rio de Janeiro are hugely more expensive in every respect compared to many other areas. To reduce overheads it is common for teachers to share accommodation with friends or colleagues, or to rent a room from a local family. You should also try to avoid shopping and socializing in areas that are popular with foreign tourists.