A Guide to Teaching English in Guatemala

  • Capital: Guatemala
  • Currency: Quetzal (GTQ)
  • English Teacher Demand: High
  • Salary (per month): US$ 350 to US$ 600
  • Standard of Living: Low
  • TEFL Courses in Guatemala: Available

Part of Central America, Guatemala is a lush country which borders Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. It even has a tiny piece of the Caribbean coastline to the east, which is no wonder why it is one of the most geographically stunning places in the region. With an interesting mix of Mayan and Spanish cultures to learn about and plenty of other places to visit, you will definitely not be lacking for places to visit when travelling to Guatemala. This is especially true should you decide to work here as a TEFL professional.

Wages & Cost of Living in Guatemala

Since more than half of the population in Guatemala speaks Spanish, there are plenty of job placement opportunities for you. Take your pick from cities like Guatemala City, Flores, Antigua, Puerto Barrios, Melchor de Mencos or Puerto San Jose where there are many teaching positions that you can fill out. Expect to get paid anywhere from US $350 to $600 per month, although you can increase it by offering private English lessons. The salary should allow you to live comfortably while saving some money on the side, since the cost of living in Guatemala is relatively low.

Requirements before Teaching in Guatemala

To get a head start in your international English teaching career, you need to earn a TEFL certification course and be a native English speaker.

Accommodation Facilities in Guatemala

In Guatemala, you can have affordable accommodations such as shared apartments, hotels and hostels. For school residences, the rate is about US $475 per month while shared apartments cost US $550 per month. You can also choose the option of being hosted by a local family, the cost of which starts at around US $500.

Getting Started: TEFL Courses in Guatemala

All in all, taking your TEFL certification course in Guatemala is an adventure of a lifetime. After earning your certificate, you can work as either a full-time or a part-time English teacher and grab the opportunity to explore more of Guatemala’s beautiful attractions at the same time.

Teaching Locations