Teaching English in Ecuador

Ecuador Overview

Main Cities/Areas	Salary range (USD/month)
Quito, Cuenca	$600 – $1200

Ecuador is a beautiful country of beaches, mountains, and jungle. The level of demand for native speakers is rather low but most TEFL-qualified teachers can find jobs in the capital city. Unfortunately, TEFL salaries are relatively low and despite low living costs you certainly won’t be able to save much, if at all.

As in most Latin American countries, the students are lively and sociable and therefore a pleasure to teach. Ecuador has a poor reputation when it comes to crime to make sure you do your research on how to stay safe. There is a high turnover of staff at many language centers across Latin America which says a great deal about the pros and cons. Employers can be unreliable and have unreasonable demands such as the common one that you are effectively ‘on-call’ from 8 am to 8 pm or similar. You are rarely paid for traveling from one location or class to another and this can take up a significant chunk of your daily schedule.

There are plenty of other native speakers looking for short-term employment but many leave after just a few months due to the poor pay and the fact that many private students cancel at short notice (and therefore don’t pay you). If you are experienced, persistent and hard-working then you may be lucky to find one of the few well-paid positions, such as those at bilingual schools.

For the majority, however, TEFL in Ecuador is a fun experience for a short period of time but certainly not a serious career option.

Typical Requirements & Tips

Degree?	TEFL Certification?	Experience?
No	Yes	No

It is much better to find a job before arriving in Ecuador but in reality, the vast majority of teachers arrive on tourist visas and remain on them due to the cost and bureaucracy and unwillingness of most employers to apply for proper work permits.

Given the low salaries, you may need to supplement your income with extra, private one-to-one tuition. Contacts are essential and found via word of mouth and through local adverts and websites.

American and Canadian teachers may be at a slight advantage. Those who can speak Spanish will find integration much easier.

Your employer is responsible for obtaining your work permit. However, in reality, many work illegally. Despite the flexibility this allows, this is not recommended for obvious reasons. Top employers will actually go through the troublesome process of making your employment legal. Without this, you are always at risk of being deported.

The cost of living in Ecuador is low.

Pros of Teaching in Ecuador

• A gorgeous country
• Fantastic, sociable students
• Low living costs

Cons of Teaching in Ecuador

• Generally low pay and many employers are reluctant to offer proper, full-time contracts
• Teachers are usually expected to work split shifts
• A dangerous country to live in

Fun Fact About Ecuador

One interesting fact about Ecuador that would be intriguing to an English teacher is that it is home to the world’s first UNESCO-recognized “Book Town” called Montañita. In this vibrant coastal town, various used bookshops and street vendors offer a vast array of literary treasures to locals and tourists alike. The concept of a “Book Town” originated in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, and has spread to various countries around the world, with Montañita being the first in all of Latin America. This unique cultural destination provides a rich literary experience and fosters a love for reading and writing in Ecuadorian society.