Honduras Overview
| Main Cities/Areas | Salary range (USD/month) |
| Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula | $500 β $1200 |
Honduras is a very poor and crime-ridden country but your assistance in teaching English will be of great benefit to those you encounter in your classes. The level of demand for native speakers is rather low (for paying positions) but there are tons of volunteering opportunities and most TEFL-qualified teachers can find jobs in Tegucigalpa. Unfortunately, TEFL salaries are relatively low and despite very low living costs you certainly wonβt 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. Honduras 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.
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 donβt pay you). If you are experienced, persistent and hard-working then you may be lucky to find one of the few better-paid positions, such as those at bilingual schools. There are plenty of opportunities to help at local schools but, given how low school budgets are, donβt expect more than minimum payment for your time.
For the majority, teaching English in Honduras is a fun experience for a short period of time but certainly not a serious career option.
Typical Requirements & Tips
| Degree? | TEFL Certification? | Experience? |
| Yes | Yes | No |
It is much better to find a job before arriving in Honduras but in reality, the vast majority of newly-qualified TEFL teachers looking for starter-jobs arrive on tourist visas.
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. Bring as much teaching material with you as you can because resources may be very thin on the ground.
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 Honduras is very low but expect to have to share accommodation with other teachers, to begin with.
Pros of Teaching in Honduras
- A gorgeous, mountainous country
- Fantastic, sociable students
- Very low living costs
Cons of Teaching in Honduras
- 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
