Teaching English in Paraguay

Paraguay Overview

Main Cities/Areas	Salary range (USD/month)
Asuncion	$500 – $1000

A poor but fascinating nation of ancient traditions, Paraguay is a great country for the adventurous.

The level of demand for native speakers in Paraguay is moderately high and the start of term at the beginning of March is generally the best time to look for work. 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. Employers at some language centers 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. If you are experienced 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, teaching English in Paraguay is a fun experience for a short period of time but only rarely a serious long-term career option.

Typical Requirements & Tips

Degree?	TEFL Certification?	Experience?
Yes	Yes	No

A CELTA or TEFL certificate is not strictly necessary, but you will find that if you have one you are eligible for better jobs and better pay. You’ll also be a more confident teacher.

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 listings and websites. Bear in mind that punctuality is less important in Paraguay than in the West so it is quite common for students to turn up an hour late!

American and Canadian teachers may be at a slight advantage. Teachers with Spanish language skills will find settling in a lot 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.

The cost of living is low but you will probably have to share accommodation with another teacher, to begin with. Transportation is especially cheap and efficient in Asuncion; use the buses!

Fun Fact About Paraguay:

One interesting fact about Paraguay is that it is the only country in the Americas that has a predominantly indigenous language, Guarani, recognized as an official language alongside Spanish. This recognition highlights the cultural diversity and rich heritage of Paraguay’s indigenous population.