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Teaching English in Ecuador: Salary, Qualification, Jobs

Are you an ESL teacher considering teaching abroad? If yes, you should definitely consider teaching English in Ecuador. Although the size of the country is comparably smaller than neighbouring South American countries, Ecuador is well-known for its rich culture and diverse landscapes, and wonderful nature.

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English Teaching Jobs in Ecuador

Ecuador is located at the top of the South American continent. What does this mean? Not only will you be able to easily travel to countries in South America if you teach English in Ecuador, but you will also be able to travel to countries in Central America with minimal effort! A few amazing countries near Ecuador are Colombia, Brazil, and Costa Rica, which are all great travel destinations for ESL teachers.

Continue reading to learn about English teaching jobs ins Ecuador.

Teaching English in Ecuador

Most of the English teaching jobs in Ecuador are concentrated in major cities like Quito, Guayaquil, Latacunga, and Cuenca. It is a good idea to first search for ESL jobs in Quito as it is the capital city of Ecuador. Also, it is South America’s oldest capital. Thankfully, the historical old towns are well-preserved and are great places to visit. Other than these cities, you will probably have a tougher time finding a job.

The best time to look for an English teaching job in Ecuador is from February to March or during the summer. These are the primary hiring periods. If you are searching for job positions at an international company located in Ecuador, you will be able to find jobs online. However, if you are looking for more local teaching jobs, you are recommended to go to Ecuador first. It is easier to find a job when you are already in the country. So, it is a smart idea to have some savings to use as start-up money.

teaching english in ecuador

How to Teach ESL in Ecuador

Requirements for Teaching English in Ecuador

In order to secure a decent ESL job in Ecuador, you should hold either one of TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificates (or equivalent other). It is also a strength to have a university degree but not all employers look for it. If you have a TEFL certificate and prior teaching experience, that’s good enough in Ecuador. Don’t have a TEFL certificate yet? No worries! Consider taking TEFL courses online before searching for ESL jobs in Ecuador. Also, unlike in many other countries, non-native speakers can also teach English in Ecuador.

English Teaching Jobs in Ecuador

Following are the different types of English teaching jobs in Ecuador. Take a look at each job opportunity and see which will be the best if you choose to teach English in Ecuador.

Public School

Public schools are probably the least appealing option on the list. However, it will be easier to get a job at this type of institution if you don’t have a secondary education degree or prior teaching experience. It is a great place to begin your ESL teaching career.

International School

International schools generally pay more than public schools. However, this means they will look for more from applicants. In most cases, you will need a university degree to apply for a job at an international school in Ecuador.

Private Language Academy

The required qualifications for private language academies tend to be lower. However, the hourly salary also is lower than in other jobs. However, it can be the starting point of your career. You can use the time at a private language academy as the first step to building your teaching experience.

University

The best-paying job on this list is university teaching jobs. Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Quito is one university that you can look into when finding a job. They generally have the best condition and salary but require the most qualifications. If you have a TEFL certificate, teaching experience, and a bachelor’s degree (or higher), then you are qualified for English teaching jobs in Ecuador universities.

Private Tutoring

Once you establish a network in Ecuador, giving private lessons is a great way to make extra cash. The downside of private tutoring is that you will not be able to find students at the beginning of your teaching abroad journey as you don’t have a network in Ecuador (If you know someone in Ecuador, awesome!)

There is a high demand for English teachers among the business community and university students in Ecuador. Although Ecuador’s cost of living is one of the lowest in South America, the average salary of ESL teachers isn’t very high. Therefore, private lessons can greatly supplement your monthly earnings.

Volunteering

You can also choose to volunteer as an English teacher and give back to the community. One of the most popular volunteering English teaching programs used to be Worldteach. However, Worldteach Ecuador is not offered anymore. Fortunately, there are a number of other volunteering programs available in Quito and the Galapagos. Volunteering is also a great way to gain teaching experience for new ESL teachers. You will be able to teach all types of age groups in the local community.

Salary for ESL Jobs in Ecuador

The average salary for English teachers in Ecuador is between 500 and 800 USD per month. The specific numbers really depend on the type of institution you work at. However, it is definitely not enough to live a luxurious life in Ecuador. Therefore, if that is the lifestyle you want, private tutoring is the best solution. You will be able to charge a higher hourly salary, save cash, and make enough to travel around the amazing Central and South American countries.

Things to Consider When Teaching in Ecuador

When you move to a new country, it is crucial to beware of the culture. You will be surprised how different cultures can be especially when you visit a country located on a different continent. Ecuador, and most of the other Latin American countries, still have a very patriarchal and machoism culture.

Furthermore, because the primary language in Ecuador is Spanish, it is a good idea to learn a little bit before you move to the country. Although English is considered to be widely spoken in Ecuador, being able to speak at least a few words or sentences will make you more welcome to the community. Plus, Spanish is one of the best languages to learn.

teach english in ecuador

English Teaching Jobs in Ecuador

FAQ About Teaching English in Ecuador

Here is a quick guide to some commonly asked questions about being an English teacher in Ecuador.

What do I need to teach in Ecuador?

At most, you will need a TEFL certificate (or other equivalent certificates), prior teaching experience, and a university degree. However, unless you choose to teach English at a university, you won’t need to meet all three qualifications.

Do schools in Ecuador teach English?

Students in Ecuador are required to learn English. However, there is a lack of qualified teachers. Therefore, as an ESL teacher, you will be able to make a positive impact on the community while building your teaching career!

How much can English teachers make in Ecuador?

The average salary in Ecuador for English teachers is approximately between $500-800 (monthly). It is lower than what teachers make in North America. However, it is enough to cover the basic cost of living in Ecuador.

What is the cost of living in Ecuador?

Although it specifically depends on one’s lifestyle, you can keep your cost of living as low as $400-$600 if you take on the local lifestyle. If you think you’re going to spend more, you always have the option to give private tutoring lessons for supplementary income.

Teach English in Ecuador: Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on teaching English in Ecuador? Is it the right place for you, or are you looking for another destination? If that’s the case, consider South American countries like Argentina, and Chile. Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 15 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 60 books for English teachers and English learners, including Business English Vocabulary Builder and 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities for Teenagers and Adults. She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

You can find her on social media at:
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