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Teach English in Chile

The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Work Visas, English Opens Doors, and Life in the Andes.

Chile is often called the "Switzerland of South America" due to its economic stability, stunning mountain landscapes, and efficiency. In 2026, it remains the most professionalized TEFL market on the continent. Unlike its neighbors where informal cash jobs are the norm, Chile offers legal contracts, work visas, and a structured business environment.

For North Americans and Europeans, the most common entry point is the government-run English Opens Doors Program (EODP), which provides a fee-free volunteer placement with housing. For experienced teachers, the lucrative Business English market in Santiago attracts professionals willing to navigate the city's "Sanhattan" financial district.

While it is possible to find work on a tourist visa, reputable employers will sponsor a "Subject to Contract" Work Visa. A myTEFL 120-hour certificate is the industry standard here, essential for securing these legal contracts and commanding a salary that covers the relatively high cost of living in Santiago.

Quick Facts

Capital City Santiago
Avg. Salary 800k - 1.2M CLP
Savings Potential Break-Even
Degree Req? Yes (For Work Visa)
TEFL Status Mandatory
Visa Type Subject to Contract

What’s in this guide?

Your roadmap to the Southern Cone. Learn how to apply for the "Subject to Contract" visa, budget in Pesos, and decide between the bustle of Santiago and the bohemian hills of Valparaíso.

The TEFL jobs market in Chile

Chile is unique in Latin America because it prioritizes Business English over children's education in the private sector. As a global leader in mining and exports, Chilean professionals are under immense pressure to speak English. This creates a massive market for adult education in Santiago.

For new teachers, the English Opens Doors Program (EODP) is the best entry point. It is a UN-sponsored initiative that places volunteers in public schools across the country. Unlike many "pay-to-volunteer" schemes, EODP is fee-free and provides housing and a stipend.

For experienced teachers, Language Institutes (like Bridge or Tronwell) offer paid contracts. However, the market is competitive. To secure a legal work visa, you need to prove your qualifications (Degree + TEFL) and commit to a 6-12 month contract.

  • Population: 19 million
  • Language(s): Spanish
  • Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
  • Capital city: Santiago
  • Estimated salary: 800k - 1.2M CLP
  • Public Holidays: 16 days
  • Climate: Mediterranean / Alpine
  • Main Transport: Metro & Micros (Buses)
  • Internet: Excellent (Fastest in LatAm)

Types of English teaching jobs in Chile

From government volunteer placements to high-end corporate training.

English Opens Doors (Volunteer)

The fee-free government program. You work in public schools (often in rural areas). Includes housing with a host family and a small stipend. Best for culture lovers.

  • Stipend ~100k CLP + Free Housing
  • Hours 35 Hours (Class + Extra)
  • Visa Temporary Resident

Business English Institutes

The standard paid job in Santiago. You travel to offices to teach executives. Pays hourly. Requires professional attire and commuting.

  • Salary 800k - 1.2M CLP / Month
  • Hours Split Shifts (AM/PM)
  • Visa Subject to Contract

Universities

Prestigious positions in Santiago, Valparaíso, or Concepción. Stable hours and better pay, but usually require a Master's degree or significant experience.

  • Salary 1.2M - 1.5M CLP / Month
  • Stability High
  • Reqs MA/MS Often Required

International Schools

Elite private schools (e.g., Nido de Aguilas). These pay Western salaries ($3k+ USD) but strictly require a state teaching license from your home country.

  • Salary 2.5M+ CLP / Month
  • Benefits Full Expat Package
  • Reqs Licensed Teacher Only

TEFL teacher salary in Chile

Chile has the highest cost of living in South America, but salaries generally reflect this. A typical full-time teacher at a language institute in Santiago earns between 800,000 and 1,200,000 CLP ($850 - $1,300 USD) per month.

This is a "break-even" salary. It allows you to live in a shared apartment, eat out occasionally, and travel locally, but you will not save significantly. Rent in Santiago is comparable to some Southern European cities.

Teachers in the English Opens Doors Program receive a much smaller stipend (around 100,000 CLP), but because they have zero expenses (free housing and meals provided by a host family), they often end up with more disposable cash than city teachers paying rent.

Monthly Salary Range (CLP)

Institute Teacher (Net) 800,000 - 1,200,000
EODP Volunteer (Stipend) ~100,000 (Free Housing)
Private Tutoring (Hourly) 15,000 - 25,000 / hr
Rent (Room in Santiago) 300,000 - 450,000
Rent (Studio in Santiago) 450,000 - 650,000

The "Subject to Contract" Visa

Tourist Visa: Most teachers enter on a 90-day tourist visa. While it is technically possible to look for work during this time, you cannot legally work until you have a visa in process.

Visa Sujeta a Contrato: This is the standard work visa. Once a school hires you, they provide a contract. You take this contract to the immigration office (or apply online via Extranjería) to change your status.

The "Employer Tie"

The "Subject to Contract" visa is tied to your specific employer. If you quit or get fired, you have 30 days to find a new job or leave the country. This makes choosing a reliable employer critical.

Professional Visa: If you have a university degree, you may qualify for a "Visa Temporaria por Motivos Laborales," which is not tied to a single employer, offering more freedom.

Requirements to teach English in Chile

Teaching Requirements Chile

Chilean employers are professional and bureaucratic. To secure a legal contract, you need to prove your qualifications.

  • Bachelor’s Degree Mandatory for Visas. The government requires a legalized (apostilled) university degree to process almost any work visa application.
  • 120-Hour TEFL Certificate Essential. The market in Santiago is competitive. A TEFL certificate is the standard requirement for getting hired by a reputable institute.
  • Native English Speaker Preferred. Schools heavily favor native speakers from the US, UK, Canada, etc. Non-natives with C2 proficiency can find work but may face more hurdles.
  • Professional Attire In Santiago's business culture, teachers are expected to dress formally (business casual to formal) for corporate classes.

Split Shifts & Commuting

Hiring Season: The main hiring frenzy is February/March (before the school year starts). A secondary hiring period occurs in July/August. January is summer vacation and the market is dead.

The Split Shift

Teaching in Santiago often means "split shifts." You teach executives from 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM, have a long break, and teach again from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Managing your energy (and navigating the Metro at rush hour) is key.

Contracts: Most contracts are hourly. You only get paid for contact hours. Ensure your contract clarifies if travel time between corporate offices is reimbursed (it usually isn't).

Cost of living & Savings in Chile

Chile is the most expensive country in South America. Electronics, clothes, and rent in Santiago can be pricey. However, local food and transport remain affordable.

Housing: In Santiago's safe, expat-friendly neighborhoods (Providencia, Las Condes), a private studio costs 450,000 - 650,000 CLP. Most teachers share apartments in "Santiago Centro" or "Ñuñoa" to save money.

Food: Supermarkets (Lider, Jumbo) are well-stocked. A "Menu del Dia" lunch is 5,000 - 8,000 CLP. Avocados ("Paltas") are a national obsession and are cheap and delicious.

Monthly Budget (Single Teacher)

Rent (Room in Santiago) 300,000 - 450,000 CLP
Utilities & Internet 60,000 - 90,000 CLP
Groceries 200,000 - 300,000 CLP
Transport (Bip! Card) 40,000 CLP
Leisure/Social 150,000 - 250,000 CLP
Estimated Expenses 750,000 - 1,130,000 CLP

Where to teach English in Chile?

Santiago is the economic engine, but the coast and the south offer incredible quality of life.

Santiago Skyline

Santiago

The modern metropolis. Home to 6 million people and 90% of the paid TEFL jobs. Fast-paced, efficient metro, and surrounded by the Andes. Best for career teachers.

Providencia · Las Condes
Valparaiso Hills

Valparaíso

The bohemian port. Famous for its colorful hillside houses, street art, and university vibe. Grittier and more relaxed than Santiago. A hub for artists and students.

Cerro Alegre · Concepción
Vina del Mar

Viña del Mar

The "Garden City." Located right next to Valparaíso but completely different: modern, clean, and beach-focused. Popular with wealthier Chileans and expats.

Reñaca · City Center
Concepcion Landmark

Concepción

A major university city in the south. Known for its music scene and rainy weather. Lower cost of living than Santiago and a very authentic Chilean experience.

University District

How to get a job in Chile

Whether you apply for the English Opens Doors government program or a private institute in Santiago, your qualifications are your ticket to a visa.

Essential Qualification

Get Your 120-Hour Certificate

Chilean institutes are flooded with applicants. A 120-hour myTEFL certificate proves you are serious, qualifies you for higher-paying corporate contracts, and strengthens your "English Opens Doors" application.

  • EODP Preferred: Boosts your volunteer application.
  • Corporate Ready: Essential for business clients.
  • Accredited: Recognized by Chilean employers.
  • Lifetime Access: Keep your lesson plans forever.
Get Certified & Apply Independently

Frequently Asked Questions

Essential insights for the 2026 Chilean teaching landscape.

Do I need a work visa to teach English in Chile?
Yes. While some teachers start on a tourist visa, to work legally and sign a contract, you must obtain a "Subject to Contract" Visa (Visa Sujeta a Contrato). Reputable schools in Santiago are accustomed to sponsoring this process for qualified teachers.
What is the "English Opens Doors" Program?
It is a Chilean government initiative supported by the UN. It places volunteers in public schools to encourage English speaking. It is fee-free, provides housing with a host family, meals, and a small stipend. It is the best option for those who prioritize cultural immersion over salary.
Is it safe to teach and live in Chile in 2026?
Yes, Chile is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in Latin America. However, petty crime (phone snatching) is common in downtown Santiago and Valparaíso. It is significantly safer than Brazil or Colombia, but normal urban precautions apply.
How much money do English teachers make in Santiago?
A full-time teacher typically earns between 800,000 and 1,200,000 CLP (approx. $850 - $1,300 USD) per month. While this covers rent and basic living, it is not a "high savings" destination compared to Asia.
Do I need to speak Spanish to teach in Chile?
In the classroom, no; immersion is standard. Outside the classroom, basic Spanish is very helpful. While educated professionals in Santiago speak English, bus drivers, shopkeepers, and landlords often do not. Chileans speak a fast, slang-heavy dialect ("Chileno") which can be a fun challenge to learn!
Can I get a job without a degree in Chile?
It is difficult. For the "Subject to Contract" visa, the immigration office typically requires a university degree (apostilled). Some language institutes might hire non-degree holders for cash work, but this is less stable and technically illegal.
When is the best time to look for a job in Chile?
The peak hiring months are February and March (before the school year begins) and July/August (before the second semester). Avoid arriving in January or February (summer holidays) as most schools are closed.
What is a "split shift" schedule?
Common in Santiago business teaching: you might teach classes from 8 AM - 10 AM, have a break during the day, and teach again from 6 PM - 9 PM. Teachers often use the break to plan lessons, study Spanish, or tutor private students.