Top tips for a successful English teaching experience in Mexico

Mexico is often overlooked when thinking about your next destination for your Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) adventure.

This could be because of its proximity to the English-speaking U.S., but that’s unfortunate. Mexico is a vibrant and exciting country to live and work in, and TEFL-qualified English teachers are in demand.

Let’s discover why Mexico could be the right place to start or to progress in your TEFL journey.

Teaching English in Mexico

Mexico’s economy is developing, with a strong focus on tourism and global trade. As a result, the locals rely on their English proficiency to do business in various industries. For this reason, English is part of the school curriculum, and many adults study the language in private schools to enhance their career prospects and living standards. This means that there are numerous TEFL job opportunities available.

But there’s more.

Newly qualified teachers are welcome

Such a high demand for teachers means that newly qualified TEFL professionals – or those with little teaching experience – have more chances of getting hired than in many other countries. Mexico is a great country to explore while gaining enough experience to move elsewhere. Should you decide to leave this amazing country behind, why would you?!

Life can be affordable

While a salary for teaching English in Mexico might seem modest, ranging from $500 to $1,000 per month, the cost of living is low. Living expenses can be minimal if you budget wisely. In fact, this country can be as cheap or as expensive as you make it. For instance, you can opt for a shared, fashionable apartment for as little as $200 in Mexico City or splash out on a lovely house for about $4,000 per month.

Rural areas offer TEFL opportunities

As is common in many countries, work opportunities are more abundant in cities, and TEFL positions are no exception. However, Mexico also offers many teaching options in rural locations. Embracing rural life allows you to fully immerse yourself in Mexican culture and live like a local.

It’s important to note that remote or online applications and interviews are not typical in Mexico. While you should begin your job search before arriving, be prepared to apply in person (with a printed copy of your CV) and attend face-to-face interviews once you are there. This is true when applying for jobs across most Latin American countries.

A university degree is NOT a visa requirement

If you’re concerned about the lack of necessary qualifications, don’t worry – a degree is not required to teach English in Mexico. However, depending on the institution, it is often preferred and may be mandatory,. For instance, universities and some private schools require at least a bachelor’s degree. Nonetheless, a degree is not currently necessary for visa purposes.

Please remember that a tourist visa is necessary to travel around Mexico, but you’ll need an FM3 Work Visa to work there. If you plan to teach English there, a TEFL certificate is mandatory to apply for your work visa. You must have already received a job offer (by letter on official letterhead) from the school to obtain your visa.

Mexico welcomes non-native English teachers

You don’t need to be a native English speaker to teach English in Mexico as long as you are fluent and have mastered all language skills (Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening). However, applicants from the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa are sometimes preferred, depending on the institution.

Living in Mexico City

Mexico City is a huge city full of opportunities – there are 25 private English language schools alone. With so much choice, you can choose the type of institution you wish to work at. Depending on your experience and qualifications, you can choose between private and state schools, international schools or universities.

Remember that it’s always necessary to do some research on the schools you’d like to work for before you apply.

Although Mexico City is relatively safe for travellers, you should never forget to use common sense, just as you would in any large city. For your safety, always use Uber for transportation in the evening and at night and wear a bag to prevent pickpocketing. Avoid strangers’ attention and don’t accept drinks from them.

Top tip: Learn some Spanish before you get there. It can help you feel at ease in a foreign country and give you confidence at the start of your great adventure.

Mexico City is the capital and the heart of the country. It’s one of the oldest cities in the American continent and the busiest and most populous city in Mexico. Many different countries constantly come and go, which makes living in this vibrant city very exciting.

While you’re in Mexico City, don’t forget to visit:

The Museo Frida Kahlo. The bright blue house where the painter lived most of her life was turned into a museum to celebrate Frida’s artistic talent.
The pyramids of the Sun. This structure lies in the ancient city of Teotihuacan, just an hour away from Mexico City, and it is one of the largest in the western world.
Grand Hotel Ciudad de México. The interiors of this 1899 hotel are a must-see, even if you aren’t staying there.

Don’t miss out on the treasures that rural Mexico can offer:

Pátzcuaro is a lakeside town home to the Indigenous Purépecha people, known for their rich cultural traditions, including some of the country’s best Día de los Muertos celebrations.
Bacalar‘s picturesque lagoon competes with the nearby beaches of the Yucatán Peninsula, so it is recommended exploring Bacalar sustainably with a local guide to preserve its natural beauty. Must-do activities include a sailboat ride on the lagoon and sunrise paddle-boarding.

TEFL in Mexico

Whether you choose a metropolis or a rural area, Mexico can be your ideal destination to make an impact on people’s lives and on your own. You’ll be surprised by how many options this country can offer you on a personal and professional level. Get your TEFL qualification and get started on your Mexican adventure!