Teaching English in Buenos Aires

Despite the Poor Economy in Argentina, English Classes Are Popular

By Cara Pulick

If you think Argentina's recent economic woes make it difficult to find a job teaching English in Buenos Aires, think again. The worldwide truth is that English is becoming more of a necessity and less of a luxury to be chopped when budgets get tight. Thus, despite an economy that is struggling to right itself, EFL jobs are out there in Buenos Aires. And you needn't look far to find them.

Native English speakers are a prized commodity in this stretch of the world and, with just a little legwork, can find placement in classrooms around the city in a matter of weeks or even days. Assignments cover an astounding, and entertaining, array of classroom environments, curricular programs and student demographics. Recent placements for new TEFL teachers in Buenos Aires have included a class of employees of a local brewery, at-home conversation practice for teenage brothers moving to the U.S., and private lessons on fishing terminology for a man preparing for an upcoming vacation.

Work in Buenos Aires can be found in a number of ways. A highly effective one is simply to contact the dozens of English institutes located throughout the city. Usually a resume and an interview are all you need to get started, though experience and/or a TEFL certificate certainly won't hurt.

While institutes often offer new teachers several classes at once, don't be afraid to accept a random class here or there, or even to substitute for another instructor; these short-term or one-time deals often turn into more substantial assignments, especially if you prove to be a reliable teacher. Do check into the hourly pay, as well as whether transportation time is included. Wages tend to vary significantly by institute and by class (sometimes group classes actually pay more), generally ranging from 7 to 16 pesos ($3-$5) per hour.

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