Soaring peaks, traditional culture and unbelievable monuments make Peru and Bolivia hugely attractive for travellers. If you’re a TEFL teacher, perhaps you’re thinking about these two countries. But before you do, make sure you know how much you can earn teaching English there.
Typical monthly TEFL salaries in Bolivia range from BOL 2,800 to 4,800 ($400-700) and in Peru, PEN 2,000-3,200 ($500-800), from the major source of employment, language academies. Private tutors generally earn BOL 34-69 ($5-10) and PEN 20-60 ($5-15) per hour in Bolivia and Peru, respectively.
Compared to Europe, Asia and the Middle East, these salaries are low. But in South America, they’re standard, and while they may seem too little to live on, it’s important to consider the economy of the countries. For more details, keep reading!
Searching for the perfect TEFL destination with the best earnings? Compare countries around the world with my free resource: How Much Do TEFL & TESL Teachers Make? Countries compared.
Options and earnings for TEFL teachers in Bolivia and Peru
Most TEFL practitioners in Bolivia and Peru work for language academies which are companies that provide classes to adults, students and sometimes schoolchildren.
Private tutoring is a popular addition or even alternative. You can do it to supplement a language academy income, or try to go full time as a freelancer, given you have the correct documentation.
In this article, I’ll use US$ as the currency when comparing salaries as it’s the best reference point for people around the world.
Bolivia
| Earnings Source | Per Hour ($) | Hours Per Week | Per Month ($) | Annual Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language Academies | 5-9 | 15-25 | 400-700 | 4.8K-8.4K |
| Private Tutoring | 5-10 | 20 | 400-800 | 4.8K-9.6K |
Peru
| Earnings Source | Per Hour ($) | Hours Per Week | Per Month ($) | Annual Estimate ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language Academies | 5-8 | 20-30 | 500-800 | 6K-9.6K |
| Private Tutoring | 5-15 | 20 | 400-1,200 | 4.8K-14.4K |
$500 a month might not seem like enough to live on. But in these two countries, it’s almost double the minimum wage.
Living expenses in this part of the world are low. It’s perfectly reasonable to spend $300-500 a month on everything, including rent, food, transport and bills.
So you can certainly break even, and in most cases earn a little extra to cover a few trips around the region, which is what most people want to do.
Visa requirements are fairly standard. You can get your employer to help apply for the right work permit.
However, like in many South American countries, TEFLers often work on a 180-day tourist visa and “border hop” when it expires, meaning you go out of the country and back in again to renew the tourist visa. Technically, it’s illegal to work on a tourist visa, so I wouldn’t recommend it.
The school year runs from February/March to November/December in Bolivia and Peru. Language academies have most of their classes outside of standard working hours, so usually in the afternoons and evenings, but some have lessons in the morning.
How much do TEFL teachers make in language academies in Bolivia and Peru?
Language academies are widespread in the major towns and cities of Bolivia and Peru. There’s a demand for English, and these institutions are the main providers of it outside of the public school system, and thus the principal employers of TEFL teachers.
Language academies in Bolivia generally pay $400-700 per month (BOL 2,800-4,800). Teaching hours mostly range from 15 to 25 per week, giving a rough hourly rate of $5-9. In Peru, typical monthly wages are $500-800, with 20-30 hours of classes a week working out at $5-8 per hour.
A bachelor’s degree (any subject) and native English status aren’t required in either country, although employers prefer them. A 120-hour TEFL certificate is a minimum, though, so make sure you get one before going.
If you’re looking for great value TEFL certificates, I recommend International TEFL and TESOL Training. Click the link for 15% off all courses (I receive compensation, so you’re supporting me, too). Not convinced? Read why I’d choose ITTT over other TEFL course providers.
The capitals La Paz and Lima are home to plenty of language schools, but you can find them in other major cities like Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, and Cusco.
To look at some of the options available, check out these lists on ESL Base for Bolivia and Peru.
How much do TEFL teachers make from private tutoring in Bolivia and Peru?
Private tutoring is a great way to earn a bit of extra cash, or even provide a full-time income.
Private tutors in Bolivia generally earn $5-10 (BOL 34-69) per hour. In Peru, the rate ranges from $5 to $15 (PEN 20-60) with the upper end only realistic in Lima.
The advantages of private tutoring are: you choose your own schedule, you are your own boss, and the hourly rate is often higher than in language academies. However, it takes time to find classes and your income is less reliable than a fixed contract.
For the full guide on becoming an English tutor, read my article: How to Get Started as an EFL/ESL Private Tutor.
Conclusion
You’re not going to get rich as a TEFL teacher in Bolivia or Peru. The salaries are far lower than in other parts of the world, but that doesn’t mean you can’t live well and enjoy yourself.
Most TEFL practitioners aren’t in it for the money, and in Bolivia and Peru you have the opportunity to see unbelievable natural beauty, experience authentic culture and see the wonders of Machu Picchu, amongst other astonishing monuments.
Why not head over to my resource: How Much Do TEFL & TESL Teachers Make? Countries compared to see what countries around the world can offer?
