Country info and advice - Uruguay
Your questions answered about teaching English in Uruguay, from teachers who have been there and done it!
A degree is not required to teach in most private language schools. In the state education system a degree is required.
Requirements vary in private language schools. Many will require a minimum of one year’s experience. Qualified teachers will find work more easily.
Most work in private language schools is in Montevideo.
Contacting schools directly with your CV or going door to door.
Example answer:
For private institutions, the best time is between November and February. For state institutions, the best time is as from April. Courses start in March, and there are usually vacancies.
700-800 USD a month for a 20 hour week.
20-25 hours a week at private language schools.
Yes, by advertising locally.
| Typical cost | |
| a cup of coffee | 2 USD |
| a beer | 2-3 USD |
| a cinema ticket | 5-7 USD |
| a meal in an average restaurant | 25-30 USD |
| a month’s rent | 400 USD for a one-bedroom apartment in the centre of Montevideo |
| 1 litre of milk | 1 USD |
| a return bus ticket from Montevideo to Punta del Este | 15 USD |
100% of respondents in our survey thought that the cost of living is high or quite high compared to salary.
Travel by bus is very common in cities.
Internet is easy and affordable to install at home
It is better to teach in Uruguay sponsored by a special company or organization, or in intercultural exchanges. It’s very common to stay in a family house and teach for 6 months (maximum). A great percentage of uruguayans know basic English. Private institutes are more likely to need a native teacher.
To be able to actually work officially in Uruguay, you need lots of paperwork done before you get there. For example: you need your birth certificate and marriage license/divorce record (if you were ever married) translated and verified by the Uruguayan consulate nearest you. Also health records, police records, etc. As Monica said, it’s easier if you are sponsored, but still lots of paperwork needed before (and after) you get there.
If your advice is about a specific school, please post it in our forum
English language schools in Uruguay
TEFL courses in Uruguay
Teaching in North and South America forum