Teach English in Guatemala

No. A university degree is not required for most English teaching jobs in Guatemala. Private language institutes, NGOs and tourism roles in Antigua hire on the strength of a 120-hour TEFL certificate, strong English and a professional attitude. International schools are the main exception.

Yes — a 120-hour accredited TEFL certificate is strongly expected for paid roles, especially in Antigua's language institutes. A course with observed teaching practice, like ours, makes you far more competitive for the limited paid positions.

Yes. Non-native speakers with a C1+ level and a recognised TEFL certificate can teach in Guatemala, particularly in language institutes, NGOs and community programs. Strong English proficiency matters more than nationality for most Antigua employers.

Market rates in Guatemalan language schools start around $300–$600 per month. Our own placement in Antigua pays $600–$1,000 per month, above the local average. And as our graduate you can also teach English online for our academies and earn up to €1,500/month on top, from anywhere.

Housing isn't usually included, but we help you find it. Our team and local coordinators guide you to affordable shared apartments and safe neighbourhoods in Antigua, usually within walking distance of where you teach. Rent runs about $200–$400/month.

Most teachers start on a tourist entry (90-day CA-4), and we guide you on legal stay options and extensions. Formal work permits apply mainly to international and bilingual schools. Visa rules change, so always confirm with official sources before travelling.

Yes — Antigua is one of Central America's best first postings. It's safe, walkable and foreigner-friendly, with steady English demand, Spanish schools and a large international teacher community that makes settling in easy.

All three hire English teachers, and they suit different people. Antigua is where our academy is and where we place you: safe, walkable, full of international teachers, with year-round demand from tourism. Guatemala City has the biggest job market and the best-paid bilingual and international school roles, but it's harder to navigate on your first posting. Xela (Quetzaltenango) is the cheapest and the most immersive — far fewer foreigners, so your Spanish improves fast. Most teachers start in Antigua and move on once they know the country.

You can — Guatemala has one of the largest volunteer teaching scenes in Latin America, with NGOs and community schools across Antigua, Lake Atitlán and the highlands. The catch is that volunteering usually costs you money rather than earning it. Our program is built the other way round: you get certified, take a paid placement, and can still give volunteer hours if you want the community experience.

Absolutely. Guatemala is an excellent launchpad: after your contract you can move on to Mexico, Costa Rica, Asia or — through our Spain Visa Program — to Spain. Your remote teaching income with us can travel with you anywhere.

Yes, especially Antigua, which is considered safe, walkable and foreigner-friendly. As anywhere, basic urban precautions apply. Our in-country team supports you throughout your stay with local advice and guidance.

Most teachers stay 3 to 12 months, with flexibility to extend depending on your goals, visa status and teaching opportunities. Many use Guatemala as a first step before continuing their TEFL journey elsewhere.

You'll typically teach adults, teenagers, children, tourism professionals and NGO staff, often in small groups or one-to-one. In Antigua, many teachers combine adult institute classes with kids' programs to fill their week.

Yes. Guatemala — and Antigua especially — is ideal for beginners. With our 120-hour TEFL training, observed practice, job placement and on-the-ground support, you arrive prepared and never teach alone from day one.