Teaching English in Ecuador

Ecuador is one of the most diverse countries on the planet with a pacific coastline to the west, a mountainous mid-section and tropical rainforest to the east. The Galápagos Islands, home to some of the world’s most precious plant and animal species, lie just off the west coast in the Pacific Ocean.

The natural beauty of the country is astounding, the locals are warm and welcoming and the demand for qualified TEFL teachers is high. Teaching wages in Ecuador are modest, but so is the cost of living so many teachers live quite well by local standards. Ecuador is a fantastic destination for TEFL teachers wanting to live and work in South America.

Recommended Training

While you can find a teaching job with basic TEFL skills, our in-country partners recommend our top-level course in order to find you the best job abroad!

• 120-hour Weekend TEFL Course

A top level course will increase your prospects, as you’ll qualify for more specialised and challenging TEFL jobs with higher salaries.

The Employment Basics

• Salary: Earn approximately $400 USD per month.
• Requirements: You must be a native English speaker, have a 120-hour TEFL qualification (a practical element is essential) and be at least 22 years of age.
• Contract Lengths: 6 or 12 months.

How to Apply

1. Get in touch with us

• If you don’t have a TEFL qualification, give us a call on 800-352-1793.
• If you’re already TEFL qualified, send us your details and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.

2. We’ll provide you with all the details you need to start your application

3. Our in-country partners will then begin their search for your dream job!

Please note: The job placement service does not guarantee that an applicant will be offered a position. A job offer will be made providing you meet the initial requirements, successfully pass any interview process and that a suitable position is matched to your profile.
i-to-i UK Limited is acting as an employment agency for the purposes of the job placement service.

*Currency conversion accurate at time of publication.

What can you expect in Ecuador

• Salary: Earn approximately $400 USD per month.
• Locations: Loja and Machala
• Accommodation: Our partners can offer you a private room in a rented house in Loja which will cost approximately $80-$100 USD per month. Alternatively, you could choose to stay with a local family which will cost around $120 USD per month including food. In Machala there is accommodation within the school which costs $20-$30 USD per month. In the future this school also plans to offer accommodation in rented housing, so the costs will increase.
• Contract length: 6 or 12 months
• Start dates: February and September in Loja. April and October in Machala.

*Currency conversion accurate at time of publication.

Requirements in Ecuador

i-to-i's Overseas Partner requires that all candidates meet the following criteria:

• Native English speaker.
• TEFL qualification (120-hour TEFL course required, a practical weekend course is essential).
• Must be at least 22 years old.
• A university degree is not essential but is viewed as an advantage.

Frequently asked questions about teaching in Ecuador

1. What age range will I be teaching?

You will be working with adults, teenagers and children from 4 upwards.

2. How many students are there in each group?

There will be a maximum of 12 students per class.

3. What does the work involve?

The work involves teaching English grammar, oral and listening activities, helping with other activities such as culture days and events as well as admin and exam supervision.

4. What teaching method is used?

Teachers must prepare their own lessons. The textbook system that is used comes with lesson plans. Teachers can add value with supplementary activities.

5. What kind of institute will I be teaching in?

You will be teaching in an independent language school. Our partners also have arrangements with some pre and primary schools which are within walking distance.

Frequently asked questions about employment in Ecuador

1. How much will I be paid?

You will earn approximately $400 USD per month, working an average of 25 hours per week at $4 USD per hour. You will be paid weekly and our partners will help you to open a bank account. You may have the opportunity to increase your earnings as private tuition work is normally available, especially if you speak Spanish.

Health insurance can be arranged at $13 USD per month.

2. How many days holiday will I receive?

Our partners are flexible about holiday allowance as long as it is arranged one month in advance and they have appropriate cover.

3. What are my working hours?

You will work 5 days per week. On average you will teach 25 hours per week.

4. Will I receive any training?

You will undergo a period of training where you will observe other teachers. You will also be observed when teaching your first classes. This period generally lasts a week, depending on the teacher.

5. When should I book my flights?

It is your responsibility to book and pay for your flights. We advise you refrain from booking your flights until you have been accepted for the teaching position.

6. Who is my contract with?

The contract you sign will be with the language school or institute that you will be teaching at, not with i-to-i.

7. What visa do I need?

You should travel to Ecuador on a 12-IX visa. You should contact your local Ecuadorian embassy to enquire about the costs and the documents required for your visa application as this will vary in different countries. The cost will be approximately $200 USD.

*Currency conversion accurate at time of publication.

100 Hour Online and 120 Weekend TEFL course

i-to-i's overseas partner requires that all applicants have a TEFL qualification to apply for the positions. If you need to get TEFL qualified, i-to-i's 100 Hour Online and 120 Weekend TEFL courses are our most comprehensive TEFL courses, providing you with in-depth TEFL training. Not only will you receive in-depth theory training, but also specialist courses for every teaching situation. Increasing the number of hours of study will also give you more confidence, make your CV more attractive and maximize your earning potential.

Choosing the 120-Hour Weekend TEFL course also adds practical training your certification!

• Internationally Recognised Certificate
• 20 hour Weekend TEFL Course*
• 20 hour Specialist Certificate in Grammar
• 40 hour Online Course
• Video & audio tutorials
• Personal 1 to 1 tutor support
• Lifetime Access to Teaching Helpdesk
• 40 hours in 8 Specialist Certificates

*Not included in the 100-hour Online TEFL Course