Types of English Teaching Jobs in Chile

Language institutes: Chile’s TEFL backbone

Language institutes are where most foreign teachers enter Chile’s TEFL market and where the most positions are consistently available. The binational cultural institutes are Chile’s most prestigious language school employers: Instituto Chileno-Británico de Cultura (8 branches; looks for native speakers with degree in English or Modern Languages plus TEFL certificate; 1-year contracts March–February; 30 hours/week; £700/month) and Instituto Chileno-Norteamericano de Cultura (American/Canadian teachers; teaching-related degree plus TEFL; 6+ months experience; 1-year contracts starting March; $1,100/month for full-time roles).

Wall Street English operates in 8 cities across Chile with 10 language centres — the most geographically distributed chain in the Chilean market. Grant’s English hires TEFL-qualified teachers with BA degree and 1+ year experience who are already in Santiago; 6-month contracts; 20–30 hours per week; from 9,000 CLP/hour. Independent institutes throughout Santiago, Valparaíso, and other cities complete the market.

English Opens Doors (Inglés Abre Puertas) Programme

The Chilean Ministry of Education’s programme placing native and near-native English speakers in public schools has operated since 2003. The programme was paused from 2020; it is restarting in 2025–2026 with updated structure. The core offer: monthly stipend covering basic needs, host family accommodation, local health insurance (FONASA), and transportation support. No degree required — making this the most accessible formal government programme in Chile for teachers without bachelor’s degrees.

English Opens Doors places teachers in both Santiago schools and rural community schools — a placement in a smaller Chilean town with a host family offers a significantly more immersive cultural experience than a Santiago language institute position. The teaching work involves assisting qualified Chilean English teachers rather than leading classes independently, which can be frustrating for teachers wanting primary classroom responsibility but excellent for those building initial experience.

International schools

Santiago’s international school market is small but high-quality. International School Nido de Águilas (IB; consistently ranked one of South America’s finest; selective) leads the sector. Other schools include Santiago College, Colegio Lincoln, Colegio San Marcos, The Grange School, and Mackay School. All follow international curricula (IB, American, British) and pay $1,700–$2,850/month in USD-equivalent with comprehensive benefits.

Requirements are correspondingly high: formal teaching licence (PGCE, QTS, or state teaching certification), degree in relevant subject or education, and 2–5+ years’ classroom experience. The 2026 data specifically notes that Level 5 TEFL diploma holders with teaching licences are increasingly specified at Santiago’s international schools, which reflects the sector’s professionalisation. Applications go through TES, Search Associates, ISS, and Schrole — the standard international school recruitment platforms — months in advance.

Private K-12 schools

Chile’s growing middle class has driven significant expansion in the private school sector — not international schools (which teach a primarily foreign student body) but Chilean bilingual private schools serving aspirational Chilean families. These schools are more accessible than international schools, pay better than language institutes (CLP 800K–1.5M/month, approximately $910–$1,700), and provide K-12 classroom experience with Chilean students. Redland School is a notable employer offering gap year placements and full contracts including lunch and CPD.

Private school positions require TEFL plus degree; teaching licence is increasingly preferred. Basic Spanish is useful for parent and colleague communication. Applications are made directly to schools or through the handful of placement organisations that work with Chile’s private school sector.

Corporate English in Santiago

Santiago’s position as Chile’s economic capital — home to mining conglomerates (Codelco, the world’s largest copper producer), financial institutions, and regional headquarters of multinationals — creates meaningful corporate English demand. Corporate English rates of $15–$30/hour are accessed through language institute corporate contracts (Instituto Chileno-Norteamericano and British Council Chile hold significant portfolios) or direct client relationships after establishment.

The mining sector is specifically worth noting: Chilean mining companies (particularly in the Atacama Norte region but with Santiago corporate offices) employ international executives who require Business English for technical and commercial communications. Mining sector corporate English, while niche, represents one of Chile’s most specifically lucrative English teaching opportunities for teachers with any professional background in engineering, geology, or resource management.

Job types FAQ