Teaching English in Buenos Aires

Despite the Poor Economy in Argentina, English Classes Are Popular

By Cara Pulick

If you think Argentina's recent economic woes make it difficult to find a job teaching English in Buenos Aires, think again. The worldwide truth is that English is becoming more of a necessity and less of a luxury to be chopped when budgets get tight. Thus, despite an economy that is struggling to right itself, EFL jobs are out there in Buenos Aires. And you needn't look far to find them.

Native English speakers are a prized commodity in this stretch of the world and, with just a little legwork, can find placement in classrooms around the city in a matter of weeks or even days. Assignments cover an astounding, and entertaining, array of classroom environments, curricular programs and student demographics. Recent placements for new TEFL teachers in Buenos Aires have included a class of employees of a local brewery, at-home conversation practice for teenage brothers moving to the U.S., and private lessons on fishing terminology for a man preparing for an upcoming vacation.

Work in Buenos Aires can be found in a number of ways. A highly effective one is simply to contact the dozens of English institutes located throughout the city. Usually a resume and an interview are all you need to get started, though experience and/or a TEFL certificate certainly won't hurt.

While institutes often offer new teachers several classes at once, don't be afraid to accept a random class here or there, or even to substitute for another instructor; these short-term or one-time deals often turn into more substantial assignments, especially if you prove to be a reliable teacher. Do check into the hourly pay, as well as whether transportation time is included. Wages tend to vary significantly by institute and by class (sometimes group classes actually pay more), generally ranging from 7 to 16 pesos ($3-$5) per hour.

EFL teachers have also had success advertising in local newspapers such as the English-language Buenos Aires Herald (www.buenosairesherald.com) and the Spanish-language Clarin (www.clarin.com). The going rate for privately arranged classes is from 10 to 25 pesos ($4-$8.50) per hour, with most offers falling in the higher range. Schools and institutes also advertise in these classified sections.

Finally, a not-to-be-overlooked avenue to finding work, especially in a highly social city like Buenos Aires, is simply chatting people up. Many teachers have met potential students by talking to people in bars, networking through current private students, or just shooting the bull with hostel owners or restaurant employees. In a world where almost everyone needs English, almost everyone has a friend, relative, or co-worker who is interested in paying or, at the very least, trading for classes.

EFL teachers in Buenos Aires are unlikely to find the kind of long-term, full-time contracts that will allow them to live the high life or even save a few pennies. However, those willing to take work where they can find it are able to piece together a satisfactory way to hang out in one of the continent's coolest countries. And for those with even a small amount of money tucked away, remember that in the Argentinean economic climate of today, a few American dollars or E.U. euros go a long way.

For More Info

The sheer number of English institutes in Buenos Aires makes finding them relatively easy. The phonebook and Internet are good resources. Following is just a sampling of English institutes in the Buenos Aires area that have recently hired teachers:

Corporate English: www.corporateenglish.com.ar.

Interlab: local tel. 4774-7204.

Network Institute: www.networkinstitute.com.ar.

Wall Street Institute: www.wallstreetinstitute.com (18 locations in BA).

CARA PULICK has worked in the TEFL field since 1999, first as an ESL teacher and then as a TEFL trainer. She has lived and taught in the U.S., Chile, Argentina, and Spain. She currently works for BridgeLinguatec in Denver, CO.