TEFL jobs in Brazil
A complete guide for TEFL teachers on teaching English in Brazil
Overview
Brazil is the largest country in South America, and this has given it the weight it needs to become something of an economic powerhouse on an international scale. This has led to the rise in demand for English teachers in Brazil. The good news is that it offers you an excellent standard of living with a relatively short working week of around 25 hours, meaning you can still get out and explore everything that Brazil has to offer in your spare time.
When most people think of Brazil, they see sambas, street carnivals and football players. Of course, all of these are true, and it is a truly fascinating place to explore. The locals are very friendly, and the culture has a heavy Portuguese influence. But you will find people there from all over the world, making it very diverse. There are lots of traditions, art and music to explore, and the local food is a fusion of many different cuisines, all worth tasting. There are over 2000 beaches in Brazil, and you will also find the largest rainforest, the Amazon.
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, with a population of around 200 million and about 1 million coming from Asia. One of the most famous landmarks is the Christ Redeemer statue which is found in Rio de Janeiro and considered to be one of the seven wonders of the world; definitely, something to visit while you are teaching English in Brazil. Read on to discover everything you need to know about teaching English in Brazil, including finding work, visa requirements, salary and more.
Types of teaching jobs
Business English Classes
Many businesses are seeing the benefits of having a workforce with good English skills. They are needed to compete in the global market. Business English teachers in Brazil will generally work at the company offices and turn up to teach classes on their timescale. You can build a working week for yourself, travelling around a few businesses for their English language lessons. Naturally, you will be teaching adults, and generally, they will the responsive and want to learn.
Language Schools
Language schools are found in most cities, and you will find plenty of opportunities here. Often classes will take place in the evenings and weekends, which leaves the days free for you to explore the local area and take in the wonders that Brazil has to offer. As well as adults looking to learn English, you will find that as an English teacher in Brazil working in language schools; you will meet young people hoping to further their education in other countries and need to achieve a good level of English skills to do this.
Private Language Lessons
It is possible to add to your income by offering private lessons as an English teacher in Brazil. Your local community would be the best bet but be sure your employer has no rules on teaching outside of their establishment. You could also look at teaching English online, which they likely won’t object to as your students will be from other countries. Remember you are classed as self-employed for any earnings outside of your day job, and no matter what country you are in should know the rules regarding self-employment and report as required.
Living costs
he good news is that living costs are low in Brazil. The cost of living and salary compare well to each other. You will find that employers do not offer many benefits, so you will need to fund your flights and cover your housing costs. It is a good idea to take temporary accommodation to start with while you look for a longer-term apartment. Generally, you will find that another TEFL teacher who is leaving will vacate a perfect apartment, and you can keep costs lower by sharing with other English teachers in Brazil. The cost of living will pretty much use up your salary from month to month, so saving isn’t really an option. However, you could consider tutoring to top up your income and give you a bit of spending money.
It is cheaper to shop for groceries and prepare meals than it is to eat out, and the advice is to live like a native and avoid imported goods as these will always be more expensive. Local markets are good so get to know where your nearest is. Fried food is popular, as are fish dishes with freshly caught fish on offer at the markets. Sweet treats called brigadeiros, made from condensed milk and cocoa, are totally amazing for those who have a sweet tooth, so be sure to check them out.
In order to provide the most accurate cost of living figures, we use numbeo.com, the world’s largest cost of living database, updated regularly.
Key facts
Language: Portuguese
Population: 212.6 Million
Currency: Brazilian Real BRL
Capital: Brasília
TEFL job demand: High
Our TEFL rating: 3.5
Popular locations for TEFL jobs
Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife, Sao Paulo and Brasilia
English teacher salaries in Brazil
The pay can be in the region of $800-$1,300/€728-€1,182 each month, depending on the type of role and your experience.
TEFL qualification requirements
At least a 120-hour TEFL qualification
Prerequisite university degree
A degree is not required to teach in Brazil but is highly recommended.
Term times
February to December
Teaching programmes
Teaching adults or children in private language schools, business schools, or as a private tutor.
Age restrictions
None
Previous teaching experience
Helpful for higher-paid roles.
Key Points
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Got Questions?
Get clear answers about TEFL courses, certification, teaching jobs, and everything in between.
The pay can be in the region of $800-$1,300/€728-€1,182 each month, depending on the type of role and your experience.
It is the third cheapest country to live in across Latin America, but comparably, you will find your monthly salary covers expenses, and there won’t be much left over.
You can teach English in Brazil without a degree, but it will help your chances if you have one. It is a requirement that you have a TEFL certification and are a citizen of an English-speaking country.