TEACH ENGLISH IN
THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Everything you need to know to get a job teaching English in the Dominican Republic.

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About Teaching English in the Dominican Republic

From palm-lined beaches to lively merengue beats, the Dominican Republic offers a quintessential Caribbean experience. The Dominican Republic is not a large job market for teaching English in Latin America, but that doesn't mean that there are not opportunities. English teaching jobs in the Dominican Republic typically are available year-round and are dominant from January-March and May-August. In most cases, schools interview and recruit teachers locally on the ground in the Dominican Republic, with some schools interviewing in advance via phone/Skype.

International TEFL Academy Staff in The Dominican Republic an English teacher in the Dominican Republic with her TEFL students


Wages are modest - you certainly won't get rich teaching English in the Dominican Republic - the cost of living is low, so you should expect to break even while living comfortably. The English teaching job market in the Dominican Republic is strongest in major cities like Santiago and Santo Domingo.

Please note, that while a Bachelor's degree is not required to secure a job in this country, it still can be strongly preferred by employers.  If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search.

To teach English in the Dominican Republic (DR), you will need a TEFL certificate. A 4-year college degree is preferred but not required. Native English proficiency is also expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in the DR is about $500 - $800 USD per month.

How to Teach English in the Dominican Republic: Requirements

TEFL Certification

A TEFL certification is typically required to teach English in the Dominican Republic. You do not need professional teaching experience but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. 

Teachers typically interview face-to-face in the Dominican Republic and sometimes in advance from home. Because of this, it is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

Most schools require you to be a native English speaker to teach English in the Dominican Republic (citizenship from recognized English-speaking nations: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa), however, there may be some schools that hire non-native English speakers. 

Degree Requirements for Teaching in the Dominican Republic

A Bachelor's degree is preferred but typically not required. Please note, your bachelor's degree does not need to be in education, it can be in any field.

How to Find ESL jobs in the Dominican Republic

Types of English Teaching Jobs in the Dominican Republic

The most common TEFL jobs in the Dominican Republic consist of:

  • Teaching children in public schools.
  • Teaching adults in private language schools.
  • Teaching Business English to adults.
  • Tutoring private students one-on-one.
  • Teaching English Online.

Teaching Jobs in the Dominican Republic: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in the Dominican Republic can find jobs all year round with an expected downtime from Christmas through February (Carnival).

Finding a job teaching English in the Dominican Republic may require a teacher to be there on the ground interviewing with schools in person. Depending on the school, teachers may be able to find a job in advance but it is best to be prepared to find something in person.

Teachers should also be prepared to teach in the Dominican Republic on a tourist visa unless they find a school that will assist them in the process and provides them with the correct paperwork for a work visa.

TEFL Dominican Republic: Hours

English language schools in the Dominican Republic offer approximately 20 to 25 hours of classroom work per week plus additional hours for prep time. This allows for plenty of time to travel and explore. 

Teaching Dominican Students

It is most common that your students will be children, adults, or business professionals. 

TEFL Dominican Republic Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs will range from $1,000 - $1,200 USD. These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in the Dominican Republic until you receive your first paycheck and may include things like rent, apartment supplies, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

English Teacher Salary in the Dominican Republic

How much does a teacher make in the Dominican Republic?

A modest wage and a low cost of living enable teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in the Dominican Republic. Teachers can expect to make $500 - $800 USD per month. 

There are no flight or housing benefits/stipends provided so you will need to remember to account for accommodation or temporary housing for your first few weeks in your start-up costs until you find an apartment to rent.

Cost of Living & Savings

The cost of living typically ranges between $500 - $800 USD per month.

English teachers in the Dominican Republic can typically expect to break-even month over month. This means you can cover your rent and bills, support yourself, live comfortably, and enjoy your life abroad to the fullest, but you should not expect to save money at the end of each month. If you are hustling and taking on private tutoring lessons and/or teaching English online in addition to your regular teaching schedule, you may increase your ability to save.

 

What Does Teaching in the Dominican Republic Look Like?

Watch ITA alumna Kennedie Fischetti show us a day in her life living and teaching English in the Dominican Republic.

Want more? We've got you covered! Visit our Video Library to watch day-in-the-life videos from our alumni and get a glimpse into what your life as an English teacher in Latin America could look like!

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Teaching English in the
Dominican Republic FAQs

Do I need a degree to teach English in the Dominican Republic?

To teach English in the Dominican Republic, make sure you understand what is required:

Required:

  • Most schools require you to be a native English speaker (citizenship from recognized English-speaking nations: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa), however, there may be some schools that hire non-native English speakers.

  • A TEFL certification.

  • Understanding of the types of English teaching jobs that are available.

  • Savings for start-up costs.

Not Required:

  • A bachelor's degree is preferred but typically not required - your bachelor's degree does not need to be in education, it may be in any field.

How much do English teachers get paid in the Dominican Republic?

English teachers in the Dominican Republic can expect to make $500 - $800 USD per month. You can expect to break-even month over month. This means you can cover your rent and bills, support yourself, live comfortably, and enjoy your life abroad to the fullest, but you should not expect to save money at the end of the month. 

What are my job opportunities for teaching English in the Dominican Republic?

The Dominican Republic is a popular touristic destination and as such, there is an increasing need for English teachers. Finding a job teaching English in the Dominican Republic may require a teacher to be there on the ground interviewing with schools in person. Depending on the school, teachers may be able to find a job in advance but it is best to be prepared to find something in person. The hiring season is year-round with an expected downtime between Christmas and February (Carnival). 

What type of visa do I need to teach English in the Dominican Republic?

Teachers should be prepared to teach in the Dominican Republic on a tourist visa unless they find a school that will assist them in the process and provides them with the correct paperwork for a work visa.

Recommended TEFL Courses for Teaching English in the Dominican Republic

Part-Time Online TEFL Course

What's included 👇

  • 170-Hour Online Certification
  • 11 Weeks Part-Time
  • OFQUAL Level 5 Accreditation from TQUK
  • Live Office Hours with Your Instructor & Peer-Participation with Classmates
  • Lifetime Job Search Guidance
  • 20-Hours Live Practice Teaching

Intensive Online TEFL Course

What's included 👇

  • 4 Weeks Full-Time (40+ hours per week) - required class time typically 6-8 hours daily
  • OFQUAL Level 5 Accreditation from TQUK
  • Live Office Hours with Your Instructor & Peer-Participation with Classmates
  • Lifetime Job Search Guidance
  • 10-Hours Live Practice Teaching (Virtual) built into the course
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Reviews From ITA Students Who Now Do TEFL in the Dominican Republic

Bill Noll Jr.

Taught English in the Dominican Republic

Bill Noll Jr.

I took the Chicago In-Person TEFL Course. It was intensive, but a lot of fun. I was the old guy in the group (2013), as I was just about to turn 55. But, I didn't look or act a day over 48. The practicum was of significant benefit because it closely approximated what you were really about to do nearly every day overseas. I chose to teach English in the city of Santa Domingo. This location is the capital, where everything happens. Lots of hustle and bustle. It's where the action is.

Sarah Garrett

Taught English in Latin America

Sarah Garrett

I typed 'Teaching English in Latin America' into Google and ITA popped up. I was immediately impressed with them for many reasons: The extensive information that was readily available, the organization of the website, the opportunity to speak with an adviser for free, and their notable reputation with the industry. I knew it would be Latin America because I have always loved the culture and wanted to learn Spanish. After doing research, Costa Rica stood out to me.  I would recommend teaching in Costa Rica, for sure! It's a beautiful country and I've had the experience of a lifetime. 

Leila Tatum

Teaches English in the Dominican Republic

Leila Tatum

I took the Part-Time Online TEFL Course. The best part was the practicum experience. This allowed me to take what I learned in the course and apply it in the classroom. The Dominican Republic is both beautiful and also deeply flawed. If you think you are going to live some fantasy life on the beach, then bring lots of money with you. This is a developing country, so be prepared for all that entails. But if you are up for the challenge, the experience can be very educational and fun.