TEACH ENGLISH IN NICARAGUA

About Teaching English in Nicaragua

To teach English in Nicaragua, you will need a TEFL certificate. A 4-year college degree is not required but is strongly preferred. Native English proficiency is also expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in Nicaragua is about $300- $600 USD per month.

Unlike Nicaragua or Panama, Nicaragua remains largely undiscovered by tourists and retirees. Nicaragua is a booming market for English teachers. The demand for new teachers is high & schools generally hire English teachers year-round, except during December- mid-January during the Christmas holiday. Interviews are conducted locally in person in Nicaragua.

Wages for English teachers in Nicaragua are modest, but the local cost of living is extremely low compared to the U.S. or Europe, so English teachers can afford a very comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle. Monthly rent will rarely top more than the equivalent of $150 a month, and basic necessities like food and public transportation are very affordable.  Schools offer approximately 20 to 25 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to travel, explore, and pursue other interests.

Most English teaching opportunities are found at bilingual schools teaching children in larger cities like Leon, Managua, Granada, and San Juan del Sur. It is standard for English teachers to work on a tourist visa that can be renewed every 90 days by making a short visit to Nicaragua.

How to Teach English in Nicaragua: Requirements

TEFL Certification for Nicaragua

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

Teachers most commonly interview in person for jobs in Nicaragua. Therefore, it is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

You do not need to be a native English speaker to teach English in Nicaragua, however, you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for teaching jobs. Citizenship from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is typically preferred but not always required.

Degree Requirements for Nicaragua

While a bachelor's degree is not required to secure a job in Nicaragua, 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.

How to Find English Teaching Jobs in Nicaragua

TEFL Jobs in Nicaragua

The most common teaching jobs in Nicaragua consist of:

• Teaching either adults or children in English language schools.
• Private tutoring both children and adults.
• Teaching English Online.

TEFL Nicaragua: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Nicaragua can expect to find jobs year-round, and most English teachers interview face-to-face upon arrival.

Teachers most commonly work on a tourist visa in Nicaragua. This tourist visa needs to be renewed every 90 days in Costa Rica. Upon entry back in Nicaragua, your passport will be stamped and then you'll have a new 90 days. 

Work visas are very uncommon in Nicaragua.

Read More: What Type of Visa Can I Use to Teach English in Nicaragua?

ESL Nicaragua: Hours

English language schools in Nicaragua 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 enjoy Nicaragua.

Teaching Nicaraguan Students

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

TEFL Nicaragua 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 Nicaragua 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 Nicaragua

A solid hourly wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Nicaragua. English teachers in Nicaragua can expect to make $300 - $600 USD per month. It is common for teachers in Nicaragua to also teach English online to boost their income.

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 $300-$600 USD per month.

English teachers in Nicaragua 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. It's uncommon for teachers to save money at the end of the 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.