On this page, we have tried to answer the most common questions that program participants ask. If you have a question that is not answered here, by all means, please contact your Advisor by email or telephone, or use the Comments section in the Online Application.

 

on all things general...

Q. I've never traveled abroad and don't know where to begin. Can I participate in these programs?

Yes. Teachers Latin America works with you to provide as much assistance as you will need, including helping you with travel visas, locating economical airfares, arranging meetings in foreign countries, and even preparing you with some survival language for those first few hours in a new country.

Q. I've traveled to Latin America before and don't need it all broken down step-by-step. Can I just enroll in one program component?

Of course. Teachers Latin America sees flexibility in programming as important to meet the diverse program needs of our participants. Only a language course? We have that. Only TEFL training? We can do that too. Your Advisor offers professional and quick advice on all programs.

Q. I'm not rich! Can I really travel abroad for up to 6 months on a small budget? Will I earn enough as a teacher?

Of course! You don't need to be rich to enjoy the career or educational benefits of travel abroad. Your Advisor works with you to make sure your programs are budgeted correctly. Most programs are above zero-sum, meaning, what you pay in travel, accommodations, and educational programs is equaled by what you earn as a teacher, and with enough to save on the side.

Q. How can I get a paid teaching position in a place like Costa Rica? What do I need to do before going?

A paid teaching position in Latin America requires at minimum a TEFL/TESL/CELTA teaching credential. Teachers Latin America can advise which program would be best for you based on where you want to teach. For example, if you wish to have a paid teaching position in Costa Rica, we could recommend that you attend the TEFL session with us in Mexico City, or the online TEFL course. This avenue opens up internships or paid teaching positions in our Costa Rica section.

In any case, your Advisor will be able to make recommendations based on the length of time you wish to stay abroad, your career and experience goals, your employment or internship needs, and the language you want to work in.

Q. Why are you located in Mexico City?

Mexico City is a good travel hub for the region. As the capital of the largest economy in Latin America, Mexico city is unparalleled for access to services, proximity to teaching jobs, great food, and Spanish courses.

Q. How do I pay program fees?

We ask that a program security deposit of $200 usd be made, for the TEFL certificate course. This guarantees your seat in the course and your accommodations in Mexico City. The remainder of the course fees are due before or on arrival for the start of the program. Payments can be made online by credit card, or in Mexico City by traveler's check or debit card.

For the TEFL Online certificate course, payment of the full course fee must be paid before you commence the course. Your Advisor will arrange shipment of the course materials. Payment for this program may be made online by credit card or by international bank deposit available at most banks.

Other programs require either payment before arrival in Latin America, or after arrival, as in the case of accommodations or language courses.

Q. Can I pay in something other than US dollars?

We prefer US dollars but will accept Canadian, British pounds, Euros, and of course, Mexican pesos. The course fee is fixed in USD, which may see variations in other currencies.

Q. Is my plane/train/bus/boat ticket included in the price?

Unfortunately not. Transportation to Latin America is the responsibility of the student. Your Advisor can help you locate economical transportation.

Q. What grades do I need to become certified?

A TEFL student will need a combined score of at least 60% in order to be certified. The final grade is 65% of the theory written exam, 10% course project work, and 25% of the practical component work. Students scoring 85% or more will graduate "with honors".

The TEFL Online course requires a 60% score to receive certification.

Q. Do I need a student or special visa to take the TEFL course in Mexico?

You only need the standard tourist visa issued upon entry to Mexico. Usually a 90 day visa, enough time to complete the course. We can assist with renewing your visa if you want more time.

Q. Is a TEFL certificate course right for me?

It depends on you. Teachers Latin America is the only teacher training group focused on Latin America first, the rest of the world second. Of course, your TEFL or TEFL Online background is good to teach anywhere, but Latin America is where we focus our job placement efforts.

Many generic TESOL/TEFL/CELTA programs also offer good training, depending on the provider. But with most programs focused on Asia, these programs lack what this region of the world needs...a solid understanding of the Latin American EFL student. You should carefully consider what a program has to offer, including the TEFL. Where is the program offered? What areas does it serve? Is it regional or an outlet of a program provider on the other side of the world?

Q. What are the prerequisites for the programs? Are there age limitations? Do I need to have a degree?

Each country and each type of program has its prerequisites. We like to think that for everyone, we have a program. However, in some cases, you will need to meet certain criteria. For example, some teaching positions are only offered to female participants. Other teaching assignments are only open to native-speakers of English with a definitive British accent. Some teaching positions require a related degree, usually as per the immigration laws of particular countries.

While Teachers Latin America does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, or race, we do have to consider the culture of the foreign country. You Advisor will be able to help answer your concerns in this area.

Generally speaking, you should be at least 18 years of age. Some language courses and homestay programs are available to youth. On education, you must have finished high school at the very least in order to qualify for entrance into the TEFL or TEFL Online programs, for a paid teaching position, or an internship/volunteer position. Ideal candidates should have some college or university experience.

Q. What about accommodations?

Much more info on accommodations can be found on our site at Accommodations and Homestays.

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