COUNTRY GUIDES: ECUADOR

Ecuador may be diminutive by South American standards but it can still pack a punch. It’s one of the most bio-diverse countries on the planet and, like an exotic sandwich, is layered into three distinct regions: pacific coastline, a mountainous mid-section, and tropical rainforest to the east. If that wasn’t enough to whet your Traveler’s Taste Buds, the Galápagos Islands, home to some of the world’s most precious plant and animal species, are a mere three hour flight away.

Strong cultural traditions have managed to flourish and the country has a thriving indigenous population, notably the Quichua-speaking communities of the rural sierra and also in the capital of Quito.

TEFL in Ecuador (Contracts, Salary, Work)

Demand for teachers

Very high

Main TEFL regions

Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca

Busiest TEFL periods

The academic year runs from March to December, or September to June in the mountainous regions.

Contract lengths

3-12 months

Types of teaching

• Private language schools: General English, Business English, Younger Learners

• In-company: General English, Business English

Accommodation

Schools don’t usually provide accommodation, although they will sometimes help you find a place.

When you first arrive, you can get a comfortable private hostel room for just €7 a night; while a shared apartment will cost around €70 per person.

Flight reimbursement

This varies: some employers will pay for your flight or give you a bonus at the end of a long contract.

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Symbol: $

In the year 2000, the Ecuadorian Sucre was replaced by the US Dollar. The notes are the same as in the USA, but Ecuador mints its own coins.

Salary

In Quito, expect to make around €320 - €500 per month. With more experience and qualifications, you could make as much as €710, or offer private lessons for €6.50 - €8.50 per hour.

Taxes

7%

Cost of living

Ecuador is one of South America’s most expensive countries, but it’s still cheap by Western standards. You can eat Amerzulos (cheap set menu lunches) for just €1-2 a time, and your monthly grocery bill shouldn’t come to more than €90.

Potential to save money

On an average salary, it’s possible to save enough to explore Ecuador during the holidays, but you probably won’t return home with much money in the bank.

How much TEFL training is recommended?

Although you still don’t need a degree or a TEFL certificate to work here, the market is maturing and a good English-teaching qualification will make it easier to find a well-paid job.

Common teaching conditions

Expect 25 contact hours per week, although some unscrupulous schools could have you working as many as 40!

Finding Work

How do I find work?

You can arrange interviews at some schools before you leave. IB Schools are popular, as is the not-for-profit CEDEI School. Alternatively The Association of American Schools in South America has links to other language academies.

Can I find work while in-country?

This is the easiest way to find a job: simply ask around or check the notice boards at your hostel.

What is the usual hiring process?

Once you’ve found a school you’d like to work for, send them your CV and they’ll arrange an interview for your arrival in Ecuador.

Is a work visa required to find paid work in Ecuador?

Yes, although very few teachers actually obtain one: most just renew their tourist visa by leaving and re-entering the country every 90 days (6 months if you’re from the UK). Your employer can also get you a one-year cultural exchange visa – the great thing about this is that your salary becomes a tax-free “allowance”!

Work Visa requirements:

• Personal references

• Medical certificate

• Birth certificate

• Police report

• Proof of financial support

• “Job” offer

Why Choose Ecuador?

• One of the most authentic Latin-American experiences

• Strong culture

• Amazing biological and geological diversity

• Lots of teaching jobs

Be Aware…

Some areas in the major towns and cities are notorious for robberies, so ask around and be careful if you’re out late at night.

Before you go

Read this…

Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot – gripping true story of five young missionaries who were killed while trying to spread Christianity in Ecuador.

Watch this…

Rodents (Ratas, ratones, rateros) – drama about a naïve young thief who gets mixed up in the serious criminal dealings of his older cousin.

A Few Fun Facts

• Ecuador exports more bananas than any other country in the world – sending out more than 3 million tons of the fruit each year!

• The bouquet you bought for your loved-one last Valentine’s day probably came from Ecuador, which exports 750 million roses each year

• 43% of Ecuador is environmentally-protected – the highest proportion in the world.

• The national dish is cuy – barbecued guinea pig!