Latin America Schools: A Hidden Gem for International Teaching Families?
Ever thought about teaching at Latin America schools?
When international teaching families consider their next adventure, destinations like Asia, the Middle East, or Europe often top the list. But there’s a vibrant, diverse region that deserves your serious consideration: Latin America.
Having experienced the magic of Peru firsthand in 2020 (admittedly not the best timing with COVID-19), I can attest to the incredible opportunities this region offers families looking for a unique international teaching experience.
Why Latin America Schools Should Be on Your Radar
Mark Webber, founder of Webber’s Ed, a specialist recruitment agency for Latin America schools, explains what makes this region special for teaching families:
“Latin American cultures are very rich in customs and practices that bring people together, such as many holidays and festivals that are celebrated, foods that are shared, artistic appreciation and the high value of friends and family.”
But the appeal goes even further than cultural richness. For families wanting to learn a globally useful language, Spanish opens doors across 20 countries. And being fully immersed in a location is the perfect opportunity to learn.
The region also offers incredible outdoor adventures and cultural experiences at a fraction of the cost you’d pay elsewhere, complemented by agreeable climates year-round.
“Many candidates who come from the Americas and even Europe find it’s much easier to get home easily or quickly, if needed, when there is a family emergency or just when visiting family for a long weekend or holidays. And the significantly lower cost of living makes it particularly attractive for families with children”, Mark says.
Country Spotlight: Where to Consider
Mexico
Best for: Families looking for cultural immersion with easy access to the USA
- Pros: Rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes from beaches to mountains, strong expat communities, proximity to North America
- Cons: Security concerns in certain regions, varying quality of international schools
- Family considerations: Excellent healthcare in major cities, diverse recreational activities, strong American school networks
Costa Rica
Best for: Nature-loving families prioritising safety and stability
- Pros: Political stability, “Pura Vida” lifestyle, incredible biodiversity, strong environmental focus
- Cons: Higher cost of living than other Latin American countries, limited direct flights to some destinations
- Family considerations: Excellent healthcare system, outdoor adventure opportunities, strong emphasis on education
Colombia
Best for: Adventurous families seeking urban sophistication and natural beauty
- Pros: Vibrant cities like Bogotá and Medellín, diverse geography, growing expat community, improving security
- Cons: Altitude adjustment in Bogotá, lingering security perceptions
- Family considerations: Excellent private healthcare, rich cultural scene, diverse climate options
Chile
Best for: Families preferring a more developed economy with European influences
- Pros: Strong economy, excellent wine regions, diverse geography from desert to glaciers
- Cons: Higher cost of living
- Family considerations: Good healthcare system, outdoor recreation opportunities, strong educational standards
Peru
Best for: History enthusiasts and families wanting authentic cultural immersion
- Pros: Rich historical sites (Machu Picchu, Cusco), diverse geography, incredible cuisine, lower cost of living
- Cons: Higher altitude in many regions, developing infrastructure in some areas
- Family considerations: Adventure opportunities, strong cultural education, affordable domestic travel
Ecuador
Best for: Families seeking diversity in a compact country
- Pros: Compact size allows exploration of coast, mountains, and Amazon, uses US dollar, Galápagos Islands
- Cons: Political instability concerns, limited international flight options
- Family considerations: Affordable living, diverse ecosystems for education, manageable size for weekend trips
Argentina
Best for: Families drawn to European culture in South America
- Pros: Sophisticated cities, excellent beef and wine, European atmosphere, strong cultural scene
- Cons: Economic instability, inflation concerns, distance from North America
- Family considerations: Rich cultural education opportunities, diverse geography, excellent healthcare in cities
The Reality Check: Challenges to Consider
Mark is refreshingly honest about the region’s challenges. “Latin America is one of the lower paying regions of the world, due to its commensurate cost-of-living. There are less benefits for employees in some cases and sometimes schools do not give full tuition for the children of educators coming from abroad.”
He encourages teaching families considering Latin America to make sure they’ve got a good grasp on what’s being offered, particularly if you’ve got bills to pay outside of Latin America.
“Make sure you get benefits in writing before signing any contracts”, he says.
Latin America Schools: Addressing Common Concerns
Security Worries
“The biggest issue that most people who are not familiar with Latin America ask about is security,” Mark acknowledges. His advice? Research thoroughly based on your family’s comfort level – because everyone has a different threshold for what’s secure for them and their family.
“While there are security issues in parts of Latin America, like the rest of the world, most of these issues do not involve foreigners.”
Language Barriers
Mark is also often asked whether knowing Spanish is essential for teaching in Latin America.
He says not to worry if your Spanish isn’t perfect. “Educators are mostly hired for their ability to speak and teach in English, amongst their other skills,” Mark explains.
However, administrative positions may require Spanish proficiency or a commitment to learn, so you can communicate with staff members and parents who don’t speak English.
School Demographics
While there are many great schools in this region that offer progressive global curricula and up-to-date best practices, the student make-up differs from many other international teaching destinations with large expat student populations.
“Most schools in Latin America are filled with a majority of Latin American students, usually from the country in which you are working.” It’s rare for schools to have a majority of foreign students in Latin America, although there are a few.
This make up of students offers authentic cultural integration that many international schools can’t match. Giving you a truly immersive experience as a teacher, and an incredible experience for your children if they’re attending the school too. Where they’ll often pick up the local language quicker because their friends are all native Spanish speakers.
Mark’s personal experience teaching in the region has been incredibly positive: “Latin American students are some of the most enjoyable to work with due to their respect for education and educators as well as their sometimes mischievous sense of humour. It was not uncommon for students to come to me after class, shake my hand, and thank me for the lesson that day. Latin American students are taught by their families how to show respect and to greet adults. It really made working there all the more enjoyable.”
Making the Decision: Is Latin America Right for Your Family?
Consider Latin America if you’re looking for:
- Authentic cultural immersion
- Spanish language learning opportunities
- Affordable family adventures
- Warm, family-oriented communities
- Diverse natural environments
- Rich historical and cultural education
Be prepared for:
- Lower salaries (but lower living costs)
- Varying infrastructure quality
- Need for cultural adaptability
Latin America Schools: Wrap Up
Latin America offers an amazing opportunity for international teaching families. While it may not provide the financial packages of the Middle East or the infrastructure of Singapore, it offers a unique opportunity for your family where you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
The region’s emphasis on relationships, celebration, and community creates an environment where children don’t just receive an international education – they live it.
As Mark concludes, “There is something for everyone in Latin America.”
The question isn’t whether Latin America has something to offer your family, but whether your family is ready to embrace what Latin America can offer you!
If you’re wanting to step off the beaten path of international teaching destinations, Latin America offers rewards that extend far beyond the classroom.
