How to Get a Job Teaching English in Mexico

Teaching English in Mexico is an exciting way to build valuable teaching experience and a chance to revel in Mexico’s rich history, awe-inspiring landscapes, and warm, community-oriented culture. Mexico strongly demands English teachers across schools, language institutes, and private tutoring. But before you go, it’s important to research the proper steps to ensure you set yourself up for success! 

Read on to find out how you can get a job teaching English in Mexico!

There are many reasons why foreigners choose to teach English in Mexico, whether it’s for career growth, to build their Spanish skills, or to experience living in another country!. 

Top reasons to teach in Mexico:

• Cultural immersion: As an English teacher in Mexico, you’ll gain plenty of insight into its vibrant culture. From Cinco de Mayo and Day of the Dead to Mexican hat dance and ancient Mayan ruins, teaching in Mexico grants you a longer time to live and integrate with the community and its heritage. 
• Low cost of living: While TEFL salaries are generally lower in Mexico than in other countries, teachers can stretch their salary and savings further. The start-up costs associated with teaching English in Mexico can be less expensive than in other countries. Although salaries are low, it is possible for teachers to receive benefits such as free accommodation.
• Demand for English teachers: As a developing North American country that borders the US, it’s only natural that Mexico has a high demand for English speakers. In a competitive market, entry requirements for English teachers are lenient, making it easier to find a TEFL job in Mexico. 
• Potential for language development: Living in Mexico allows greater potential for Spanish development. While living in Mexico, you’ll be thoroughly exposed to the language, encouraging you to learn Spanish to interact with others and get by.  
• International work experience: Whether you want to teach abroad or get a job in your home country afterwards, international experience demonstrates to employers that you’re independent, adaptable, and organized. 

Firstly, you’ll need to become TEFL certified to teach English in Mexico. Although having a TEFL certification isn’t a legal requirement, you should take the opportunity to increase your employability and earning potential, as many schools and employers will list it as a job requirement. Not only that, but it will make you a better teacher and optimize your in-class experience. 

From online TEFL courses to in-person CELTA programs, there are many courses to choose from. While a CELTA is generally considered to be one of the best teaching qualifications (aside from a university teaching license), many employers will accept a 120-hour online TEFL certification at a minimum. The “best” course for you will be different according to your budget, flexibility, and aspirations in the TEFL industry. 

Read more: CELTA vs TEFL: Which certificate do you need? 

In addition to becoming TEFL certified, you’ll need to consider other aspects of teaching job requirements in Mexico. Generally, employers and schools in Mexico will expect teachers to meet the following requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree: Non-degree holders will be grateful to hear that having a bachelor’s degree is not a legal requirement. However, most employers will list a bachelor’s degree as a requirement to teach in their schools. 
• Native or near-native fluency: While you don’t need to be a native English speaker, you need to demonstrate near-native fluency. Non-native teachers can take an English proficiency test such as IELTS or LanguageCert. 
• Background check: To work in a classroom with children, you’ll need to prove that you have a clear background check within 6 or 12 months of your application or start date. 

Read more: Where to Teach Abroad as a Non-Native English Speaker

In order to teach in Mexico legally, you’ll need to obtain an FM3 work visa or Residente Temporal (Temporary Residence). You can apply for this visa once you already have a job secured in Mexico. Often, your employer will help you with the process of obtaining this visa. The application for the FM3 visa costs around $90 USD.

Although some teachers in Mexico work on tourist visas while being paid “under the desk,” this is neither legal nor advisable. This can lead to deportations, undoing all of your hard work not only teaching but establishing yourself within the Mexican community.  

Now that you’re TEFL certified and aware of the requirements to teach in Mexico, you can start your job hunt! There are many different ways that you can obtain a job teaching English in Mexico:

• Enroll in a third-party teaching program: There are plenty of teach in Mexico programs right here on Go Overseas! Many of these programs offer TEFL training, job placement (or support), visa assistance, and more, making your transition to teaching in Mexico seamless. Program coordinators often have direct TEFL experience, making them the best people to provide advice! 
• Scroll job boards: You can use job boards to find a range of teaching opportunities in Mexico, whether in public, private, or international schools. From Go Overseas’ very own teaching job board to Dave’s ESL Cafe, there are many teach abroad job boards scattered online. 
• Apply to schools in-country: It’s also possible to enter on a tourist visa and search for work from there, and apply for the FM3 visa once you’ve received a job offer. However, while you can make a good impression by interviewing in-person, you’ll need plenty of savings to sustain yourself throughout the time you’re not yet teaching. 

Congratulations! Once you’ve landed the perfect teaching job in Mexico, you’ll need to apply for your visa. While the academic year in Mexico starts in August and many schools hire year-round, the time for visa processing can be lengthy, particularly over public holidays such as Christmas. Be sure to leave plenty of time.

To apply for the FM3 visa, you’ll need to head to your country’s Mexican consulate and submit the following items of documents depending on your nationality: 

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond your stay)
• Copy of passport pages with travel stamps 
• Visa application form and passport size photos 
• Contract and job offer from Mexican school
• Criminal background check 
• $90 USD for the application fee 

It’s only natural that people will wonder about the logistics of living or teaching in Mexico. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear about teaching English in Mexico:

Can you teach English in Mexico without speaking Spanish?

Yes! You can teach English in Mexico without speaking Spanish. In fact, many schools encourage foreign teachers to only use English in-class to maximize language immersion. 

Are English teachers in demand in Mexico?

Yes, English teachers are in demand in Mexico. This is because speaking English can increase career prospects significantly.

How much do English teachers make in Mexico?

Although the demand for teachers is high, the salary for teaching English in Mexico is relatively low. English teachers in Mexico make around $500-$1,000 USD a month, and may receive benefits such as free accommodation. 

Do you need a degree to teach English in Mexico?

No, you don’t need a degree to teach English in Mexico legally. However, having a degree will improve your employability and earning potential. 

What is the age limit to teaching English in Mexico?

There is no official age limit when it comes to teaching English in Mexico or for the FM3 visa. However, it depends on the employer’s preferences. 

Teaching English in Mexico isn’t just a job—it’s an unforgettable adventure packed with personal growth, cultural exchange, and professional development. From savoring authentic tacos under the sun to refining your Spanish in real-life conversations, your journey will be rich with discovery. While it’s essential to follow the right steps - getting TEFL certified, meeting job requirements, securing your visa, and finding the right placement - the payoff is worth every bit of effort.

Read more about teaching English abroad:

• How to Avoid Common TEFL Job Scams
• Travel and Save Money: Ultimate Guide to Budgeting as a TEFL Teacher Abroad
• Where to Teach Abroad as a Non-Native English Speaker