Argentina TEFL Certification Program in Buenos Aires

Argentina is a growing teaching market, and its vibrant yet laid-back capitol, Buenos Aires is a great city to get your TEFL certification to start getting paid as an English teacher in Latin America! Sometimes described as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires is known for its wide boulevards, active nightlife and historical architecture and it’s also just a short boat ride away from Uruguay.

The Argentina TEFL course is an intensive, 4-week in-person course that will teach you the skills you need to be a prepared and confident teacher. Once you have completed your course, your instructors will be able to help you make contacts with private schools throughout the city, and most students will have a job lined up by the time they finish the course. The certification you receive in Buenos Aires exceeds international TEFL standards, so you will be eligible to apply for teaching jobs in most other countries around the world. 

Course Overview

• Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• 120-hour TEFL certification course
• 8 hours of practicum (observation, teaching practice, lesson plan prep)
• Intensive 4-week in-person training
• Taught by highly qualified instructors
• Assistance finding teaching positions in and around the Buenos Aires area

Hear more about Sam’s experience taking the TEFL course in Argentina on our podcast!

All participants must show a serious commitment to learning, and a willingness to plan and teach in groups and to work reflectively. In order to make sure you gain all of the tools and practice you need to teach English, the course is intensive and involves long days in the classroom, plus homework on nights and weekends. Other requirements are:

• At least 18 years of age
• Native English Speaker*
• High school diploma
• Must be open minded, flexible, and adaptable
• Have a laptop (tablets not acceptable)

*Native English speakers or non-native speakers with a C1 certificate with a high school diploma may be academically eligible to join the course.

$2,350 for a 4-week TEFL program

What’s included:

• 4 weeks of intensive TEFL training in Buenos Aires
• 120 Hour TESOL certificate (upon successful completion)
• 8 hours of practicum teaching
• Accommodation during the course (shared housing)
• Airport pickup
• Arrival orientation (guided tour of neighborhood included)
• Assistance finding teaching positions in and around Buenos Aires

What’s not included:

• Meals
• Course book and work book
• Visa or insurance
• Airfare to/from Buenos Aires
• Access to a computer

A shared housing in a student residence is included in your program fee for the month of your course at Casa Pichincha in the San Cristobal neighborhood of the city.

The residence:

• is a 4 story, recently remodeled building with shared bedrooms on the first and second floor
• includes a shared kitchen on the third floor
• has a shared rooftop terrace on the 4^th floor

You should expect to share a room with at least one other student, but you will have your own bed and desk. Bathrooms are also shared per floor but are very spacious. You will also have access to the full kitchen on the 3^rd floor where you are free to store and cook your own food.

The student residences are located about a 30 minutes’ walk southwest of the school, but there is a Subte stop (underground metro system) nearby so your commute to school will only take 10-15 minutes each way.

This course is an intensive 4 weeks and students should expect to be at school for the majority of the day Monday – Friday and to complete homework assignments every night. Here is a typical daily schedule:

7:30 – 9:00 AM                        Wake up, get ready, eat breakfast
9:00 – 9:30                               Commute to school
9:30 – 12:00                             Morning session (grammar, lesson preparation, methodology)
12:00 – 1:00                              Lunch break
1:00 – 4:00                                Afternoon session (lesson planning, prep time for practicum)
5:00 – 8:00                                Student teaching and classroom observation with locals
8:00 – 9:00                                Eat dinner, go out with friends, relax
9:00-10:30                                 Homework, prepare for tomorrows class
11:00 PM                                   Go to bed

Although this course should not be taken lightly, as long as you go to class and get your homework done each night, you will do great! It is rare for students to fail this course, but you should expect a fairly intensive 4 weeks.

This TEFL certification course in Buenos Aires is accredited by the College of Teachers in London, England which meets the highest international standards and are accredited and externally monitored by leading international accrediting bodies in the field of TEFL/TESOL.

Accreditation ensures that your certification course meets quality standards in the level of instruction, the quality of the curriculum, inclusion of a practicum, extent of training and other areas. It ensures that the course’s quality and ethical standards are maintained, and to recognize professional acceptance and recognition in the international job market.

International Standards

Most schools, language institutes and Ministries of Education recognize TEFL certifications that meet certain basic standards that are also recommended by leading bodies in the field, including the British Council. These standards reflect those incorporated into a standard, accredited intensive four-week TEFL class and include:

1. At least 100 hours of coursework and training
2. At least 6-20 hours of live practice teaching and observation involving actual ESL students (not peers – no role-playing)
3. External validation and accreditation by a recognized, independent body within the field

Your TEFL Certificate will meet the TEFL/TESOL teaching qualification requirements around the world. You’ll also have the option to stay in Argentina and teach English!

Job market at a glance:

• Private school placements are most common, do not expect to work at a public school
• $10 USD/hour
• Class sizes range from 15-35
• Students tend to be a mixture of children, teenagers, adults and professionals of all English levels but it depends on your school.
• There are three high seasons for hiring in Buenos Aires; January/February, July/August and October/November. Classes start in March so the beginning of the year is the absolute best time to arrive for your course, though there is year-round hiring. 

You’ll need to teach about 25-30 hours per week in order to cover your living expenses – this will cover your basic needs like rent, food, and transportation costs.

Why should I choose this course?

Getting TEFL certified in Argentina is the perfect way to obtain quality training in a country with an extremely high demand for native-English speaking teachers! With 120 hours of intensive instruction, observation, student teaching and personal feedback, you’ll feel more than prepared for your new role as an educator abroad.

Beyond the quality course, Buenos Aires is an affordable, unique, European-style city, with so much to explore! It’s a great option for anyone who plans to teach English in Central America once certified, or wants to spend some time in a Spanish-speaking country.

How do I know if this course is right for me?

You should take this course if you:

• prefer learning in a physical classroom (instead of online)
• want to teach English in Argentina or other Latin American countries
• are still in school, but want to teach English when you graduate. Get qualified in the summer!
• are interested in being immersed in a different culture while earning your certification
• want to learn or practice your Spanish while getting certified
• are seeking the best accreditation from an independent, accrediting body
• are a novice teacher: The course offers solid, practical, teaching techniques to ensure you enter the classroom with confidence
• understand that a highly qualified, experienced instructor, an exceptional curriculum and excellent accreditation are absolute necessities in TESOL / TEFL Certification training

Do I qualify to take this course?

Students must be 18 years or older, fluent in English, and have a high school diploma.

Which course dates are the best to align with the main hiring season in Argentina?

There are three high seasons for hiring in Buenos Aires; January/February, July/August and October/November. Classes start in March so the beginning of the year is the absolute best time to arrive for your course, though there is year-round hiring. 

What will my schedule be like during the course?

You will attend class for approximately 30 hours per week: 4 hours a day, Monday – Friday, from 9am – 1pm with a 15 minute break at 11am. This is an intensive 4-week course, so you should be prepared to start observing classes and lesson planning starting in the first week.

The school staff often plans after-school and weekend activities for the students every week, and are usually able to provide free tickets to different events around the city!

Where will I do my practicum?

 You will do your practicum hours will be arranged for you at the TEFL school and most of the students will be adults. If you would like experience with children, the school staff can set up a few hours for you to student teach at a local private language institute. 

Is Argentina safe?

Argentina in general is a safe country, but Buenos Aires is a major city so you do have to be more careful and be more aware of things like pickpocketing, especially in touristy areas. It is a capital city and like all capitals, there is a higher crime rate. However, it’s not as bad as other big cities in the US or Europe. The school is located in downtown Buenos Aires so there are always families and people of all ages strolling about at all times of the day.

How do I get to the school when I land?

You should plan to arrive a few days before your course starts so that you’re able to give yourself a few days to get settled in and acclimated to your new surroundings. You will be provided with airport pickup that will bring you directly to the student residences so you can put down your bags right away.

Do I need a visa?

For the TEFL course, a tourist visa is sufficient as it usually allows you to stay in the country for 90 days. If you plan to stay in Argentina to teach, you will need to leave the country every 90 days to renew your visa, which can be done with a short boat ride to Uruguay.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

It is not required to speak Spanish! Many people do not speak much Spanish before arriving in Argentina, but most will take advantage of the Spanish classes and will learn quickly.

Will I be able to learn Spanish during the course?

Everyone learns at their own pace, but taking your course in Argentina is a great way to learn or perfect your Spanish! The training center is part of a local community, which means you’ll get to know lots of locals and have a lot of opportunities to practice the language. We recommend looking into taking Spanish classes at the school once you finish your TEFL certification

Is it easy to get around?

Yes! Getting around in Buenos Aires is manageable by foot or by public transportation! There is an underground train system called the Subte that costs as little as $0.27/ride and consists of 6 lines. There’s also an above ground train system, buses and a few trams. Generally, public transportation is safe to use, just be sure to keep an eye on your bags!

Taxis are also generally safe to take, though some cab companies are better than others. Radio Taxi cabs are usually your best bet of not getting scammed, as well as carrying small bills and knowing where you’re going.

The student residences are located near the D line of the Subte, so your daily commute for the first 4 weeks will be short and easy!

What’s covered in the arrival orientation?

Once all the students have arrived at the student residences, the school will provide a guided tour of the area and chance for everyone to meet their classmates. On the first day of the course, there will be an introduction and orientation that includes cultural difference and culture shock training, course expectations and a 2-hour walking tour of the city to observe the amazing architecture of Buenos Aires!

How much money should I bring to get started?

Buenos Aires is a relatively inexpensive city to live in, but you should still bring enough money with you to hold yourself over until you start working after the course. We recommend brining at least $800 – $1000 USD

Who teaches this course?

The course is taught by two qualified instructors – one is Argentinian and the other is from the US. Both instructors have experience teaching English abroad and are very knowledgeable about the local job market. 

Will I be able to find a job teaching English in Argentina once I’m done with my course?

Yes! The school staff will assist you in your job search if you plan to stay in Buenos Aires to work once you graduate. It is difficult to find work in public schools so you should expect to work in a private language institute or tutor on your own. Many students will have a job lined up before they finish the course!

What is the job market like in Argentina?

Argentina and Buenos Aires specifically, has a massive demand for qualified native-English speaking teachers. You should expect to teach either at private language schools or privately teach business professionals. You will participate in a job workshop with the TEFL school staff to help you revamp your resume/CV, prepare with mock interviews and see a database of schools that the past students have gone to work for. You’ll also have the option to speak with past graduates about their experience as an

English teacher in Argentina and get some personal insight into how to be successful in your job search. Most students will have a job lined up within 2 weeks of graduation!

I want to stay in Argentina for more than 3 months to teach, can I extend my visa?

Yes! You can take a short boat ride and do a visa run to Uruguay to extend your tourist visa for another 90 days. You may also be able to find a school or company that offers a work visa, but these positions will usually offer less pay.

What can I expect when teaching English in Argentina?

Monthly salaries range from $600-$900 USD per month. This is considered a “break even” ESL teaching destination. With enough hours, you should be able to support yourself while living in Argentina, but you should not plan to save extra money. In fact, it is recommended that you bring some extra money to help support you while you are living in Argentina.

Teaching hours are typically 25-30 hours per week, and contracts are usually 6 months to 1 year. Teachers work on a tourist visa that needs to be renewed every 90 days.

1. Start Your Application Here (Approximately 5 Minutes): Greenheart Travel Application. This first step includes things like your name, address and chosen start date and should take around 5 minutes to complete. Once complete, you will receive a link to a digital Terms and Conditions form.

2. Sign the Terms and Conditions Document (Approximately 10 Minutes): These are our basic policies like cancellation policies, deferral policies, etc.

3. Fill out your Registration Form (Approximately 10 Minutes): Fill out a simple form to formally register for your course.

4. Submit your $600 Payment (Approximately 5 Minutes): A payment is required in order to apply for the program and is subtracted from your total program fee. After you submit your payment, we will start to arrange your arrival details!

5. Schedule your video interview! (Approximately 15 Minutes): Once you have submitted your online application and paid your application fee, you will be asked to schedule a video interview with a Greenheart Travel representative.

6. You’re accepted! Woohoo! We are usually able to accept people within a 1-2 weeks of their interviews.

7. Balance: Your remaining tuition balance will be due 6 weeks prior to your course start date.

Have questions or want to talk to a program manager? Set up a time to have a phone call below.