Teach in Nicaragua

Options for teaching in Nicaragua

Nicaragua is one of the fastest-growing markets for ESL teaching jobs in Central America. The country is not yet a TEFL teaching hotspot, meaning that teachers can have an easier time finding a teaching job in Nicaragua than in other Latin American countries.

ESL teachers can work in private schools, language institutes, or universities. A TEFL certificate is not usually required, but is strongly preferred; TEFL-certified teachers are in high demand and can earn much more than their unqualified peers.

Nicaragua is also home to international schools hiring licensed teachers in subjects other than ESL. Educators will need to hold teaching credentials in their home country.

Salary and benefits when teaching in Nicaragua

Salaries for English teaching jobs in Nicaragua vary greatly depending on the institution as well as the teacher’s qualifications and previous experience. Most teachers can expect to earn the equivalent of approximately $500-700 USD per month. Universities and bilingual schools pay higher salaries, but prefer to hire native English-speaking teachers with previous experience and a TEFL certificate.
Though salaries are low, the cost of food and housing in Nicaragua is also low. Most teachers find that their salaries allow them to live a modest lifestyle without a problem.

Teach in Nicaragua – Hiring

The school year in Nicaragua goes from February to November, although language institutes typically hire year-round. Be sure to check Teach Away’s job board periodically for updates on teaching jobs in Nicaragua.

Qualifications to teach in Nicaragua

A TEFL Certificate is strongly preferred by the more reputable language schools in Nicaragua, and is usually required for university-level teaching. Having certification and previous experience will often qualify teachers for higher salaries and the most competitive jobs.

In order to teach in private schools in Nicaragua, educators will need to possess a teaching license in the relevant subject from their home state or country.

Visas for teachers in Nicaragua

Living in Nicaragua requires teachers to apply for and obtain a residency permit, which can be done with the help of your employer. The application package will require a number of elements, including a criminal background check, proof of job offer, fee, and special request letter. Specific requirements will vary based on the teacher’s nationality.

Housing in Nicaragua

In major cities, such as Managua or Granada, accommodation can cost as little as $300 USD per month. Choosing a neighborhood outside of the city center helps to keep rent prices low, as does sharing an apartment with a fellow teacher. Cost of living will, of course, greatly increase with added luxuries such as a pool or maid service. Outside of urban areas, the cost of housing is even lower.

Things to do in Nicaragua

The “Land of Lakes and Volcanoes” offers plenty for outdoor enthusiasts. Both Managua and Granada sit on the edge of magnificent lakes, giving teachers the opportunity to appreciate their natural beauty during free time. Explore lagoons resting in volcanic craters or zip line through mountaintop cloud forests. Granada, one of the country’s top tourist destinations, has maintained its colonial charm with beautifully preserved architecture, as well as parks, markets, and museums.

Although many outsiders picture Nicaragua as still entrenched in a war that ended more than 15 years ago, the country has made great strides in terms of safety and security. Modern Nicaragua is one of Latin America’s safest countries, although it still remains one of its poorest as well.

Nicaragua’s coastline stretches along both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, providing great spots for swimming, surfing, and nightlife.

Many private schools in Nicaragua require applicants to possess a TEFL certificate. The University of Toronto’s TEFL Online Certificate can help you become a leading candidate for some of the top Nicaraguan private school positions.

Register for a teacher account to apply for teaching jobs in Nicaragua.