Teach in Uruguay

Options for teaching in Uruguay

Teachers in Uruguay will find the majority of teaching jobs in the capital city of Montevideo, which is also the country’s major education hub and home to Uruguay’s only public university.

Teaching in Uruguay – Hiring

The school year in Uruguay runs from mid-March to mid-December, although private schools may operate on a slightly different schedule. Peak hiring times are from February to March and July to August. It is common for secondary interviews to be conducted in person in Uruguay.

Qualifications to teach in Uruguay

In Uruguay, public school is mandatory and free for children up to age 17. This high attendance rate can sometimes mean large class sizes and a greater demand for high-quality teachers, especially teachers who are native English speakers.

Having a Bachelor’s degree is not a requirement to teach English in Uruguay, but a relevant ESL teaching qualification is strongly recommended for English-teaching jobs in Uruguay. The University of Toronto’s TEFL Online certificate can equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to land a job teaching English in Uruguay.

For candidates looking to teach in an international or third-level institution in Uruguay, an advanced degree in education may be required.

Uruguay’s education system places a huge emphasis on integrating digital literacy into the curriculum across all grade levels and subjects. Teach Away’s Digital Literacy professional development course for teachers, created in partnership with Teachers College, Columbia University, can help candidates for teaching jobs in Uruguay learn the fundamental teaching skills and knowledge needed to develop their students’ digital literacies.

Visas for teachers in Uruguay

Many schools will assist teachers in obtaining a work permit. Teachers generally arrive in Uruguay on a tourist visa, which can later be changed to a work visa. This change can be done without the teacher having to leave the country.

As Uruguay has a relatively low cost of living, ex-pat teachers in Uruguay are able to live comfortably and experience all that the country has to offer. Uruguay has a rich and diverse culture that is a unique combination of Spanish, Italian, and South American influences.

Things to do for teachers in Uruguay

With flexible school schedules, there is lots of time for teachers to fully immerse themselves in Uruguay’s culture. The capital city of Montevideo offers all the conveniences of a modern cosmopolitan city and has a large culinary and entertainment scene. The city also boasts a distinct historic charm with cobblestone streets and unique 19th-century European architecture.

Montevideo is also right on the ocean, which is a popular destination if you are lucky enough to be there during the summer months to experience surfing and its ocean-side lifestyle.

Punta del Este, Uruguay’s most famous tourist destination, is a small peninsula that is home to the country’s most prestigious beachside resort.

The coastal area west of Montevideo is also full of shops, restaurants, and outdoor entertainment, such as biking, horseback riding, windsurfing, music festivals, and much more!