~ The vibrant country of Bolivia is a nation of “highests”: the landlocked nation has the
world’s highest capital city, the highest commercially navigable lake, and one of the highest populations
of indigenous people.
Teaching English in Bolivia
A culturally fascinating nation, Bolivia is now also enjoying political and economic stability. As more Bolivians discover that the English language is an important key to key to economic and social progress, the demand for instruction is escalating. In La Paz, the national capital, there are many opportunities for teachers in private language schools.
Your English students in Bolivia will range from elementary school children to adults, with class sizes of 15 to 20 for younger students, and smaller groups for adults. Because Bolivia is one of the poorest South American countries, not all residents have the opportunity for an education. This means your students will typically be eager to learn English, as well as to get to know EFL teachers from other countries. While most schools in Bolivia can’t afford to pay the world’s highest salaries, the cost of living is low, so you can live reasonably while immersing yourself in a colorful and unique traditional culture.
Bolivia TEFL Facts:
Your English Students K-12 University Adults
Best Time to Get Hired January – February June – July
Length of Commitment 6-12 month contracts
Typical Teaching Schedules Full and part-time schedules available
Average Pay and Benefits $400 - $600 USD per month
Average Cost of Living $400 - $600 per month depending on lifestyle
Requirements TEFL certification (TEFL Online accepted) Native speaker or fluent in English
Bolivia Overview
One of the most remote countries in the Western hemisphere, Bolivia is a land of adventure. From ancient Incan trails to riveting Andean landscapes, this landlocked nation provides plenty to discover. Aside from its tropical valleys and rugged canyons, Bolivia is known for its altitude. The national capital, La Paz, touches the sky at 11,910 feet (3,630 meters) above sea level, making it the world’s highest capital.
Bolivia also has one of the world’s largest indigenous populations; about 60 percent are of pure Native American descent. Infrequent contact with neighboring countries has allowed Bolivia to preserve its ancient culture and unique lifestyle. In fact, Bolivian traditions have seen little change in the past hundred years. Customs and attire are heavily influenced by the altitude, with local women making thick, colorful attire from llama wool and carefully-crafted Borselino hats. The national capital of La Paz has a population of over 1 million and counting, yet traditional customs still thrive between the city’s surrounding cliffs and soaring high-rises. In the eastern part of the country, exotic Amazon forests give way to Santa Cruz—Bolivia’s second largest city—where rich history is preserved in the old town colonial architecture.
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The TEFL Life Shangai, China
Capital: La Paz
Population: 8,922,000
Language(s): Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
Currency: Boliviano
Literacy Rate: 87%
Life Expectancy: 63 years
One-third of all bird species in the world can be found in Bolivia.
Bolivia has two capitals: La Paz is the administrative capital and Sucre is the constitutional capital.
La Paz, at 12,000 feet (3,657 meters) above sea level, is a nearly fireproof city because the amount of oxygen at that altitude barely supports fire.
Titicaca is the planet's highest navigable lake at 12,507 feet (3,812 meters). The tallest European mountain wouldn't even touch this pristine lake!
Bolivia has three official languages: Spanish, Quechuan, and Aymaran.
Bolivia has a temperate climate, though the altitude causes temperature variations between night and day. The rainy season is November to March. La Paz is relatively dry and chilly year-round because of its location 11,910 feet (3,630 meters) high. The average temperature is 41°F (5°C) in July (winter), and 46°F (8°C) in January (summer). In Santa Cruz, located 1,364 feet (416 meters) above sea level, the climate is semi-tropical. The average temperature is 69°F (21°C) in July and 78°F (26°C) in January.
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