Ecuador’s primary trading partner is the US, leading Ecuadorian employers to favor English-speaking local workers. As the demand for English skills in the job market increases, the demand for qualified English teachers increases as well. Travel to the South American continent also on the rise, so the need is especially high in Ecuador’s largest cities—Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca.

Opportunities for English instructors exist in Ecuador’s public schools, and in the country’s numerous private language schools, which particularly recognize the value of native English-speaking teachers. One of the most laid back, culturally rich, and scenically striking countries on the continent, Ecuador offers an abundance of teaching positions, a welcoming environment for foreigners, and a great starting point for teachers wanting to work their way around South America.  

Despite being the smallest country in the Andean region, Ecuador stretches from the volcanic Galapagos Islands, 600 miles (1,000 km) off the mainland, to the vast Pacific Coast and down to the Amazon Basin—the planet’s largest rainforest.  Ecuador (which means “Equator” in Spanish) spans two hemispheres, as well as two worlds—old and new. Traces of ancient civilizations and Spanish conquest are counterbalanced with modern cities; the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands provide a sense of mystery and exoticism while the mainland cities pulse with street vendors and culture around every cobblestoned corner.

The national capital, Quito has preserved its colonial architecture arguably more than any other South American capital—boasting countless buildings and homes in traditional Spanish style. Panama hats are the trademark in the artistic city of Cuenca, known for its vibrant markets and flower-box window sills. Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and most important port in the country—a majority of the country’s commercial and industrial activity is centered there. With its distinct customs and unique way of life, Ecuador’s natural beauty and intriguing history make it an ideal destination for English teachers.