Bolivia

Nestled in the heart of South America, Bolivia is a landlocked country with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse geography that ranges from the towering peaks of the Andes to the lush, tropical lowlands of the Amazon basin. Despite being one of the only two countries in South America that does not have a coastline (along with Paraguay), Bolivia’s landscape is nothing short of spectacular, offering visitors and locals alike a stunning array of natural wonders, vibrant cultures, and historical sites Climate & Geography Bolivia spans an area of approximately 424,000 square miles (1.1 million square kilometers), making it the 28th largest country in the world. The country is geographically divided into three main regions: the Andes in the west, the high-altitude plateau (Altiplano), and the lowland plains of the Amazon basin to the east. The Altiplano region, home to the capital city La Paz, is known for its rugged mountain terrain and high-altitude lakes, while the eastern part of Bolivia is characterized by dense forests and tropical climates. The country’s climate varies widely due to its diverse geography. The Andean regions experience a cool, dry climate with significant temperature variation between day and night. In contrast, the lowland areas in the east have a more humid, tropical climate. Bolivia’s diverse terrain makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, mountaineering, birdwatching, and exploring ancient ruins. Population & Language…

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in Bolivia can be a rewarding experience, but like any country, Bolivia has its own unique set of qualifications and requirements for English teachers. Whether you’re a native English speaker or a non-native English speaker, it’s important to understand the qualifications necessary to secure a teaching position in Bolivia. Education Unlike some countries, Bolivia does not require a bachelor’s degree to teach English. However, while it’s not mandatory, having a bachelor’s degree in any field can make you a more competitive candidate for teaching positions, especially at reputable schools or institutions. Teachers without a degree may still find work, particularly with private language schools or in more rural areas, but it’s essential to be flexible with job options. Citizenship There are no specific citizenship requirements for teaching English in Bolivia. Teachers from a variety of countries can apply for jobs in Bolivia, though you will need to meet the visa requirements, which generally include providing proof of employment. It’s important to note that your ability to obtain a visa will depend on your nationality and the specific requirements of the school you’re applying to. English Fluency As with most countries, fluency in English is a key requirement for teaching English in Bolivia. While Bolivia is a good market for both native and non-native English speakers, native English speakers will generally have an easier time secu…

Bolivia’s demand for English teachers is growing due to its tourism and business sectors, where companies in hospitality, travel, and commerce seek employees fluent in English to engage with international clients. This creates opportunities to teach English to Bolivian business professionals, students, and travelers. Private Language Schools Most English teaching jobs in Bolivia are found in private language schools, primarily in urban areas such as La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz de la Sierra. These schools cater to a variety of students, including children, adults, and professionals. In these schools, you can expect to teach evening or weekend classes, as students often attend after school or work. Teachers may also work across multiple schools to sustain their income, as well as teaching online or private teaching. Public Schools Bolivia has fewer structured programs for foreign teachers in public schools, though partnerships with NGOs and educational initiatives may provide entry points. Teachers in public schools often work during traditional school hours and are likely to be the only native English speaker on staff. International Schools For those with teaching licenses or degrees in education, international schools in Bolivia are a desirable option. These schools, such as Calvert School in La Paz, follow international curricula and offer more competitive salaries and benefits. Hours align with typical school days, and teaching staff is often a mix of local and inter…

The timelines for your job application process and preparing your visa documents will overlap, so it’s important to work on both simultaneously. To stay on track, be sure to consult resources like the Teaching in Bolivia Timeline and the Applying for the Visa section for step-by-step guidance. Step 1: Prepare Your Initial Application Materials Resume & Cover Letter Your resume and cover letter are crucial for connecting with Bolivian employers and beginning your application process. Keep in mind that international employers often look for different elements compared to domestic resumes. For tailored tips, refer to the Resume and Cover Letter section . Once you’ve polished your resume and cover letter to align with international standards, submit them to your Student Affairs Advisor for feedback. Step 2: Determine Your Preferences Living abroad means choosing a location that matches your lifestyle and interests. Here are some options in Bolivia to consider: La Paz: Nestled in the Andes, La Paz offers a cool climate, vibrant urban culture, and breathtaking mountainous surroundings. Sucre: A UNESCO World Heritage city with stunning colonial architecture, perfect for history enthusiasts. Santa Cruz: Bolivia’s largest city with a tropical climate, thriving nightlife, and growing demand for English teachers. Ask yourself: Do you prefer a large city with a dynamic expat community? Are you drawn to rural settings or smaller towns to immerse yourself in local Bolivian culture? What ty…

Congratulations on your job offer(s)! If you’ve been offered a position from a school in Bolivia and you’ve followed our previous advice, you’re already off to a great start. But what’s next? Determining whether or not the offer is right for you. To help make this decision, follow the recommendations below by reviewing the basics. Whether you have one offer or several, the key elements you’ll want to take note of are: salary, working hours, vacation days, sick days, housing, airfare, insurance, and bonuses. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect with each of these elements. Review the Basics Salary & Severance The average starting salary for a first-year English teacher in Bolivia is 5,530 – 8,900 Bolivian Bolivianos per month. Anything significantly lower or higher should make you ask a few questions. If the reason for the pay difference is obvious, like you’ll be in a rural location with a low cost of living or working longer than average hours, you may find that you’re okay with it. But don’t accept a contract that is paying you less for doing the same amount of work the average English teacher does, or one that doesn’t fit into your work-life-travel balance. Upon completion of a one-year contract, a select number of employers might offer a completion or re-signing bonus, though this is not always the case in Bolivia. The bonus amount can vary school to school, and you’ll want to make sure that any bonus details are clearly stipulated in your contract before signing. W…

The word “visa” tends to provoke daunting images of endless red tape and paperwork but we’re here to ease your anxiety and hopefully have you zipping through this process like a pro. Below, we’ll outline the most common visa routes for foreign English teachers in Bolivia, and then dive into a deeper look at the required documents for temporary residence permits there. As is always the case with any of the visa advice we provide, please be sure to cross-check this information with your local Bolivian consulate or embassy to ensure you are getting the most up-to-date, accurate, and personalized instruction there is! Visa Types Tourist Visa What is it? Many English teachers in Bolivia are hired by an employer “under the table” on a tourist visa . Though this might sound like a slightly questionable practice if you’re unfamiliar with it, this is a fairly standard routine for schools and teachers in Bolivia. How do you get one? You have to submit an application and pay $160USD prior to arrival. How long is it valid? Tourists are granted a maximum stay by the immigration officer for 30, 60, or 90 days. Tourists are only permitted a maximum of 90 days in Bolivia per calendar year. Special Purpose Visa What is it? Required for those traveling to Bolivia for work. This visa is difficult to obtain in-country, so it’s recommended to secure it beforehand from a Bolivian consulate. Required documents include a visa form, proof of yellow fever vaccination, a letter of intent from your empl…

In the days, weeks, and months leading up to your move abroad, it’s more important than ever to stay organized and ask yourself: What are the logistics I have to consider and the loose ends I have to tie up in order to thrive in my new home? Do I have to worry about taxes? What about health insurance? And what the heck do I do about a cell phone? Fear not, TEFL teacher. In this section, you’ll find the tips, resources, and wisdom to tackle these questions and more! Review the Basics Health Insurance If you are working under the table on a tourist visa, health insurance is typically not provided to you by your school. If this is the case or if you want to supplement public health insurance with a more comprehensive private insurance option, you will need to do your own research to determine which plan is best for you and any dependents. Bolivia has both public and private healthcare systems, with private healthcare offering a higher standard of service. Some teachers opt for international health insurance plans for broader coverage. To explore your options, check out this article about insurance options abroad, and use the ITA Bolivia Alumni Group to connect with past ITA teachers who have taught or are teaching in Bolivia and ask them which providers they recommend. Savings & Banking In Bolivia, it may take a few weeks before you receive your first paycheck. Therefore, plan accordingly! We recommend having anywhere between 7,000 to 12,000 Bolivianos (BOB) in your bank account…

You have finally made it to the end of the Bolivia section, no small feat! Here is all of that wonderful information from the previous section laid out step-by-step and month-by-month before your intended departure date for Bolivia. This timeline is not only for the planners and checklist lovers (although you will love this too!). It is strongly encouraged for anyone planning a move to Bolivia to help keep you on track and organized as you make your way through the process. Finding a Job on the Ground The peak hiring season for English teaching jobs in Bolivia is February through March and July through August, so plan to arrive in Bolivia during one of these months. Hiring slows to a halt from late December through early January during the winter holidays and Carnaval. Take your desired start date and subtract from there. While it may be possible to move some parts of the process along quicker, follow this timeline as closely as possible. 4 months before departure: Begin your research ___ Decide which schools you might want to apply to using our Bolivia School Finder ___ List out your preferences and priorities ___ Chat with ITA alumni , read about alumni experiences , and watch Instagram takeovers in Bolivia . ___ Ensure your passport will be valid six months past your anticipated return date or order a new passport __ Read through ITA’s resources, and watch a Student Affairs webinar ___ Read about Bolivia and Bolivian culture, etc. ___ Start saving up so you have enough mon…

When traveling abroad the most important thing is to keep a very open laid back mind. Sometimes, the water or electricity won't work, or your class will open late and you have to scramble to make up some time, or your roommate will be awake and loud until 1 am even though you have 7 am class. You have to be able to grab earplugs and ignore it. You can't let anything rattle you. Alina R. ITA Alum My biggest advice it to be bold! If you want to try something new, or if teaching abroad sounds like it might be interesting, then do it! It might not always work out the way you hoped, but you will always have a good story and you will grow from your experiences! I would also recommend saying yes as often as possible, especially at the beginning of your time in a new country. Whenever people invite you to do something or try something, say yes! If you don't like it, you don't have to do it again, but you might find something that you really enjoy! Carmen O. ITA Alum