Why Teaching English in Brazil is a Great Opportunity
Brazil has a huge demand for English teachers, making it a fantastic way to earn steady income while living abroad. Whether you’re an expat looking for a full-time teaching job or a digital nomad wanting to make money online, there are plenty of opportunities to teach English in Brazil.
English is essential for business, tourism, and international trade, and many students, professionals, and companies are willing to pay well for native or fluent speakers. The best part? You don’t always need a teaching degree to get started!
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔️ Where to find English teaching jobs in Brazil
✔️ How much you can earn
✔️ How to teach English online from Brazil
✔️ What you need to get started
1. Can Foreigners Teach English in Brazil?
Yes! Foreigners can legally teach English in Brazil, but there are a few things to consider:
✔️ Work Visa vs. Tourist Visa: Some schools require a work visa, while others hire teachers under the table (common for private tutoring).
✔️ Online Teaching: Many expats teach online from Brazil to avoid visa restrictions.
✔️ No Degree Required: Some schools prefer teachers with a TEFL or TESOL certification, but private tutoring has no strict requirements.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re working online, use a Wise Debit Card to receive payments internationally with low fees.
2. How Much Can You Earn Teaching English in Brazil?
Your earnings depend on where and how you teach. Here’s a breakdown:
🏫 Language Schools (In-Person Jobs)
✔️ Hourly Rate: $8–$15 USD per hour
✔️ Full-Time Salary: $1,000–$2,000 USD per month
✔️ Best for: Expats looking for steady income & classroom experience
✔️ Top Schools: Wizard, Cultura Inglesa, CNA, Fisk
💡 Downside: Lower pay than private lessons, and some schools prefer teachers with a TEFL certificate.
👨🏫 Private Tutoring (Teaching Locals One-on-One)
✔️ Hourly Rate: $15–$40 USD per hour (depending on experience)
✔️ Best for: Teachers who want flexibility & higher income
✔️ Where to Find Students: Facebook groups, Craigslist Brazil, local networking
💡 Pro Tip: Many business professionals in São Paulo & Rio de Janeiro pay premium rates for private lessons focused on business English.
💻 Teaching English Online (Work from Anywhere in Brazil)
✔️ Hourly Rate: $10–$35 USD per hour
✔️ Best for: Digital nomads & expats who want remote work
✔️ Top Platforms: VIPKid, Cambly, Preply, iTalki
💡 Tech Essentials:
✔️ Use a TESSAN Brazil Plug Adapter to keep your devices charged.
✔️ Stay online with a reliable power bank like the Portable Power Bank.
✔️ Improve communication with a Timekettle M3 Language Translator to help with Portuguese-speaking students.
3. Where to Find English Teaching Jobs in Brazil
If you’re looking for in-person jobs, start with:
✔️ Job Websites: Catho, Vagas.com.br, Indeed Brazil
✔️ Facebook Groups: Search for “English teachers in [your city]”
✔️ Directly Contact Schools: Walk into language schools with your CV
For private tutoring, use:
✔️ Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
✔️ Networking (Word of Mouth)—Brazilian students often recommend good teachers to friends.
For online teaching, apply to:
✔️ VIPKid (teaches kids in China, but you can work from Brazil)
✔️ Preply & iTalki (connects students & tutors worldwide)
✔️ Cambly (casual English conversation, no degree required)
💡 Pro Tip: If teaching in person, secure your backpack with a Pacsafe Anti-Theft Backpack when carrying a laptop or lesson materials.
4. Do You Need a TEFL Certificate?
While not always required, a TEFL or TESOL certification can:
✔️ Increase your pay
✔️ Make it easier to get hired
✔️ Help you get a work visa
💡 Where to Get Certified:
✔️ International TEFL Academy (Highly rated)
✔️ TEFL.org (Affordable & online)
✔️ Bridge TEFL (Great for business English teaching)
5. Living & Working in Brazil: What You Need to Know
🏡 Where to Live as an English Teacher
✔️ São Paulo – High demand, better salaries
✔️ Rio de Janeiro – More tutoring & tourist students
✔️ Florianópolis – Digital nomad-friendly, good for online teachers
✔️ Salvador & Fortaleza – Lower cost of living, smaller job market
💰 How to Get Paid in Brazil as a Foreigner
✔️ For in-person jobs: Payments are usually made in cash or bank transfer.
✔️ For online teaching: Use a Wise Debit Card to receive international payments with low fees.
✔️ For private tutoring: Many teachers accept payments via Pix (Brazil’s instant payment system).
🛡️ Safety & Travel Essentials for Expats
✔️ Protect your valuables with a Venture 4TH Travel Money Belt.
✔️ Secure your Airbnb or apartment with an Addalock Portable Door Lock.
✔️ Avoid running out of battery while teaching online—bring a Portable Power Bank.
Final Thoughts: Is Teaching English in Brazil a Good Opportunity?
✔️ If you want steady income, language schools are a good start.
✔️ If you prefer flexibility & higher pay, private tutoring is better.
✔️ If you want location independence, online teaching is the way to go.
Teaching English in Brazil is a great way to earn money, meet locals, and experience the culture while making a solid income.
🚀 Thinking about teaching English in Brazil? Drop your questions in the comments!
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This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! 🚀
