Why do educators come to Latin America?
Mark Webber
Webber's Ed - International Education Recruitment and Consulting for Latin America, Webber's online Debate and Public Speaking Academy
Yesterday I had an interesting conversation with a new Head of a new client school. He mentioned that he did not struggle in his previous post to find candidates to work at his school and this was something new to him and he would like our assistance with finding educators for his school.
Of course, we all know that Latin America is not without its challenges, for sure, but I also assured him that there are many attractive reasons for educators to come to Latin America, as he has done.
Anyone who truly knows Latin America knows that there are many opportunities here for new and young teachers who are trying to get into international teaching, middle-of-their-career educators who are trying to get experience with the IB or other international curriculum or to break into administration, as well. However, we also offer a very attractive opportunity for older educators who may be looking for a place to carry out their last years of working and possibly to retire in an affordable and beautiful location where they can have a good quality of life with a low cost of living.
In my opinion, Latin America is one of the best places on the planet for that to happen! It is certainly the corner of the world that I and my wife have chosen. So it was interesting that I came across an article this morning that outlines the benefits of some of the best, low cost of living places in the world to retire and of course Latin America has many.
Have a look and see where you would like to retire.
We live here. We work here. We are Webber's Ed!
PLEASE NOTE: The information below is from the article that I cited below each photo and is not my content.
For ex-pats looking for a bit of adventure, look no further than Argentina. From the wine country of Mendoza to the all-night parties of Buenos Aires and the wilderness of Patagonia, there is always something to do in Argentina, not to mention it is pretty affordable for those working remotely!
Not only are there more than a few adventures to be had, but Argentina is known for having some of the nicest locals in the world, so it's easy to make the country home.
Although Bolivia is not as popular as Chile or Argentina, ex-pats should consider it. A retired couple can live on $1,000 per month there. A two-bedroom apartment there is only $400 a month, and a single person can live on $600-$800 monthly there.
If you want a warm, tropical home with affordable food and transportation, Bolivia might be your country. Taxi rides cost as low as 75 cents there, and its delicious food is surprisingly cheap. Even in Sucre, one of Bolivia’s largest tourist attractions only requires $1,000 per month for a couple.
Expats who choose Colombia for retirement will quickly realize that their money will go twice as far than it does in the United States. For example, a week of groceries for two will cost less than $100. Local beer costs just 40 cents a bottle at the supermarket. A typical lunch for two at a medium-priced restaurant can cost around $12.
Housing is extremely affordable, with apartments outside of the tourist areas costing $450 a month or less. Utilities are also much cheaper than the United States, and taxes are extremely low. And unlike places such as Florida, expats don't have to worry about natural disasters such as hurricanes.
Costa Rica is a beautiful country with countless natural wonders. What retiree wouldn't be happy lounging on white sand beaches and exploring tropical forests? Flights between San Jose and New York City cost around $400, so expats can easily visit loved ones back in the states.
Those wishing to spend the last few years of their lives in the Central American country can do so on a budget -- spending only $1,300 to $1,600 a month there for a comfortable lifestyle. Housing costs range from $450 to $950 a month depending on what type of dwelling one prefers.
Retirees on a budget can live well in Ecuador because the U.S. dollar is strong in the South American country, which features Spanish structures, the Amazon, the Andes mountains, and the Galapagos Islands. The U.S. dollar is the official currency and it goes so far there that many retirees can even afford a maid service or a vacation home.
Seniors enjoy discounts on public transportation, utilities, and entertainment, and expats are not required to pay taxes on social security income. Public health care is available, and it's possible to live in the country for anywhere between $12,000 and $24,000 a year.
With the countryside, the beach, the mountains, and even the city, Ecuador has a little something for every ex-pat thinking about retirement. According to Investopedia, the cost to rent in Ecuador is a solid 70% cheaper than that in the United States.
If that reason alone doesn't get people flocking to the country, then we're not sure what will! On top of the cheaper rent, consumer items go for an astounding 40% lower than in America. Talk about savings along with a beautiful landscape!
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Honduras is an incredibly popular tourist destination, and many visitors might consider living there. It’s also more affordable than many think. The country is 2% cheaper than Costa Rica, according to ExpatFinder.
You can live in Honduras for less than $1,500 per month. A one-bedroom apartment costs $295 monthly there, and a two-bedroom house is only $1,600 per month. Daily transportation is also cheap, and people in the tourism industry might find a job there. Did we mention the beaches?
Mexico is a great place to retire if you like warm weather and affordable health care ($140 a month). A couple can live comfortably in the country for around $2,175 a month, which covers housing, utilities, groceries, and other necessities. People can save money by shopping where the locals do and avoiding more pricey tourist destinations.
It's important to keep in mind, however, that certain areas in Mexico are safe while others are less so. It's also essential when retiring anywhere abroad to adhere to visa and residency requirements as well as tax regulations, which may require an attorney to set things straight.
While Nicaragua had a bad reputation in the 1980s, it's emerged as a very safe and stable country. It's also one of the cheapest places to live for expats. A couple can comfortably reside there for around $1,200 a month. A new condo in Grenada costs about $99,000.
It has a stunning coastline (making it one of the world's best-surfing destinations) and a tropical rainforest. The government offers a retiree benefits program for those over age 45 who have a monthly income of at least $600. Property taxes are low, and there are great real estate investment opportunities.
More and more people are retiring to Panama due to its stunning natural environment and culturally diverse capital city, which offers modern conveniences and exciting activities. It can cost as little as $500 a month to retire there, although a more comfortable lifestyle would be around $2,000 a month.
Health insurance runs around $145 a month for retirees and covers a large chunk of expenses. The Pensionado Visa also offers discounts for transportation, entertainment, and other services, including utilities. Negatives include diseases such as the Zika virus, poor road conditions and a laid-back atmosphere that may mean delays in getting things that you need.
Virtually everything in Panama is less than what it costs in the United States. To put a number on it, it's around 46% less, and that's including housing, restaurants, and taxi rides! The low cost of living makes it one of the best places for ex-pats to retire.
Located between gorgeous beaches and a majestic mountain range, ex-pats will enjoy the best of both adventurous worlds, depending on how they decide to spend their day.
Most expats who seek to retire abroad do so to save money and have a good quality of life. Peru is a great alternative to popular spots such as Mexico and Costa Rica but offers similar benefits. It is culturally diverse, geographically beautiful, and features a low cost of living.
The U.S. dollar is strong in Peru, and retirees can live in a three-bedroom unit in central Lima for around $900 a month. Those willing to reside 20 minutes outside of the city can spend half as much on accommodations. But what's even more appealing are the Andes mountains, quaint fishing villages, and breathtaking scenery.
Uruguay sits on the Atlantic coast next to Argentina and Brazil. Although Uruguay is far smaller than its neighbors, it is more affordable and gives you stunning beaches. Housing is very affordable there, especially for retirees.
Depending on the location and square footage, you might need $3,000 every month in Uruguay. A one-bedroom apartment costs $450 monthly, and three-bedroom apartments might be $610 in the suburbs. Stay out of Montevideo, which is the most expensive city in South America. Smaller towns next to the beach are the best choice.
Excellent article.
Webber's Ed - International Education Recruitment and Consulting for Latin America, Webber's online Debate and Public Speaking Academy
6moThank you David Ocaña