Cuba is one of those countries that instantly sparks curiosity. Known for its colorful streets, classic cars, and deep love for music, it also has a strong tradition of valuing education. In fact, Cuba has one of the highest literacy rates in the world, and teaching is seen as a respected and noble profession here. There are many good paying Teaching Jobs in Cuba for both citizens and foreign nationals.
For foreigners, opportunities to teach in Cuba aren’t as wide open as in some other countries, but they do exist mainly through language institutes, international schools, cultural exchange programs, and NGOs. Teaching in Cuba is not just about a paycheck since salaries are modest compared to global standards rather it’s about the experience of immersing yourself in a unique culture, giving back to the community, and living life at a slower, more authentic pace.
If you’re the kind of teacher who values connection, cultural exchange, and adventure over high salaries, Cuba can offer something truly special. There are also visa sponsorship jobs for foreign nationals that are eligible.
Latest Teaching Opportunities in Cuba
1. Secondary English, Math & Science Teachers at the International School of Havana
One of the most structured and well-resourced schools in Cuba. They’re hiring secondary English, Mathematics, and Science teachers for the 2025–2026 school year, especially those experienced with IB and IGCSE curricula can apply by January 10, 2025. You’ll need full teaching certification and at least some experience.
2. IB Economics / High School Social Studies Position
An international school in Havana is seeking a passionate high-school teacher to teach IB Economics or Social Studies starting August 2025. The role comes with housing, health insurance, paid vacation, and visa support
3. MS/HS Humanities Role at International School of Havana
Another great fit if you have experience in IGCSE or IB (Social Studies). They prefer applicants with a teaching credential (or equivalency) and at least two years of teaching experience
4. Volunteer English Teaching in Santiago de Cuba
Interested in immersion and cultural exchange? There are volunteer programs that match foreign teachers with Spanish learners. You’ll usually get housing and language classes in return for your teaching
5. Individual Consultant, Education at UNESCO Havana
Not quite classroom teaching, but a chance to influence education policy and programming. UNESCO seeks an Education Consultant for up to 6 months, working with regional projects.
Top Teaching Opportunities in Cuba
There are most demanded opportunities for teachers. Teaching in Cuba is not your typical “scan a job board, send an application, and wait” kind of story. It feels more like stepping into a community where people are genuinely curious about learning and connecting. Here’s what opportunities usually look like on the ground:
1. Teaching English:
If there’s one role that’s always in demand, it’s teaching English. Walk into Havana, Santiago de Cuba, or even smaller towns, and you’ll find eager students who see English as a bridge to better jobs in tourism or chances abroad. Many foreign teachers work in language centers or cultural exchange programs, where the classrooms are lively and the students are highly motivated.
2. Teaching in International Schools:
There are only a few international schools in Havana, and landing a job there can feel like finding gold. These schools look for experienced, licensed teachers, and while they’re more selective, they also offer better pay and resources than most other options in the country.
3. Volunteer and NGO Teaching:
A lot of foreigners who come to Cuba teach through NGOs or volunteer projects. These aren’t about big salaries instead, they usually cover your housing, meals, or small stipends. The real reward is cultural which you get to work directly with local communities, helping students who might not otherwise have access to English lessons.
4. University Guest Lecturing:
From time to time, Cuban universities open their doors to foreign teachers especially if you have a background in linguistics, English, or education. These roles are often short-term and set up through partnerships, but they can be deeply enriching.
5. Private Tutoring:
Also know as side hustle. While not always formal, many foreign teachers also give private English lessons. Picture sitting in someone’s living room or at a café, helping a student polish their conversational English. It’s casual, personal, and a nice way to supplement the modest salaries of formal jobs.
In Cuba, teaching isn’t about climbing a career ladder instead it’s about building connections. Whether you’re in a lively classroom, helping a community school, or sitting across from a student eager to learn English, the experience is as much about cultural exchange as it is about education.
See also: Healthcare and Nursing jobs in Cuba
Top 10 Places Hiring Teachers in Cuba
1. International School of Havana (ISH): This is the most well-known international school in Cuba. It offers an international curriculum and looks for licensed, experienced teachers. It’s competitive, but it’s also one of the few places where you’ll find structured classrooms, higher salaries, and modern resources.
2. Escuela Internacional de La Habana (EIH): Another international school option, smaller than ISH but still welcoming foreign teachers. They sometimes recruit for English, math, and science subjects. Expect a multicultural environment with a mix of local and expat students.
3. Private Language Institutes in Havana: Havana is the heartbeat of Cuba, and English language schools pop up around the city to meet growing demand. These centers hire TEFL/TESOL teachers, often valuing energy and passion as much as formal degrees.
4. Language Institutes in Santiago de Cuba: In Cuba’s second-largest city, opportunities exist for English teachers in local language centers. Students here are often connected to tourism, so classes are vibrant, practical, and conversational.
5. Community Schools through NGOs: Several non-profits connect foreign teachers with small community schools. These roles are less about money and more about cultural exchange, you might teach in a small classroom by day and share meals with host families at night.
6. Volunteer Projects in Rural Cuba: Some volunteer organizations place teachers in towns far from Havana’s bustle. While pay is minimal or non-existent, they usually cover food and housing. If you’re looking for deep cultural immersion, this is where you’ll find it.
7. Cuban Universities (Guest Lecturing): Havana University and Santiago de Cuba University occasionally invite foreign educators for short-term lectures or English support. These roles often come through academic or cultural partnerships, making them unique but rewarding.
8. Tourism-Linked English Programs: Because Cuba’s economy relies heavily on tourism, some programs specifically train locals in hospitality English. Teaching here feels more like coaching people in real-life conversations than delivering formal lessons.
9. Cultural Exchange Programs: Organizations like Cuba Education Tours or other cultural exchange groups bring foreign teachers to Cuba for short placements. These aren’t just jobs, they’re experiences where you’ll teach, learn, and often participate in cultural workshops yourself.
10. Private Tutoring: Unofficial but very common, private tutoring is a way many teachers supplement income. Imagine meeting a small group of students in a café or someone’s living room, helping them practice conversation. It’s informal, flexible, and often the most personal teaching you’ll do.
What makes Cuba unique is that teaching opportunities aren’t always advertised in the typical way. Some come through official schools, but many happen through connections, word of mouth, and community networks. If you’re open-minded and flexible, you’ll find that doors open where you least expect them.
Applying for a Teaching Job in Cuba
Landing a teaching job in Cuba isn’t like applying in countries with giant job portals where everything is automated. Here, it feels more personal, more direct, and yes sometimes slower. But if you know how to approach it, the process can feel like a natural flow instead of a headache.
Step 1: Know What You’re Aiming For: If you’re chasing structured jobs and benefits, international schools like the one in Havana are your best bet. If you want to experience Cuban life up close, language schools or NGOs are more welcoming. Once you know your path, everything else gets easier.
Step 2: Put Your “Teacher Toolkit” Together: Schools in Cuba don’t want long-winded applications, they want to see who you are and what you can bring. Prepare A short, clear CV (two pages max), Copies of your degrees and certificates, A couple of references from people who can vouch for your teaching, A cover letter talking about why Cuba, and why you care about teaching.
Step 3: Finding Openings: Not all jobs are advertised. Many teachers find opportunities by being proactive, Check school websites directly, especially international ones, Connect with NGOs that run cultural or language programs, Join teaching and expat communities online many jobs are shared word-of-mouth Or, if you’re already in Cuba, walk into schools with your CV. It may sound old-fashioned, but in Cuba, it works.
Step 4: Sending Your Application: Keep your emails polite and simple. Cuban schools don’t expect flashy pitches just honesty. Attach your CV, explain briefly who you are, and let them know why you’d love to teach there. A touch of warmth goes a long way.
Step 5: The Interview: At international schools, you’ll go through a proper video call interview, sometimes more than one. At smaller language centers or NGOs, it might just feel like a friendly conversation about your teaching style. Be ready to talk about how you handle challenges, since teaching in Cuba isn’t always about fancy resources, it’s about creativity and patience.
Step 6: Visa & Work Permits: If you get hired officially, your school will usually help with the paperwork for a work visa. For volunteer and short-term roles, many teachers start on a tourist visa and extend it once they’re there. The process isn’t instant, but schools and organizations know how to guide you.
What Teachers Really Earn in Cuba
1. International Schools: If you land a role at a place like the International School of Havana, you’re looking at around 30,000 to 60,000 CUP a month roughly 1,200 to 2,500 USD. These jobs usually come with extras like housing support, health insurance, and sometimes flights home. It’s not the same paycheck you’d get in Dubai or Singapore, but in Cuba, it puts you in a comfortable spot.
2. Language Institutes: Most teachers in Cuba find themselves here. Pay is usually around 12,000 to 22,000 CUP per month (about 500 to 900 USD). It’s not a fortune, but it often covers rent and daily life, especially if your school throws in a room or meals. These jobs give you more connection with locals, and many teachers say the friendships are worth more than the extra pay.
3. NGO & Volunteer Programs: Here, the money almost disappears. Many programs won’t pay a salary at all but will cover housing, food, or a tiny stipend of around 2,500 to 5,000 CUP (100 to 200 USD). What you gain is deep immersion, you’re living in Cuban communities, teaching kids or adults who truly value your presence. For many, that experience feels richer than a paycheck.
4. Universities: If you’re brought in to lecture at a university, expect about 18,000 to 30,000 CUP (700 to 1,200 USD). The prestige is nice, but the pay isn’t life-changing. What you do get is a chance to shape higher education in Cuba and work alongside dedicated academics.
Beyond the Paycheck
Most teachers in Cuba will tell you that Housing help can make or break your budget, and many schools offer it, Meals at school are often part of the deal but the biggest “benefit” is the cultural experience such living in a country where music, history, and community are woven into daily life. Plus, you’ll pick up Spanish naturally, which is a skill that stays with you long after your teaching contract ends.
Qualifications and Requirements Needed
1. Bachelor’s Degree (Minimum): Most teaching roles in Cuba, especially at language schools and cultural institutes, expect you to hold at least a bachelor’s degree. It doesn’t always have to be in education, it can be in English, languages, or any related field works too.
2. Teaching License (For International Schools): If your dream is to work at the International School of Havana or other top-tier schools, you’ll need:
- A teaching license or certification from your home country.
- Prior classroom experience, usually 2–3 years minimum.
3. TEFL/TESOL Certificate: For English-teaching positions in language centers or volunteer programs, a TEFL/TESOL certificate (120 hours or more) is highly valued. It shows you can handle non-native learners effectively.
4. Master’s or Higher (For University Jobs): If you’re hoping to lecture or work at a Cuban university, a master’s degree or PhD in English, linguistics, or education is often expected. Some research background is a bonus.
5. Experience Counts: While Cuba isn’t as strict as some countries, most schools love teachers who bring practical experience whether it’s leading a classroom, tutoring, or even volunteer work.
6. Language Skills: Spanish isn’t always required, but even basic Spanish makes life smoother and helps with communication outside class. International schools may operate in English, but knowing some Spanish shows commitment.
7. Soft Skills: Beyond certificates and degrees, Cuba values teachers who are:
- Flexible (since resources may be limited).
- Creative (lesson improvisation is a common skill here).
- Patient and approachable (students often learn English for real-life opportunities).
8. Other Basics
- A clean criminal background check.
- Medical clearance if staying long-term.
- Valid work visa or permit, usually arranged with the hiring organization.
Conclusion
Teaching in Cuba isn’t just another job, it’s a journey. On paper, the salaries may not sparkle compared to other destinations, and the resources in schools can sometimes feel limited. But step into a Cuban classroom, and you’ll quickly realize that what’s missing in materials is made up for in passion. Students are eager, communities are welcoming, and education is truly valued here.
If your goal is to earn big and save, Cuba may not be the place. But if your dream is to live in a vibrant culture, connect with people on a deeper level, and experience teaching in its purest form, then Cuba offers something priceless.
From international schools in Havana to grassroots language centers in small towns, opportunities exist for those who come with patience, creativity, and heart. And in return, you’ll leave with not just teaching experience, but memories and relationships that stay with you long after you’ve packed your bags.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to speak Spanish to teach in Cuba?
Not always. International schools operate mainly in English, and language institutes expect you to teach in English. But knowing at least basic Spanish makes daily life a lot easier whether you’re shopping at the market, chatting with neighbors, or explaining something to students who get stuck.
2. How much do teachers earn in Cuba?
It depends where you work. International schools pay the most: around 30,000 to 60,000 CUP (1,200 to 2,500 USD) per month. Language centers pay less, about 12,000 to 22,000 CUP (500 to 900 USD). Volunteer programs often cover housing and food but may only give a small stipend.
3. Do schools provide housing?
Many do, especially international schools and NGOs. In Havana, rent can be high compared to local wages, so housing support is a big deal. Even if schools don’t provide a full apartment, they might offer a room or help with arrangements.
4. Is teaching in Cuba safe?
Yes, Cuba is considered one of the safest countries in the Caribbean. Of course, like anywhere, you’ll want to be smart about your belongings, but violent crime is rare. Most teachers feel welcomed and supported by their communities.
5. What’s the teaching environment like?
Cuba is big on education. Students tend to be respectful and eager, especially when learning English. The challenge isn’t discipline, it’s sometimes the **lack of resources. You may not always have access to printers, projectors, or internet, so creativity is your best tool.
6. How do I apply for a teaching job?
Most teachers apply directly to schools by email or through international job boards for schools like the International School of Havana. For language centers and NGOs, many people apply via networks and word of mouth, or even by visiting schools in person once in Cuba.
7. Can I save money teaching in Cuba?
Honestly no, not much. Salaries cover living expenses, but Cuba isn’t a “savings destination” like the Middle East or Asia. Teachers who come here usually do it for the experience, culture, and lifestyle, not for building a big bank account.
8. What visas do I need?
For official jobs, schools usually help with work visas and permits. For short-term or volunteer roles, many teachers enter on a tourist visa and later extend it. The paperwork isn’t lightning-fast, but organizations will guide you through it.
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