Job Discussion Forums

[torentosan]

Hello all,
I have five years of ESL experience and have just got my state teaching license. I am ready to make the transition to better things.

I will make a grand stab at getting into a good international school, however the competition will be keen.
Therefore, my backup plan is to get into a public elementary school.

My question is for those who know, those who are there and who have knowledge of the way things go.

Do public schools there hire full-time foreign teachers and if so, are they paid more or the same as local school teachers?

I ask this question because it seems some countries do, some don't, and some have a system where foreigners just show up to teach a class or two. Also, it is hard to find the information quickly...

I appreciate any information you may have.. Thanks!

[The Internationalist]

Yes public schools hire foreign teachers and in most cases pay more than a new local teacher.

You wont be just showing up and teaching a class or two. It will be a full time job.

I am in a similar situation as I get my license in March/April. Pretty late in the game/ hiring process. I am worried about getting a job for Fall 14 school year. As such I am needing to make my backup plans.

[torentosan]

Thanks for the reply..I am just beginning my research on this. I am trying to decide between Colombia, Peru, and Chile.

[travelNick]

Are you interested in teaching English at public high schools? There are some interesting programmes for bilingual public high schools where you might not earn a huge packet, but will certainly make a difference to the school, students and teachers.

[The Internationalist]

Colombia is easily better for teaching than those other countries.

Nick, what programs are you talking about?

[torentosan]

I mentioned public schools, but I think I had private schools in mind as well. As long as I am teaching k-6. At any rate, I've heard too many horror stories about low pay and scarce work in Colombia. If Colombia is meant for me, it will have to happen some other time in the future. I just found work in Chile....Will it be worth it? I will find this one out first hand. While I am there, I will visit Colombia to see what's up.

[The Internationalist]

How did you find the job in Chile?

[torentosan]