Job Discussion Forums

timmyjames1976 · Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 148

Hi,

My name is Tim and I am fairly new to the board. I have done some reseach on teaching English, but I still have many questions. One in particular is that of transportation. I was originally looking into teaching (attempting to anyway) in asia. After reading the boards I found some of the Lain American region interesting too. So, the question is, do school in Latin America (I know I am generalizing) hire before hand, or do you have to physically make the trip before a chance of securing a position. Also, I know China, Japan, and so on reinburse you for the airfare? I am not a money hungry fiend. I am trying to see if I can get the numbers to add up so I don't go broke. Also, these boards are great!!! Thank you.

MixtecaMike · Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Posts: 643 Location: Guatebad

Unless you are highly qualified and experienced I doubt anywhere in in Latin America would reimburse your airfare. If you are so broke that you NEED an airfare and a job beforehand then come to Korea.

Demand for NESB teachers in Korea and China is so high that they have to offer airfares and acomodation in order to get enough teachers in there. Most schools in Latin America couldn't afford to pay the perks that they do in some parts of Asia. And those that could, won't, because it's not neccessary to attract teachers.

Where are you setting out from? If it's the US or Canada you could try hitch-hiking south, if it's anywhere else then beg, steal or borrow the money for your ticket. Just don't plan on paying it back too quickly.

Good luck

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 2:49 am Post subject:

I've had a fair amount of luck getting hired from abroad. (I'm in Ecuador now.) But, I got the experience beforehand, by turning up places and knocking on doors.
But then, of the 12 teachers I currently work with, all but 3 were hired locally, when they came round in person. Two of the other three are quite experienced. (2 year minimum, more preferred) The other one is straight off a TEFL course, and got pretty lucky. It happens, but it isn't usual.
That's for getting hired. Um, as for getting your flight paid, keep dreaming. Doesn't happen much around here.
But really, it shouldn't take to long to save for a flight (and insurance, I would recommend) wherever you are. The wages there must be better than here. Then come on down- you will NOT get ahead financially, but you're likely to have a really good time.
Justin