Job Discussion Forums

[Lunkey]

[spm200]

alright i think i am going in Feb 2009 i was just curious

[Lunkey]

[chrislemess]

Hi all,
Anyone have any more updates on the TEFL Academy? I have a reason to go to Chile now, and am looking for some sort of qualification to at least boost my confidence in teaching grammar. Still debating whether the $1500 fee is at all worth it, but as long as this course is recognised around the world I'm kind of satisfied...
cheers

[Lunkey]

check out this site http://www.allchile.net/chileforum/post14418.html#p14418

[aeb123$]

spm200 - did you go to Chile and attend the TEFL Academy this past Feb? How was it? Are you working now?

Lunkey - are you still planning on going in June?

I'm hoping to go there in 2010 and would like some feedback on the school, jobs and housing.

Thanks!

[ProspTeach]

Lunkey, did you ever go to the TEFL Academy? If so, can you provide some feedback? I'm very interested in this program. Thank you!

[zuzu39]

My boyfriend and I are planning on moving to Santiago in August to teach English. I want to take a TEFL course down there, and I'd really like to go through the TEFL Academy. Does anyone have any advice about the Academy?

Also, I am concerned about getting a job in September when the class would be over. I know the prime hiring time is either March or April, but we want to come down there ASAP after we graduate. For anyone who has experience being down there, would it be better to wait until March or April, or would it be possible to find a job in September?

Thanks for any advice.

[jakell]

[zuzu39]

Thanks for your help. I think we'll still try to go in August & take the TEFL Academy class ... I've only heard good things about it.

I might try to find a nanny job while I'm down there as well... Maybe since it will be their summer break there will be more opportunities for that.

Also, if anyone knows -- what would be a good amount of money to bring along? I was thinking a minimum of 3K to start ... hopefully that will be enough...

[mike30]

$3,000 won't go very far in Chile if you aren't working for a few months, especially for 2 people. Depending, of course, on what kind of lifestyle you're looking for. If you don't have a Chilean co-signer, which of course is the case for all foreigners first coming to Chile, then it could run you up to 2 grand just to get into an apartment.

You could get a decent job as a nanny with a super high class family who is looking for an English speaking nanny...but so many families have Peruvian nanny's who work for not much more than room and board that the general pay for nannies would be quite low.

[Lunkey]

yeah $3000 isn't going to go far at all. I think you need $1000 each a month, maybe a little less, especially your first months in a new city where you'll want to be out exploring, partying, enjoying yourself a little... consider you won't be making anything your first month at the tefl academy, and if you find a teaching gig right away with sufficient hours (yes there *ARE* jobs in september but there aren't a lot of them), you won't get paid till the end of that month after you worked. So that's 2 months right there without money really coming through the door... then you won't have any work to rely on whatsoever in January and February, and then really not even until the end of March.

if I were you, I'd honestly wait and come down in February or March next year where you're giving yourself a better shot at things really working out.

[pgchris]

I am also considering going down in August to do the TEFL Academy program(depending on what happens with a couple other of my applications), Lunkey did you already do the program? and if so how long did it take you to find a job?

[ProspTeach]

Lunkey,

Can you comment on your experience with the TEFL Academy? I'm inches away from committing to the January 2011 session and I'd really love some feedback from you. Thanks!