Job Discussion Forums

viv123 · Joined: 27 Aug 2011 Posts: 7

I am hoping to work in Ecuador next year, but so far I haven't been able to line up a job from home. I'm confused about the Cultural Exchange visas. Do I need a prospective employer to sponsor me for one, or can I just apply for one through my embassy, and then hope to find a job once I'm in Ecuador?

Do most people have jobs arranged before they arrive in Ecuador?

If I turn up in January 2012 and visit a few Language schools, am I likely to find enough work to live on (legally)? I have a CELTA and 8 years teaching experience.

Would really appreciate some advice!

HLJHLJ · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 1218 Location: Ecuador

You would come on a 12-IX visa, which is good for 6 months, then find a job when you got here and convert to a different visa once you had an employer. Most people look for work after they arrive. Language schools in particular don't tend to recruit in advance. More often it's a case of having a class ready to open and no teacher, so the recruitment process>job start may be just a few days (or the next day, or the same day, depending how desperate they are). Being in the right place at the right time counts for a lot.

If you aren't fussy about the kinds of classes you take, or the hours (e.g. split shifts, working weekends) you should be able to find work pretty easily. Once you are settled and have your visa sorted, then you can start picking and choosing a little more.

Do be aware that visa regulations are changing frequently at the moment, and there are only a few schools that can sponsor cultural exchange visas.

viv123 · Joined: 27 Aug 2011 Posts: 7

Thank you, that's really helpful.

labomba · Joined: 28 Apr 2009 Posts: 31

You get the 12-IX visa from your home country. Old posts on this forum are your best bet for information on this together with the Ecuadorian embassy/consulate in your home country. It invloves a few hoops to jump through like police report, bank statements etc. It is very advisable to get this in your home country as it makes you much more employable and it is much easier than later.

When you get to Ecuador you have to register the 12-IX visa and then get an ID card, called a censo I think?

I think you will have no problem finding something. Guayaquil has the most opportunites and will pay the best but you may prefer another place which most probably will pay a lot lower. I saw plenty of jobs in Guayaquil when I was there in a large range of places from private schools to universities.

Where are you thinking of trying?

viv123 · Joined: 27 Aug 2011 Posts: 7

Thanks. I'm hoping to find something in Quito. Do you think that's likely in January 2012?
Thanks again for the advice.

just_a_mirage · Joined: 11 Nov 2008 Posts: 169 Location: ecuador

Definately come in on the 12-IX visa. But be aware that cultural exchange visas are becoming much more difficult to get, and some applicants have been turned down recently. On the 12-IX you can work legally, but you may or may not get a cultural exchange visa. Check out EIL in Quito.