Job Discussion Forums

[leweiss]

Hi everyone,
I have been lurking on this forum for a while now, and after a trip to Chile, I have decided to make the move in July 2013 after I graduate from college.
I have an online TEFL certificate (that included a practicum portion), have done *some* private ESL tutoring with children, but have little other experience.
I am proficient in Spanish and want to move to gain teaching experience but also to live in Latin America and get fluent in Spanish.
I'm saving up this semester to have enough money for start-up costs, visa, airfare, etc. I was predicting to save about $1500, plus $700 for airfare (flying from San Francisco, CA). Does this sound adequate?
Will arriving during the secondary hiring season (July) make finding a job much more difficult? And will my lack of experience be a problem?
I'm aware that I won't be able to save money, but am hoping to break even, hopefully supplementing teaching income with working in a hostel or restaurant, and doing private lessons.
Basically, any personalized advice would be welcome. I hope this isn't a redundant post and that someone will be able to reassure me!
Thanks so much!