Job Discussion Forums

[chica88]

I don't know that anyone will respond to this but I decided to post anyway.

I understand the basics of Chile hiring.
And I know there are several forums on the issue.
The thing that concerns me most is some of the young ones say they could not find work and had to fly back to the states.
Is it the exception or the rule that a person can't find work in Chile when they are actually already there?
Thats very confusing to me.

I was leaning towards a job in Asia.
But, the last couple schools have had issues with my age.
This made me stick my tongue out at Asia for now.

So, last week...
I took a chance and sent out some information to Chile schools.
Some did get back to me.
A couple of them said they would need me to be in Chile first.
Nothing thrills me more than arriving in a country with no job.
Exciting!!
Not!!!

I have been told that the skype thing for interviewing almost never happens in Chile.
Do any teachers with first hand knowledge find this to be true?

I was also told with my experience I would not have a hard time finding a job in Chile if I only get there and apply in person.
Do teachers in Chile feel being there is key?

Because I'm in the mode of trying something different and hoping it works I will fly there - maybe - without a job offer first.
I'm finishing up a temp job I have in the states.
So, I'm looking at going the end of April or beginning of May.
If anyone is familiar with & has first hand knowledge of the Chile hiring process I would love to hear from ya.
If you don't want to comment on the forum please feel free to pm me.

[chica88]

I should state I was surprised to get my second skype interview set up today.
So, I guess it does happen.
But, I do feel schools in Chile prefer teachers to be there.
And I can't help but wonder if there may be some great school I'm not seeing because I'm not there.

I'm going to roll with it either way.
I don't really have a choice.

[jbrannan]

I understand your concerns as I am trying to figure out what's best for me as well.. I actually sent my resume to all the language schools that I could find listed in Santiago. Several emailed me back, very interested, until they realized I'm not there. They all said for me to contact them when I arrive. It is just very unsettling to me to think about going to a country without a job.. And, my Spanish is basic. I am trying to decide what to do. I"d like to hear also what those already in Chile have to say about not having a job and just going. I think it would not be so difficult if one is fluent in Spanish.

[chica88]

So, I have a few updates on information in Chile.
I like to share when I get something new and useful.
And if you know something additional or want to call me out on something thats wrong please do...

Although Chile does hire all year except for a few very slow months...
We are moving into the high season for hiring in Chile.

Lately, I have done a couple skype interviews with schools in Chile although it is said to be close to impossible.
While it was nice to speak to some people on skype and have them show interest some things became clear to me in the process.
Schools in Chile keep asking for demo classes.
The schools can't see your demo class unless you are physically there.
If you are on skype you have to make sure you are able to be clear and get your point across on skype.

There are times when schools in Chile will bend the rules and hire you even if you do not have the experience they wish.
The reason they will bend the rules is because you are there to do a demo class and they like your teaching stance.
So, it would be important to have a demo class pre done and ready to go before you get to Chile.
I get the strong impression the 'not hired teacher' should have demos on 1st, 2nd and 3rd conditional.
The students should be able to comprehend the subject matter.

I have been told with a certificate and a BA its possible to go to Chile and get a job.
I do not have this but I was told schools in Chile prefer the 'CELTA' certificate.
I myself have a CTESOL certificate for 140 hours which is issued by universities for the most part.
But, the 'CELTA' I think is more known outside the US.
When schools see you in person it helps and you can speak to them as long as you need.
I was told it helps if the people hiring can look at you standing there.
I was also told schools will always hire people who live locally first before they hire people they can't see from abroad.

And a resource guide for Chile schools I found:
http://www.fueraeslconsulting.info/resources/schools/south-america-schools/chile-schools/