Job Discussion Forums

horton333 · Joined: 20 Nov 2014 Posts: 5

Hi:

I am 60 years old, and I am strongly considering TESL in Spanish Latin America (possibly Spain) for about a year now, holding back while I ponder 'age' issues.

I reviewed a couple of threads to do with age on the getting started forum, some very good info, and I believe the consensus is there will be issues but it is being done by some people so - it's possible!

1) While there was relevant information specific to some LA countries I saw nothing specific to Chile nor The Dominican Republic, which are high on my list. Does anyone have specific information on the chances/issues in those two countries?

2) I only want to teach adults, with the intention to be able to leverage my business background into teaching specific to business people after my resume has something on it. Does limiting myself to adults limit my marketability?

3) If there are any older people who have been there and done this I would appreciate any experience on health insurance in that area of the world.

Thanks in advance.

John

Prof.Gringo

Prof.Gringo

horton333 · Joined: 20 Nov 2014 Posts: 5

horton333 · Joined: 20 Nov 2014 Posts: 5

In reply to the questions, thanks for the help prof.

There is a local course, Oxford Seminars, I will take when I feel comfortable. The online courses seem a bit limited and I have time to take a full course.
The intention is to break even financially, I want to learn Spanish and ....
I have an engineering degree with a background at various management levels and my last formal employment is at a company well known around the world. That is what I intend to leverage.
I would only work 'through the proper channels' - I like to travel and getting through U.S. customs is already a pain in the ______ some days without having something they actually should maybe worry about hanging over me if I got caught.....
Thanks for the tip about applying in person. I probably am among those who presents better than my age may suggest (pictures lie!!!). I read a long recommend from some who has worked in Chile saying you should *only* apply once down there. Not sure how that would work with getting a visa ..... fortunately for Chile I have a friend who was born there and hopefully I can leverage those relatives of his who did not leave so maybe it is possible - not sure how - a detail for later.
thanks again.
John

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2014 5:28 pm Post subject:

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

You could get a retirement visa. I think in Ecuador you can now teach on one. In other countries you might be able to get around it by teaching online.

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 10:03 am Post subject:

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Yes. I know. But the Ecuador option does. There was a thread about it. In Peru you can't teach IN Peru. Teaching online is fair game.

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 2:50 pm Post subject:

esl_prof · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 4:14 pm Post subject:

esl_prof · Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 4:20 pm Post subject:

lagringalindissima · Joined: 20 Jun 2014 Posts: 105 Location: Tucson, Arizona

If you want to break even and be fully legal, Latin America isn't a good choice--especially if you aren't into living with a family or a group of teachers (who will likely be about 21-30), you wanted to travel and you don't want to live a third world lifestyle.

A BA in an unrelated field isn't going to give you a huge advantage..unless you could get hired to teach classes in that field, but that seems unlikely.

And yes limiting yourself to adults could either make it very hard to find a job--let alone a decent one-- or end up being something you do anyway.

Visa situations vary from country to country, but the visa is always a challenge. In Peru you can't have one at all, in Ecuador the laws change constantly and you sign government forms agreeing to provide your services for free to get the "work visa" the way the country has decided to issue them, and it's unlikely that you can have the visa fully in order prior to leaving for any country. You pay all visa fees, too. (That's not always true.. good better jobs will cover them; but many jobs don't.)

Not only that, at 60 you probably don't want to just come to your country of choice and start job hunting, especially if you aren't comfortable with your Spanish. I am guessing Smile

but I wouldn't want to.

The Spanish goal is good and feasible, but it's very hard to find decent jobs teaching adults without a related degree and experience.

If you are comfortable where you are, maybe you can wait a few more years to retire.. the economies in Latin America are generally improving, so there might be more options in 3-5 years anyway. And you can study Spanish and make trips there in the meantime. Or try Asia.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

It's harder in Asia. Some places won't get you a visa if you're over 50, 55, 60 etc

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

Happy to help if you have questions about Ecuador. Age isn't much of a barrier here (I know several teachers who are older than you). Adults only will be more difficult, though there are a a couple of places that mostly specialise in business English.