Job Discussion Forums

chrisSTINA · Joined: 13 Jan 2004 Posts: 1 Location: Australia

Greetings fellow world travellers

I have become very interested in teaching english in Peru and have begun searching the internet for positions.

All I can find seem to be for volunteer positions, for which (for example) I am required to pay $200 US to join. I am then provided with free board and accomodation. While I am quite prepared to undertake such an experience, I am worried that it could be a con to bilk money out of "rich" foreigners.

What do you think? Does anyone out there have positive/negative experiences with such or just advice for me? Does anyone know anything about this specific organization - UK EL Britanico?

Is it possible to go on such an experience and avoid bankrupting yourself with any extra expenses?

Please let me know your opinions. Swing away!

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

I've seen a few vacancies recently on this site and on tefl.com. Organisations that offer "placements" on their "programs" charge you for the privilege of working for them. Give them a wide berth.

gambasbo · Joined: 23 Nov 2003 Posts: 93 Location: Cochabamba, Bolivia

Hi Chrisstina

I am teaching in Bolivia, so e mail me if you are interested, or does it have to be Peru? (It's an adjoining country) I do know some possibilities, where you would receive some pay, here where I am in Cochabamba. But one of them would need to know what country you're from.

My e mail is [email protected]

Mike

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

It's unfortunate that there are many orgs in Latin America that try to take advantage of 'goodwill' for their own gain. I've been looking for something decent and have come up almost empty every time. the worst I've seen is a group in Chiapas that asks for close to $2000 usd per month...per month!

VSO is a good org, if you are a professional, though for Latin America, they are only in Guyana now.

You might do better if you contacted some well known orgs like Amnesty International directly, even if that's not the field you want into. They may have some smaller afiliates, friends, or at least knowledge of something local to help you out.

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

Try oneworld.net. It's got links to lots of NGOs.

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

Hi,
I know that I"ve done some volunteer work in the past, but be careful. Some sorganisations will charge you and the students and keep the money for yourself.
I'd rather get a job, personally.
Check out tefl.com
or teachabroad.com
if you really want to volunteer, volunteerabroad.com is good as well.