Job Discussion Forums

daniel_hayes · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Posts: 177

Hola Amigos,

I am currently doing an MA in English Lit. My course finishes in May, and I intend to teach english in South/Latin America. Colombia sounds ideal; the more I know, the more I like!

It seems I could find basic work pretty easily, but I'd like to explore my options. I will do a CELTA, but it does seems expensive. Would I need a Tefl/CELTA to get a job? I have done some volunteer teaching with refugees here in the UK.

How about University work, or International Schools? Would I need to have a PGCE or MA in Tefl, or lots of experience? I'd love to work for the British Council or IH as well.

Thanks for reading.

spanglish · Joined: 21 May 2009 Posts: 742 Location: working on that

Your qualifications are irrelevant for ESL. You might be able to pick up some part time university work in Colombia and network yourself into a full time gig.

daniel_hayes · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Posts: 177

I hear you. But how about the Celta/tefl/tesol. Is that necessary in order to pick up work?

spanglish · Joined: 21 May 2009 Posts: 742 Location: working on that

A CELTA would definitely help your chances. If you get lucky, you'll be able to work your way into a full time uni position after a year of teaching and networking post-CELTA.

daniel_hayes · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Posts: 177

I do want a CELTA, as I know how important it is for a career in ESL. Would you recommend a particular course/venue?

Also, how would a CELTA from L.American be viewed in other places (Korea, M.east etc.)

spanglish · Joined: 21 May 2009 Posts: 742 Location: working on that

A CELTA is the same no matter where you take it. If you want to work in Colombia, you can do it at International House or the British Council. IH will be $500 cheaper so may as well do it with them.

daniel_hayes · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Posts: 177

Yeah, I was looking at the IH website last week. Is the British Council course better, or just more expensive?

Do both offer assistance with getting a job? If so, which has the better jobs and prospects?

I reckon I will do a CELTA, as I know that it helps so much to do the job -- better for teacher and pupils.

JonnyBravo · Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 80 Location: Bogota, Colombia

If you're not sure what you want to do, it's worth a try to come down here and just find a temporary job at an institute. It will give you a chance to learn the city (I'm referring to Bogota, but obviously there are other chances), see how you like teaching, and make some connections. I'm working down here now and I can say that I have lots of contacts now that didn't exist for me three months ago. If you speak fluent English, somebody will hire you. If you have a CELTA, you may be able to get a better job, but not necessarily. Many places don't care and they should generally be avoided, but like I said, if you want to just get your feet wet, you'll have no problem finding some english teaching work to get you started while you look for something better.

spanglish · Joined: 21 May 2009 Posts: 742 Location: working on that

Bravo has good advice for Bogota. If you're interested in the coast, you could try to get on at Uni Norte, the best university in that part of the country. Colombia is a tough country to break into, but it's definitely possible to work your way up.

daniel_hayes · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Posts: 177

Great advice from Bravo and Spanglish. What other countries would you recommend, for a good balance between lifestyle, scenery, job options, and half-decent earning potential/job progression?

Working and living on the coast is, I guess, my ultimate dream. Any more opportunities for this type of city?

I have some work (not teaching) lined up in D.Republic, and then I'd like to do an intensive Spanish course before getting to Colombia and looking for work.