Job Discussion Forums

[lebishar]

I'm a young American with a B.A., no teaching experience, and no certification. I originally wanted to move to Morocco to teach, but after applying to a few jobs there, and reading up on it, it looks like Morocco might not be a good place to start out. After reading quite a bit of this forum, it seems Asia and South America are the most likely places to find a job. I've applied to a few schools in Asia by email, but am more interested in South America.

I really appreciate the information available on this forum, especially the great posts by naturegirl. I have a few points I'd like to be sure on, though, before I fly to Peru.

Here are my questions: It sounds like I have more of a chance of getting a job in Peru than in other South American countries. Is this true? I'm also under the impression that it's not possible to arrange a job beforehand, that I should simply fly there and see what happens.

I have no qualms about working illegally, but I am, I must admit, a little worried that after I arrive in Peru I simply won't be able to find a job. So what do you think my chances are of finding work after I arrive? Also, is $500 a month enough to live on before securing a job? Finally, is there a particular time of year that it is best to start looking? Should I come in September, or can I come whenever is convenient for me?

[naturegirl321]

Of course, as long as you have a pulse you can teach in Peru. Don't expect a visa, expect about 8usd an hour. I PMed you with more info

Here are my questions: It sounds like I have more of a chance of getting a job in Peru than in other South American countries. Is this true? Yes, it's easy to get jobs. GOod jobs, are hard. You might have to work at a couple of places.

So what do you think my chances are of finding work after I arrive? Very good, but like I said, you'll probably have to work at a couple of places.

Also, is $500 a month enough to live on before securing a job? Dependshow you live, I have friends who pay 1900usd just for a flat. 500 is decent, but you won't be taking taxis all over the place.

Finally, is there a particular time of year that it is best to start looking? Should I come in September, or can I come whenever is convenient for me? Don't come at the end of July, Christmas, Easter, or Jan or Feb. Otherwise you should be fine.

[McRae]

I plan to head to Peru to begin my TEFL experience. Naturegirl, I noticed the times you posted as bad options to head to Peru. As of now, my plans are to head down by the first of February. I was wondering why those are bad months? The reason I can think of is that the year has already begun and teachers are already secured into their positions.

Another post mentioned June/July were great times to head down. Would you agree with this?

I would love to hear how an initial experience went from each of you, Naturegirl and Lebishar.

[jooooooey]

July is good if you have money to sit on--it`s a good time to get hired but there are a lot of holidays that month so you won`t work much until August. The other times I don`t know.

[naturegirl321]

Sorry, just saw this now. Jan and Feb are vacation time, so there will be less classes. End of July is BAD, it's independence and again, lots of cancelled classes.

[dannyd321]

Without a BA at 19 years old, with some experience and fluency in Spanish and English what would be my chances of getting a job? Would it be too much of a risk, or should I look elsewhere in Latin America?

[kona]

I've never taught in Peru, but I've taught in Mexico and have known people that have taught in Peru. You would probably have no chance whatsoever in getting a work permit (even teachers with solid qualifications have trouble with this, unless they're at a international school), and you probably would be working with lower tier institutes.

That being said, if it's anything like Mexico, then you can for sure get work. I knew a few people there who had no BA or cert.

Just make sure you have enough cash for an escape if need be; better to be broke in the states/canada than broke in Peru.

[naturegirl321]

19, with no degree I'd get a degree if I were you. A BA has become what a HS dip was years ago. Yes, of course, you might be able to get a job. ANd people have and people will, but gettinga BA will open a lot more doors.