Job Discussion Forums

luceluceluce · Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Posts: 14

Hi

Can anyone help me with advice?...

I'm a CELTA qualified English teacher with 3 year's experience. I also have experience in CALL and in teacher training with the International Teacher Training Institute.

I have a 3-month sabbatical from my current job (in a language school in England). I was due to go to China, but what with the situation there I have decided on Venezuela instead.

I basically just want to buy a ticket (1June - 31 August) and hope for the best. My questions are:

Can I work on a tourist visa? What salary can I expect? How likely is private tuition.

And any other tops/warnings would be appreciated.

Many thanks

Luce x

bnix · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 645

I assume you have been following the news.I have taught in Venezuela.I am not there now,but I still hear from friends there.The salary was not much to begin with(I only made the equivalent of about $375 a month)Since I left, the bolivar, the local currency,has taken a substantial hit against the US dollar.It has lost at least one third of its value...maybe more.

The political situation is still unstable.There are just some places it is good not to try and teach right now...Venezuela and Argentina are definitely two in South America...at least at the present.

Venezuela is a very beautiful country...and I found most of the people to be very friendly.If you can speak Spanish(even a little)...that is a real plus.But I could not really recommend that you try teaching there...at least not right now.

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

I agree with the above post. We're still waiting for a political solution to calm out everything in Venezuela. Too many people have lost jobs and very few ESL positions are opening.

As well, a 3-month is very short to be considered for a position. If any jobs come up, they look for 1 year contracts...the very minimum owuld be 6 months.

What about looking in other countries in Latin America? Central America is a little easier for a three month stay.

luceluceluce · Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Posts: 14

Just a little update for anybody thinking about going to Venezuela. I�m in venezuela right now, and it�s not that bad. Sure, they have a tricksy president and the economy is down. But there are a lot of teaching jobs, and they are easy to find once you get here, expecially in Caracas and Merida. Also, you can get really good rates on your currency if you change it on the black market.

They�re aren�t many tourists around now because they seemed to have been scared off, but honestly ... it doesn�t feel that dangerous here.

luce x