Job Discussion Forums

[Alex42]

I've decided to begin my TEFL career in either Chile or Argentina, but I need some more information before I can make my decision...

I have a degree, a 20-hour weekend TEFL cert and a little experience of teaching, although I have worked with foreign kids before.

Argentina sounds good because I've heard the cost of living is low and it's supposedly easy to find TEFL jobs. On the other hand, Chile has a stronger economy so I'd get paid more. I don't know how easy it is to find work there though.

I'm hoping to work in a smallish town rather than a big city, preferably in the mountains so I can go climbing and snowboarding in my spare time:-)

I'd also like to know the term dates for both countries and the best time to start looking for work.

I'd really appreciate any information at all about either of these countries to help me make my decision!

Cheers,

Alex

[matttheboy]

Mendoza in Argentina and on the Chilean border would suit you perfectly. There are posts about it on the argentinian forum and job info journal. I can tell you that it's a really pretty, very relaxed small city in the foothills of the Andes with very good links to pretty much any outdoor activity you could wish for. The food is amazing, as is the wine (and the ladies are worth mentioning as well). Cost of living is nothing (if you have any savings you could, for example, live very, very happily without work for us$5000 a year). In my opinion and from quite long experience in both countries, Argentinians are a million times friendlier and more open than Chileans who remind me of my generation of Thatcher's children-arrogant, insular and obsessed with money and are often referred to as the English of South America, and not in a positive way....it seems to me that from friends who have visited me out here and from backpackers travelling through that the English tend to get on much better in Argentina than in Chile...hope this helps.

[naturegirl321]

Argentina, better Spanish than Chile.

[moonraven]

Not better Spanish: DIFFERENT Spanish.

[Alex42]

Cheers guys - Argentina it is..

[Weona]

Wow - I hope you don't make your decision based on a few brief comments (and stereotypical judgements I might add) from this discussion board.

First off, let me tell you that Chileans are extremely warm and friendly people. In fact, I have traveled to many other countries in South America and Chile has always been the place where I have felt the most welcomed. Many do not like my country/government, but they do not treat me as if I am somehow responsable or apart of it.

If you stay away from Santiago, I think you would enjoy any part of Chile. Santiago is too big, too chaotic, and too smoggy for me. Many people love it, but I find the smaller towns to be more enjoyable and interesting (and less Westerized). That is why I came to a town on the coast of Chile. Very beautiful here. matttheboy is right in that money and social status is very important to Chileans but I dont think that makes them any less friendly. Besides, you tend to see that more in Santiago.

In general, Chileans are always so interested as to why I came here, what I like about their country, what I think about it, and what others think about Chile in the U.S. (where I am originally from). It is really humbling. I have yet to receive one negative comment.

Apart from that, the Spanish in Chile is what tends to draw people away. Chilean Spanish is very difficult and frustrating for many foreigners. It is especially more difficult for people who are just beginning to learn the language. I personally love their accent but that is only because I am now able to understand it.

I would love to talk more about Chile but perhaps you've already made up your mind about Argentina. Argentina is a wonderful country as well so I really think you'll be happy choosing either one. I just wanted to give you a different perspective on Chile than what you've previously been told!

[moonraven]

Alex: Why not throw darts at a board.

I can't believe you live your life so unconsciously....

[ls650]

[moonraven]

First of all, he should claim his life. Making a decision to go to Argentina based on some comments he received from a virtual site in Internet indicates that he has not done that. To live a life you must first have one!

[Weona]

Yeah, I'm in agreement with moonraven. I think seeking advice from an international message board is a good idea, but using only those comments for the basis of ones decision is kind of well, not the smartest thing to do. Research is key. Also, visiting both countries in question would also help. I suggest spending a few weeks in each and then see which one draws his fancy.



Chile for life.

[Alex42]

Surely living my life unconsciously would be to remain in my boring office job for the next 40 years?! Fortunately I haven't made any decisions based solely on this message board!

I've decided to choose Argentina over Chile because:

(a) my Spanish isn't great. I'm very much a beginner so I don't want to start off in a country where it's unnecessarily difficult.

(b) I've only got a weekend TEFL qualification and very little experience, so I doubt I'll find work immediately upon arrival. Therefore I'd prefer to go somewhere where my English money will go a long long way while I look for work.

They both seem like pretty good reasons to me.

Only problem now is that I've heard January/February is the best time to look for work, as term starts in March. But I don't want to wait that long, dammit! Does anybody know what my chances of finding private work would be?

PS: I certainly hope to go to Chile at some point, once I've improved my Spanish and I'm a bit more employable!

[Weona]

Well I wish you the best of luck, Alex. Let us know how everything goes!

[Marcethebest]

WELCOME TO ARGENTINA, ALEX!!!!
I hope you enjoy your stay here...

Good luck and let us know how you are doing here !

[jpvanderwerf2001]

True enough, Argentina is suuuu-weet. Enjoy.

[Justin Trullinger]

I LOVE Chilean Spanish. So fast, so many dropped consonants, and so much fun! Also, the people are wonderfully profane, if you enjoy the creative use of idiomatic expressions...