Job Discussion Forums

[Twisting in the Wind]

Rachael,

You've got more than you bargained with in this post!!

[Rachael]

I didn't mean to open such a can of worms there! It's always good to learn more about which words to be careful with though.

I'm not sure if people are still keeping up with this post, but the main gist of my question was less about cultural differences (I actually have been to central and south america a few times and know a tiny bit of guarani myself) and more about different challenges to teaching in the two regions.

My biggest question is the variation in the teaching calendars -- I know that the school year in Chile and Argentina doesn't start until March, which does not fit into my schedule very well. I'm trying to figure out what that calender is in Panama or Costa Rica. I'd also like to know how big the differences in pay and cost of living are between the two areas and where it's easier to get a job.

Any thoughts?

[Twisting in the Wind]

Oh wow, you were in Paraguay? I've always wanted to go to Iguasu--that triangle area between Brasil, Paraguay and Argentina.
I tried learning guarani a long time ago. Even had a Paraguayan woman tutoring me. Back in a previous life when I wanted to go live in Paraguay.

I realize the cultural part was just a tiny part of your questions. Hmm. Nobody else seems to be responding, tho. Give it awhile. Maybe someone else'll se it, or post it on the General forum. BTW, I got a writing sample off to you. Enjoy the meager talent I possess.

[Twisting in the Wind]

I guess, while I'm here I Can comment on cost of living. Hope this doesn't attract a fusillade like before

It all depends on the country, in my experience. In my experience, the cheaper countries were Guatemala and Bolivia. Paraguay I've heard is also inexpensive, tho I've never been there. Have you tried posting on the Argentina forum, because I think you were talking about being interested in Argentina and Panama in your op.

[moonraven]

Twistie:

There you won't have to work for peanuts as an EFL teacher; you can run guns.

You can visit the waterfalls.

(Also you can rub shoulders with the US Marines who are there supposedly in pursuit of Hezbollah and Al Qaeda, but are really trying to stake a claim to the world's largest freshwater aquifer....)

Cheers!

and "Aguije"--for causing me to smile....