Job Discussion Forums

[stargirlx]

Hi hi hi. So I decided to defer grad school for one year, and get some experience under my belt... as well as hopefully some life changing epiphanies and memories to boot. =)

I�m currently in Seville, which I absolutely love, but I know that it is next to impossible to get a legal job here, so I am looking into spending the next year in Latin America.

I�m going to take a TEFL course this summer here in Europe right after I�m done with my semester. Question... in latin america, does CELTA carry the same weight as it seemingly does out here, or would any generic TEFL course suffice?

My plan is to then apply for jobs, and hopefully secure one somewhere down there. From what I am reading, it is more likely that I will get a job if I just get up and move to where I want to be... is this true? Although I will have the teaching certification, I do not have any other language teaching experience, but I do have experience in the classroom otherwise.

Also... visas.... will I have to go back to the US to get a work visa? Or can I get one after I get a job and am already in the country I am going to work? Is it very difficult for US citizens to acquire legal work in south america and mexico?

One more.... I plan on completing ithe TEFL course in late august, so september will be when I am looking for work. I know that is an "off time" in south america because they are on a different academic schedule... will that make things very difficult?

.... i think that is it for now.... thank you all! =)

[moonraven]

In most instances, you must be in country in order to get a work visa.

In Mexico it is relatively easy to do once you have a written offer of employment.

In most of Central and South America it is very difficult to get a work visa.