Job Discussion Forums

[Fiona Fang]

Hi,
I'm graduating with a BS in May and I want to take a year off before going to grad school. I want to go abroad but can't afford to pay for the travel, accomodations, etc. so I need to find a paid job. I know I won't be able to save up a lot, I just need enough for basic living expenses.

Does anyone know of any good programs/places to work, particularly in Ecuador, Peru, Argentina or Costa Rica? I'd love to teach English, but I don't have a TEFL certificate but I'm willing to enroll in a program to get one.

If anyone knows of a good, non-sketchy program, or a way to find a valid job before going abroad, I'd really appreciate the help as I'm quite lost right now! And if you think any of the countries I mentioned might be better than the others, please let me know!

Any help is needed and appreciated!

Thanks

[moonraven]

I suggest that you check in Internet for volunteer programs. Most of them pay a stipend which more or less covers your living expenses, and some offer housing. It would be more useful for you to spend 6 months to a year as a teaching intern than to take a quickie TEFL course.

Just be careful--some teaching internships are just exploitative capers on the part of schools to get folks to teach for very little money. make sure that the internship program provides ongoing training by a qualified trainer.

[Justin Trullinger]

I'm not one of those "you must get a certificate type posters." I've seen too many certificates held by total w"#$ers, and too many good teachers who had none.

But I wonder about your other experience. Have you done any teaching, university tutoring, vounteer childmentoring or the like? Because while I agree that a TEFL doesn't always get you much, a good one does provide some rudimentary training in class planning, which is what I find many untrained, new teachers to lack. If you've done some form of teaching (in any field) and are willing to read a few books, you'll be fine. But no classroom experience does mean that your first months are really "practicum," and not all schools will be comfortable with that.

One possibility that's worked well for a co-worker of mine is to do an on-line TEFL while teaching in a school that provides good opportunities for staff development. I know, I'm not supposed to recommend such programs (I can hear the boos from some purists) but they do often tell you which books to read, and give good info, albeit in outline form. It might not be very educational by itself, but if you're teaching at the time, and disciplined, you can get something out of it, especially if you have a school with a supportive mentoring program. (And the piece of paper.)

It's a possibilty,

Justin

PS If you're interested in teaching/volunteering in Ecuador, there are a few threads dedicated to this. Check them out, but feel free to PM me if you want more info.

[Fiona Fang]

[quote="moonraven"]I suggest that you check in Internet for volunteer programs.
Just be careful--some teaching internships are just exploitative capers on the part of schools to get folks to teach for very little money. make sure that the internship program provides ongoing training by a qualified trainer.[/quote]

That's what I'm afraid of. I've found many many programs and job postings, etc. but I'm reluctant to commit to anything, or especially pay money up front, before receiving any kind of confirmation, or "proof" that I'm not being scammed. Is there a safe way to get around this, other than just showing up in the country and hoping to find a job?

Thanks!

[moonraven]

If you are being asked to pay money up front for a volunteer teaching gig, I suggest you tell that organization no. There are others that will be paying YOU.