Job Discussion Forums

[atsfmusic]

Hey everyone!

Like many who visit this website, I am seriously considering quitting my stable job at an non-profit to travel and try out teaching. Good to know there is still a community of risk-takers who want more out of life than 9 to 5! I am very interested in teaching in Ecuador specifically and Latin American overall, but have tons tons of questions since I want to know what I am getting myself into and don't becomg a expat horror story if disaster strikes. My email is: [email protected] so I would appreciate if any of you could answer my questions, share your experiences, or provide me with advice.

Good luck with your globe-trotting!

Given the unstable political situation, where the latest president has been ousted, do you think it is a good time to go teach in Ecuador and how has it affected the TEFL job market?

What is the availability of jobs like at Quito and Cuenca? Is the market saturated or is there still a demand?

What credentials would you suggest that a person have to get a competitive position in Ecuador?

What is the best part of working in Ecuador? The worst? (blunt honesty would be greatly appreciated)

I am Asian. Do you think it will be more difficult for me to get a position? What kind of discrimination or racism should I come to expect?

Which schools would you recommend teaching at Quito and Cuenca?

Which city has a better music scene, Quito or Cuenca?

Are there opportunities to teach people who are not well to do? What kind of volunteer opportunities are in Quito or Cuenca?

What is one piece of advice that you wish someone told you about teaching in Ecuador?

[Justin Trullinger]

Scroll on down, there are several threads on this. Plenty of volunteer opportunities around, and the political chaos hasn't really hit the market at all.

The music scene isn't much in Quito, but you can find things to see, hear, and do. Cuenca is a quiet town, but I've never stayed long enough to get to know it well.

BA plus TEFL or CELTA would be great, but you'll probably find work with neither. Speaking Spanish is a plus, but you can learn it here.

The best thing about working in Ecuador is being completely immersed in Ecuadorian culture. The worst thing about teaching in Ecuador is being completely immersed in Ecuadorian culture. (It takes a bit to figure out what I mean by this, but trust me...)

I wish that someone had told me to bring wine and condoms.

Regards,
Justin