Job Discussion Forums

Malyson1 · Joined: 30 Jul 2005 Posts: 8

First off, I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all of the great information I've already gotten off this board! You guys are so helpful!

I'm going to be arriving in BsAs in the middle October and I'm so excited that my plans are starting to come together! I'll be studying Spanish and otherwise being a bum for the first 2 months, mas o menos. After that I hope to make a living (just enough to support myself) by tutoring English privately. Since I'll be looking to start in the summer period privates seem like the best way to go. My question is will I have trouble finding students because I don't have ESL certification? I do have a university degree, will that help?

snielz · Joined: 05 Apr 2005 Posts: 165 Location: Buenos Aires

You can get privates without an ESL cert. You will probably get less but if you are good teacher who charges a reasonable rate you will probably keep some students and pick up some friends through word of mouth. There are a lot of variables here. It will be hard, that is for sure. "Money enough to get by" can vary widely based on how much you spend and also the apartment issue. I wouldn�t do something like that without a backup plan or a willingness to do whatever it takes to make it here.

We have to remember, when we come here we are basically talking about immigrating. We have it easy as far as immigrants go because we can teach english and often have some savings from a western country, but nonetheless, it is not an easy venture.

Malyson1 · Joined: 30 Jul 2005 Posts: 8

Hi Snielz,

Thanks for your reply. I know this is sort of a sticky question since there are a lot of English teachers in BsAs who are looking to teach privates. I'm not sure whether the savings I have will hold out for my entire 5 months so I just wondering if not having a certificate would be a huge barrier in attracting privates if I decide to pursue that avenue. I'm going to be staying with a relative of an Argentine friend I made here in Toronto who is going to charge me a really reasonable rent, which is great because my main objective is to learn Spanish. I'm going to study at UBA and I'm so excited!

I'm going to book my flight tonight! No turning back now!!

Mandy

snielz · Joined: 05 Apr 2005 Posts: 165 Location: Buenos Aires

Turn back!! Oh, Dear Lord, TURN BACK!!...oh well...

good to know you have savings. I reckon you will be fine. Good luck.