Job Discussion Forums

mjpeterson · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 2

Hello,
I've decided to teach in South America for some time starting next year, and I can't wait to get down there even though I'm not sure where I want to go. I just got an ESL certificate from a university here in the US, and I'm wondering if it may put me at any disadvantage to have a certificate that is not a CELTA or something that may not be well-known in the area. Also, should I bring my paper certificate with me, is it common to have to show the original to employers?

Thanks,

-Mike

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Your greater problem may be with immigration and not the employer. You will have to check with the country's embassy AND the employing school. Often, you will need to have your certificate verified by your country's authorities and by the other country's embassy.

Am I correct in thinking that you plan to just go down to SA and seek work once you're there? If that's the case, bring your original cert, passport, and a copy of your degree (if you have one). There are many cases where one can get working papers with backing by a school from within the SA country, but you are more likely going to be employed without a visa, and therefore, working illegaly.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 5:34 pm Post subject:

Guy's right. In Ecuador, in order to maintain our "accredited by the ministry of education" status, we have to keep notarized copies of all teachers' qualifications on file. This means that if I hired you, I would need to send the originals to the notary.

In some countries, they'll want to see the originals to give you a visa.

Regards,
Justin