Job Discussion Forums

[bcbingman]

Hey-does anybody know about what the going rate is right now for private (perhaps one-on-one) jobs in Guatemala?

Also, what's typical for language schools to pay?

Thanks,
bcbingman

[dduck]

Teaching in Guatemala, doesn't pay big bucks. I think Guatemala is the second poorest Latin American country.

When I was in Guatemala, I heard of one teacher who worked 3 jobs to get by. They also have programmes where teachers pay to teach the youngsters.

Also, in Guatemala time works differently. If the class is scheduled to start on the hour, it's not unusual for students to arrive half and hour late, if they arrive at all.

From my conversations with teachers out there, you'd need to have a great deal of patience and quite possibly some capital reserves to teach there.

Iain

[some waygug-in]

I don't know if it's really feasable to consider teaching in Guatemala. If you have money saved up, you might be able to do it as a kind of working vacation. But be careful. Guatemala is not a safe place, if you look like you have some money, you will be targeted.
If you are going to travel there, be sure to carry "American Express" traveller's checks. With any other kind you will have trouble trying to cash them in. Carry a hidden money belt, with your passport and important papers well hidden. Have a day wallet, with just enough cash for the day, at least if they steal that, it won't be a total loss.

Guatemala is very beautiful, but very dangerous. During the week or so that I was there, (besides myself getting pick-pocketed) there were bus loads of tourist held up at gun point, people robbed on the street at knife point, countless purse snatchings and pockets picked. There was also a story about an American guy who tried to resist, he lived, but he was off to the hospital with various knife wounds.

Here is a travel advisory for Guatemala, (I only copied part of it)




TRAVEL REPORT


Guatemala
22/3/2002



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Consular Affairs Bureau of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) provides: (a) destination-specific Travel Reports and (b) weekly Travel Bulletins highlighting current "hot spots" and time-sensitive information.

Current information is available from the Department through the following means: telephone: 1-800-267-6788 or 613-944-6788; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.voyage.gc.ca/destinations/menu_e.htm; FaxCall: 1-800-575-2500 or 613-944-2500; and TTY: 613-944-1310. Information may also be obtained from Canadian diplomatic offices overseas.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

Guatemala (capital: Guatemala City) is located in Central America. It borders Honduras, Belize, El Salvador, and Mexico. Tourist facilities are extensive, but quality varies according to price and location.

Guatemala has one of the highest crime rates in Central America. Crime including robbery, kidnapping, and rape has increased. Take every precaution, especially in remote regions. In Guatemala City, restrict travel to daylight hours, and avoid the Central Market and other parts of Zone 1. Do not carry large bags or expensive cameras and equipment, and do not wear sunglasses or jewellery. Carry only a copy of your passport and sufficient funds for the day. Keep your passport and the rest of your money in a safe place. Canadians have been robbed at knife/gunpoint, even in urban areas. Injuries have occurred when victims resisted. Foreigners have been raped.

Visits to Tikal National Park, especially the ruins, should be undertaken with official guides or organized tour groups. A number of foreigners have recently been violently attacked, robbed, and raped. Avoid the less-travelled paths and areas of Tikal.

Tourist buses have been attacked in the Pet? region in northern Guatemala. Although the Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo (INGUAT) has a program for the protection of tourist buses, these buses have been stopped and passengers have been robbed and assaulted. Avoid overland travel by local and intercity public buses. These buses are mechanically unreliable and are often involved in major road accidents. They have also been targeted by robbers. Use better-quality tourist buses, operated by reputable tour operators.

Use only official taxis. At the airport, prepaid taxis tickets can be obtained from the Tourist Office. For security reasons, schedule arrival at La Aurora Airport during the day or early evening hours.

Do not hike in the Pacaya and Agua volcano areas without a reputable guide. Day road trips from Antigua are discouraged due to unsafe vehicles, irresponsible drivers, and unregulated tour operators. Robberies, violent assaults, and rapes have occurred in national parks, at the Cerro de la Cruz (outside Antigua), at the Volc? de Pacaya, and at Biotopo Cerro Cahui (close to Hotel Camino Real in Pet?). When hiking in remote areas, carry few personal effects, stay with the group, and do not carry your passport or large amounts of cash. Travel to some tourist sites, such as Quirigua or Mixco Viejo, is best done through a reputable tour operator. Travel should be avoided on the isolated small dirt roads near Lake Atitl?. The safest route to Lake Atitl? is via the Pan-American Highway (CA-1) and Solol? Armed robberies against vehicles with foreign plates occur frequently on the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-2).

Political demonstrations occur in Guatemala City. Demonstrations, usually held at the Plaza Mayor, in Zones 1 and 4, cause serious traffic disruptions. They are usually announced in advance. Visitors should keep informed by following the local news and by consulting hotel personnel and tour guides. While most demonstrations are peaceful, some have turned violent. Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place.

Do not approach or photograph children and women, since many people in Guatemala fear that children are being kidnapped for adoption or for theft of vital organs. Violent incidents involving foreigners have been reported. In April 2000, a Japanese tourist and a Guatemalan tour driver were killed in Todos Santos Cuchumat?, apparently because the villagers believed that they were there to steal children.

Allow enough time for border crossing formalities in order to arrive at a major town before dark. Many border posts close for lunch and for the day at dusk. To avoid excessive charges at Central American border crossings, ascertain the correct fees from the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit. It may be difficult to obtain police assistance. Police forces lack resources and may be tempted by bribes.

There are several active volcanoes in Guatemala. Pacaya, located 40 km south of Guatemala City, has generated lava flows since the 1970s, with the most recent activity being a series of minor explosions in August 2000. Volc? de Fuego, located near the city of Antigua approximately 48 km southwest of Guatemala City, has experienced increased activity since January 2002. Santiaguito and Tacan? both located in the western part of the country near the Mexican border, have also expelled ash recently. Ash falls can be hazardous for those who suffer from respiratory ailments. Understand the risks and follow the advice of local authorities in the event of explosions or an eruption.

An earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale occurred 100 km off the Pacific coast of El Salvador on January 13, 2001. The earthquake measured 5.8 on the Richter scale in Guatemala, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries, and considerable property damage. The departments of Santa Rosa, Jalapa, and Jutiapa were most affected.

Exercise caution when swimming off the Pacific coast, due to strong currents, riptides, and undertow. Private hotel beaches don't always warn swimmers of water conditions. Most beaches and pools, including at hotels, do not have lifeguards on duty. Avoid deserted and unpatrolled beaches after dark.

The rainy season occurs between May and October, often resulting in flash floods. Travellers to the region should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Drive defensively, as road conditions are different from those in Canada. Traffic accidents are a common cause of death and injury. Driving after sunset is not recommended, even close to tourist destinations. Secondary streets and rural roads are poorly lit. Due to the lack of law enforcement, local motorists rarely obey traffic laws. The Inter-American Highway and the road from Guatemala City to the Atlantic Ocean are dangerous because of heavy traffic. Winding and steep mountain roads and the lack of road signs present additional dangers. Off-road travel in the remote highlands should be done only after seeking advice from the Canadian Embassy. Road trips should be undertaken in convoy. Roadblocks erected by armed gangs are common, particularly in the northern and western departments of San Marcos, Huehuetenango, El Quich? Alta Verapaz, El Pet?, and Escuintla. Some criminals have in the past even posed as police officers. Travellers should comply and not resist if attacked. Always drive with windows closed and doors locked. In the event of a vehicle accident, the police can be contacted by calling 911 or 128, and the fire department and paramedics by calling 122 and 120.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. The IDP is a special licence that allows travellers with a valid Canadian driver's licence to drive in over 160 countries without a specific test. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is the sole issuer of the IDP in Canada. Contact your local CAA office to pick up an application or have one mailed to you; you can also download the application from the CAA Web site (CAA). An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue.

The local currency is the Guatemala quetzal (GTQ). It is impossible to exchange Canadian dollars (cash or traveller's cheques) in Guatemala. U.S. currency and traveller's cheques are readily convertible to local funds at most major banks. Do not accept torn notes as they can be difficult to exchange. Credit cards are widely accepted. Some ATMs will accept Canadian debit cards with a four-digit PIN. Do not exchange large amounts of currency with informal money changers. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check VISA or www.mastercard.com/atm for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity, credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution. If you use an ATM, do so during business hours at a location inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

For information on international adoption, contact the authorities of the province or territory in which the child will reside, as well as Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Entry into Canada can be refused if the child does not hold an immigrant visa. Such a visa will not be issued without the prior approval of the province/territory of residency. Obtaining this approval from outside the country can be a difficult and lengthy process. Permission may be denied even if the adoption has been finalized overseas. For further information, call 1-888-242-2100 (in Canada only) or check the CIC Web site (www.cic.gc.ca).

Radio Canada International (RCI) broadcasts on shortwave to Guatemala. For a schedule of times and frequency of broadcasts, check the RCI Web site (www.rcinet.ca). You may also e-mail RCI at [email protected] or call 514-597-7555.

You should:
a) carry a Canadian passport for all visits outside Canada, including to the USA. It should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to Canada;
b) keep a photocopy of your passport's identification page with you;
c) carry passports, tickets, and money separately;
d) keep valuables and passports safe and carry only enough money for anticipated expenses;
e) leave a copy of your itinerary and proof of citizenship with family and/or friends;
f) carry legally certified documentation signed by both parents permitting a child under 18 to travel alone or with an adult (i.e. a relative or teacher), or carry legally certified documentation from the absent parent if only one parent escorts the child, in addition to a copy of any separation or divorce decree or death certificate; and
g) not visit unknown or isolated areas without first obtaining information or assistance.

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

Canadians in Guatemala can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Canadian Embassy in Guatemala City at the following address:

Edyma Plaza Building, 8th floor 13 Calle 8-44, Zona 10, Guatemala City, Guatemala C.A. (country code: 502/ tel.: 333-6104 or 363-4348/ fax: 363-4208/ postal address: P.O. Box 400, Guatemala City, Guatemala C.A./ e-mail: [email protected]/ Web site: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/guatemala).

Canadians should register with the Canadian Embassy in Guatemala City, if they are going to be in Guatemala for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line. To register on-line, please proceed to www.voyage.gc.ca/Consular-e/SOS/rocapage-e.htm and complete all the required fields.

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian Embassy in Guatemala City, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

If you are travelling on business, you can request a face-to-face briefing with an officer of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service abroad to discuss the latest business developments in this market. To set up a meeting, contact the office of the Trade Commissioner Service responsible for this territory at least two weeks before your departure. Consult our Web site to learn more about our services, to access hundreds of market studies, or to contact us electronically (www.infoexport.gc.ca).

INFORMATION FROM HEALTH CANADA'S TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

Health Canada and the World Health Organization report that the following diseases - among others - can occur in Guatemala: cholera, dengue fever, hepatitis A, malaria (regional), tuberculosis, and typhoid fever.

There are increased levels of dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever in Guatemala. Additional information and health recommendations for Canadians travelling to this area can be obtained through Health Canada's Travel Medicine Web site (www.travelhealth.gc.ca) or through its FaxLink Service at 613-941-3900, under Access #192.

Canadians are advised to consult a physician or travel medicine specialist well in advance of travelling to determine health risks. Important factors to be considered include the individual's state of health, current immunization status, and travel destination, as well as the local disease situation. Vaccinations and other special precautions may be required. For a list of travel medicine clinics, call Health Canada's Travel Medicine Program at 613-957-8739. Additional travel health information is available on Health Canada's Web site (www.TravelHealth.gc.ca) or through its FAXlink service at 613-941-3900 (use the fax handset and follow the instructions).

Travellers should ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (eg. tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles) are up-to-date. Yellow fever vaccination may be required to enter some countries. Based on the risk of exposure, vaccines for hepatitis A, typhoid fever, or other diseases may also be recommended. Several diseases occur globally. Sexually transmitted diseases(STDs), including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B, occur throughout the world, and the traveller may be exposed to both viral and bacterial infection, particularly if engaging in unprotected sexual activity. Tuberculosis represents a significant risk at certain destinations. Influenza is also a concern, and immunization may be recommended depending on the destination and time of year. Rabies is found throughout the world and is uncontrolled in some areas; risk of exposure may be higher in remote areas. Traveller's diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites in contaminated food and water. Travellers are advised to ensure that food and drinking water are safe.

Infectious diseases not routinely seen in Canada occur and may even be widespread in other countries. Infections acquired abroad such as tuberculosis, diarrhea, STDs, among others, may be resistant to standard North American antibiotic regimens. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive and payment in advance required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance, including provision for emergency evacuation, prior to departure. Travellers should also carry their prescription medicine in the original container along with the prescription.

If you feel ill when you return to Canada, see a doctor as soon as possible. Inform the doctor - without being asked - where you have been. If you were ill while travelling, tell your doctor what your symptoms were and what treatment you received.

HEALTH CONDITIONS - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

There have been news reports of increased dengue fever activity in several Central and South American and Caribbean countries, including Barbados, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, and Venezuela. Travellers are advised to take necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites. For Health Canada recommendations concerning the prevention of dengue fever, visit www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pphb-dgspsp/tmp-pmv/info/dengue_e.html.

Private hospitals and clinics in the city are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities.

Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for medical care.

HEALTH PLANS

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate

[naturegirl321]

Just out of curiostiy, If Guatemala is the second poorest country, what is the first? El Salvador?

[dduck]

[some waygug-in]

You are right, of course, that lot's of people travel to Guatemala every year and have no problems. I just wanted to post that so that people could be aware of the potential risks. I really wish I had read the above information "before" I went, rather than after. Perhaps then I would have a more positive impression of the country.
Cheers

Sometimes you learn the hard way.

[naturegirl321]

Here is some info I found at teachabroad.com. Info for three different schools.

City: Panajachel
Country: Guatemala
Length of Position: school year
Elementary School Teacher
LIFE School
Panajachel,
Guatemala


Language Required: English

Qualifications / Skills Needed: English-speaking, credentialed elementary school teacher.

Description: Elementary school teacher.

Degree Required: Diploma/Certification

Salary / Pay: enough money to live well in Guatemala.


Application process involves:

Phone Interview
Resume
Transcript
Typically the application process time is one day

LIFE School's Mission Statement: We believe in creating an atmosphere which encourages interest, creativity, and cooperation. We are an international school which instructs in English.

Year Founded: 1990





Liceo Canadiense, Guatemala

Language Required: English

Teaching Experience Required: Yes

Qualifications / Skills Needed: Applicants should have a Bachellors Degree, and EFL/ESL Teaching Experience. ESL Certificate a plus.

Description: Teaching English at secondary level and curriculum planning, 30-40 hours/week.

Degree Required: Bachelor of Arts

Salary / Pay: Living / housing allowance provided, group health program, and Spanish lessons.


Liceo Canadiense's Mission Statement: The Liceo Canadiense is a private, non-profit institution which delivers quality high school education to about 3,000 children and young adults who otherwise couldn't afford it. Our programs are based on a bilingual, participartive, active and technologically-up-to-date curriculum.
Year Founded: 1968


Hello! Thank you for your inquiry!

Liceo Canadiense is a private, non-profit school geared towards providing low-income students an integral and bilingual education. We currently have a student population of over 2,500, in two different locations in Guatemala City. We plan to open two more centers soon.

We run two different programs:

1. Regular middle-highschool classes: 7th-12th grades. Runs parallel to Guatemalan school year: January through October. Mornings and/or afternoons.

2. English Language Academy: Adult/young adult education. Courses begin every two months, starting August 2003. Only afternoons.

Living arrangements, meals and a small monthly allowance are provided.

If you are interested please email us your resume.

Thank you! [email protected]



City: Quetzaltenango
Country: Guatemala Length of Position: 10 months
Inter-American School GUA2059
PO Box 526125
Miami, Florida 33152-6125
United States
phone: (502)761-4080
fax: (502)761-4080


Language Required: English

Qualifications / Skills Needed: Christian commitment
College Degree, preferrably in education & teaching experience
Experience working with children

Description: The Inter-American School is a non-profit Christian School
which was founded in 1961. Our school is located in the beautiful highland
valley of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, four hours west of Guatemala City. We
currently have 150 students enrolled with class sizes no larger than fifteen,
offering instruction in English from pre-kinder through twelfth grade in
American curriculum program.

Salary / Pay: Living/ housing allowance provided. Twelve hours of
individual Spanish lessons, group health program, and partial air fare
reimbursement at the end of the first year contract.
All visa details and costs are covered by the school.


Application process involves:

Letters of Reference
Phone Interview
Transcript
Written Application

Inter-American School GUA2059's Mission Statement: The Inter-American
School promotes academic excellence and the development of God-given talents
in a Christ-centered environment, preparing students for the fullness of
life through Christian service.

Year Founded: 1961

[MELEE]

[lclaroche]

For the record, Haiti is the poorest country in the HEMISPHERE. In second place is Nicaragua, which makes it the poorest country in CENTRAL AMERICA. It's possible that Guatemala is second in CA, but against El Sal and Honduras, it's really a race to the bottom! I think Bolivia is the poorest in South America, but I don't know how it comes those in CA. (Nor do I have any sources on this, though the first two are 'common knowledge')

[Corey]

Dangerous place. Be careful.

[naturegirl321]

Corey,
Have you been to any of these countries?