Job Discussion Forums

[MRosa]

Hi! Carolina


First of all, I'm not sick of conspicuous consumerism and I'm not one of those twenty something guys buying cars, houses, boats and all those beautiful yet expensive consumer goods. My reasons for coming to Argentina are pretty straightforward. Having been to Buenos Aires for a few months, then back to the US, then just about to return to Argentina this time for an indefinite length of time, I must say that Argentina can be very interesting! I want to live outside the good ol'USA to improve my Spanish, learn about other cultures and basically see what's beyond the USA. I figured that South America is not a bad place to start! I know this won't last forever, one day I will have to face up to the 9-5 job, the house in the suburbs, car, 2 weeks vacation, etc etc etc - trimmings of a secure and stable life but for now, Argentina, South America seems really nice and I plan to see and enjoy as much as I can. But before all of that, I need to do my TEFL course first, earn some money (yes, I know there's not much of that in teaching! ) and then see where I can go, a bit further than Buenos Aires I hope.

Maria Rosa

[gigisehr]

Uh, if you are trying to escape conspicuous consumerism, stay the hell away from Buenos Aires. I lived there last year, and I think you guys are nuts its thats what you are trying to get away from. First of all, it's kind of spoiled, because in case you didn't notice 40% of the population is poor. Second of all, Buenos Aires is definately a place where showing off your money is, well, not looked down upon. Maybe it isn't as bad as the US, but it is definately a consumerist. Haven't you seen all the beautiful architecture and parks? That's what they spent the huge agricultural profits in the late 19th/early 20th century on. Even now, when many people don't have very much money, being able to show off the little money that you may have (i.e., keeping up appearances) is very important to many people. I know I'm generalizing a lot here, sorry about that, but this was my experience there last year. I was constantly feeling underdressed....
And yet, I'm still moving to BsAs. Why? Well, i spent my useless degree in history studying Latin America and in particular Argentina, and I lived there and went to UBA (talk about cultural immersion) all 2005. Thus, I would pretty much be poor in the US too, because I would have to work as a waitress or at least someone's secretary, and if you live in virtually any city in the US that's very little money too (in terms of the cost of living). I love BsAs and made a lot of friends there, and also met my boyfriend. i am a bit concerned about being poor though, especially due to my knowledge of recent Argentine history, but luckily my boyfriend works for the government and is willing to help me out. Also, the little money I do manage to save here goes a long way in BA, obviously.But i guess that's kind of a particular situation.

[ClaudeRains]

Why do they want to come, Carolina? The wine, the food, the tango, the landscapes...the life force of your land. Would that all the world were Argentina.

[ClaudeRains]

Why do they want to come, Carolina? The wine, the food, the tango, the landscapes...the life force of your land. Would that all the world were Argentina.

[Carolina]

Guys, thanks for your sincere answers, I'm really proud that you find our country a nice place to live in. Regardless of all its incoveniences and drawbacks for English Teachers, it certainly is a nice place, people are generally friendly and willing to help foreigners. I do hope we can get together sometime, and have these talks face to face, don't you think?

I'm still struggling with everything that my teaching job involves, but the satisfaction one gets by being in contact with young children and adolescents is full of rewards (my last year students all aced the FCE, I'm so proud of them!). So, well, let's keep in touch, and if there is anything I can do for you to help you get around better in BA, just let me know.

Best wishes to all in the incoming school year,
Caro.