Job Discussion Forums

[brianrex]

Which Latin American countries require a university degree? I have heard Mexico requires a degree but there are ways around it. Which Latin American country would be the easiest to find work for an unexperienced teacher? I have my TEFL certificate and I have just completed the Provincial Instructor Diploma program, here in Vancouver, BC. I also have my Interprovincial Red Seal in Electrical. Do my electrical certificates count for anything? It was a four year apprenticeship and the two certificates I have were issued by the Provincial government. I also speak not bad Spanish, I studied the language at a few different schools in both Mexico and Guatemala. I want to work legally and be able to earn a living doing what I like. Thanks for any information.
Brian

[naturegirl321]

Can't generalise like that. It depends on the school. Obviously, the more requirements, usually, the more pay.

[brianrex]

Thanks for the reply. I don't quite know where I'm being too general though. Maybe if someone could just answer which Latin American countries require a university degree.

[naturegirl321]

Like I said, you can't generalise. My Uni requires a degree, however one language school down the street does. Another reguires a cert. You will have to directly contact the schools where you want to teach.

[Justin Trullinger]

What you're running into here is a little difference between Latin America and the rest of the world. I get what Naturegirl is saying- maybe you'll get it better if you see it this way:

In much of the world, a degree is an immigration requirement. It's the law, and it applies to all foreigners wishing to enter and work. It doesn't matter if a school is willing to hire you- you can't get a visa without a degree.

Here in Latin America, in most countries a work visa for a teacher in a regular school (Elementary or secondary) would require a degree. But most EFL teachers aren't on those visas or contracts. Most are on volunteer, cultural exchange, student, spousal, or even short term on tourist visas. None of those visas have a degree requirement- if you have an organisation willing to host you, you can get the visa. Degree or no degree. So what's significant is whether a school wants a degree or not.

Here in Ecuador, a significant number of English schools will hire any native speaker with a pulse. Sad but true. So there are plenty of degree free teachers wandering about. But while exceptions may be made for unusual circumstances, I prefer MY teachers to have degrees...most of the best places to work here feel the same way. (Although they all make the occasional exception for outstanding candidates with less traditional educations as well.)

So in short- you could work around here. But how good a job you'd find would depend what else you have to show. (I don't think your electric certs are going to interest anybody, unless you can demonstrate a relevance I can't think of. Which TEFL cert do you have? What is a Provincial Instructor Diploma?)

Best of luck,
Justin

[RyanS]

dude save up enough money with you interproviencial electrician seal, and travel to latin america with the money you make for years apon years.

[Guy Courchesne]

Adding to the wise words above, in Mexico's case, it is often more important that a school does the work for you on a legal working visa, than simply having a degree. By the book, you need a relevant degree, and some immi offices play by the book. Many other immi offices dish out FM3 visas on solely the right paperwork from an employing school, your passport, and the application fee...

[brianrex]

Thanks for all of the replies. The TEFL certificate I have is from Vancouver Community College. The Provincial Instructor Diploma is also from VCC. I appreciate the advice to work, save and then travel for ages on my savings. I�ve done that a couple of times now; it�s why I�ve fallen in love with Latin America. I want to live in a Latin American country, teaching English seems to be my best option. As for how my electrical background might be of relevance, what about teaching technical English? After all, we have English for business, English for tourism, why not English for trades/ technical?

[Justin Trullinger]

[Guy Courchesne]

[brianrex]

This explains best what the Provincial Instuctor Diploma Program is. I copied it from their web site.

The Provincial Instructor Diploma Program provides new instructors with the competencies needed to design, manage and evaluate the instruction of adults in post-secondary education, business, industry and non-traditional adult learning environments. It also p rovides instructors with an accredited development program leading to diplomas and degrees at Vancouver Community College and other institutions. Upon completion of the program, graduates are able to design Curriculum, plan lessons, select activities, conduct classroom instruction in various environments, deal with individuals and groups effectively, assess learning and evaluate student performance, as well as assess course and instructor effectiveness. The program places a priority on developing the practical abilities that are needed to fulfill the role and responsibilities of working instructors. As well, the program emphasizes the development of the personal attributes needed to assume the duties of a professional educator. Some of the important skills stressed in the program include classroom leadership and facilitation skills, motivational skills and human relation skills.

Here in Vancouver, BC there is a looming trades shortage. Vancouver is hosting the 2010 winter Olimpics and there is a booming housing market so there is a lot of talk of bringing in workers from other countries. There has been talk about developing a trades program with an ESL component.

Anyhow, I realize it might be tough to get work as an English teacher with the qualifications I have. Would it make sense to be in the country and find work that way? I figure I might have a better chance to find work in a country such as Nicaragua, Guatemala or Columbia, countries that might be less popular for ESL teachers.

[Guy Courchesne]

[Sgt Killjoy]

I think you could probably get an fm-3 in Mexico City with your qualifications, also most other Latin American countries would be open as well. I think you first need to narrow down your choices and then some of us can give you a thumbs up or down on it. I think a lot of it will be in how you market yourself. You have an educational certificate, you completed a TEFL course, and you are a native speaker. I would personally put you on a higher level than someone with a BA in Philosophy.

If you are just interested in living in Latin America, you might do better to try to find a position with a MNC with offices in Latin America. I know a guy who got a job as a technician in a factory in Honduras. He got a US level salary and got to live where he wanted to live.