Job Discussion Forums

[bhog]

Hello all,

I've recently received my TEFL certification, and am in the process of getting ready to leave for Korea...probably early Sept. Why post here? Well, because although I think travelling to the Far East will be exciting and it's undoubtedly a part of the world many from the US will never see, I would rather teach in Latin America or Central Europe (which is tough for non-EUers as I understand). I also wish to eventually obtain fluency in Spanish. My main hang-up is that I need to pay off some debts and Korea seems the most likely place that this will happen. So, following a tour of duty in S. Korea, can anyone give advice on which Latin American country might be best for someone with a BA, TEFL, and a years' experience teaching English, in terms of pay, social life (single guy in late 20's), etc? Do any of these countries have a decent benefits package, even if not in terms of salary?

[JZer]

That is if you ever leave Korea. Be careful of the Korean ladies.

[naturegirl321]

Usually Brasil and Argentina pay pretty well, from what I've heard, though I've no experience in those countries.

YOur best bet is find a rich private school or university in X country of your choice, because these exist in all countries, so you can make a decent living especially if you compare your salary to local standards.

For example, I get tax free salary, free lunch, uniform, school transport, and medical insurance, plus three months off a year and finish around 4pm every day.

Check out the list below for some links

[nineisone]

It always looked to me as if the plethora of higher end jobs for ESL instructors with both certification and experience were in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Chile. Then again the latter two countries emphasize a lot of institutes in the capital cities as opposed to formal schools, so maybe naturegirl is on point in her recommendations.

I have always viewed Argentina as very competitive due to all the Gringos moving down there after the economic collapse to take advantage of "The Paris of South America" at lower prices.

[TheLongWayHome]

You could easily teach at a Mexican university, they pay at least $100 pesos an hour, some up to $150 which allows you to live more than comfortably.

[denise]

Chile pays decently, but, as mentioned, the bulk of the jobs are with private insitutes that teach business English. If you can handle that (the split shifts starting at 7am killed me!), you can earn decent money and have a typical big-city social life in Santiago.

d

[bhog]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

Also, TheLongWayHome, where would I have to live for 100-150 pesos/hr to go a long way? I have a good friend who is originally from Mexico City and claims that where she lived was a tad more expensive than where she lives now. She is currently living in West St. Louis county in Missouri, which is somewhat expensive by Midwestern standards. Of course that could've been just the 'swanky' part of Mexico City.

I guess what I'm asking is are other major cities quite a bit less expensive in secure neighborhoods?

[RyanS]

vivo con el pueblo! No con los ricos!

[Justin Trullinger]

I couldn't live with the rich if I wanted to, which is not to say I want to.

But no matter where I live with "the people," people who don't know me assume I'm rich. My friends know my situation, but to a stranger, I'm white, and English speaking. Means I'm loaded.

Understandable, maybe, but really tiresome.

Where you been, Ryans?

Justin

[ls650]

[RyanS]

Been working shitty jobs up in Canada, didn't have much time for the internet, I got a little money saved up now but not enough to get down to Latin America. Hopefully I'll have more money saved up for when I plan to travel in December... if only someone would Hire me. Right now my city has about 11% unemployment including me.

[Ben Round de Bloc]

[HollyC]

Naturegirl, what kind of school do you work at? Would anyone suggest working at a high school, uni or language school in Peru, in Lima? I'm only asking because I have worked at a high school in Japan and it was really good. I worked a typical 7-4 job, weekends off and holidays. I have also worked at language schools and those vary. I have a degree, a CELTA and about 8 years experience teaching so I'm a bit picky as to where I work at. Ijust don't want to be at a "chain" language school where they hire anyone off the streets that speak English and without any experience. This was typical in Japanese "chain" language schools. I will be arriving in Lima after the New Year so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks...

Holly

[naturegirl321]

I work at a rich kids school teaching 8, 9, 10 and 11 grades.

I would say a lanugage school is better, less paperwork. But if you are used to it, go for the schools, they pay better.

If you want to apply here, PM me.