Job Discussion Forums

[AnnD]

Like others, I have no degree and am tossing around the idea of doing a CELTA. I am not after a career, just a way to live in a country that interests me for a while rather than travelling through. I have an undergrad diploma and a technical college certificate, both in business/management and over 30 years work experience.

Am I kidding myself that I will be able to:

(a) find a job (not interested in Japan, Taiwan, China, can't afford to live in Europe) preferably in South America, would love to live in Bolivia for a while, or possibly Africa, and

(b) make enough money to live on. If I go ahead with this I would rent out my house to have some money behind me so would not be looking to save money, just cover rent/food/transport etc.

(Nationality Australian, Aus and UK passports)

[Guy Courchesne]

South America wouldn't be too difficult at all, though you best check on work visa requirements in various countries. Many require a degree (often relevant to teaching) to issue a work visa. The CELTA would be for gaining employment and may or may not be enough for immigration departments alone.

Now, that's for the short term. If you're thinking of doing something like this long term, then you'll want a degree otherwise the TEFL or CELTA ladder only goes up a few rungs, no matter where you are.

Entry level pay rates aren't that high in Latin America, but they do cover your expenses with perhaps a little left over to save.

[AnnD]

Thanks, hadn't thought about the visa situation. If that's the case I may be limited to volunteering and, if so, it might not be worth the cost of the CELTA.

[Guy Courchesne]

It doesn't limit you to the point of having to volunteer. It simply means you'll not have access to all jobs in all countries. Some schools can also be..um..creative, when dealing with work visas to get foreign teachers in.