Job Discussion Forums

[Stewsly]

Hello,

I am a certificated public school teacher in the U.S. At 28 years old, I have 4 years experience as a secondary level science teacher. My girlfriend is 23, just finishing school with a B.A. in English Education. Neither of us have a TEFL certificate, and would like to avoid do so. We would both like to teach in Latin America for 9 months to 1 year. We plan to leave anytime between July and Sept. of 2007. Here are some topics for which I would really appreciate advice:

1. Our preference would be to work somewhere near the ocean and mountains, since nearby access to outdoor adventures is a priority for us. We realize most opportunites are in the major cities, but we would like to get the best of both worlds by getting away for short trips here and there. We have our eye on Argentina, Chile, and Costa Rica. Comments or advice?

2. I am very aware after reading several threads that getting a job prior to arrival is difficult, if not unlikely. I presume that pertains to ESL positions, but what about positions at International schools or other schools?

3. Would an international school likely be interested in a teaching pair with just a 9 month - 1 year commitment? We would love to teach ESL courses, but our interest in international schools is mainly due to the fact that they pay better money since its a bigger commitment. Are there other types of schools to consider that might pay a little better than the typical ESL position? We dont need to make alot of money, but would like to save enough for a couple short side trips during the school year, and 1-2 months of extended travel just prior to returning to the U.S. We also may have up to $250/mo. in expenses for bills back home. We will arive with enough money to get started, but not much more. Is this an urealistic goal?


Any and all advice is appreciated.

[JZer]

[Justin Trullinger]

Your girlfriend may not be able to work in the "good" international schools, but there are plenty that have enough problems recruiting that they can't seem to enforce the 2 years experience thing...

If you're interested in Ecuador, where we have great mountains, good beaches and lots of outdoor adventure possibilities, I'd look in the Quito area. Try Colegio Americano and Colegio Albert Einstein.

Feel free to drop me a line,

Best,
Justin

[Stewsly]

JZer, I'm a secondary science teacher! (see first line of my post). To be specific, I have a biology endorsement but have experience teaching general science classes (combined physics, bio, chem, earth, etc.).

JT, is there decent surfing in Ecuador? Is it relatively safe compared to the countries I mentioned in my first post? Thanks for the leads, I may drop you a line sometime if I have more specific qs.

To both of you, or anyone else... could we get by on ESL wages and save a little extra for travel/adventures, sharing a flat and both working a full schedual? I suppose that depends some on the country/city.

[Justin Trullinger]

Mostly, in Latin America, a couple with EFL salaries can live well and travel locally. You could travel a lot locally, if you don't mind travelling on the cheap.

Surfing here, according to those who would know (I don't surf) is meant to be good but not great.

I haven't visited any of the countries you mentioned in your first post, so I won't make a safety comparison, but Ecuador can be reasonably safe if you are reasonably careful.

Best,
Justin

[lozwich]