Job Discussion Forums

[NikNak]

[Guy Courchesne]

I recall seeing line-ups out the door to get into government Internet centers. One can certainly communicate with Cubans, but I think it's a long ordeal for them to email.

[misteradventure]

IF anyone knows of opportunities to volunteer (or Heaven Forbid, get paid!) in ESL for 3-6 months in a place like Cuba (or inexpensive other Spanish speaking country) , please post. Links are nice but I can't afford to stay away from the folks for a year anymore unless I am earning 80K Euros after taxes.

[pollitatica]

Unless things have changed and I am unaware, you will have a hard time getting to Cuba from the US. You'd have to fly to another country and then fly into Cuba, right?

Check out volunteerabroad.com and idealist.org, like someone else said. Both are great websites. Go down and volunteer. You might be able to find something that gives you a living stipend in exchange for your work. You'll be speaking Spanish everyday to do your job and if you can find something in your field, you win by both counts.

[thombo]

Hey,

I haven't read all the posts, so I'm sorry if I am repeating some stuff, but I'm in a very similar situation that you are, being 22, recently graduated, strong urge to spend time (while I'm young) living abroad in Latin America, etc etc. My concentration in school was political science with minors in spanish and latin american studies, but long term I want to go into the private sector, perhaps working for an international development firm or in business development or sales for a multinational that deals with latin america.

So, teaching ESL in Costa Rica (which is what I'm doing right now and have been for a little over a month) is not DIRECTLY in line with my long term goals; however, it will vastly improve my spanish abilities (which the desire to do so is something else we have in common), give me exposure to the region (allowing me to better understand the culture, people, etc etc which is invaluable in a business environment), and provide a (hopefully) beneficial life experience. All the while, I'm keeping my eyes open for possible opportunities. Actually, I'm working for one school doing e-marketing and advertising - they didnt need teachers, but were interested in my background and future plans, were looking to expand their visibility, and asked me to do some ad work for them.

So, no, I'm not doing work directly related to what I want to do long term, but for all the above reasons, i think this will greatly benefit my job prospects when I return to the states (plan to stay down here for about a year unless a great opportunity comes along). Also, Yes, at least in costa rica, teaching ESL will likely be what you do (at least to pay the bills), you do NOT need a certificate (I dont have one) but it makes life easier when you get here, and finally, unfortunately, you CANNOT expect to be able to pay off a $250/mo debt - the reality at least in Costa Rica is that if you're making $400-$500 per month you are doing quite well (plus you're going to want to travel and such while you're here).

Honestly, if language is all you want, maybe consider the language immersion plan. But, if you want the experience of MOVING to a latin american country and all that comes with it (good and bad)... you're young (like me) so why not consider moving down here and working for a while.

Email me if you want at [email protected]