Job Discussion Forums

[brianthegoat]

I've read some of the old posts, but not all, so I'm sorry if these questions were answered elsewhere.

1. How does Buenos Aires rate for safety? Can you compare it to any cities in the US? Any advice on spots to avoid, or places to watch my back?

2. Is there any anti-US sentiment? If I don't agree with the Bush administration, do I have to worry about that, or will I be welcomed?

3. Where are the best places to stay as far as cheap rent but good living conditions?

4. If I'm teaching during the school year, how many hours a week can I expect on average? Are other S. American cities better for more pay/hours? I've got a BA in Latin American Studies and another in Political Science, if that helps. ??

5. Just throwing this one out there: Does anyone have experience in both BsAs and Quito? Which is more livable and why?

Thanks for any help you can offer to a newbie like me!

[brianthegoat]

I've been reading more posts, and answered some of my own questions.
Nevertheless:
Advice on places to avoid is still welcome.
It looks like 20-25 hrs/week is average, but with a bachelor's degree and TEFL cert, can I expect more hours/pay than the average newbie?
Reading other stuff, I'm shying away from Quito and toward Argentina. What about Bahia Blanca and Rosario? I've read that there aren't many English speakers in Rosario, but are there many schools/institutes to teach at? I haven't seen much about Bahia Blanca at all on here. Anyone taught there?
Any advice you can give on those cities (or recommendations of others in Argentina) are much appreciated. Thanks!

[sheena maclean]

I wouldn't expect more money for having a BA or a TEFL degree most kids straight off the plane have those it's not going to get you any more money. Expect between $15-$20 from the institutes and $25-$30 for privates.
On the subject of where to live, most places that foreigners live will be safe enough. The only areas I can think of off the top of my head to really avoid are LA Boca (tho parts of it are ok) or Constitucion (esp near the station). I lived for nearly a year in San Cristobal which is in the South West Central Area and borders with Constitucion but I never had any problems and always felt safe. I think BA is generally a safe city and in my optinion far and away safer than Quito. I never felt that safe in Quito at all but I really only stayed in the tourist areas of Quito so I'm not an expert.

[matttheboy]

quito is dodgy. there's not a safe part of the city. on top of that, the food is awful, it rains almost every day, and the women are really quite minging.

buenos aires is a far more livable city and much closer to a way of life you'll be used to. argentina is also cheaper than ecuador so your savings will go further here (assuming you can find cheap-ish rent/flat share) and the standard/quality of things here are way better than in ecuador.

quito was great fun for a while but long term i couldn't have stayed (i worked there for around 3-4 months). on the other hand, it's always good to get experience of a completely different culture and you can also live more than ok on a teacher's salary in ecuador. you can't in argentina. ecuador is a good place to be as it's a tiny country with all that south america has to offer within a few hours bus ride away from quito. i'm glad i experienced a different south america than argentina before settling here.

[brianthegoat]

Cool. Good stuff to chew on. Thanks.