Job Discussion Forums

[jakell]

hola todos,

First the necessary background: my name is kelly and im a recent college grad (undergrad -- BA in Cultural Anthropology). Like a lot of new grads I want to travel before I settle down. I have traveled to Chile before (june 2005) and attended a Spanish immersion program (called latinimmersion... i totally recommend it. the staff is wonderful and the price is just right!). I definitely fell in LOVE with Santiago and I really want to live there for a few years. Being an anthro major, I am super interested in cultures, language acquisition and cross cultural communication. Teaching English in Santiago seems to be perfect. Currently I'm waitressing (oh the things college degrees get you haha) and saving money for the big move to sudamerica!

My questions:
- Like others on the forum, I am very interested in learning more about the TEFL Academy and it's reliability etc.
- again like others have asked, how easy is it to get a work visa (i assume you need a job offer first... right?) ? Do most schools hiring help you to get a work visa?
- how much money do you all suggest having (as a buffer before getting hired....) I've checked out some housing options and I was surprised at how cheap rent is...
- what and how much do you bring with you when you move?!? i guess this is a girly question, but I am worried that I wont bring everything I need or I'll bring too much of all the wrong things.

At this point I am hoping to have enough money to move in late March. Any help/answers/advice/info would be great! And if you are planning on going to Chile in March (or are already there), I'd love to hear from you and maybe meet up in Santiago.

chao, kell