Job Discussion Forums

[Jaclyn]

Hi guys, just looking for some advice. I am currently looking to teach ESL in Buenos Aires for the following school year (which as most of you probably know begins in March in Argentina). Therefore I've been told that the peak hiring season is January and February. I am also aware that you can only really be hired as a teacher in Argentina from within the country. Therefore I was planning to just purchase a one way ticket and look for a teaching position when I arrive to Buenos Aires sometime during the peak hiring season (I was thinking around the second week in January or so). However, since that is the time period which is their summer vacation I am concerned that no one will be at the schools. Should I try to go there before the schools are let out in December? Has anyone ever done this before? Any suggestions or advice on this issue. Thanks so much for your time!
Sincerely,
Jackie Millman

[Phil_b]

My experience is from Cordoba, and from nearly 2 years ago.... so someone might want to correct it for BsAs.

Job-Hunting in January? Forget it - everyone is on holiday - most schools won't even be open (maybe in BsAs there are a few summer courses - but most likely the person who decides who to hire is on holiday)

In my experience, there's not much point looking before February and don't expect to get any confirmations until early March - Institutes don't know how many students they'll have until then.

As I said, it might be a little different in BsAs - if there are summer courses anywhere in Argentina - it'll be there. However, whenever I've been there in Jan it seems half empty.

[Jaclyn]

thank you so much for that advice. I really appreciate it. Just one more question, ..Are you referring to just colleges being closed in the month of January or private and public schools (both elementary and highschool) as well? If I go in February when in Feb. do the schools start opening up again to hire teachers, and, ..wont the schools mostly be fully staffed with teachers by the time they open up in March? Thanks for the help.
-Jackie

[Phil_b]

Sorry,

What I meant to say is that Schools start looking for people in February - just don't expect to hear any definite answers until March

[Maria Kirby]

Hi Jaclyn,

I studied for my TEFL certificate in Madrid, after enjoying my first TEFL city to the fullest, decided to see more of the world, and moved to BsAs in August of 2005. No problem finding work when I arrived, but lots of people told me about Dec, Jan and Feb. So, around Nov'05 I asked EBC, my old TEFL school in Madrid to send my resumes to all their BsAs contacts, institutes, schools and when I got called again for interviews I told them I was in town for the summer and I WANTED TO WORK. Ask your TEFL school to help you find work because this will save you time and you can go to as many interviews as you please. After all work for Jan, Feb, you are better off going to as many interviews as you can, this will also leave you with more choices. You can also try the BsAs Herald. Personally, I've never had to use them to look for jobs, but I know of teachers who found some teaching hours through the Herald. Check out the Sunday issues.

I knew I didn't want to wait until March so I went on lots of interviews and I was lucky enough and I was working through Dec -Feb. I worked for 2 institutes doing short courses and I also worked as an interpreter/translator for one company who just happened to be looking for an American teacher and was in the institute's books when I was looking. I found out later that this institute works with a lot of US companies based in BsAs and when their big wigs are in town, they ask this institute for bilingual teachers , preferably Americans.

I'm moving to Japan hopefully by Jan/Feb 2007 and I'm sure my privates would want another teacher. My classes with the institutes end around the 2nd week of Dec, but I'm sure they would also like to continue in the next school year. They are classes in companies and you would have to go through the institutes for them. If you want the names of the institutes, send me a PM. They were very helpful in finding me work. One thing though, you were right in choosing BsAs, great city and the people are really nice. This is the part I don't like about this TEFL adventure, leaving friends behind .... made lots in Madrid, got great friends in BsAs ... and now I'm on my third move but I know I will enjoy the next city. If my TEFL luck stays the same, I don't see why I shouldn't have a good time once again. Enjoy Argentina ! !Que disfrutes y buena suerte!

Chau,

Maria

[englishtou]

Hi Maria!It`s me again!Could you tell me the name and address of that institute that hires native speakers for Amer.companies?I only have one student so far in Bs.As.,know it`s a slow time,but need more work!!Thanks,Frank