Job Discussion Forums

[kparsons]

ak_tesl, have you taught in Merida? We LOVED it there and are very interested in learning more about Eng teaching there. Is it really that easy to find? What are the conditions like? And how's the pay? Ah, Merida....

[dan_lawrence]

Why didn't you bring your mama with you? What a wimp!

[Dr. Gibbons]

What a wimp! Hahahahaha

Well, yes it can be challenging to be in a new country where we don't speak the language or understand the culture and we are working at a new job and - oh, wait a minute... Isn't that why we all got into this profession in the first place? I live in a town of 500 people (mostly farmers) in rural Japan. I take a train to pay my phone bill. NOBODY in my town speaks English (not even my supervisor). I don't have a convenience store or a restaurant. It was a little tougher than I expected but that's what happens when you take chances - Sometimes you have adventures. I am signing on for a third year - I have grown to absolutely love it.

Next I want to go to Venezuela though - that's why I am posting here. Does anyone know where one looks for jobs? Should I just go to Venezuela and try to find one when I get there?

[Pennypacker1]

Why pray tell, would a seemingly sane person such as yourself feel the need to subject themselves to what I might loosley call 'Venezuelan Experience'..

I've been here almost a year and I'm still trying to figure out what I was thinking....

Seriously though.. would love to hear about other people ideas.. experiences of this worker's paradise..

[kingkristopher]

Hmmmm,

Sounds like you're just having a real bad time adjusting. No shame in that though, it hits different people differently. Though as one poster mentioned, you prolly should have looked into entertainment options before settling on a job (if that's your thing).

I will say that Valencia isn't nearly the most exciting place to be in Venezuela. As another poster said, Merida is great for nature lovers. Everyone else should probably go to Caracas, it has more of everything so you're more likely to find someone or something that tickles your fancy.

As for Venezuelans not being friendly, I have to take issue with that. They are some of the most friendly people I have ever met anywhere. Not particularly sincere, but quite amigable.

Concerning your "training", sorry but that's par for the course just about everywhere in Latin America. Latinos sometimes tend to gloss over the "little" things...

Cheers

[dreamerfrmthemyst]

Well, here I am, back from Valencia, Venezuela almost a month later. And, as my post indicated, after being two weeks into my ESL assignment that's when I panicked. I literally had a meltdown because of not being able to adjust in the way that I thought I would/ should.
If I may, when I wrote the original post I was venting a lot. Afterwards, however, I was able to find my place in Venezuela. I took a deep breath and made myself do more and see more. It was still an adjustment even after my first two weeks but I think I was successful in doing so. I met more people and interacted with them. And as my contract came to an end, I began to desire to stay in the country a bit longer. Unfortunately though, due to finances my time was cut short.
I do plan to return to Venezuela in the very near future as there is a lot more that I'd like to see. I guess the old saying is true, ' you never forget your first.' Valencia, Venezuela was my first international trip ever. Up until that trip, I traveled nationally, but never internationally. So quite naturally, I was overzealous, excited, nervous, possibly delerious, and overwhelmed.
I appreciate those of you who replied that understood my sentiments of being a first time international traveller. It really helped me put things into perspective. It also encouraged me.
The post really wasn't intended to bash anyone, I had truly just become incredibly discouraged at that point. Feeling helpless and lost in a foreign country where you wonder if you will be an asset to your employer or a burden was not something that I enjoyed dwelling on. My overall goal was to thrive professionally and socially which, in the end, I believe I did.
I am thankful to my employer for giving me the opportunity to live and work in Valencia, Venezuela and assisting me with what he was able to in order for me to survive. It was growth for me. Something that I look back upon with fondness and no regret(s). Basically, the opportunity for growth, self discovery, and .. the opportunity of a lifetime.

Thank you all for the comments and replies.

[naturegirl321]

Glad that things worked out for you.

[dreamerfrmthemyst]

Thanks Naturegirl321.

[debster]

I'm looking for an English teaching job in Valencia, Venezuela... I already know all about living there... I've been there for four months! Sometimes it can be stretching but I LOVE it. Any contact info anyone could provide me about English teachin jobs will be greatly appreciated!!