Job Discussion Forums

Seattle_Dan · Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 2

Hey Guys

I am 22, just graduated, working at a job and jonsing for an adventure and some travel. I have a business degree, from a good university with dean's list status. Bear in mind that i dont have ESL certs. Which country would be the best to work for considering:

Culture of country - Im laid back, i want to go out and meet people, is one country nice to americans than others? What about in the classroom? Id like more freedom for creativity.

No cert, no ESL experience - i have tutoring experience, but not in english, i am up for the challenge but want to make sure that there is a job market for me. I have a BA from the University of Washington's business school.

Weather/Landscape - I dont to teach where it is too hot, some heat is totally fine, but i dont want it to be 90 year round...Plus i want to be able to see the beauty of the beaches and everything Latin America can offer...

Money/Cost of living - I have no debt, and i am not looking to save money. I want to make enough to live and go out, thats pretty much it.

One last Q: What are peoples opinion on job placement vs just showing up? I want to make sure i am at a good school, i have enough $ to be out there for a little bit with out working, but is it safer to use a placement service?

- Danny

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

This is rather curt, I'm sorry, but you need some form of experience and/or training. Latin American students pay good money to take classes and expect their teachers to have some expertise.

On a placement service vs just showing up...if a placement service offers to part you with your money with no qualifications or experience, then run, do not walk, but run away. Just showing up...maybe you could find a volunteer opportunity? Tough to say...

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I suggest that you go to the library and get some travel books. See what appeals to you, what one person might like, another might not.

Generally speaking, there are many jobs in Ecuador, Argentina, Mexico and Costa Rica. However, I see that you posted on the Costa Rica, so if you think you might like it there, do a bit more research and see if you would like to live there for a while.

I think that your questions are very general. For example, about weather. Here in Peru, in the north, it-s super hot, in the south it-s cold and in the east it snows. Just because you-re in Latin America, doesn-t mean that it-s always going to be hot.

In regards to money, average pay is between 500 and 700 USD a month. You can save, just don-t expect to live like the typical expat.

Guy has a job placement service that is well-known. Other people like being able to pick the school for themselves. If you can deal with the unknown, plus the fact that you might be working under the table, just show up. If you want more security, do the placement service.

Bustin · Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Japan

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Well first, I don't run a placement service...my employer does and I work within it.

I'd say the cert and experience would land you decent jobs in many places. The MA would of course open up just about any and all jobs for you, but you should be fine with what you have. Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Panama are good spots to start, among others,