Job Discussion Forums

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

Hey guys. I guess I`ll add my vague query to the growing list on this board. Sorry in advance I am not one with answers!

I am planning on teaching in S. America with a bachelors degree as well as a TESOL cert. and 2 years experience teaching english abroad (Japan).

I will be 26 when I head down there with my girlfriend.

I wanted to know how some of you who are already working in Chile would compare teaching English there with other S. American countries.

I know it depends on what I am looking for, but I guess I am not looking for anything particularly extraordinary. I am more trying to avoid the shitty places to teach, places with bad reps, countries with bad reps, and places with absolutley no chance of saving any money at all.

Anyone have any advice? knowledge to drop on me?

thanks

-bustin

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

woah woah, one at a time guys.... Shocked

chini · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 27 Location: Santiago

Well it does all depend on what you are looking for, but as a point of reference ... I arrived planning on teaching a year or two and have now been here for over 10! I love Chile and have never found it difficult to make a living on an ESL salary. You have to beware of the shady institutes that underpay their teachers, but also take care not to overcharge your private students - I charge $8,000/hour for private classes and as a result have never had a shortage of classes (Gracias a Dios). Compared to other South American countries, I couldn�t really say except that I don�t find Santiago all that expensive. You can live quite comfortably on $400,000 - $500,000 pesos. Hope that helps!

DianaMa · Joined: 23 Oct 2005 Posts: 33 Location: Stgo, Chile

good Lord

8000 an hour for a private class, with a native speaker, I wouldn't even roll out of bed for that!

I charge between 15 to 20, no shortage of private classes, I have been living and teaching in other countries and I can tell you your peso doesn't go as far here as in other markets, just start by going to your local grocery store!

my two pesos
cheers

Muncie Sam · Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 7 Location: Muncie, IN

It really depends. Cost of living isn't particularly expensive (usually around $150 - $200 USD a month for a room in a shared apartment, a little more if you want your own place) but if you want to have a night life and eat out, prepare to pay around what you would in the U.S. In order to live, travel, have fun, pay for hostels, and put down a damage deposit on my apartment during the first month I was here, I dropped about $1,500 USD, though once you get settled, you won't need to worry about spending that sort of money. Also, phone cards are absolutely absurd, in terms of price (cell phones aren't too expensive). I actually pay less to talk to my parents in the U.S. on a landline phone at an internet cafe than I do calling my friend Marcelo on his cell phone down the street. Unfortunately, they're a must, if you want to teach. In terms of jobs, avoid Tromwell, Wall Street, Brighton, and Sam Marsalli (sp?) institutes at all costs. If you want private classes, I suggest making business cards and dropping them off at hospitals and doctor's offices - they need to know English, and you can charge them a fair amount because chances are, they're pretty loaded. Also, check out Caf� Central on Londres street (off the south side of Alameda, between Universidad de Chile and Santa Luc�a Metro stops). It's full of friendly and helpful people who are willing to help in any way they can. Hope this was helpful. Let me know if you need any more info.