Job Discussion Forums

[Hogan]

As exciting as working in Brazil sounds, I still know very little about the working conditions of an ESL teacher there. I have recently been offered a position in Lins, a city about 400kms from Sao Paulo. Here, I would be staying with a host family, my meals would be offered by the family during breakfast and lunch. Dinner is offered by the school. The salary offered is about 750 reals monthly.

I am wondering if anyone could give me any insight in this proposal? Does anyone know about Lins? Is this a good proposition in Brazilian standards? Will I be bored in a smaller city of 70,000 in Brazil? I am really thinking about taking it, but would like to know more about living and working in Brazil first!

Thanks in adavance for your help and I'll be sure to keep you updated!

[kavviar]

I recently looked into Jacy Pimentas program likewise and i emailed the "alumni" and got some great input! A girl named Amanda Jenks, actually did the program last year and they put her in Lins.

Heres her email and her feedback on it: [email protected]

Hi Mazi,
I did IICA from January to July 1005. I had a really
great time in Brazil - let me see if I can answer your
questions.
Let's see, I ended up in the city of Lins, Sao Paulo,
which is a pretty small town in the interior of the
state of Sao Paulo - about five hours by bus from the
city. I have to say, I don't think your chances of
ending up on the coast or in a big city are very good
- IICA just has placements wherever a school happened
to have requested a trainee, and that's usually going
to be small, lesser known places - the bigger places
and the ones on the coast have a steady supply of
native speakers wandering in and looking for work.
Even though Lins wasn't the most exciting city in
Brazil, I had a good time there, and made some great
friends. The plus of a small town is it definitely
gave plenty of opportunities to improve my Portuguese.
As to the job - it was a lot of hours a week, with
prep and everything. I had Fridays off and taught one
class on Saturday, so it wasn't too bad - but I was
definitely tired at the end of every day. But I have
to say I really loved the students - they're what
really made the whole thing worth while. I don't know
if you've taught before but I think it's a lot of fun.
The family stay - that's all up to your host school to
arrange. I was first living with a couple of girls and
didn't love it, then one took off for Europe and the
family of one of my students invited me to live with
them, which was great. You should be able to change
your arrangement if it doesn't work out.
The salary - your host school is supposed to provide
you with free housing and food (through the host
family) so the R$600 is really just extra. I really
couldn't find much to spend it on - mostly beer,
papaya ice cream, and guava juice, plus a little
travel.
Finding a better job - I don't think that would be a
good thing to do, then you would leave your host
school short a teacher! You could sign up to do the
six month program and then while you're there look for
a job to start when you're done.
Did I want to stay longer or leave sooner - that was
tough. I signed up to do six months but had the option
to stay a year. In the end I decided to leave after
six months, mostly because I had decided to go to grad
school ( in TESOL - teaching English to speakers of
other languages) and wanted to get started. But I
would love to get back to Brazil!
Hope this info is helpful, good luck with everything
and feel free to email me if you have more questions
-


This is another great guy to ask about it: [email protected]

boa sorte !!!


Maz

[rebz8]

hey guys.

i did IICA too and although my experience wasnt horrible, it was at times difficult because of the lack of support IICA gives its participants. they didnt really seem to care about how i was doing, and brushed off my concerns i voiced to them. bottom line, dont expect to have any in country support from them after they get their money from you.

PM me if you want more info.