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Questions from a newbie

 
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vibecomp21



Joined: 25 Sep 2007
Posts: 22
PostPosted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 12:12 am    Post subject: Questions from a newbie Reply with quote
Hey all!

I am moving to Costa Rica on 1/29/08. I currently teach in NYC and I couldn�t get away without interrupting my student�s education any sooner. I have some questions regarding teaching English in CR.

1. Flight � I have purchased a flight that had to be round trip and had to be scheduled for only six months. If I have to leave the country to return to the states in August. Will my employer have a problem if I give them ample warning?
2. Will I be able to find a job in early February?
3. Working papers � I have heard the nightmare stories about obtaining working papers. I have already found a lawyer in Costa Rica to help my case and I will go to the Costa Rican Embassy to verify my degrees. Should I even bother?
4. I have two and a half years teaching experience in the Bronx. I completed my MS Ed in English. Is this an advantage? I have heard credentials are sometimes inconsequential.
5. What requirements are there for work at a University?
6. Is there a specific way my resume should be changed?
7. I have heard Costa Ricans are very conservative about attire. I can wear jeans to work here. What kind of clothing should I bring? (Both professional and casual)
8. Are Costa Ricans big on Caf�s and bookstores? Are there places in San Jose to chill and read a book?
9. I am conversational in Spanish and one of my main goals for this trip is to become completely fluent in reading and writing. Are there private tutors that would available for intensive study? If so, how much do you believe prices would be (people differ, I know. Average?)
10. Internet � Is it difficult to sign up for your own service? I plan to use Skype quite a bit.

I know this a long entry. Any help that could be provided will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for your time.

Pura Vida

C. Acevedo
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OleLarssen



Joined: 26 Apr 2006
Posts: 337
PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 4:16 am    Post subject: Re: Questions from a newbie Reply with quote
vibecomp21 wrote:
1. Flight � I have purchased a flight that had to be round trip and had to be scheduled for only six months. If I have to leave the country to return to the states in August. Will my employer have a problem if I give them ample warning?


Depends on the employer, but as long as they can find a sub and none of your classes are at a critical point (e.g. exam preperation), it shouldn't be a problem.

vibecomp21 wrote:
2. Will I be able to find a job in early February?


Yes.

vibecomp21 wrote:
3. Working papers � I have heard the nightmare stories about obtaining working papers. I have already found a lawyer in Costa Rica to help my case and I will go to the Costa Rican Embassy to verify my degrees. Should I even bother?


Depends on how long you're planning on staying. A year or less, don't bother. Over a year, you can consider it.

vibecomp21 wrote:
4. I have two and a half years teaching experience in the Bronx. I completed my MS Ed in English. Is this an advantage? I have heard credentials are sometimes inconsequential.


Teaching experience is paramount. Other stuff is a bonus. It'll all depend on who the potential employer compares you to. An MS Ed (whatever that is) may be helpful, but actual teaching experience rules.

vibecomp21 wrote:
5. What requirements are there for work at a University?


Previous teaching experience and native English speaker in most cases.

vibecomp21 wrote:
6. Is there a specific way my resume should be changed?


Include a photo of yourself and marital status.

vibecomp21 wrote:
7. I have heard Costa Ricans are very conservative about attire. I can wear jeans to work here. What kind of clothing should I bring? (Both professional and casual)


I wear decent dress pants and a shirt to work every day and that's the minimum clothing requirement as far as I know. But decent, professional clothing is cheap and plentiful here.

vibecomp21 wrote:
8. Are Costa Ricans big on Caf�s and bookstores? Are there places in San Jose to chill and read a book?


You'll find bookstores aplenty but, depending on your preference in books, finding literature that you fancy might be a challenge. Coffee shops, yes, but I can't afford them on my budget (450 dollars a month).

vibecomp21 wrote:
9. I am conversational in Spanish and one of my main goals for this trip is to become completely fluent in reading and writing. Are there private tutors that would available for intensive study? If so, how much do you believe prices would be (people differ, I know. Average?)


I have no idea. It'd depend completely on what kind of schedule you're looking for and what kind of teacher you're talking to. Generally, Spanish tutoring will be cheaper than English tutoring (supply and demand).

vibecomp21 wrote:
10. Internet � Is it difficult to sign up for your own service? I plan to use Skype quite a bit.


It's possible, but it might take a while before you get it (Tico time). It's not particularly difficult as far as I know (but that naturally depends on what is difficult for you).



Sorry for the bulletin point style, but you're asking for a lot of information. Feel free to ask further questions and I'll/we'll help you out.
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vibecomp21



Joined: 25 Sep 2007
Posts: 22
PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:04 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Thank you very much!
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vibecomp21



Joined: 25 Sep 2007
Posts: 22
PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 4:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
A MS Ed in English is a Masters of Science in English Education.
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OleLarssen



Joined: 26 Apr 2006
Posts: 337
PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 7:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
What's a Masters of Science? You Americans and your non-EU universities. :)

If you have an extended education in, well, education, obviously that'll help a lot.
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vibecomp21



Joined: 25 Sep 2007
Posts: 22
PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 8:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Hey man, I just earn what they tell me! Thanks for the responses. You've been a big help!
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OleLarssen



Joined: 26 Apr 2006
Posts: 337
PostPosted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 9:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
My pleasure. Let me know if I can be of any further assistance. :)
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