Job Discussion Forums

[chsalad]

I will be going to Alexandria, Egypt in March to complete a one month training course with TEFL International. My initial plan was to then try to finda job right away in Latin America, since I have a background in Spanish and woul like to both teach ESL and get my Spanish back. However, after reading many posts here and elsewhere, it seems as if it will be more difficult for me, as a new ESL teacher, to get a job in Latin America in April/May.

My question is this-- would it make more sense, or be more practical, to try to find a shorter term job in Egypt right after I finish my course, and then try to go to Latin America after that? The more I learn about Egypt, the more I think (hope) I'll love it there. I'm also finding that may of the people I work with now (at a Presbyterian seminary in Virginia) have ties to various places in Egypt, including English language schools. This leads me to believe that I may have some contacts there that might help me find a job.

Right now I am limited to about 13-14 months abroad, since I have a dog and am not able to board her with family and friends for more than this length of time.

Please let me know if you have any constructive advice for me. I'd appreciate it.

Oh-- a little background on me. I'm a 32 year-old woman with a certifcation in elementary and middle school education. I taught in an elementary school for 8 years-- 4th grade for 5 years, and Kindergarten for 3 years. I had to quit to take care of my mother, and now would love to get back into teaching. I loved teaching kids, but after 2 years of working with adults, I'd like to work with them as well.

Thanks!

[willy]

If you have a MA I think the middle east would be the place to be seems better than playing around else where well as far as $ go.

But $ aren�t every thing be happy and go where you feel

[veiledsentiments]

Hi chsalad,

I lived in Cairo for a number of years while getting my MA and I loved it. Naturally the best jobs go to the people with MAs, but there are jobs. Go below to the Middle East section and read the Egypt postings.

Egypt is one of those places that people tend to either love or hate. You will be there for a month and that will give you time to check things out. If you think you would enjoy spending some time there, check out the job market. Since you have some contacts, that should smooth your way.

You're still young and Latin America will still be there. This would be a chance to experience a part of the world that will be shaping modern history for the foreseeable future.

VS
(send me a PM if you wish)

[chsalad]

Thanks, both of you, for your responses.

[naturegirl321]

You could still find a job in South America. chekc out TEFL.com
Or if you are very brave, just go and look for a job. Check out the job info journal. Lots of people find jobs quickly