Job Discussion Forums

yankeechemist · Joined: 27 Apr 2007 Posts: 50

I have a PhD in chemistry and am 47. If I have a job loss in this economy, I am considering going to Latin America (CR, Chile, Brazil, Uruguayor Panama) and do a TEFL course. Are there chances of University or private high school jobs teaching Chemistry?

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

I'd skip the TEFL course and look for work teaching chem. Try the international schools, or the American school. Most of South America will be hiring soon for early March starts. Mexico and Central America have August or September starts.

Can you find a job fair in your city or state? A lot of the top schools recruit this way, saving you the exploratory trip down to LA.

yankeechemist · Joined: 27 Apr 2007 Posts: 50

Thanks: The exploratory trip is part of the fun though

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

By all means, yes it is. Have a particular favorite country in mind? Mexico, Brazil, and Chile are the biggest markets I'd say. Costa Rica is a small market. Panama might be a good choice too, as you noted.

kingkristopher · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 62

Panama is a fantastic market. Check out the International School of Panama (google them for their website) or Balboa Academy as those are probably the two best paying Secondary School jobs (or teaching jobs in general). I believe ISP will even take care of your work papers if they hire you from overseas, which is no small feat as a Panamanian work permit is exceedingly hard to come by.

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

YOu'll get better benefits if you're hired overseas at a job fair then if you're in country.

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

yankeechemist · Joined: 27 Apr 2007 Posts: 50

Thanks guys. I taught college (caribbean med school, pre med classes) in bonaire for a semester. (by the way it was as dangerous as disneyland). Chile and Brazil are suppose to be very fast rising places. What is better TEFL, TESOL or Certa?

john_n_carolina · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 700 Location: n. carolina

...TEFL for institutes...
...TESOL for unis
...CERTIFICATION for private intl high schools

try going here to check out the next job fairs in the US, etc.
also, there's a school up in the North of Chile, Antofagasta.
they would probably take you with the Phd and a 30 hr "in class"
TEFL degree or maybe the CELTA from Buenos Aires.

http://careers.tesol.org/search.cfm

john_n_carolina · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 700 Location: n. carolina

you might want to try the Chronicle of Higher Education Career section also...

http://chronicle.com/jobs/

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

Don't forget tes www.tes.co.uk