Job Discussion Forums

[prairiemaker]

Hello,
I am presently talking with Universidad Tecnica Particular de Loja, concerning an August placement. My wife and I both are really excited about the overall feeling we get from the area of Loja, Ecuador and UTPL. We realize no are is perfect and have traveled enough to be well aware of the need to make cultural adjustments. We have looked all over the world for several months as to what might be the best fit for us. Southern Mexico and Ecuador both seemed good fits, but Loja especially seems to have what we are looking for.

Right now we are in South Korea and I am teaching English on faculty for a university. I love my job and my students despite the craziness that goes with living in Korea. But after three years of concrete we are ready for a different way of life. My wife and I are both from smaller rural towns and we have grown to realize that we value the simpler things in life, like watching a sunset, or picking a tomato from our garden, more than we do making money.

If anyone has any information on the university, or the area, we would really appreciate anything you want to share. My wife and I both have researched the area, and the university, online for almost two months before I ever contacted them. We have not found anything online to stop us from committing to the university. We have done as much research as we can, short of actually going there which is just not realistic for the two of us to do with the current won dollar exchange rate and 2000 to 4000 dollar ticket prices to go there. Thanks in advance for any insights.

[naturegirl321]

Loja is supposed to be beautiful. I wish I knew more about the town or the uni, the only thing I can say is read the posts about the new visa rules.

[john_n_carolina]

....Prairie -- Loja is a great city and if you / your wife can get a decent contract out of them...you'll stay a long time.

my wife is Ecuadorian and i've taught all around Ecuador including the Galapagos.

i'd say if you can get somewhere near $600-700 mo. each with a 60% health plan, you'll be in good shape.

it's a great university also. i was just about to contact them when i left in '05 but we decided to get engaged in the U.S. and continue our papers there.

I believe it's also the music capital of Ecuador and UTPL has a great music program.

you can send me a PM for more info and i'd like to hear about your contract negotiations and visa process they are offering you. i have automatic residency and an EC passport so no problem for me.



apartments should run around $150 without electric.