Job Discussion Forums

SpiderChan · Joined: 24 Mar 2009 Posts: 4 Location: U.S.A.

I don't see many teaching positions for Latin America advertised on ESL sites. There are mostly ads for Asia, etc.

I've been told that Latin American employers tend to rely more on walk-ins for finding teachers. Considering this, I'm thinking about traveling to Guayaquil (and possibly Quito), Ecuador to knock on doors. I have a database of ESL schools and addresses, from my CELTA training, and plan to schedule ahead.

Has anyone had any good/bad experiences with this? Tips?

THANK YOU!

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

NO, bad idea. Ecuador is cracking down on visas. Do a serach, and don't arrive without a work visa.

SpiderChan · Joined: 24 Mar 2009 Posts: 4 Location: U.S.A.

Thanks Nature Girl. I will have to read up on the visa situation in Ecuador so I'm fully (if this is possible) prepared.

However, I wasn't planning on moving to Ecuador first, just visiting for a few days to interview with some schools.

My understanding is that school would have to file for my working visa while I am back in the U.S.A. preparing to move to Ecuador.

Am I way off on this?

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

I've only spent about 24 hours in Ecuador. But, my understanding is that yes, you have to get your visa in your country of residence, which I'm guessing for you is the US.

Look into cultural exhcange visas. And try emailing [email protected]

just_a_mirage · Joined: 11 Nov 2008 Posts: 169 Location: ecuador

I am a teacher currently working in Guayaquil. It is probably not very feasible to get a working visa....they are difficult to get, and not many schools will be willing to go through the paperwork needed when they can get local English-speaking teachers, or native speakers who have permanant visas through marriage etc. However, you can work on a cultural exchange visa, or a volunteer visa. I worked on a volunteer visa for several years with no problems. You just have to get a RUC number which is a tax number, then you can get facturas which you use to bill your employer. It is fairly simple to get the RUC once you arrive on a visa other than a tourist visa. If you would like to come to Guayaquil for a few days to check into schools, I can definately help you. I know many schools and would be happy to make some introductions for you. PM me for more information.

Atlan Training · Joined: 02 Apr 2009 Posts: 76 Location: Spain

I work for a few months in Ecuador every year. The visa situation has changed recently and is both easier and stricter. You can apply for a Actos de Comercio 12 IX online. This allows you to work in Ecuador for six months, get your tax number, etc. Then you find an employer who will sponsor you for the regular work visa, which is a two year renewable. Because of the recent changes, employers are now under pressure to learn the process and do it properly, not like the old days. Don't be put off by scare stories. There are plenty of reputable employers who will sponsor you if you are qualified. Contact ESPOL university, Southern Cross School and British language institute. PM me for more specifics. Good luck!