Job Discussion Forums

[davescotland]

Hi

I am 38 and currently working as a property lawyer i(and part time Uni Tutor) n Scotland. I am not sure with its the current recession or a mid life crisis, but I am seriously looking to change my career and retrain as primary school teacher. Unfortunately the Post Grad course is extremely popular and the earliest I can start would be September 2010 with applications having to submitted in December. To secure a place it will be necessary to demonstrate teaching experience. I am therefore think tha taking a year out to be an ESL would be an ideal opportunity to gain the necessary teaching experience as well as being a great opportunity of travelling and experiencing a different culture.

I have already done as much research as I can online (many thanks to Dave Sperling) and I have narrowed things down to Chiang Mai and Lima. I have visited both cities many times and I have a few friends who could help me settle down which I think is important.

I am also lucky enough to have savings and will have an income of around 600 dollars a month so will not be totally dependent on teaching.

I have decided to sit a full 120 hour TEFL course in the country I intend to work. As I think this gives a better chance of obtainig a job and is a better insight as to wether this is for me. It is quite amazing the number of weekend TEFL courses now being held in Glasgow.

I do however have a few concerns which I hope people can help me with in orfer to make up my mind on whether to go ahead with this and if so which city to head for.

The first main concern I have is as a typical Scotsman I speak fast and have an accent, how would this effect my job opportunities in both Asia and South America ?

Which city has the best TEFL/CELTA programme. As regards Thailand I know that Chiang Mai University has a full TEFL programme, which also offers 1 month voluntary teaching. Does a TEFL from a University carry more kudos. I also notice from this Forum that the American TESOL is doing a course in CM which guarantees a placement after successful completion of the course, does anyone know whether this genuine ?

As regards Peru I can find various courses being held in Cusco and Ecaudor but cannot find much information on reputable courses being held in Lima. Can anyone help.

Which country has the easiest Visa requirements ?

Which country would have the best job opportunities ?

Which country has the cheapest cost of living ? Some people say that 600 dollars be sufficient to live on in Thailand others suggest a minimum if 1,000 dollars. I am not looking to live like a king but at the same time do not want to live as a monk.

I look forward to hearing peoples comments and any hints or tips anyone can offer.

Many thanks.

David

[naturegirl321]

I can five you info about Peru.

First off, Lima right now is horrible, it's winter, so expect clouds for abuot nine months. YOu won't get a legal working visa, so people border hop. Expect about 6 to 10 usd a month, you can earn 600 to 800 a month. Housing will be your biggest expenses, expect to spend at least 200usd a month.

Look at the Peru board, there's lots of info there.

Since you already have a monthly income, that would help a lot.

AS long as you can slow your speech down, you'll be fine.

Lima has NO tefl programmes, you'll hav to go to Cusco or Trujillo. Lima only offers one at Britanico, but you have to have taught there for at least a year.

Visas are easy. ASk for 180 days, and they give them to you. THen either pay 1 dollar a day if you overstay, or border hop beforehand and get another 180 days. People can do this for years.

Lots of job opps, might have to work for different insitutes though.

[Prof.Gringo]

Mexico is another good choice in Latin America.

Easy to find a job. Easy language to learn (When compared to something like Thai or Japanese). Good food. Friendly people. Mexico City has everything and decent weather.

IH House gives the CELTA in Mexico City and Playa del Carmen (Cancun).

There are other, cheaper 120 hour TEFL options. I took my course for $1,300 USD in 2005. That included housing.

You could live in Mexico on $600 a month. Nothing fancy, but it could be done.

Typical TEFL jobs pay about $8,000 pesos per month. You can get a residency permit and healthcare.

Check out the Mexico forum.

[Northern Sol]