Job Discussion Forums

geekgirl · Joined: 30 May 2009 Posts: 3

I am a 49-year old female that is considering a career change. I am currently working as a computer help-desk analyst at a computer services company.

I have a boyfriend who is Hispanic who was born in Panama and has lived in Colombia and Honduras. He is 47 and may have to leave the US and go back sometime in the next year or two. I will probably go back with him when he goes. I know a little bit of Spanish which I learned both a little at a time and by going to Spanish language school in Guatemala.

I am teaching him to speak English and recently decided to volunteer with Literacy Advance her in Houston to gain some teaching (tutoring) skills. I previously have tutored students in math when I was in college for several semesters.

We are considering going to Bogota so I can get my CELTA certification and then teach in Colombia if I get a job there or maybe Panama, Venezuela or Argentina. We might consider Honduras since he owns a house in Honduras but I have heard that the pay there might not be as good. Let me know if anyone has any suggestions such as the best time to go.

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

Hi geekgirl

If you decide to go to Honduras, you can take the CELTA in Costa Rica. That's a good center.

In South America, in addition to the BC course in Bogot�, there is also a CELTA at Southern Cross Teacher Training in Ecuador. I can give you more info if you're interested. I'm the trainer there.

As to the time of year, that's probably more influenced by when CELTA courses are running and your situation in the US. The hiring season is not as fixed around the academic calendar in South America as it is in the US.

Best

J�em

kingkristopher · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 62

Hi,

If your husband is Panamanian, then you will be able to get the elusive Panamanian work permit quite easily (relatively speaking anyway) and Panama is a GREAT market for native English speakers. You will be able to work at any of the universities with a B.A./B.Ed plus exp., and/or a Master's and/or TESOL/CELTA.

I don't remember if you said you had a Master's, but if you do, or if you can really polish up your experience, you won't even need CELTA.

As for when to come January is definitely the best time (the university year starts then) but new semesters usually start in May and September also.