Job Discussion Forums

Anglin2009 · Joined: 28 Jul 2009 Posts: 12

Hello:

After adjusting for cost of living differences, is there any country in South America that pays more for ESL teachers than the other countries in South America? In other words, is it possible to have any money left over at the end of the month? I would like to teach for a year or two, but eventually I think I might want to return to the United States and would like to have some money to get re-established (e.g., apartment).

Thank You,
PS
I originally posted this under Argentina, which is probably too specific....

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 9:25 pm Post subject:

If you want to have some left at the end, plan for it in the beginning.

I routinely have money left at the end of the month- money that is significant and meaningful within the Ecuadorian economy.

Within the US economy, it wouldn't go far.

If you're only thinking a year or two, you can live vry well in Latin America, but you aren't likely to save enough to go very far in the US. Not very far at all.

So here's a though- it will probably take you $1000 (rounding up) to fly to the country of your choice, and another $1000 or so to get set up. Save $4000 before you go. This will give you your setup money, plus a cushion, and then you'll be ready to move back when the time comes.

Best,
Justin

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

Basically, higher pay is higher cost of living. YOu'll have money leftover if you budget. BUT, maybe the most importnat question is visas. Do you mind being illegal? Because places like Peru won't get youa visa. Mexico will. Might be the easiest.

My husband and I live off 600 dollars, but we own our place. Everything I make we save, plus the money left over from his salary.

Anglin2009 · Joined: 28 Jul 2009 Posts: 12

Hi:

I have heard several people (from different countries) speak about working without visas. Just what happens if you are caught working without a visa? Do police do raids....? Do they stop people on the street?

Thank You

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

I've NEVER heard of that happening in Peru. In China, people usually sign apologies and the employer gets the blame. I've heard of raids in Korea and Taiwan. Latin America is pretty flexible

gungediana · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 82

Yes, in Latin America the police have much more important things to worry about that than foreign English teachers working without a visa!
In fact if anything the authorities deliberately turn a blind eye to the practice because they don't want to do anything to discourage foreigners from visiting.

In Peru I worked for a company who openly employed foreign English teachers sans visa, never did anything to try and hide it and their were no repercusions at all.

I don't think anyone goes to teach in Latin America for the money. They go for the lifestyle. My advice to the op is to not to expect to save much money if you go to Latin America to work. Instead try and save up some money back in the States and then go.

On a wider point, I think it's better to go into TEFL already having worked for a few years at home and with some savings behind you rather than straight out of college or something. Then it's far easier to integrate yourself back into society if and when you go home, and you don't have to worry about saving money when you're abroad.

Anyone have thoughts on this?

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

gungediana · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 82

I know this is a terrible thing to say, and I'll probably get pilloried on here for saying it but..........

For me it's good that countries like Peru don't develop because a) my money goes further there and b) it's easier to pick up women in under-developed countries.

I don't expect you save much Naturegirl, for the amount of work you put in and all the sacrifices you make. You could save far more in the States right?

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

gungediana · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 82

Naturegirl.

I'm coming at this from a different perspective than you I think.

I loved living and working in Lima and I had a great time. Then again I was only there for a matter of months. I don't know how I'd cope with being there for longer. That said I have a friend from the UK in Lima, he's been there since 2006. He sold his house about 9 months before the market peaked for 3 times what he paid for it and used the proceeds to live the good life in Peru. He still loves it there!

Good for you that you're saving money though! When are you hoping to get back to the US?

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 10:43 pm Post subject:

gungediana · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 82

I'm afraid you haven't read it wrong Justin.

What can I say? I least I'm being honest.

I suppose I believe that we only get one chance in life. And that we might as well make it as fun and as pleasurable as possible.

That said there are limits, I don't believe in all out hedonism, drug taking etc. I don't do drugs at all. And I take pride in my work too.

I've thought about my future direction in life a lot recently. And come to the conclusion that I want to spend as much time in Latin America as possible, enjoying myself there, leading the good life, but with enough money for a reasonable lifestyle.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 2:38 pm Post subject:

This is straying away from the original topic, about best places to live in Latin America.

It IS a good life in Latin America. I've learned a lot, grown a lot (personally as well as professionally), and had a heck of a time. I'll recommend Ecuador to anyone.

I'd add this, though, to everyone who is considering coming here. Heck, to all who are already here.

Are you adding anything? Contributing anything valuable to where you live? Or is this all about you, and what you can take? A lot of us on these boards are teachers, and believe in the value of what education can offer.

Best,
Justin

PS- I suppose honesty is a virtue. I suppose. But being honest about exploiting others isn't what most people mean when they talk about the importance of honesty.

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

yankeechemist · Joined: 27 Apr 2007 Posts: 50

I admire you peeps, not so much the picking up women comment (my opinion only, no offense intended). I am 48 and was going to do a costa rica jaunt but one of my parents became sick, so I moved back to pittsburgh for the time being. Assuming improvement, I might still do it a yr from now and I agree with the previous poster's comment: You go for lifestyle and exploring, not the dollar.