Job Discussion Forums

[snooti_agouti]

Hi everyone. I'm new to the forums and have been reading a lot of threads in the Latin America section in order to find out as much as possible about TEFL in Ecuador. As a result I have a lot of questions to ask but will start with this one:

Does anyone know what type of visa I will need in order to take a CELTA course in Ecuador followed (hopefully) by employment? In one thread I found a link to a '12-IX' visa but this was for the US and I am from the UK. The Ecuadorian Embassy in London does not appear to have a website that I can search for information.

Any help and advice will be gratefully received. Thank you.

[Justin Trullinger]

'12-IX' is still a good choice, and it doesn't matter at all that you're British.

Contact the consul in London to find out what requirements they have to issue this visa. With evidence that you're enrolled in a course, have paid for it, and wish to stay of after, they should be willing to issue this visa.

If they don't (because it's discretionary, and moods vary) then you could look into eithr getting a visa sp�nsored by your future employer (which would involve looking for work before arrival) or seeing if the training center in question can sponsor you.

If you're considering coming for a teacher training program, I'm surprised they haven't offered you this info. But it's available pretty much anywhere online.


All the best,
Justin

PS- (Disclaimer) In case you're a lawyer: this information was current when last I knew, which was relatively few weeks ago when I was helping arrange visas for a few of the teacher trainees on our SIT TESOL course in Quito. As all things in Ecuador, it is subject to change without notice. For the most recent visa information, contact the consul nearest you.

[snooti_agouti]

Hi Justin and thank you for your reply.

I have not yet applied for a CELTA course, but am trying to uncover any potential problems before I do.

There was another thread in this forum headed 'Tangential Question' that I posted a reply to yesterday - but the entire thread has now vanished! There was a lot of useful information about the Southern Cross CELTA centre in it. In my reply I asked if a BA without honours would be acceptable in Ecuador, both to employers and for a working visa. I have just completed a Level 3 course with the Open University which will enable me to claim an ordinary BA, however a BA (Hons) will entail a further year's study with the OU which I am reluctant to undertake due to financial and time constraints. I am also reluctant to ask this question at an embassy in case it provokes exploration of an issue that would otherwise not have arisen.

[Justin Trullinger]

Where Ecuador is concerned, a BA isn't a strict requirement for the kind of visa you'd be eligible for in any case- but if an employer feels that you need one, a BA is going to be a BA in any case. Partly because the only real concern is that you have an acceptable level of general education, which your BA should do. PArtly because nobody from outside the UK really understands your uni system, and the BA vs BA hons distinction simply won't be one that many people here even think of. (I'm a yank, but have some experience with UK unis- my masters and my wife are both British.)

Best,
Justin

PS- I seem to remember the thread you're mentioning- didn't know it had disappeared. May be that it had at some point crossed the line into advertising, which really isn't supposed to happen. Or it could be that some posters got at each others' throats...

[snooti_agouti]

Hi again Justin and thank you for your reply. It's a relief to know that an ordinary BA will suffice.

Re the disappearing thread - it was all very amiable but I think you may be right about advertising.

[Atlan Training]

Hi snooti-agouti

You definitely want to get the 12 IX if you're planning on staying on in Ecuador to work after your certification. You can apply for the visa through the Consulate in London. Here is the email address: [email protected]

The 12 IX allows you to work legally for six months from date of issue and can be converted to a regular emloyer-sponsored work visa without your having to return to the UK. We have had no difficulties with our CELTA candidates getting their 12 IX visas or converting them to work visas thus far.

If you are interested in the CELTA in Ecuador, you can go to the website for Southern Cross to apply, or email us for more information.

All the best!

[snooti_agouti]

Hi Atlan and thank you for your reply.

I have followed up the link to the Consulate and it seems that the requirements for a 12-IX visa for a UK national are even more extensive than those for US citizens!

http://www.consuladoecuador.org.uk/Embajada_del_Ecuador/Visas_files/VISA_REQUIREMENTS_24-09-2009.pdf

While (I think) I can comply with most of them, the one about needing a Travel Insurance policy is a (costly) pain as it wouldn't cover me for long enough anyway; and in any case I would need to take out private healthcare insurance with the likes of AXA if I was staying in Ecuador for any length of time.

However the one about wanting 'a letter from the employer' I can not comply with as I don't currently have an employer! Hopefully the bullet point has been used incorrectly and this is not a separate requirement but should have been included as the third option in the previous paragraph. What do you think?

I have had a look at the Southern Cross CELTA website, but it doesn't seem to provide details about next year's courses other than the dates. It still refers to the CELTA costing $1300 and lists accommodation as homestays or private rentals. However from other posts here it seems that next year's courses cost $2000 and are based in a tourist resort. I will send you a PM for more info as I don't want you to get banned for 'advertising' in the forums.