Job Discussion Forums

[SaratheSlytherin]

I read Susan Griffith's book, Teaching English Abroad, and teaching EFL in a Latin American country sounded like a viable option. Lately, I've been feeling VERY discouraged, but I don't wanna give up. I have my heart set on doing it.

I have my undergrad degree in Spanish, but I'm going to be doing my TEFL training soon. I've talked to the people at the TEFL school (Oxford Tefl, I imagine many people on the boards are familiar with them) and done some research, and of course it will be difficult for me (a US citizen) to get work in Spain (I'm gonna try, but I realize how hard it will be).

I studied abroad in a Latin American country, and when I returned to the USA, I experienced a severe case of reentry shock. I speak fluent Spanish and adjusted to the Latin culture, and it's been five years and my heart is still in Latin America. There's nothing wrong with Asia or other countries, but I speak Spanish and have ties to Latin culture, and like I said, my heart is set on getting a job there.

When I did research and discovered the EFL profession and I thought, "Maybe this is the answer to my prayers."

Right now, I'm feeling discouraged, but maybe that's the worrier in me.
I've discussed my plans with some acquaintances, however, and they tell me to "forget it" and that it's impossible to get a paying EFL job in latin America, and that it's just for rich people, retirees, blah blah blah.

People are telling me that there's no way I'll get a teaching job in ANY Latin country and just to stay in the States and teach ESL.

I can accept an honest answer, whether it's what I wanna hear, or not. Just informed advice, and no value judgements.
However, my question is: Do all these naysayers know what they're talking about?

That's why I came to the EFL forum... because I know that the people here are knowledgeable.

So... I have my heart set on teaching EFL in a Latin country, I speak fluent Spanish... and I don't give up easily. I'd like to hear from people who know how I can do it, or who knows of someone in my situation who found an EFL job in a Latin country.

Thanks, if you can help! It means a lot to me!!

[OleLarssen]

Sara,

I don't mean to sound like a self-help book, but nothing is impossible. Living and working full time in Costa Rica as an ESL teacher is not only possible, it's a very viable option and not all that hard to achieve with some dedication and savings to help you out the first month or two.

Best of luck to you!

Ole

[jacobfrank]

Hey Sara ... there are jobs in Latin America. As for pay, well you won't get rich but usually you'll make enough to live on. If you want to make money teaching EFL, then you need to head to Asia.

The problem with the Latin America market is that most schools won't hire you sight unseen. Unlike Asia where you can do emails and phone interviews, here you almost always have to walk in the door and talk to someone. A drag I know since this will cost $$ to do (I'm looking for a new job myself and will be heading down to S.A. in a few weeks to start making the rounds in a few places) but it seems to be the way it is here. If you search this and other teacher forums you can put together a list of schools to check out before you go.

Good luck.

[ls650]

If you have a degree (doesn't really matter what) and a TEFL certificate of some kind, you will have no problem finding work teaching English in Mexico.

Good luck!

[spanglish]

Don't get your cert from Oxford Seminars. Get the CELTA or equivalent. This has been discussed a lot. Southern Cross in Ecuador is the cheapest option ($1300).

One concern I would have for you is your obvious passion for Latin American culture and Spanish. Remember that if you're an English teacher you will be speaking English on most days for most of the day. You'll also likely have to travel to companies to teach classes and so spend much of your day in a bus. You sound like the kind of person who would thrive in a more intense 'cultural experience' type of setting (like living in a mountain village - am I wrong?). Teaching English, you're likely to be living in a large capital city, trying to balance your 'English life' with your 'Spanish life.'

I'd counsel you to work an extra year in the US and save up your money. Then come down here and establish yourself as a translator or interpreter. You could also just do volunteer work or even look into the Peace Corps. If you're going to be a happy English teacher (who's also able to make a bit of money), you'll have to have some genuine passion for language teaching, not just Latin America.

Teaching English is very different from studying/traveling in Latin America and you may find that it greatly hinders your enjoyment.

On the other hand, there is lots of work down here and it's certainly possible to build a satisfying career in the region. Just don't count on living in a hut by a river.

[spanglish]

Oh, and no, those naysayers have no idea what they're talking about.

[SaratheSlytherin]

[quote="spanglish"]Don't get your cert from Oxford Seminars. Get the CELTA or equivalent. This has been discussed a lot. Southern Cross in Ecuador is the cheapest option ($1300).

No! Not Oxford Seminars!! I'm talking about the Trinity TESOL.

Is anyone familiar with Oxford Tefl (not Oxford Seminars?)

www.oxfordtefl.com

I really am grateful for your advice, though.

I really think I'd enjoy teaching EFL; I guess what I meant to say is that I feel like I could do good in Latin culture. I hope I don't come across as a cultural imperialist but I would like to contribute or give something in Latin culture.


Thanks!

Your favourite Slytherin

[SaratheSlytherin]

[SaratheSlytherin]

Thank you very much, everyone who wrote me back!!



I studied abroad in Mexico and I really loved it. There were things I missed about USA, but I think I could do good down there. I really do.

Is anyone familiar with Oxford Tefl? I think I found them from Susan Griffith's book (Teaching English Abroad). I was so overwhelmed when picking out teacher training, I researched these and they offer the Trinity TESOL... I understand this is similar to the Cambridge CELTA? Still, I am a little nervous about starting my course, and will be until it's over and done. I hope I made a good investment. I feel like you can only prepare to a certain extent and then you have to take that leap of faith.

I really think I would enjoy teaching... but things are really rough for teachers here in USA. I don't expect to get rich, but I did my internship in Cuernavaca and it seems like teachers are more respected there.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and advice!

I love this forum because people here know what they're talking about. Refreshing!!

[SaratheSlytherin]

If you have a degree (doesn't really matter what) and a TEFL certificate of some kind, you will have no problem finding work teaching English in Mexico.

I do miss Mexico! I did my exchange in Cuernavaca. I would really like to return to Mexico. Not Cuernavaca, but a different part. Perhaps Puebla or Quer�taro. In what part of Mexico can you easily find work?

In what part of Mexico do you teach, by the way?

Thanks!

[OleLarssen]

Spanglish makes a great point about the distance you will have to Latin American culture working as an ESL teacher. I can attest to the truth of what he's saying at least working as an ESL teacher in San Jose, Costa Rica. [/list]

[chenn0]

hello everyone! I believe that this is my first post to the eslcafe and I am eager to be talking with all of you as I have a billion questions!!

Sara, if it makes you feel better, I am on the exact same boat. I speak Spanish (maybe not as good as you), I love the Latin American culture, have some ties to it (family from Spain, girlfriend from Mexico), am dying to get to one of these countries, and also have many doubts and fears!

My first question to everyone: I have seen it been said that if you have a college degree in whatever and a tefl cert that its almost no problem to get a job teaching english. Well, I don't have a degree (a few basics in college complete and only a few spanish courses left for me to take) but am planning on taking a CELTA or Trinity course somewhere. What are the possibilities of me getting a job with a fresh TEFL cert, no teaching experience, and a "half-degree" in Mexico, CR, or Spain?

[SaratheSlytherin]

[chenn0]

muy amable Sara, gracias.

Where are you going for Trinity? How did you go to college in Mexico(enroll/pay for college and living) and what did you study?

That seems like an interesting book, but definitly seems a bit out-dated

[SaratheSlytherin]