Job Discussion Forums

jivany · Joined: 30 Nov 2009 Posts: 12

Hey all..I am looking teach in Central America, particularly El Salvador. The thing is that I can't seem to find much information of anyone in this country to do work. Is this place not popular? I know it is a very small country so do you all think that it has work available? I am in the process of finding out right now..

Also, I am not TEFL certified yet but I intend to take classes. My question is if I can take them online? Is it worth it? I have no teaching experience and my background isn't in it education so I would assume that it would be best to get some classroom experience. FWIW, I do have a B.A in Liberal Arts and a M.A in Criminology. I also have 3 years experience in sales and training so I do know how to interact and teach, although I'm sure it's a lot different teaching a language.

People who I talk to say that I am a shoe-in to get a job anywhere in the world, but I'm shooting for EL SALVADOR. Can ANYONE be of any help? Please let me know as soon as possible.

Any info is greatly appreciated!!!

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

I don't know anyone there, but maybe try Facebook? You might be able to make some contacts that way.

Or stay in your field and try to get transfered down there?

Prof.Gringo

reddevil79 · Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 3:44 pm Post subject:

I travelled around El Salvador and Central America this summer and really didn't see that many language institutes, and the ones I did see were small, family run type businesses. Wouldn't pay very much and definitely have to apply in person I think. Really nice place though El Salvador.

jivany · Joined: 30 Nov 2009 Posts: 12

I know of one school called ESCUELA AMERICANA. It looks to be like a really good school, but I am still waiting to see. I have booked a flight over there Jan 14-18 in hopes to visit the school and perhaps talk to a faculty member. But yea, I'm having a hard time figuring out anything about the schools down there, so I am having to go in person and hope I can find something..

I think I am going to do a TOEFL course, perhaps in Latin America. Can you guys recommend a legit one? I found one at teflcourse.com. It looks and sounds like the real thing. I am looking to do my courses in Latin America, perhaps Costa Rica or Argentina...The company is based in Maryland but here's the thing...From reading on here, I see that I would not be able to work in Europe because I'm not EU. The girl at this company says that I can work anywhere in the world, but has failed to mention this...Should I steer clear of this company? My gut says too..

jbkranger · Joined: 12 Sep 2010 Posts: 1

www.cis-elsalvador.org/
CIS is a non-governmental organization that provides a variety of services. I worked for them as an international elections observer in March 2009.

They started an ESL program a few years back. It has not made money so the teachers pay about a thousand dollars to teach there for about 3 months. I donate a few dollars every year for the ESL program. I encourage you to do the same.

CIS is a GREAT bunch of people to work for, especially if you are into peace and justice. I hope to work for them again in 2012 as an observer and maybe some day teach for a few months.

I made several international friends there. One of which is a Swedish girl in her late 20's who founded an NGO that promotes reading. I asked her about teaching ESL in El Salvador. She said that it is a small country and everybody knows (or is related to) everyone else. If you show up with a handful of resumes and start letting people know you want to teach, you will have an interview in a day or two.

I toured a CIS-run scholarship program in the department (province) of La Liberdad while I was there. I spoke with about 10 students. They all said they needed English and computer skills to be able to stay in El Salvador and work.

The need for ESL is there, but there ain't much money in it. If you find a job there, please let me know. El Salvador is addictive
JK