Job Discussion Forums

[radically4peace]

Hello,

I have a B.A. in Communications and have completed 38 credits in Spanish. I've done some traveling to Mexico and Costa Rica and have a few friends here in the states with whom I converse in Spanish. I would consider myself conversationally fluent; however, I do not have a certificate to teach English. I have taught as a volunteer in a senior citizen community center but have not been formally trained. I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on this. I have been looking at a course / position through CIEE, which would get me a TEFL certificate and a 6 month position in Santiago or Valparaiso. It costs somewhere around $2500, and I believe that includes return trip airfare if you complete your position. Meals and home stay are included, as well as a stipend. Is this a good deal? Is it possible to get a better paying position without already being certified?

Thank you!

[naturegirl321]

The cert in English is more important than your Spanish skills.

The 2500 sounds good, kind of. If you figure that most courses cost that much, but, after you get a cert, you'll get paid, at least 700 usd.

So, you'll pay 2500 for 6 months, earn no money. Free room and board, which is good. Maybe flights. Which few give in Latin America. And maybe a stipend, how much?

BUt, if you did a regular course, you'd pay 2500 for a monht, then make about 700 usd for five months, which is 3500 usd. But have to pay for meals, housing, and a flight.

Depending on how much food, housing and a fligth are, you just might be better off with CIEE.

One, thing, ask about the position, will you be getting a LEGAL working visa?

[JonnyBravo]

I'm curious to know the answer to this question if the poster ever returns to answer it...

Not to hijack this likely dead thread, but when did you head to Korea naturegirl? I thought you were peruvian for life?