Job Discussion Forums

[Don Scott]

Hi all. I'm new to the forum and am here to try and gain some more information on TEFL in Latin America.

I am 21, attend school in Los Angeles and will be graduating with a BA in International Development and a Minor in Spanish this June. I am currently exploring getting a TEFL certificate in the United States after graduation, and found a program through St. Giles International that offering a four week course in San Francisco. The program is fairly expensive ($2495), so I am trying to determine if the costs are worth it, especially if I am able to find a cheaper program elsewhere abroad. A main concern for me is whether it is more advantageous to complete the TEFL course abroad because it will provide a better networking opportunity for jobs in the local town or city I choose to study...I can also explore possible living situations during that time period I'd be getting my certificate. The advantage of taking the program in SF is that I have family there, so I wouldn't have to worry about living accommodations for another month or so. I'd also assume the program might have some contacts because it is accredited with the British Council.

Also, I would like to know anyone's thoughts and feelings about going through a program to acquire my first teaching job, such as the one I've been looking at in Chile, teachingchile.com. It seems like the money you pay for a typical program is worth it between job placement and assistance in getting a visa...but I think operating for at least a few months illegally would be a completely worthwhile endeavor. It seems taking the leap of faith and just showing up with your CV, certificate and and ready to schmooze for work is a better investment of my time and money, even if it can be hectic.

Lastly, I am still uncertain as to which city I would like to take a stab at teaching and working in. I spent a semester abroad in Barcelona, Spain, but have yet to make it to Latin America (outside of a few resort towns in Mexico) and honestly feel like I could have an amazing 1-2 year experience in a number of places. I would not be able to arrive and teach until sometime around early/mid August, so any suggestions for cities and/or regions that have a high volume of job turnover around this time period would be greatly appreciated. How have many of you TEFL vets decided on your location for work in the past? What factors should I consider in making my decision? As a California native, Chile, Peru and Ecuador and Costa Rica seem quite appealing because of their close proximity to the Pacific - I do love the West Coast .

Sorry for the long message...lots of thoughts in my head these days about my uncertain future. Thank you for the help in advance. I'm sure I'll have loads more questions for you all as I figure out how to go about the process of teaching abroad. Thanks again.

-Scott

[naturegirl321]

Most TEFL courses are like that as far as prices go.

HOnestly, you should be able to find a job within a couple of weeks of arriving in Latin America. I wouldn't pay to get a job. Especially if you consider that you will only be making about 600 bucks a month. If you DO go through an agency, ask them about a work visa.

Lima has a high turnover. Hiriing is often around Feb and March and then August or Sept.

I can tell you about Peru. See my PM.

[Don Scott]

Thanks for the response and all of the useful info!

Naturegirl: what's the scene in Arequipa? I know that most of the opportunities to teach English in Peru are in Lima, but I heard Arequipa is quite a large city, making me believe there is probably a fair amount of work to be had around there. Do you know much about Arequipa specifically? From a friend who traveled there, i heard its a wonderful city and surrounded by mountains, desert, and conveniently located close to Bolivia for border hopping (in case I can't work out a visa). From your website I saw a few suggestions for English Language Institutes in the area, which I might try contacting once I'm closer to my actual date of arrival in mid to late August. Any info you have or personal experiences with the city would be much appreciated.

I'd PM you this stuff but I can't given the 5 post minimum requirement. Thanks again.

-Scott

[naturegirl321]

[AjarnIam]

Check out Cusco. It was definitely my most favorite place in Peru. It's where most people organize their treks into Machu Picchu.