Job Discussion Forums

[meshell]

Hello Everyone- I just recently visited a good friend in Colombia who is teaching English there. I never thought it would be anything that I would want to do but after talking to her about her experience I think I may want to go that route.. So I have a few questions if anyone can help..

1. I was thing about getting my TEFL from Oxford in Boston and then work with the Alumni to find a job abroad.. I work full time and I am trying to save as much as possible before I leave... Has anyone heard anything about Oxford?? It is basically weekend classes for 60 hours... Please tell me your thoughts..

2. I am considering between Bogot� or Cartegena in Colombia or maybe Ecuador as far as places I would like to work... I fear that Bogot� may be dangerous... Has anyone worked there?? Any good/bad experiences??

[rlloydevans]

Meshall

Can't comment on Oxford, but can on Colombia and Ecuador.

Generally, big cities in Colombia really aren't worse than most big cities world wide. While there are a lot of problems with the drug cartels in some areas of the country, they have mostly been driven away from places like Medellin and Cali and are mostly in rural areas in the mountains and rain forests. You do have to be aware and take precautions, but you are definitely not under a state of siege. As far as Cartegena, it wouldn't be my first choice. While beautiful and on the coast, it is extremely aggressive in its "rip off the gringo" culture, with beaches swarming with aggressive beggars and people selling cheap knockoffs. I'd take Bogota or Cali any day to live.

Ecuador is where I live and I love it. Generally it is a little safer than Colombia although there is a lot of small time property theft - some people go through cell phones and Ipods a lot, etc. Quito is a wonderfully cosmopolitan city with a lot of demand. I live in Guayaquil where the demand isn't so hot but I like the weather a lot and it is a skip and a hop to the beach.

Both are Third World countries with everything that goes along with it, including teeth grating bureaucracy, corruption, iffy health care, etc, but I think a wonderful experience.

Good luck

[meshell]

Thanks!!!

I am thinking about going with The Boston Academy of Language for my TEFL since the program is 120 hrs instead of 60 hours..

Where did you get your TEFL??

[naturegirl321]

Anything less than 120 hours and 6 of teaching isn-t worth the paper it-s written on. Don-t expect an Oxford cert to cut it.