Job Discussion Forums

[jdm]

Hello,

I have hopes of traveling abroad to teach English before Jan 2011, and would like to know if anyone has experience doing this in Ecuador or other places in South America? I mention Ecuador specifically because I have heard it is easy job placement and the living is cheap. I have spent some time in Argentina as a student, and the location would be ideal, but I'm not sure what opportunities are out there. We are open to any location as long as we can work, make some money to travel, do outdoor activities, and experience the local culture.

Money is not my #1 priority,however it would be an added bonus to be able to travel around South America during our time spent teaching. Also, I are looking for a place that would be welcoming and where I could study to perfect my Spanish. Also, I am interested in areas that have an eclectic mix of activities to do including surfing, hiking, cycling, swimming, etc. Which places in South America would offer this?

Here are some questions I have about teaching in South America:
Is the pay substantial enough to make a living and save for travel?
Are there specific companies that will hire you, set you up with housing and teaching jobs? or do you have to just go and see what happens?
Is it easy to find housing? or say work part-time in a hostel for free room and board in addition to teaching?
What is the teaching experience like?--do you have full classrooms of students at public schools, or is there opportunity for small tutoring sessions?

I'm sure more questions will arise, but at this point I am happy for any advise, comments and feedback. Any links would also be helpful as there is a world of knowledge out there, and I need all the help I can get to narrow things down and begin my journey. Thanks!

[Chancellor]

[jdm]

haha, good call.

[Tantris]

In most South American countries you can expect to make a living but probably won't be able to save much. Expect to travel as locals do ie by bus and not plane.