Job Discussion Forums

[kvick28]

Quick background: I'm 23-years-old and have a BA in Journalism. I work at a killer advertising agency and have a comfortable life. But, I've got a travel bug in me and have decided that I want to immerse myself in a new culture while I'm still young and single.

I started out on the newbie forum and got most of the basics answered, so now here's where I've landed...

I'm in the process of finding the right company to get a TEFL certification through. Originally I wanted to teach in Spain, but everyone on this forum hammered me so hard about what a bad idea that was, so now I'm thinking Buenos Aires. I definitely want to be in a Spanish-speaking country because I've studied the language for several years and would consider myself conversational.

Am I going to get brutal feedback on this idea too? Am I crazy for wanting to leave my stable life for something new, challenging, and exciting? I'm a very driven and motivated young spirit, and I really feel like this would be the most amazing life experience for me.

So, how do I find the best place to get my certification through? I would love to teach older children or young adults and perhaps find a host family to live with. I'm planning on getting my certification on-site at the end of 2011 or beginning of 2012 (initially I wanted to get certified online, but everyone told me that was a bad idea).

Also, I'm VERY skeptical of working under the radar and staying on a tourist visa. Is that too risky?

Sorry for such beginner questions, but I've exhausted the newbie forum and have my heart set on Argentina

Thanks,
Kristen

[TeresaLopez]

The thing about Spain wasn't a reflection on you, or on your qualifications, it's just that it's nearly impossible for non EU citizens to work there.

[spanglish]

You might consider Montevideo and Santiago as well. I know Buenos Aires is doable, but probably one of the tougher cities in South America to make it as an foreign language teacher. I'm not sure why; I just hear this repeatedly. I don't know much about teaching in Montevideo, but it's been my dream for a while to live there, seems to offer a very high standard of living. Santiago seems to have a more established teaching market, and if you'd like to live somewhere a little more developed, that'd be a good option. While we're on the subject of big cities, you could also check out Bogota. If you're a city person, you might like it. I wasn't such a big fan, but did stick it out for 2 years. Much happier now in a small city with a better salary.

Just get started right i.e. get a good certificate (Trinity, CELTA or SIT), have a few grand to tide you over and you'll be fine.

[spanglish]

Oh and the tourist visa thing. I agree with your attitude about this. Lots of shady employers down here; it's just best to have a work visa and be legal.

[kvick28]

Ok, I'll definitely check out those other cities. Good advice. Thank you so much for sharing!!

[Daddyo]

[kvick28]

Ha - thanks Daddyo. My heart is pretty set on Buenos Aires. I figured if I can't teach in Europe then this is the next best thing, right? I've heard B.A. is "the Paris of South America!"

I just hope that I can find a good company to get certified through and find a host family, if possible. I'm such a planner, so this whole process is a bit overwhelming! Ugh!

[Daddyo]

[kvick28]

That's SO refreshing to hear! Everyone's been helpful in giving me advice on this forum, but I've felt nothing but discouragement. Surely I'm not crazy for thinking that giving up my corporate gig in the big city will be worth the amazing experience of living in a different culture, right? Surely it's possible to move to Buenos Aires, get TEFL certified, land a decent teaching job, and find housing without going completely broke, right?

[Daddyo]