Job Discussion Forums

[jgz]

Hi All,

I've been perusing the boards, posted some topics and am generally trying to get myself as learned as possible before heading south, taking a CELTA course, and job hunting.

My current question is this: does anyone have any experience with teaching in Venezuela? Preferably not in Caracas?

I did some devel work there a few years ago and loved the country. But I can't seem to find much in terms of teaching opportunity there. Which is understandable. But I also know it must exist.

Anyone lived/worked and/or have any general thoughts?!

Thanks!

[naturegirl321]

I was going to go to Merida, but there were major political problems. See my PM.

[sunrader]

I was in Merida in 1999, but haven't been there since. I'm being considered for a job in Maracay now. Fingers crossed.

[naturegirl321]

[sunrader]

ELF - I'm very excited about it. The work looks wonderful.

[sunrader]

I was selected for this position! OMG! I'm so excited!

[naturegirl321]

[Insubordination]

Congratulations! I hope you continue to post over the coming year and share your impressions of working in Venezuela. It's a country I would like to find out more about.

[sunrader]

There's much to be done before they get us to DC in August. Then Ven. Today, I'm enjoying the feeling of a culmination of a LOT of work to get this far. Wow! I've wanted this since before grad school! I've had my application in since September. Wow!

[naturegirl321]

How long is the post for?

[sunrader]

They're 10 months. The school year. But the encourage you to renew for a second year.

[Vecchia]

Hate to hijack the thread but...
I've been in touch with a school in Caracas. The school deals mainly with multinational clients so it'll be business English.
Anyone had any recent experiences out there?
Pay is 2,800 Bfs p/m. Enough to live on? Housing inluded.

Also, is Caracas as dodgy and expensive as everyone says?

I read this article earlier, is it really that expensive??!

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/venezuela/090828/cost-living-caracas


Thanks

[newdayrising]

I have lived and traveled all over South America. I'm not sure that Caracas is more expensive than London like that article suggests, but it is definitely the most expensive, most dangerous place I have visited on the continent (although I don't have much experience with Chile, Argentina, or Brazil). I actually thought Caracas was really cool for the one day I spent there. The climate is pleasant, the mountains are pretty, and it's crowded and energetic (which can be both good and bad). Plus because of all the oil money it has good infrastructure and a pretty modern feel.

However, it is really really dangerous. Unlike Colombia, everything you've heard about Caracas is probably more or less true. If you're in a sketchy area or anywhere at all alone at night there's a good chance you'll be mugged. And muggings in Caracas usually involve violence/murder simply because the criminals know they'll get away with it.

And unless you have regular access to American dollars (which is possible but difficult) it is very expensive. The cheapest, most relatively safe hotel I could find was $50 a night. And it was much worse than $5-10 hotels in Colombia, Peru, etc. So prices are pretty outrageous. That said your salary is on the higher end for Latin America so you could probably manage.

I liked Caracas, but personally it has too many downsides to make me want to live there. If you're looking for a huge Latin metropolis I'd suggest Bogota or Lima.

[naturegirl321]

I'd nix Lima, especially with the elections going on at the moment. BUt everyone's different.

[newdayrising]

All the more reason to go . For someone interested in international politics the next few years in Peru will surely be interesting times.