Job Discussion Forums

fladude · Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 432

I've been told that Southern Cross has a policy against hiring Americans. Which is why I would not take a CELTA from them. I wasn't saying that I even wanted to work there, but it was just the principle.

daniel_hayes · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Posts: 177

Ecuador seems to be a great place, and I am also interested in the S.Cross Celta, and then getting a job in Quito or elsewhere.

I am British and have an MA and BA in English Literature. Would I be able to get a job that pays my rent and general living expenses (nothing extravagant or wild!).

Ecuador might be the place for me!!

HLJHLJ · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 1218 Location: Ecuador

You shouldn't have any problem finding a job with a liveable wage. Just be aware that the timing of the CELTA is important too, try to arrange not to finish it just before a major holiday, as many places wind down then. But even if you do, you should still be able to find work, it just might take a little longer. With your qualifications you probably want to look at University work as well, which usually pays better.

daniel_hayes · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Posts: 177

Thanks HLJ(x2),

The visas for Ecuador seem very complex, and this is one of my ONLY issues with Ecuador -- especially if finding decent jobs is possible.

Would I get a x12 visa and then try and get a Work Visa? Basically, how long could I stay in Ecuador without a work visa. But if schools sort out work visas, then there will be no problem I guess.

HLJHLJ · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 1218 Location: Ecuador

You would get a 12-IX visa in the UK, it's not that hard to get, but there are a few hoops to jump through. If you intend to work in Ecuador get used to endless and time consuming bureaucracy. There's no point getting stressed about it, it's a way of life here, you just have to get on with it.

The 12-IX is valid for ~ 6 months from arrival. It's a tourist visa, but it allows you to work, and gives you plenty of time to find a job and apply for a new visa. Most schools will do that for you, though usually it's a cultural exchange visa rather than a work visa. Which is fine, as long as the school is set-up for a cultural exchange programme. Some schools also use student visas, which is a little more dodgy unless you really are taking Spanish lessons with them as well. Be very wary of anywhere that tries to give you a volunteer visa, if you aren't volunteering.

If you are going to go straight on to the CELTA try and arrange to stay in Quito for a week first so you can get your visa registered. It's easier to do it here than in Guayaquil. If you are doing the course in Quito it's not a problem, you can just do it while you are here.

If you come in on a regular tourist visa you will get a 3 month stamp. You cannot legally work on it, and the better employers won't want to employ you, as it's a hassle for them. There are schools that would still take you on, but they don't pay as much, and it'll be a case of taking what you can get, rather than being able to find a job you actually want. Also, if you do find a good school to take you on, they will want to do the visa conversion properly, which means converting your tourist visa into a 12-IX and then converting that into a work/cultural exchange visa later on. You will probably be expected to pay for at least the 12-IX conversion, and it will still only be valid for 6 months, including the time already spent here on a normal tourist visa.

Search through the posts here for info about the 12-IX and visas, there's lots of useful posts about it. But if you want to chat about the specifics of getting the 12-IX in UK PM me for my email address, I'll be happy to help if I can.

just_a_mirage · Joined: 11 Nov 2008 Posts: 169 Location: ecuador

As usual HLJHLJ you are right on with your information, except for one small thing. I am a teacher, and I also have a small business where I help people register and obtain visas. I work out of Guayaquil, and it is extremely easy to register your visa in Guayaquil. At the moment it is easier than registering in Quito because of the re-orginazation in the Quito office. Things continue to process smoothly in Guayaquil.

daniel_hayes · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Posts: 177

Is it an easy, and legal process to change onto a Volunteer Visa, and continue working?

How many hours of volunteering would I have to do? And is there any way to use learning Spanish to extend the x12 visa after 6 months have expired.

Gracias,

Tu amigo, Daniel

HLJHLJ · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 1218 Location: Ecuador

That's interesting Just-A-Mirage, could you perhaps post a guide on getting a visa registered and getting a Censo in Guayaquil? I don't know anyone who's managed to to do it yet. Generally what happens is that people get sent to various offices only to be told everytime that they need to go elsewhere first, or that places are closed, or only process a few registrations a day, or on certain days, etc etc. Until eventually they give up and come up to Quito and do it.

If it's straightforward, and it's just a case of knowing when and where to go, that would be great, and the info would save people a lot of hassle.

As far as I know, the problems in Quito were only in the downtown office, Edificio Katrina wasn't affected. I've not heard of anyone having difficulties registering there, and know 2 people who have it all processed recently, one last month and one this week. I don't know if things have improved any downtown though. It was a mess down there for a while.