Job Discussion Forums

[Higo]

I've scoured these forums looking for a good place to teach in Latin America. What is a "good place to teach" for me? Somewhere with a reasonable wage, (I know I won't get rich) interesting things to see nearby, relatively safe, not cost-prohibitive for an occasional family member to visit, and great place to practice and expand my Spanish.

So far, Bogota is high on the list. A few things...I'm not a carefree recent college grad. I'm 35, married, and have 2 tiny dogs. Yes, it's wacky that we are willing to uproot for this. Yes, it's bananas that I'm leaving my career. But we're ready for a change. And hopefully that change isn't a dumb idea..so here is the reality check part.

I have an undergrad degree and volunteer teach ESL students and refugees (and love it,) and I'm wrapping up a TEFL course. I may need a CELTA it sounds like? Yes, no? Could I get hired without it?

Can we find a place to live, a 1Br, where we could have our little dogs? They are like 12lbs of dog, combined weight. But is Bogota dog friendly with rentals?

Can I work enough to pay rent and eat, but still be able to go/see/do? (Spouse works remotely, low/modest income) Meaning, am I tied up with splits 5 days a week? Or can I expect like 15/20 hours a week and my time is mine? (Yes we will have some savings, but don't want to dip into it too excessively)

OK, tell me what you think. Please try not to be the turd in the punchbowl of my plans because I do want to make this work. That said, I respect your feedback, and if you think I'm high (in a bad way) please say so.

Sidebar: I kind of like the idea of an IH type deal where you can have some hours, maybe not a ton, but you get a VISA and that layer of security. Remember, I'm old as EFL goes. Plus, can't make too many border runs with those dogs, right?

[JonnyBravo]

Does anybody know if a work visa provides status for spouses (this is the one major hitch in the plan if not.) I'll give a more detailed reply later, but I don't know the answer to this part.

[Higo]

We could probably do border runs if we had to.

[MNguy]

[MNguy]

[Sammy13]

Much friendlier dog culture in Colombia. You see dogs everywhere even inside the malls. Lots of dog shows.

[G22]

No you don't need a CELTA to get a job, at least not at a language institute.

[Higo]

Good to know on the CELTA, dogs, etc.

Addressing the visa issue...could I get a visa and we just do occasional border runs for my husband? Is this acceptable and doable?

Thanks for the feedback -- it's really helpful.

[Cruiser]

[JacobTM]

Bogot� is a city where English teachers can make a decent wage.

In a nice area, you could rent a 1 BR apt that will let you have dogs for maybe 1 million pesos a month, or about $550 US.

If you want to work 15-20 hours a week, understand that you will be travelling alot, and most likely you will be given morning classes at 6 or 7am, and evening classes as the work day ends at 5 or 6. You can expect to earn between 1.5 million and 2 million as a starting teacher.

You can definitely get hired without a CELTA, I personally know many people doing that, but it's definitely easier with a CELTA and some companies have pay-scales where they automatically pay CELTA teachers more.

However, the course does cost $1,500 US at International House Bogot�, so it is a serious expense.

If your wife earns at least $1,000 a month US, it should be no problem.

The biggest problem I think will be renting an apt. I have rented rooms from people, which isn't a problem, but if you want a whole place to yourself you often have to go through all sortsa paperwork and BS like that.

Of course, you can find people who rent apts without worrying about paperwork, but it's a search.

[Higo]

Great info. I really appreciate it. Yeah, seems like the CELTA is mixed on return on investment. I think I have to look at it as good training, not dwell on the money/wage ratio, you know? (Even though that's my first reaction to a 1500$ class offered by the very people who are possibly hiring you)

As for the rooms...maybe I can check the classifides...maybe we just show up and get something temp and spend a little more time looking?

Thanks for the help everybody -- open to any/all wisdom from the group.

[CountBassD]