Job Discussion Forums

[HLJHLJ]

It depends what you like. Guayaquil is on the coast, it's hot and humid, but you have easy access to the beaches. Quito is way way up in the mountains, it's cool and it rains a lot, and the altitude can take some getting used to. They are both, to some extent, dangerous, especially for foreigners. Crime is a problem, robberies are common in both.

Statistically, I am told crime rates are similar in both cities, but Guayaquil felt more initmidating to me. People in general seemed more on edge, and confrontational. But the heat makes me grouchy, so maybe I was the problem! I suspect that most people choose one or the other based mainly on the climate.

If you do the CELTA in Ecuador it's on the coast anyway, and you will travel there via Guayaquil. So if you arrange your trip so you can spend a few days in Quito, and a few days in Guayaquil too, you will get a feel for both cities.

[daniel_hayes]

I think I'd like Guayaquil! I lived in Thailand for 18months, and never had any trouble. Also live in a rough area of Manchester, and it's fine. Just need to keep your wits about you, and be prepared to be robbed every now and then!!

[just_a_mirage]

I�ve lived in Guayaquil for six years, and although crime is an issue here, I love the city, and there are great opportunities for teachers. I teach at the high school and university levels, and have great employers and students. There are many opportunities for career development also, from advanced TEFL courses, to the Celta, to masters courses in TEFL offered in English. There is a lot to do here, shopping, clubs, restaurants, cultural stuff etc. I have been robbed a few times...its a fact of life here, unfortunately, but I think things are slowly getting better here in that regard. Its nice because its only a couple hours to the beach. I recommend Guayaquil if you have any sort of adventurous spirit.

[daniel_hayes]

Mirage. Your description certainly piques my interest. Guayaquil seems like my kind of town! So if i had a ba and ma in english lit, a celta and passable spanish, i could possibly get a decent job?

[just_a_mirage]

With those credentials you could find high school or university work easily. Just make sure that you come on the 12-IX visa which will let you work legally for six months while you look for someone to sponsor a longer term visa for you. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions

[just_a_mirage]

With those credentials you could find high school or university work easily. Just make sure that you come on the 12-IX visa which will let you work legally for six months while you look for someone to sponsor a longer term visa for you. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions

[just_a_mirage]

With those credentials you could find high school or university work easily. Just make sure that you come on the 12-IX visa which will let you work legally for six months while you look for someone to sponsor a longer term visa for you. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions

[daniel_hayes]

For sure I will get the X12, and I will have enough savings to take my time about finding a job.

What is the cost of living/apartment situation in Guayaquil? How much will it cost for a decent place (sharing, or ideally, a one bed place for myself).

Same goes for a decent lifestyle -- but far from excessive. Few drinks each week, play some pool, watch and play football, socialise a little.

[just_a_mirage]

It depends on your taste. For example, I pay $200 for a small, two bedroom house that I rent with my kids. Not the greatest area, but decent, and fairly safe. If you want something fancier, and more �Americanized�, you can find something very nice for $300 or more, depending on if you would need something furnished. Most apartments, unless furnished do not come with a stove or refrigerator here.
Cost of living for a single person here is very cheap....if you are fairly frugal, you could live well and do a little traveling for about $600 a month. Most high schools here pay about $600-$700 a month. The reason I recomend them is that, even though universities pay more, they are not as stable. For example, I have fewer classes this term because fewer students signed up for them. You usually dont get a contract with university classes. High schools generally give you a contract,and pay social security for you, so you qualify for free medical care. Also, they pay for all the holidays, which universities dont. You also generally get two months off in February and March, and receive full pay for that too. Another place to try in Guayaquil is CEN )Centro Ecuatriano Norte Americano. It offers English classes and cultural activities and does help teachers with visas. They recently opened a second branch in Urdesa. Their primary branch is downtown.