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nomeolvides
Joined: 18 Jun 2011
Posts: 3
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 Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 6:13 pm Post subject: Can a non-native teach English in Latin America? |
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Hello, 
This is my first post here; although I had been using the forum for some time before I registered. I've got a question which I couldn't find an answer to on the forum (if there is one, a link to a thread will be appreciated  ).
I'm thinking about teaching English in Latin America and would like to know what my chances of getting a job are. I'm not a native English speaker, have already a BA in translation and will soon complete a BEd in foreign languages (including English). I've been teaching English to all age groups at all levels up to C1 (according to the Common European Framework of Reference) for 3 years in total in various private and state-owned schools, plus individual classes for around 4 years. I generally like doing it. I also speak some Spanish. Do you think I could land myself a job some place in Latin America? If so, would I be limited to certain countries only?
All the best,
nomeolvides |
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BadBeagleBad
Joined: 23 Aug 2010
Posts: 1186
Location: 24.18105,-103.25185
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| Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 7:34 pm Post subject: |
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| Give us a little more information. How long have you been speaking English? Do you have an accent? What is your ethnic background? In Mexico, if you speak good English you will find a job. When I lived in Guatemala and taught in an international school there were teachers of a variety of nationalities, native and non native English speakers. The non Natives did have a high level of English though. Based on your post (and the fact that you can teach levels up to C1) I would say the same is true of you, |
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Guy Courchesne
Joined: 10 Mar 2003
Posts: 9650
Location: Mexico City
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| Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 7:57 pm Post subject: |
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| What is your ethnic background? |
An important question as Latin Americans teaching in their home countries are very often given the short end of the stick, even if highly qualified. |
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naturegirl321
Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home
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| Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 1:34 pm Post subject: |
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Yes, but you might get less pay or have less employers intersted in hiring you. Depends on where you're from.
If you have a CAE or CPE, that would help a lot. |
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Prof.Gringo
Joined: 07 Nov 2006
Posts: 2236
Location: Dang Cong San Viet Nam Quang Vinh Muon Nam!
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| Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 2:10 pm Post subject: |
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| naturegirl321 wrote: |
Yes, but you might get less pay or have less employers intersted in hiring you. Depends on where you're from.
If you have a CAE or CPE, that would help a lot. |
I knew a Swiss Miss  and she had no prob working as an English teacher in Mexico. She was white, buxom  and could speak 3 languages. |
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nomeolvides
Joined: 18 Jun 2011
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 9:09 pm Post subject: |
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Thank you for your answers.
| BadBeagleBad wrote: |
| Give us a little more information. How long have you been speaking English? Do you have an accent? What is your ethnic background? In Mexico, if you speak good English you will find a job. When I lived in Guatemala and taught in an international school there were teachers of a variety of nationalities, native and non native English speakers. The non Natives did have a high level of English though. Based on your post (and the fact that you can teach levels up to C1) I would say the same is true of you, |
I've been speaking English for some 12 years and have a British English accent.
I come from Poland.
| naturegirl321 wrote: |
Yes, but you might get less pay or have less employers intersted in hiring you. Depends on where you're from.
If you have a CAE or CPE, that would help a lot. |
Do you think that a C1 or C2 would fit the bill too? I migh have a chance to sit one of those in September.
I would also appreciate any advice as to what I should start with. I don't have any special preferences as to the country; alhtough, a Central American country would be nice (but it's not a must). |
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MotherF
Joined: 07 Jun 2010
Posts: 1450
Location: 17�48'N 97�46'W
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| Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 9:20 pm Post subject: |
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| nomeolvides wrote: |
| naturegirl321 wrote: |
If you have a CAE or CPE, that would help a lot. |
Do you think that a C1 or C2 would fit the bill too? I migh have a chance to sit one of those in September.
I would also appreciate any advice as to what I should start with. I don't have any special preferences as to the country; alhtough, a Central American country would be nice (but it's not a must). |
CAE (Cambridge Advanced Exam) is C1 and CPE (Cambridge Proficiency Exam) is C2. |
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nomeolvides
Joined: 18 Jun 2011
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 9:34 pm Post subject: |
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| MotherF wrote: |
| nomeolvides wrote: |
| naturegirl321 wrote: |
If you have a CAE or CPE, that would help a lot. |
Do you think that a C1 or C2 would fit the bill too? I migh have a chance to sit one of those in September.
I would also appreciate any advice as to what I should start with. I don't have any special preferences as to the country; alhtough, a Central American country would be nice (but it's not a must). |
CAE (Cambridge Advanced Exam) is C1 and CPE (Cambridge Proficiency Exam) is C2. |
I know that they are more or less the same in terms of language level, but as far as I know they are run by different institutions, British Council (CAE and CPE), and European Union (C1 and C2). Do you think this fact has any significance in this case? |
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
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| Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 9:38 pm Post subject: |
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| CEF C1/C2 are not tests - they are levels which can be determined by a test: CAE/CPE or other tests evaluate a non-native speaker for levels. |
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