Job Discussion Forums

apalj · Joined: 25 May 2011 Posts: 7

Hey everyone,

This is my first post, so take it easy on me Wink

I have been reading a lot of the past threads, both on the LA forums and the general, and have learned a lot about ESL. One thing I haven't heard mentioned here in the LA forums is the public school/university options in South America. A little bit about my credentials first. I am 20 and entering my fourth and final year of a business degree. I am an American and will be seeking out a certification (CELTA or Trinity) after graduation. I know a certificate is not necessary in South America, but I don't have any teaching experience and would like to have a foundation to build on. I am embarking on the ESL path to explore a career as a teacher. I am genuinely interested in the field and want to gain some experience.

In order to get a feel for teaching, I would really like to be in a classroom setting. I understand that giving privates in language Mills and to businesses is the typical way to do things down there, and I would have no problem with this part time (especially with my business education), but I really want to be in front of kids/young adults.

I am wondering if someone could gauge the possibilities of me landing a job at a school/university with my credentials. I would be interested to hear thoughts on all countries, but I am really interested in: Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Peru. There is scattered information about Uruguay on this forum, but most of it is several years old. So any info about Uruguay in general would be greatly appreciated.

I know that NatureGirl has a lot of experience in Peru (mostly negative from what I read Sad

) and has mentioned a bit about university teaching. If it's not possible with my credentials I will try and look to Asia, but my heart is set on South America. Of course I do have a whole year to figure all this out.

Thanks for bearing with me through this long post, and thanks for your help

BadBeagleBad · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 3:36 am Post subject:

If your heart is set on South America, then that rules out Mexico, since it is in North America Very Happy

Depending on how much money you need to make, that is, if you have student loans to pay off, etc. your choices might be more limited than if you only need to have enough money to live on. Despite what you might have heard, there are some decent paying jobs in Mexico with a CELTA. If you want to get classroom experience you might try getting a half time job at a school (and they aren�t all language mills) and then round it out with a few higher paying private classes. Some schools will also give you training in their method of teaching as well. If you are interested in some options in Mexico City or Guadalajara that might fit your needs, feel free to PM me. I am not personally involved in, or recruiting for, these schools, they are just places I have first hand knowledge of.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Peru just had elections and the guy who won isn't that good. Some people are saying he's going to be a military dictator, so that's something to keep in mind. Lots of expats are selling their stuff and leaving.

There was a poster who worked in Uruguay for about 6 years, but has since moved back to Canada. Basically the info is similar to Peru:
don't expect a visa, housing, or flights
split shifts
5 to 10 dollars an hour

If you're looking at donig it for a short time, then it's possible. Long term is hard. Just to give you an idea, I first started with just a BA and made $700 a month at a uni AND got a visa. Fast forward four years, I had an MA, publications and presentations and I was making $800 a month at a university, but only working 8 months a year, so making just about the same, but living in the capital, MUCh more expensive.

I've PMed you with some links and info as far as teaching at unis.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

apalj · Joined: 25 May 2011 Posts: 7

Thanks for the quick replies!

apalj · Joined: 25 May 2011 Posts: 7

One more question.

From what I have read, a boots on the ground job hunt is really the only way to go in LA. Should I try to email a CV to a university first, or just show up?

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

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

I can't speak for all of Latin America, just Ecuador, but in many instances, it is not possible to survive only on university work. Unis generally pay better but, typically are not full time (there are a few exceptions). And you may see fluctuations in the number of classes you get from semester to semester, depending on how many people sign up for your class. It is common for classes to be closed. I teach in a university, and I love it, but it is my supplemental job. I have taught at two other universities with basically the same situation. For example, for this 6 week trimestre, I will make about $1000 for two classes for that six week period. However, during the next six week period, I only have one class, so my pay will be half that
My primary job is in a bilingual, private high school. It is very stable., and I have been there five years. Currently I have about 14 hours a week in class time, with three planning hours. I make a bit over $600 a month. I don't work Fridays, and the latest I work is until 1:30 pm. We receive decimo tercera, which is an extra month's pay in December, have social security paid, so we are able to use the free health care system in the country. We also have six weeks off, paid in February and March, as well as two paid weeks in December, and two more in August.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

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

Our experience with Unis in Ecuador have been the same as JaM. The work and pay are good, but it's casual and the hours are patchy. There's lots of long holidays with no money coming in. Also, the universities won't (actually it may be 'can't') get work visas for casual/part time staff, so you need another job to get a visa anyway.

In addition, they wouldn't really be interested in someone with just a bachelor degree, no teaching experience and no work/life experience that you could try and argue for as an alternative. You may get lucky and find one that needs a teacher fast for some reason, and if you can be in the right place at the right time, then it could happen. But in terms of planned classes, etc they will be looking for people with more qualifications and/or experience.

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

I have to agree with HLJHLJ . I think at your age and experience level, it may be hard to find university work. However, it may not be impossible. I think that you would have an easy time (at least in Ecuador) finding a job in a primary school, although some high schools may be a bit hesitant because of your age also. Unfortunately, it is quite legal here to ask questions about age, marital status, children etc., in job interviews.

BadBeagleBad · Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 5:12 pm Post subject:

You best bet (in Mexico) would probably be to look for a job in a second tier private school, that is a neighborhood private school that would be thrilled to have a native English speaker. Pay would be in the $10,000 - $12,000 peso per month range, with a decent benefits package, and they would help you with your working papers. You would need to speak some Spanish. You can get by quite nicely on that pay, but if you decide to stay on past the school year there is an unpaid 6 weeks or so between school years to consider. You do have to be on the ground to find those jobs, and NOW is the time to be looking.

apalj · Joined: 25 May 2011 Posts: 7

Thanks for all the great bits of information! I'm perpetually amazed at how awesome the community is here at Dave's.

apalj · Joined: 25 May 2011 Posts: 7

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