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| How much money should you have saved before moving down to Latin America? |
| $1000-$5000 USD |
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26% |
[ 4 ] |
| $5000-$10,000 USD |
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40% |
[ 6 ] |
| $10,000-$15,000 USD |
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13% |
[ 2 ] |
| $15,000-$20,000 USD |
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0% |
[ 0 ] |
| $20,000+ |
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20% |
[ 3 ] |
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| Total Votes : 15 |
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lil5foot
Joined: 21 Feb 2015
Posts: 9
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 Posted: Tue May 12, 2015 4:58 pm Post subject: Savings for making the BIG move? |
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Hi everyone! My goal is to complete my TEFL certification in one of the following locations: Guatemala, Nicaragua or Mexico. This is a long term goal. For now, I am just building up my savings enough to make this an easier move. Ideally, I'd like to have enough money saved up to pay for my certification, flight down, and supporting myself before landing a teaching position.
So I am just curious - Approximately how much money should one have saved up before taking the plunge into this new career path, especially in Latin America? I know the more the better - but I am curious to hear thoughts, so maybe I can put a timeline on my goal.
$5,000, $10,000, $20,000 USD?
Thanks for any thoughts, personal experiences or input! |
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Jultime
Joined: 25 Jun 2014
Posts: 113
Location: Mexico
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| Posted: Tue May 12, 2015 6:03 pm Post subject: |
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I'm sure you've already read in other threads that you should complete a CELTA. That alone will set you back $2000 plus accomodation etc.
Then you have to decide where you want to live. That choice will depend on what kind of lifestyle you want to live.
Keep reading the forums  |
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lil5foot
Joined: 21 Feb 2015
Posts: 9
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| Posted: Tue May 12, 2015 6:25 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Jultime! BTW, I've read your Mexico thread and LOVED it! I'm in Edmonton too...so we definitely have that in common.
Yes, I've read that a CELTA seems to be the most widely recognized! That being said, the TEFL program offered through Maximo Nivel is quite enticing, especially considering that I am really drawn to Guatemala, and they have a location in Antigua (I've been, and absolutely loved it). Maximo Nivel also seems to have a very good reputation amongst those who have taken the course.
I also found this program in San Cristobal De Las Casas, Chiapas, Mx: http://www.tesol-in-mexico.com/ It has really captured my interest! Their facebook page looks to be updated regularly and they look to be a highly professional organization that seems to truly care about their students. This course is 120 hours.
The other program that really peaked my interest is this one in Leon, Nicaragua, with International TEFL Academy: http://www.internationalteflacademy.com/nicaragua-tefl-class-central-america
Obviously, location is very important to me! I want to be in a location that I love - with beautiful culture and scenery. Ideally, I'd prefer to get my certification in the country I plan on living, but it's not a requirement. I do feel like my heart is drawing me to certain places, and I would love to do what you did prior to getting certified and take intensive Spanish training in Guatemala first.
Recently the CELTA course in Galapagos seems to be appealing to me more and more, but my current short list of places I'd love to live:
Guatemala
Nicaragua
Mexico
Venezuela
Honduras
...?
Wow, I just wrote a book...Thoughts?
Thanks for responding! |
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esl_prof
Joined: 30 Nov 2013
Posts: 2006
Location: peyi kote solèy frèt
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Xie Lin
Joined: 21 Oct 2011
Posts: 731
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| Posted: Wed May 13, 2015 12:43 am Post subject: |
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I also found this program in San Cristobal De Las Casas, Chiapas, Mx: http://www.tesol-in-mexico.com/ It has really captured my interest! Their facebook page looks to be updated regularly and they look to be a highly professional organization that seems to truly care about their students. This course is 120 hours.
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This is a relatively new course, in it's third year, or right around there. Still, it seems like a solid, high quality course--I'm impressed by what I've seen so far. Their website is beautifully designed, simple, elegant, easily navigated, visually appealing. (I would prefer a little more course content specific information, but then I like a LOT of detail about course content and structure.) They do respond to questions. The trainers are well-qualified; classes are small; teaching practice seems well done; and the price is considerably less than most courses of comparable quality. One of my students was looking into this program last year, and no red flags popped up. In the end she chose another course, only because they don't run one in July or August.
Oh, and their building is gorgeous, if that kind of thing matters to you! 
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lil5foot
Joined: 21 Feb 2015
Posts: 9
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| Posted: Wed May 13, 2015 1:39 am Post subject: |
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Thanks! I have definitely looked into the SIT program - specifically the one in Oaxaca. The Guatemala City course is also on my radar, but I really don't think I would enjoy living in GC. I guess my only concern with the SIT program, is that I feel it is more geared towards college-aged/gap year students? I am in my 30's and do not want to be in a class filled with people in their early 20's. Is this what SIT courses are like? I could be completely wrong about this! |
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lil5foot
Joined: 21 Feb 2015
Posts: 9
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| Posted: Wed May 13, 2015 1:42 am Post subject: |
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| Xie Lin wrote: |
This is a relatively new course, in it's third year, or right around there. Still, it seems like a solid, high quality course--I'm impressed by what I've seen so far. Their website is beautifully designed, simple, elegant, easily navigated, visually appealing. (I would prefer a little more course content specific information, but then I like a LOT of detail about course content and structure.) They do respond to questions. The trainers are well-qualified; classes are small; teaching practice seems well done; and the price is considerably less than most courses of comparable quality. One of my students was looking into this program last year, and no red flags popped up. In the end she chose another course, only because they don't run one in July or August.
Oh, and their building is gorgeous, if that kind of thing matters to you!
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Wow, thanks! Another plus for this program. It really looks to be a great one, and the location seems exactly what I am looking for. Plus! It is so close to the border of Guat and Central America, which would make it easier to travel when I had the time!
I am so excited for this next chapter in my life! My savings can't pile up fast enough, but I really feel like I will have enough money to be comfortable and confident in my choice by this time next year (2016)! |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Wed May 13, 2015 3:27 am Post subject: |
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| lil5foot wrote: |
| I have definitely looked into the SIT program - specifically the one in Oaxaca. The Guatemala City course is also on my radar, but I really don't think I would enjoy living in GC. I guess my only concern with the SIT program, is that I feel it is more geared towards college-aged/gap year students? I am in my 30's and do not want to be in a class filled with people in their early 20's. Is this what SIT courses are like? |
Not so. SIT TESOL is through the SIT Graduate Institute, which is a US-accredited graduate education institution that also offers master's degrees and graduate certificates. For specifics on SIT TESOL, see http://graduate.sit.edu/sit-graduate-institute/sn/degree-and-certificate-programs/language-teacher-training/sit-graduate-institute-tesol-certificate/ |
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esl_prof
Joined: 30 Nov 2013
Posts: 2006
Location: peyi kote solèy frèt
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| Posted: Wed May 13, 2015 3:45 am Post subject: |
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| lil5foot wrote: |
| Thanks! I have definitely looked into the SIT program - specifically the one in Oaxaca. The Guatemala City course is also on my radar, but I really don't think I would enjoy living in GC. I guess my only concern with the SIT program, is that I feel it is more geared towards college-aged/gap year students? I am in my 30's and do not want to be in a class filled with people in their early 20's. Is this what SIT courses are like? I could be completely wrong about this! |
I have a colleague who is an SIT trainer and goes down to Costa Rica and Oaxaca regularly to do courses. Based on what she's shared, it sounds like most of her courses tend to include a range of recent college graduates, mid-career changers, and retirees. The exception is Costa Rica where the training center gets U.S. State Department funding to offer the TESOL certificate as an in-service training to English educators from throughout Latin America, so their courses tend to have a very different dynamic. |
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HLJHLJ
Joined: 06 Oct 2009
Posts: 1218
Location: Ecuador
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| Posted: Wed May 13, 2015 5:18 am Post subject: |
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Depending on where you eventually go, and whether you need 2 international flights, or stay in the country you do your training in, I'd aim for about $5,000-$7,000. My logic for that is:
$2,000-$3,000 - for a good TEFL course + living costs
$500-$1,000 flights
$1,500 - $2,000 living expenses while you find work and wait for a pay check.
$1,000 emergency fund in case it all goes belly up and you want to bail.
You could certainly take a lot more, and there are corners you could cut and take less, but personally, I would feel quite comfortable with that amount.[/url] |
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Xie Lin
Joined: 21 Oct 2011
Posts: 731
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| Posted: Wed May 13, 2015 2:07 pm Post subject: |
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I guess my only concern with the SIT program, is that I feel it is more geared towards college-aged/gap year students? I am in my 30's and do not want to be in a class filled with people in their early 20's.
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There is no appreciable difference in the demographics of the three brand-name courses, SIT, CELTA, and Trinity, nor among the serious, high-quality, equivalent courses. While there are as many exceptions as not, the MOST likely trainee group has a preponderance of recent grads, a couple of older career changers, and an occasional retiree. While this is reasonably consistent among the three named providers and equivalents, it DOES change from month to month, and in some cases, location to location.
July and August courses tend to have the highest percentage of new grads. Certain beach locations will attract a bigger 20's crowd; the CELTA in Playa del Carmen comes to mind, described by the provider as "a sun-soaked, fun-filled TEFL destination" with "white sand and turquoise waters that can lead to behavior like sunbathing, swimming and even sipping piña coladas." http://www.bridgetefl.com/teaching-english-in-the-caribbean-read-this-before-you-decide/ Also, many lesser quality generic courses market themselves this way to young 20's with pictures of palm trees and beaches, and talk up the surfing, diving, travel and adventure. Think TEFL Heaven, and Paradise TEFL. Since you are not considering this kind of course, you'll automatically improve your chances of a training group with more varied ages.
In short, you are no more likely to be the only older trainee on an SIT course than you are on a CELTA, Trinity, or serious equivalent course.
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esl_prof
Joined: 30 Nov 2013
Posts: 2006
Location: peyi kote solèy frèt
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| Posted: Wed May 13, 2015 4:42 pm Post subject: |
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| Xie Lin wrote: |
There is no appreciable difference in the demographics of the three brand-name courses, SIT, CELTA, and Trinity, nor among the serious, high-quality, equivalent courses. While there are as many exceptions as not, the MOST likely trainee group has a preponderance of recent grads, a couple of older career changers, and an occasional retiree. While this is reasonably consistent among the three named providers and equivalents, it DOES change from month to month, and in some cases, location to location.
July and August courses tend to have the highest percentage of new grads. Certain beach locations will attract a bigger 20's crowd; the CELTA in Playa del Carmen comes to mind, described by the provider as "a sun-soaked, fun-filled TEFL destination" with "white sand and turquoise waters that can lead to behavior like sunbathing, swimming and even sipping piña coladas." http://www.bridgetefl.com/teaching-english-in-the-caribbean-read-this-before-you-decide/ Also, many lesser quality generic courses market themselves this way to young 20's with pictures of palm trees and beaches, and talk up the surfing, diving, travel and adventure. Think TEFL Heaven, and Paradise TEFL. Since you are not considering this kind of course, you'll automatically improve your chances of a training group with more varied ages.
In short, you are no more likely to be the only older trainee on an SIT course than you are on a CELTA, Trinity, or serious equivalent course.
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An excellent, detailed, and nuanced explanation, Xie Lin!
Having taught in the Caribbean for years, I can vouch that the lure of living and working close to the beach sort of wears off after you've weathered your first couple of hurricanes. A great vacation spot, no doubt, but my preference is to live and work on higher ground, literally. |
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MotherF
Joined: 07 Jun 2010
Posts: 1450
Location: 17�48'N 97�46'W
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| Posted: Thu May 14, 2015 12:15 am Post subject: |
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Do airlines still do those open-ended tickets?
When I went to Ecuador in 1995, I bought a round trip ticket where the return was undetermined in a six month period. It was a little more expensive. But I knew that if things went badly for what ever reason I had a way out.
Once you have the money for your course and living during the course saved, if you bought one of those. Then you could probably head off with a little less. But it would help if we knew just a little more about your "long term goal"
Live out the rest of your life in Latin America, teaching TEFL? Eventually get an MA (if you want to live comfortably in Latin America as an English teacher that will help). Marry a rich Latin American and become a trophy spouse? Learn Spanish to move on to something else in life that needs Spanish? (not sure what that would be these days...) |
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lil5foot
Joined: 21 Feb 2015
Posts: 9
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| Posted: Thu May 14, 2015 12:43 am Post subject: |
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Thank you everyone for the info on the SIT program! I am not sure why I was thinking that it was geared towards the younger folks...And no! I am definitely not looking into the CELTA in Playa...I have been to Playa and I really didn't enjoy the touristy nature of it. I honestly felt like I was surrounded by Canadians and Americans, which is not the experience I want when I travel.
My goals...Definitely not to be a trophy wife! I don't plan on meeting anybody to settle down with. This journey is for me, and me alone.
A little about me - I am in my early 30's and divorced (or soon to be). I feel like I have been living under a rock these past few years with the deterioration of my marriage. After hiding out in my apartment, waiting for life to happen, I finally decided that I am the only person who can live MY life. So that's what I'm doing. I recently took a solo trip through Guatemala, Belize and Mexico and it solidified that this is something I not only want, but need, in my life. Bottom line - I am not happy here in Canada. If I look back at my life when I am 60, 70, 80 years old and see that this is all I've done with it...I'd be extremely upset. Life is meant to be LIVED.
I would like to make this a permanent move. I don't plan on coming back to Canada, which is why I want to ensure I have a nice cushion that will allow me to feel comfortable and confident in everything I do. I am thinking between 15-20k right now.
I really don't think a Master's is in my future. It is just not something I want badly enough, so I don't think I would dedicate myself to it.
Basically, I want to do something meaningful with my life. I want to live in a warm, beautiful location with warm people. I want to go out and experience everything life has to offer, and I really think that teaching English will provide me with the sort of life I am looking for.
Maybe too much info, but that's where I am coming from! |
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MotherF
Joined: 07 Jun 2010
Posts: 1450
Location: 17�48'N 97�46'W
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| Posted: Thu May 14, 2015 4:47 pm Post subject: |
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| lil5foot wrote: |
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Maybe too much info, but that's where I am coming from! |
No, that's great that really helps us get a better idea of what to tell you.
A few more things. Ideally, you'd have some sort of passive income. Like if you owned a house in Canada that you rented out...
Do you have any idea what age group you would like to teach?
Do you have any experience in a large classroom or one on one tutoring?
Teaching young kids, teens, young adults and adults is a lot different as are individual lessons, small groups and large classes.
For example, I don't enjoy one on one lessons. Not at all. And I really enjoy the energy of a large class of young adults. Some teachers are the exact opposite. I taught small kids in the past and enjoyed it, but I'm not sure I could go back to that now.
While you are working to build up your savings, why not look for some local volunteer opportunities with immigrants so you can get a feel for what kind of teaching you think you'd like to do? |
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