Job Discussion Forums

ElAvilaMahoney · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 17

Well, how do I start my first post, and first plea for assistance...

My name is Brendan, I'm 23 years old with a few years of college but no Univ. degree. I recently got my TEFL online through i-to-i.com. I plan on going to Latin America to find a job. From what I understand, it isn't completely necessary to hold a Univ. degree to teach in LA..is this true? It's my biggest concern...From what I've read the private schools are the employers interested in seeing Univ. degrees, is this true?

I already speak Spanish 100% fluently, I lived in Caracas for 3 years when I was very young, so it stayed in my head nicely and I even lack the gringo accent! Woohoo! I am planning a trip, with one-way ticket to Guatemala, in January. From there I plan on traveling CentAm until Panama..then flying to Ecuador. (Bypassing Colombia for security reasons).

So I guess I'm asking for suggestions on where to go, where to teach, what to expect in the job markets in LA..is there anyone that could offer me some helpful advice? I'd truly appreciate it!

Thanks everyone who took the time to read this. Cheers, Brendan.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

I posted my reply in the general discussion forum Very Happy

ElAvilaMahoney · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 17

ElAvilaMahoney · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 17

How frustrating! I thought it was as simple as getting a TEFL Certificate, being a native English speaker, and going down there and finding a job!?

Ahhhh my whole plan is down the drain!!!!! <jumps off the edge>

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Don't give up hope...it simply isn't quite as easy as they sold it to you (I suspect).

By border run, I meant that when your tourist visa expires, you cross a land border into a neighboring country, stay 2 or 3 days, then re-enter, obtaining a new visa. This is pretty common in Central America and some South American countries. If you check through the Latin America country forums, you'll find a number of threads dealing with this topic.

As I mentioned in your other topic, working under the table is illegal, so do be careful if you do it.

ElAvilaMahoney · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 17

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

You'll most likely do fine. It's good to be aware that in your position you're not going to make oodles of cash. Some people come down with other ideas unfortunately. Picking this part of the world is always going to more about the lifestyle change and experiencing the culture, which in my opinion is second to none.

Last piece of advice I can think of...make sure you're bankrolled enough to get through the first month or two before landing a job. The first paycheque might not be in for a little while until you settle in.

ElAvilaMahoney · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 17

Give me some numbers Guy!

I've already got my plane ticket paid for down to Guatemala....probably going to be holding around $3000 US....

Plan on traveling from Guate to ES then to HON, then NIC, then CR, then PAN....about a week in each country more or less..

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Looking for work or just traveling through towards hopeful employment in South America?

$3000 us should be fine...though you could spend all of it on fun if you want. Watch out crossing the Darien Gap from Panama into SA.

ElAvilaMahoney · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 17

Traveling through CentAm to SA in hope of employment....obviously the more money the merrier! (If I can find a job in CentAm I'd be happy with that as well! But I really just want to see more of South America, i.e. Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Argentina and Brasil)

You mention the Darien Gap..I've read much about this..and haven't figured out the best way to get around it. I've thought about flying from Panama into Quito and going from there going south, since Machu Pichu and Nazca are some places that I'd really like to visit..but that is about $400 to fly and certainly it would be worth it..but after reading someone post of Colombia..I feel like a schmuck if I completely bypass Colombia....even with it's dangers...any ideas??

john_n_carolina · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 700 Location: n. carolina

....many people say, "No problem, take the bus"..in Colombia. i wouldn't go near Colombian busses that travel South. i have too many horror stories that i won't post here.

MELEE · Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2007 2:27 pm Post subject:

Here's an idea. Why not look into one of those organizations that will post you in an "internship" position, where you'll teach, get experience, maybe even training, and probably some college credit that will count torwards your eventual degree? I believe Amerispan does things like this. They'll arrange appropriate visas, and usually either provide housing or give you a small stipen for housing. Then at the end of your stint you can move on to another country and you'll have valuable experience on your resume.

ElAvilaMahoney · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 17

MELEE · Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2007 6:59 pm Post subject:

But they give you a lot of that money back, in includes your visa fees, you lodging, etc. You could do it alone for a heck of a lot more.